Taking the plunge -- Need some guidance.

[sledjunky]

Hi All.

I found this site yesterday and can't believe the wealth of information I've found.

I have decided to put a car together for the crate late class next year. (wissota sanctioned out here but follows the fastrak rules other than hoosier's instead of goodyears) Currently there are about 12 cars (4 or 5 more I know of being built) and 11 of them run right together. On any given night any one of the 11 cars can win as long as the 12th car doesn't show up. :D The 12th car belongs to Chad Horst, He is way faster than the rest of the crew and has won every heat/main by 1/2 a lap or better except one where he was involved in 3 wrecks and lost by a couple feet. http://www.youtube.com/user/tschmit1 (Links to in car videos).

What I would like advice on is as follows:

1. Chassis recommendation, Complete top to bottom.

2. Motor selection (602 or 604) I have been reading Chris's posts and appreciate all of the info he has given (as well as a lot of others)

3. I don't want to break the bank as it will be my first year in a dirt car (raced snowmobiles, quads and bikes) but I want to know that what I buy is competitive (if I do my job will allow me to run with Chad) and will allow me to grow as a driver.

I will mainly be running two tracks. Gillette speedway (Primary Track) -- 3/8's semi banked clay surface. http://http://www.gillettespeedway.com/images/april29-006.jpg

And Black Hills Speedway 3/8's semi banked dirt.

I think my budget will be around 12-14K (Would obviously like to save money if possible but absolutely want to know that my car is capable of beating chad if I can wheel it :D)

Thanks again to everyone for all of the great information available here and I look forward to getting to know the members and getting started in the dirt track world.

Jason

[FlatTire]

Although I'm no crate expert I'll try and help you out.

1. As far as chassis recommendations go: Mastersbilt, Shaw, GRT, Rocket, & Rayburn are all quality cars that are very capable.

2. You might go with the 602 since its your first time at this type of racing. A little less power never hurt anybody.

Starting out it will probably be easiest if you can find a straight car with a few seasons on it all complete.

[billetbirdcage]

I would make sure you can take advantage of the wieght break (as in being able to get light enuff and scale the way needed) that the 602 normally gets due to the less HP. If you can't get down to the wieght I'd lean towards the 604.

Again no crate expert.

You get better responses if you just ask this in the LM forum, just mention you are talking about a crate if you ask something. I just saw this post and really don't look here that often.

[Chris Steele]

When looking at a used roller, look for magnesium hubs, bell housing and tranny if your planning on running the 602 so you can make the weight break like billet said. We use the 602 because sooo many 604's were blowing last year...including ours, TWICE! If you have enough in your budget for two 604's, go for it. We won last night against some of the best 604's in this area with our 602 that we bought in August of '06. Be sure to buy a "name brand" chassis so you can easily buy replacement parts and get tech help.