QuestionQUESTION: im 39 and want to try dirt track racing (4cyl) prob, im fairly mechanically inclined in basic stuff, but have never tore down or redbuilt a engine, ive talked to many, and get different stories about expense and work involved, they say i will learn as i go,,, buying the car is not a problem, but dont want to get involved in every day work on a car due to lack of time,just have some fun, some say even in 4 cyl dirt series engines have up to 8000. in them, sounds rediculous to me for chance to win 200. can you give advice to someone wanting to start up, thanks, ron
ANSWER: Please write me back in about 2 days, I just got back from a race weekend myself and am short of time.
To start though, you can control your expenses partly by the number of events you enter, and how close to the front you want to run.. For the first two or three years, you should invest in RELIABLE engines, not the latest magic stuff. You're not going to run in the front anyway. you have a LONG learning curve ahead of you. Invest in a GOOD car and good tires, and the best safety equipment you can justify. Do not scrimp on fire protection, a race car fire can be devastating and life altering in some very unpleasant ways. The best three layer suit ( I prefer a two piece for ease of getting on and off) a fire supression system, not just an extinguisher, and a head sock even if they don't require it.
Yes you can spend $8000 or even $15,000.00 on a four cylinder. Don't do it yet, you'll only have a big bill and a driver that is not capable (yet) of using all that tweaky power.
Do write back about Wednesday, I have other ideas to share with you but not much time today.
Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: writing you today since i will be out of town next 2 or so days, you mentioned you had other ideas and for me to write back, i totally agree and have been told by others to go with a good sound engine atleast that will hold up atleast till i learn,i have raced before in a front wheel drive class, started 6th finished 3rd just behind leaders in october, guess i got the bug then. i know most of working components to an engine,but never had to remove or replace them, only tune ups, brakes, etc. but are there any manuals that show components and its operation, and how things can be improved for someone learning. and any specifics to look for on buying a (safe car) as most will tell you anything to sell it. thanks in advance for all your help, i did get info from one of your prev questions on a book about setting up your car. thanks again. ron
AnswerOK Books : The Haynes Manuals are a good start, buy the one that covers the car you will be racing. It will have a pretty complete chapter on engine overhaul, and possibly another chapter on transmission overhaul. You will find however, that they will recommend you to a dealer or specialist machine shop for jobs that require special equipment.
Get a book on principles of welding, read it until you have a good understanding of the art of good welding and which types of welding are good, which are bad. Get so you can look at a welded joint and decide whether you wish to trust your LIFE to it. I'm referring now to the roll cage, and other structural changes made to race car bodies. Check with local book stores, they are glad to help. If you can find time, take a course on welding at the local vo tech- - - good to know a little about it.
Selecting a car: First you want to select a SAFE car, and one that's been well maintained. Sloppy paint work, dirty engine bays, filthy undercarriages and all that indicate sloppy workmanship over all. Cars like that should be avoided. Beat up body work may be a fact of life in your kind of racing, but a car for sale should look pretty good anyway. So should the shop that it comes from. Don't buy junk.
Next, determine the class you will be running in, and pick the most popular car of the class. That's the 'brand' you should stick with for starters. You will find that your competitors will be willing to help, give you good advice, and cheer for you as you progress. It's just simpler to stay with the main stream for now. Later on when you have learned a bit more, you can try something a little more radical. be prepared to pay extra for the privelege.
Here are the basics of achieving higher performance from your engine.
Higher compression (milling heads , special pistons)
More fuel (through larger ports and valves)
Lighter assemblies. some components can be lightened
Less friction, use synthetic oil, wider clearances for
bearings, pistons, etc.
From that list you can easily spend $3-4000.00 and have a pretty quick motor. As I said, starting out you will have no real use for the super high horspower, pro built engine.
Don't be shy, I enjoy helping beginners, and as an on track instructor I take great pride in having taught several regional and divisional champions. WRite some more when yu have questions.
Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida
