I'll try and do this on a point basis. I'm not sure how much is aimed at me but where I think it's possible I'll take it as if it is :-
Mark: I've been sitting on the sidelines reading this thread. I'm sorry but of late there are some ridiculous statements in here, some of which portray the RF car in a manner which is not deserved. Now, to be sure, there are a few things about the RF design that are goofy, such as the slow steering, the marginally OK (for a GT40) PBR brakes, and the factory transaxle mounting. And yes, the RF design is primarily for street use, as evidenced by the best-in-class air conditioning system and the presence of polyurethane bushings at one end of each of the suspension links.
Tim: I did not intend to portray RF cars in any particular manner. I told it as I saw it with regard to mine. I think I went to some lengths to dissociate my car from other RFs. I was asked a while ago to do a review (By Ron if memory serves me correctly, in the "A Roaring Forties with all the options" thread) and held off for various reasons, one of which was the development agreement I had with RF.
FYI my car has AP-Racing brakes. If you're really interested have a look at the above mentioned thread.
Mark: I will guarantee you that every GT40 replica built will require suspension tuning before it can really come alive on a race track.
Tim: As they say here in Aus' "No sh!t Sherlock"
. I think I made it abundantly clear that this was expected from the beginning. I don't believe that any of my comments could lead to a reasonable person believing that I thought otherwise.
Mark: Do some reading about the development of the GTD chassis. I find it peculiar that anyone would recommend an RCR for track work,
yet, as none have been completed and tested to date. Yes, they will be built and they will eventually make good track cars, but not without teething pains, tuning, and development. And the suggestion to sell an RF and buy a SPF or CAV instead is just preposterous. There aren't any SPFs in the hands of owners from which to make an informed judgement, and the early CAVs have a number of known problems which have been fixed through
development.
Tim: I may have missed a post here somewhere but if you're referring to my comment that I'd contacted Fran, it was not a recommendation and it was about a totally different car - a 917 in fact.
As for development - Maybe you are talking about other posts but if that's aimed at mine than I think you have completely missed the point of my discussion. The whole thing was based on the fact that Robert and I agreed that the car was to be developed between us, future development was something that was WELL understood.
Mark: Development. That's what Ross is doing when he's racing his RF. There are also a number of RFs that have successfully hit the track. I recall Hershal's experience letting Bob Bondurant drive his RF, with extremely positive feedback on its handling characteristics, with the steering slowness being the only reservation that Bondurant expressed after his extended track session.
As for a "review" of an RF, I suggest that someone who has a lot of experience building and driving a lot of different types of GT40 replicas could give a more comprehensive and even-handed review. I'd like to hear what Frank Catt or Paul Thompson has to say when they drive an RF, because those guys have wrenched on and driven a lot of GT40s. They will also tell you that no two GTDs are the same, because each has been set up differently, and achieved a different level of development for its intended use.
Tim: Once again, it is a review of MY car, RF085, not of any other RF. I hope that I made it VERY clear in my posts that I think the car is bl()()dy good. All I said was that due to the change in RF ownership etc and the fact that the development agreement became defunct, MY car's role has changed.
You may notice that I defended RF cars when the CAV etc post was made, although I suspect that you'd prefer not to notice that.
I maintain that the car is excellent and build quality is fantastic!
I have NO doubt that the car can be made good for track work.
Mark: Guys, the RF is/was a damn good car, and the more I read build threads where the builder has to stop and shop for or fabricate a part, the more I appreciate the fact that I have an RF. Mine will be primarily a street car but tuning the suspension for good all-around performance will be one of the pleasures of ownership.
Tim: Good on you, I look forward to your review of your car.
Tim.
Stick in there!
