Challenge cars....Should I be scared off?

1500 Views 8 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Dermot, Mar 29, 2004

silverF1Modena

Discussion Starter · Mar 27, 2004

I was interested in purchasing a challenge car and wanted to get a bit more educated about them. Dermot has given me some very helpful ideas on what I needed to know(Thanx alot Dermot) but my question was under someone else's topic and wanted to start a new one.
Usually, how many hours of driving or how long before a challenge car needs a rebuild. I know they are meant to be driven hard and are driven hard, but I see some for sale that state that they have very little drive time and comes w/an extra engine but yet states that it may need a rebuild. What determines if you need a rebuild? Obviously on road cars you can tell by the mileage or problems, but how do u determine it w/Challenge cars? Mileage, time, ? I'm a bit confused?
Sorry for the questions again

I am actually up for any of the models, whether it'd be a 355 or a 360. But then because of all these questions, I might even gear towards a 348. I have somewhat of a knowledge when it comes to road cars or tuned cars but it seems it is a whole different world when it comes to factory prepped race cars. Should I be scared off?

Save

1 - 9 of 9 Posts

Stradale

· #2 · Mar 27, 2004

A good race engine has about 8-hour track life, after which they need to be rebuilt. But if you're not racing then the engine life can be stretched much much longer.

If you're going to race the car then the dealer has a package option for you. Check it out with your dealer.

Save

silverF1Modena

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 28, 2004

Thanx alot! Usually on a 8 hour track, how many miles/km are consumed?

Save

Stradale

· #4 · Mar 29, 2004

silverF1Modena said:
Thanx alot! Usually on a 8 hour track, how many miles/km are consumed?

Do not get overawed. a race track is normally about 5.5km = 3.3 miles. A Challenge car would do 2min 20 to 2min 24 sec. A Challenge race normally would be for 10 laps. You may have 2 sessions/race in one meeting. Use only the actual race laps for your calculations. So you can do a whole season before you need to rebuild.

I know the Porsche Carrera Cup participants for the Asia-Pacific series only rebuild their engines once a year, just before the next season.

Save

Aircon

· #5 · Mar 29, 2004

Stradale said:
A good race engine has about 8-hour track life, after which they need to be rebuilt. But if you're not racing then the engine life can be stretched much much longer.

If you're going to race the car then the dealer has a package option for you. Check it out with your dealer.

What??????? 100 hours!! geez.

Save

Aircon

· #6 · Mar 29, 2004

Aircon said:
Stradale said:

A good race engine has about 8-hour track life, after which they need to be rebuilt. But if you're not racing then the engine life can be stretched much much longer.

If you're going to race the car then the dealer has a package option for you. Check it out with your dealer.

Click to expand...

What??????? 100 hours!! geez.

oh..that's with a 355ch....360ch usually every 5000kms. but that's RACING km!!

Save

Dermot

· #7 · Mar 29, 2004

A properly maintained race car (A knowledgable mechanic with access to all the correct tools and parts to maintain a Ferrari) with average use should get a good few seasons out of an engine depending on the frequency and engine abuse.

I have a friend who's had a 355 Challenge and its on its forth year without a rebuild. He's a club racer (Once/twice a month) who turns up to 3 or four more formal Ferrari events per year in addition. He is a fast driver who pushes the car hard, but again, he does spend a lot of time preparing the car for the track which pays off by avoiding any major engine malfunctions (Saving a lot of $$) He calculates he spends between 5-10k per season (Including tires) and is just about to reuild the engine at a $15k - $20k price range.

Not sure if this is helping, but my advice is to talk to other racers and get a good feel of what the costs are. You have not mentioned if you have much track experience yourself, if not I'd spend some time getting some formal lessons at a racing school. That way you find out how much you like racing on the track + you are not risking your own car and money

Derm

See less See more

Save

silverF1Modena

Discussion Starter · #8 · Mar 29, 2004

Thanx alot guys! Yeah, I need to go schoolin on the track at Laguna Seca. They have alot of reasonable courses offered there(1 day, 2 day, and a 3day course). A bit costly but totally worth it for troubles you can avoid later which might cost you more. And you're right, I wouldnt have to ruin my own car. I was goin to go scoolin at the beginning of May, when I have some more time, and wanted to look for a car to purchase by around June. I'm not much in for the competition aspect of it, I just wanna do it for myself and also see what these cars are really meant to do. I mean, I am no shabby driver on the streets, but on the track it is a WHOOOLE different story as far as rules, techniques, and so forth from what I hear. So yea, but if you guys have any nore helpful input for me, I would greatly appreciate it^_~! ThanX!!! You guys are the best!

Save

Dermot

· #9 · Mar 29, 2004

silverF1Modena said:
Thanx alot guys! Yeah, I need to go schoolin on the track at Laguna Seca. They have alot of reasonable courses offered there(1 day, 2 day, and a 3day course). A bit costly but totally worth it for troubles you can avoid later which might cost you more. And you're right, I wouldnt have to ruin my own car. I was goin to go scoolin at the beginning of May, when I have some more time, and wanted to look for a car to purchase by around June. I'm not much in for the competition aspect of it, I just wanna do it for myself and also see what these cars are really meant to do. I mean, I am no shabby driver on the streets, but on the track it is a WHOOOLE different story as far as rules, techniques, and so forth from what I hear. So yea, but if you guys have any nore helpful input for me, I would greatly appreciate it^_~! ThanX!!! You guys are the best!

Good move!! - I'm heading up to Sears for a course in the next month, costly but worth it!

DD

ha:

Save

1 - 9 of 9 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month