Buying a used race car vs building own

[treessavoy]

Originally Posted by njk53

I'd suggest buying one that is already built. There are a lot of good competetive race cars out there at a decent price. You will spend way more money building a new one than you thought you would.

If you buy a used one be prepared to spend some money to make it the way you want it.

You will spend 2-3 years building a new car vs. getting on the track the same year if you buy an existing car.

Try to buy a car that is currently running in NHRA/IHRA. Go to the track and ask his competetors about the car. You will be surprised how much they know about someone elses car.

Ask for doccumentation regarding all of the things the seller said he has done to the car. Ask for time slips to review the cars performance.

Check the structural integrity of the entire vehicle including the roll cage. It is most important from a safety and performance factor.

Ask when the engine, trans, and rear gear has been last freshened if at all, and who did the work.

Ask the age of all other related items like the fuel system, axles, shocks, springs, u-joints, etc. Some of this stuff may have to be replaced.

Take a couple of knowledgeable buddies with you to look the car over. The more eyes the better.

Don't fall in love with the first car you find. Look at a lot of prospects and ask a lot of questions. Take notes on the details, your memory isn't as good as you think it is.

There are a lot more things to look for beyond what is listed above, maybe someone else can give their opinion.

Good Luck

Exactly!

In building my car I ended up $20,000.00 over expected budget.

If you buy one running be sure to get the engine spec's, cam, springs, timing, ring type, etc. nothing is worse than not knowing the clearances and trying to set the valves without knowing the gap for that cam shaft.

Good luck, see you at the track.

JimR

[buzzinhalfdozen]

I'll assume since this thread was started in the S-S/S area you're looking at a Stocker or S/S car? For the most part a 8.50 stickered car is sufficient for S/S, though there are a few S/S cars running quicker than 8.50, the problem is for the faster sticker you need to add quite a few tubes which adds to the Base weight of the car. Depending on the application this may not be a concern,however it's something to consider. Joe There is no doubt that you can gain a lot of pride and self satisfaction by building a race car yourself. However if you're not pretty confident in your abilities I'd leave it to someone else. No one can do everything a wise person knows their limits. Good luck

[doglover44]

I understand that buying a used car will be less expensive but I want a Chevy Corvette C3 coupe but I never see those race cars for sale I would rather take 2-3 years building a race car. Has anyone here built there own race car ? how did it turn out ?

[buzzinhalfdozen]

I've built all my own cars and several for other people. How they turned out is debatable I guess. I've never spent more than an afternoon at the track making adjustments on any of them so I guess they serve their purpose. I've seen alot of VERY nice cars over the years many home built, so it can be done, it does require some talent. Only you know your abilities you may want to stop by a local chassis shop if you have one and ask some questions, look a little at whats involved in doing a car. Joe

[Jeff Lee]

No matter what your time / labor / cost estimates are, even if using the best pencil, spreadsheets and opinions you can find....x3 all of them!
But I would still rather build my own car.

And if you buy used, buy it after seeing it run!

[doglover44]

Does anyone know anyone who deals with Corvette C3s ? and what should I know about millage on a race car ?

[Terry Cain]

Originally Posted by doglover44

I understand that buying a used car will be less expensive but I want a Chevy Corvette C3 coupe but I never see those race cars for sale I would rather take 2-3 years building a race car. Has anyone here built there own race car ? how did it turn out ?

Email me direct.

[Geerhead55]

Doglover,,,,,,,,go to www.racingjunk.com type in Corvette. There are several pages of them,,,,,many C-3s, in various states of completion, from bare chassis to turn key race cars. Maybe what you're looking for is in there,,,,I bought my Nova off that site, turn key, a few years back. Sure, I had to change some things I did'nt care for on it, but a good investment I've always thought. I got friends that have bought from that site also and no problems. Just make sure you ask ALL the questions to be as completely informed as possible before making your decision. Good luck in your search,,,,,Danny Durham