Which Formula Ford (FF1600) to buy? - Advice needed

[Tony T]

Hi folks,

I'm looking at buying a mid-late 80's VD, to sprint and then maybe do some circuit racing with (mono1600). I have looked at an 85, 87 and 89 and have heard that the 87's are a bit of a dog because of the longer wheelbase. Can anyone offer any words of advice as i am a new-comer to FF's and can only notice differences in basic design (rocker suspension on earlier cars, pushrods on the later ones, LD200 gearbox).

I'd prefer to get the newest car i can for my money. All these cars are for sale around about the £5000.. does this sound about right? Also are spares relatively easy to come by? I know of URS but i have heard that certain parts (front cast ally uprights) are getting pretty rare...

Any other words of advice would be well received!

Thanks for your help!

Anthony

PS. If anyone has/knows of a kent engine VD 88/89 for sale, please let me know!

[Redracer77]

I know of 2 for sale 1 needs a lot of work and one is ready to race. PM me if you want some details

[StephenRae]

Why a Van Dieman? there are many good alternatives, most of them easier to set up, all of them easier to repair and probably cheaper to buy!

[Tony T]

Hi Stephen,

I thought Van Dieman and Swift were the best and most popular makes, so i thought spares would be the easiest to get hold of for these cars. What other makes should i be looking at?

Cheers

Anthony

[Redracer77]

Van Diemen is by far the easiest to get spares for and are the cheapest.

[JNWRF01]

Out of interest - why are you looking only at a kent engined car - you can buy newer FF Zetecs for similar money - which have engines that will go miles longer - you can race them in Mono1800 or 750F4 for example. Parts are just as easy to obtain - and the engines are pretty much bomb proof (well almost).... For example there was a Mygale 97 with Pi system etc etc on racecarsdirect for £4,500 a while back... Or cheaper still there are plenty of good FVJs around for sale...

[Ian Sowman]

Is there a suitable class for them in sprints though?

[Triple J Motorsport]

Originally Posted by StephenRae

Why a Van Dieman? there are many good alternatives, most of them easier to set up, all of them easier to repair and probably cheaper to buy!

Exactly how about a Ray

Or a Jamun

??

[Triple J Motorsport]

I know a RF89 for sale very good condition lots of spares asking price is £5,750

PM me if you're interested

[Cleggie]

How about a Formula 3, you could buy a well sorted ARP Masters Class car for simlar money to a FF1600 or Zetec and learn all about carbon fibre, wings & slicks on a similar budget to FF....

[Tony T]

Blimey, so many ideas! - Thanks guys.

Are you sure you can get an 1800 zetec for around 5k?. That is a ready to run car
(chassis + engine) in reasonable good nick. I've seen a few on race cars direct but they all start at at least 6K....

[StephenRae]

Originally Posted by Cleggie

How about a Formula 3, you could buy a well sorted ARP Masters Class car for simlar money to a FF1600 or Zetec and learn all about carbon fibre, wings & slicks on a similar budget to FF....

I don't think so...and certainly not ideal for a beginner.

Damage the chassis of a VD and see how 'cheap' it is to repair. V Junior is an alternative but do they have wet and dry tyres? I would keep away from wings and slicks if you want to avoid being beaten by those who have more money for testing and tyres.

[JNWRF01]

If you look on Alan Cornock's website - there is a 00 Mygale complete with all the bits you need for £7kish (and this age of car is still competitive in national FF) - you'll get an older car for much cheaper...I have no idea about ARP cars....

[diz]

Originally Posted by Cleggie

How about a Formula 3, you could buy a well sorted ARP Masters Class car for simlar money to a FF1600 or Zetec and learn all about carbon fibre, wings & slicks on a similar budget to FF....

And the ARP cars are sooooooooooo flipping fast. Just look at the qualifying times / speeds from Donington on Sunday
1 9 A Alan ELLIS Dallara F398 30.323 19 232.37
2 1 A Richard MARSH Dallara F3 45.559 19 15.236 154.66
3 3 A Jon GRAY Dallara F399 45.659 19 15.336 154.32
4 17 B Paul SIBLEY Dallara F395 49.758 19 19.435 141.61
5 39 Mas Paul KNAPTON Reynard 913 50.413 19 20.090 139.77
6 10 A Terry LUDGROVE Dallara 963 54.096 18 23.773 130.25
7 33 Mas Peter KALPAKIOTIS Dallara F391 58.110 19 27.787 121.25
8 35 Mas Stephen CLEGG Reynard 863 58.198 20 27.875 121.07
9 34 Mas Peter HANNAM Reynard 923 58.973 17 28.650 119.48
10 7 A Keith BALDWIN Dallara F300 1:07.870 19 37.547 103.82
11 15 A Edwin JOWSEY Dallara F3 1:08.053 18 37.730 103.54

The top nine were flying and an average speed for pole of 232mph.

Or did MST cock up again?

Back on thread, Why not look at Mondiale? Parts still available off the shelf.

[SCOBER11]

I think the ff zetec for sale on race cars direct for4500 is still available..The guy who owns it has two and both are immaculate,it is excellant value for that money.If you need more info i have his phone# here just pm me

[verglas]

Originally Posted by Ian Sowman

Is there a suitable class for them in sprints though?

I think you would find that a Zetec would have to run in the 2.0ltr racing car class and would therefore be soundly outclassed by most other cars. A Kent 1600 meanwhile has its own class in most of the speed championships. Parts are generally not a problem. Cast uprights may be like hens teeth, however a few people such as URS provide perfectly adequate fabricated uprights. A VD 89 is a good car to start sprinting and it is usable in all of the regional FF1600 championships. Hope this helps.

[Walshy]

PA Motorsport have a VD'89 chassis with bellhousing for sale. If you are quite handy at putting things together, this would be a good option as you can learn the car whilst you build it. All the parts for this car are very easily sourced.

It's a very good price for what they have. check out there website.

[GlenF]

Theres a 87 Van d on Ebay at present?