Radical Running Costs

[Dan Friel]

Just wondered whether anyone on the forum has any experience of running a Radical (in particular a Clubsport)?? I've heard that parts from Radical can be expensive, but have nothing to back this up with. Also, what do Powertec charge - is it reasonable?

This isn't to run in the pucka Radical championship - but running it generally, as there are plenty of other potential series to run such a car in..

[kickstart]

Friend of mine is up the sharp end of the radical biduro championship in an SR4 and that it costing £70k per season.
As for running in a non radical series I am sure that you could run a clubsport for a typical clubmans budget. Spoke to someone who was out in one in the 750MC series and he reckoned about £6k for the season including an engine build and a couple of sets of new tyres. I think a powertec rebuild including the vat is about £2k.

[Marshal]

Still trying to convince our mutual friend that's the way forward - or did you win the lottery at the weekend

[archibold]

Hiya Dan

Having owned a clubsport a few years ago. Good cars to drive, but extremely expensive if you go back to Radical/Powertec for engines/parts etc. Speaking to the guys in Britsports they seem to be running SR3's/ProSports and the like reasonably cheaply now they can buy parts/engines from anywhere.

I would be wary of older clubsports that must be getting vert tired by now, definitely look for ones that have got the later bar going to the rollhoop (the bar supporting the rollhoop goes to the top of the rollhoop and not 3/4 the way-up. Not a very technical definition but when you have seen a few you will know the difference).

[ss_collins]

I quite fancy getting an early Rad and reworking the aero... build a replica of the Valliant.

[chezza]

oh no not more cars collins!!

[ss_collins]

I'll let you build a Leader

[chezza]

hmmms...how about no?

[R59]

Can you keep the domestics off of here please you two!

As for running a Radical, I was quoted between 8 and 10K per meeting to run in one, and that was a clubsport, included all setup, testing, tyres, etc...etc...

Seemed fair for what you got.

I agree with the comments about running in Britsports and not having to run manufacturer parts which thus cuts costs. However, if you decided later to run back in the Radical championships, you're looking at a huge bill to put it right!

[Dan Friel]

Thanks for the replies..

Well you can buy an old Clubsport for less than £8k now, going up a bit more for the "newer" versions - i spotted that difference.

The only reason that it would be more expensive than anything else to run is the costs of parts from Radical and the frequency / cost of the engine rebuilds.

Marshal - no lottery for me I'm afraid, but mutual friend doesn't need much convincing if the running costs are right. Roadsport / R400 hasn't proved too expensive so far (fingers crossed), so buying a cheaper car would be good if costs are as cheap..

[Marshal]

Cool We'll have to see if No. 17 is available for Bikesports next year

[NotLordPercy]

And what might it cost in tyres occasionally.....................you never know, I may assist again!!