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What to look for when purchasing a Race GTV6

Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 5:50 pm
by cchan
Hello Everyone,

We are thinking of purchasing a GTV6 race car. It is set up already and I was wondering what should one look for when you purchase a GTV6 race car. Also, what class would this run in. We were hoping to get an Alfa to run in the CSRG but this might be too expensive for us to start since the Alfa needs to be built before 1967.

The reason why we might go this way it that we are in CA and it seems to be too much trouble trying to meet Smog, etc. and have a higher performance engine than stock. Also, it does make sense that if we are going faster than 65 MPH that we should run on the track to have fun, stay legal, and most importantly, stay safe for us and the general public.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Re: What to look for when purchasing a Race GTV6

Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 8:28 am
by Dennis
I don't know about your regulations so I can only give general advice.

#1: Make sure the body is rustfree!

Taking care of rust costs a lot of time/money and a rusted body isn't stiff. You want your racecar to be as rigid as can be.

#2: Buying a proper(!) ready built racecar saves you tons of money and time

Never mind the engine, gearbox or suspension. Those can be swapt easy if they aren't up for the job. Make sure you have a rust free body and a good cage in it!! (I can show you vids and pics of why you should). Don't save money on belts and a proper FIA seat. These will save your life when things go wrong. And mount them properly.... Have I said these things will save your life?

#3: Don't start racing... it's addictive ;)

Re: What to look for when purchasing a Race GTV6

Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 9:19 am
by Zamani
CChan,

I suggest you fly down to orange county to see the car up close. I think it is the perfect car for you. The cage is very well made and the suspension is RS Racing so you know it's good. I've seen the car up close, no rust I believe, completely stripped and painted.

The engine is stock, but may need a head gasket soon. What you could do is have the heads machined down to bring up the compression and put a suitable cam from RJR. Don't put S-cams, they are a waste of money.

Relax, 2.5L heads are a dime a dozen, if you overheat and warp them, you can get a whole engine for $300.

Have Phil do this. This should add a bit more power to the car without going crazy on the money.

You should run with AROSC first to see if you like racing. You can also trailer the car to events held by hookedondriving.com, very safe event., nothing too competitive, just seat time on the track to have fun with the car. Once you are ready to be serious, all you need is a 3.5 24V and some HUGE 6 piston calipers and 17" wheels. :mrgreen:

Re: What to look for when purchasing a Race GTV6

Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 12:24 pm
by cchan
Thanks for the suggestions, I am just waiting to see when we can get there. It seems like a good idea to have a purpose built Alfa for the Track. Then I can forget about the smog issue for the engines.

I do have a stock 2.5L engine as a spare for extra parts and I am just researching this option. Hope to see it asap.

Re: What to look for when purchasing a Race GTV6

Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 10:47 pm
by kevin
All advice above is spot on. I would race with a stock 2.5 the first year so you can learn to understand suspension, braking ,tyres and driving first. Once you sort of get that under control then only look at the motor. To be honest my best racing year was with the stock 2.5 engine. It forced you to maintain high corner speeds and a smooth driving style. You dont want to worry about to many things on race day especially in the engine bay(just check oil and water). The best part is every knows its a stock motor and they dont expect you to be schumacher.

Re: What to look for when purchasing a Race GTV6

Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 11:12 pm
by Zamani
CChan,

Here's a video of your future race car. Pretty sure you'll buy it. The cage is welded in, not some bolt on (not that bolt ons are bad, but this is a REAL cage).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0My8F5jAto



Kev,

A little off topic, but when the heck are we gonna see some videos of your races? :D

Here's mine:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCXZfQsFHf4

Re: What to look for when purchasing a Race GTV6

Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 5:53 pm
by cchan
Cool Videos,

Looks like you took care of that M3 ok. The GTV6 looked good as well. I am just waiting for an email to see when we can check it out. Definately pretty close to go see it. My friend Leslie who has a GTV6 race car hopefully will go with me. I am hoping Phil can look at it as well. I was told that it is very hard to sell a race car so I am just being careful on what we do.

Re: What to look for when purchasing a Race GTV6

Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 7:46 am
by ar4me
Chuck,
That first video is from inside Colin's GTV6 - the car you are considering. The GTV6 he is chasing and passing is a 24v. Personally, I think Colin is making a mistake considering selling his car. He will never have the time to build something similar, and it will cost considerably more than what he is asking. You will not find a better fundamental shell. Unfortunately, I would "loose" my race buddy :cry:
Jes

Re: What to look for when purchasing a Race GTV6

Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 2:55 am
by Mats
Are they lapping cars after one lap? Seems like he had not even passed the starting line when they catch him..? :?

Re: What to look for when purchasing a Race GTV6

Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 2:20 pm
by MD
Obviuosly a track for V8s. Not one tight corner..

Re: What to look for when purchasing a Race GTV6

Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 8:10 pm
by MR2 Zig
That is Willow Springs International Raceway...."The fastest road in the west"

http://www.willowspringsraceway.com/home/home.asp

Re: What to look for when purchasing a Race GTV6

Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 3:14 am
by Micke
When I saw the track I also thought "bloody nice"
Nice fast corners. I also thought it was quite smooth until I checked a video with a fast car.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWg9pacYsLA

Re: What to look for when purchasing a Race GTV6

Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 3:51 am
by Mats
A bit different, yes. :)
IS that speed accurate? Not really blistering fast corners then..?

Re: What to look for when purchasing a Race GTV6

Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 4:23 am
by MD
It's a bit of a long boat ride but well worth the effort...

Re: What to look for when purchasing a Race GTV6

Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 9:56 am
by Mats
MD wrote:It's a bit of a long boat ride but well worth the effort...
What exactly happens there if it's well worth a boatride from Sweden? Gotta be something very special indeed... :D