In a message dated 8/5/2006 11:20:03 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: <<<While a 6 speed might mean something to some people, F500 ought to look carefully at more than that.>>>
Agreed - there are several issues that drive our poor general perception. However, it is interesting to note that each gear ratio set for a Hewland is $150+. It's pretty easy to talk about the comparatively low price of our springs, weights, and ramps, as well as the price of a belt. <<<In my experience, most people, once they see the solid rear end and lack of coils springs and lack of true shocks just shake their heads and walk away.>>> I have a simple answer to that discussion: Shocks for a national-level formula car are ~$5K /set (Penske 8760, et al). Springs are $150/set, and you'll need several different rates at each end for tuning. It takes days of track time (read $$$) to select your springs and learn to set your shocks; the shocks must also be revalved on a regular basis. Rear end? A ring & pinion set for a Hewland is close to $2K; and the whole thing? Even if you wanted to retain the chain drive and go to the DSR-style diff, you're adding $2K or so, right? You would also be adding the additional complexity of the independent rear suspension. Rubber pucks are less than $10 each, and a complete new axle is not much more than the cost of a single prepped CV joint. Granted, it still takes test time to figure out your suspension settings, but the variable count is significantly decreased with the F500 suspension. <<<They think: "big, evil handling go-kart that will hurt my back".>>> Hmmmm....... Those who think this either don't know much about the effective wheel rates used in modern open-wheel cars, or they are comparing to production-based options (Miata, et al). Again, it's an easy conversation to have. <<<Just as a 6 speed may not be any faster than a CVT, it doesn't matter a bit to them if you are quick with rubber pucks It is a perception thing too.>>> OK, so here's the magic question: F500 is FAR less expensive than FF for the same relative performance. We all tend to feel that this is a major part of what makes F500 great. However, is it possible that many of the potential entrants feel that this is a detractor - that somehow it can't be a 'real' open-wheel car if it didn't cost as much as a new BMW? How do we sell around this? ________________________________ FormulaCar Magazine - A Proud Supporter of Formula 500 The Official Publication of Junior Formula Car Racing Subscribe Today! www.formulacarmag.com or 519-624-2003 _________________________________ _______________________________________________ F500 mailing list - [email protected] To unsubscribe or change options please visit: http://f500.org/mailman/listinfo/f500 *** Please, DO NOT send unsubscribe requests to the mailing list! ***
