FF1600 car comparions - Swift FB89

[MarkG]

How well, or otherwise, does the Swift compare with cars like the VD-RF89/90 and Reynard 89?

[JohnMiller]

The earlier Swifts are not generally highly regarded and can be difficult to obtain spares for.
The SC92 was a 'ground breaker' - designed by Mark Bailey IIRC. The SC93 was a refinement of that and both are noted for small cockpits, like the RF90/91/92. The SC94 was a new design (primarily the front changed) and has a bigger cockpit to, then new, rules. The SC95 is pretty much identical to the 94 car with the 95 being slightly heavier and having square-section chassis tubes behind the bulkhead (cheaper to make). After 1995 the rules dictate wide sidepods which mean the Swift won't really work well as an FF1600. The94/95 has a wider track than the 92/93 and also better aero. They did build SC96 FF1600s for the US market etc. but these were nothing more than newly built SC95s. These are not legal for UK FF1600, at least not with the, erm, original chassis plate.

[MarkG]

thanks for the info JohnM. I must admit, I don't recall seeing many Swift 89's in the sharp end of the results. I suppose the reason I'm comparing with late 80's/early 90's models is I am not sure about Zetec cars converted to FF1600 spec, and it does seem that good results are had more often by the FF1600 chassis cars.

[Ian Sowman]

But remember Zetec conversions are significantly outnumbered at the moment. For reference, the Star of the Midlands and Castle Combe Championships are being led by such cars, while another is second in the North West.

[MarkG]

Good point about the numbers. My problem is, I am looking to race in FF1600, SoM etc, but my lack of knowledge with the FF1660 'scene' means I have to look into it before deciding on the car to buy, or reasonable alternatives. What about the weight of ex-Zetec cars though? isn't there a penalty there? maybe in bodywork if not chassis?

[Ian Sowman]

Have you had a look at www.clubff1600.co.uk at all? We'll be getting some new features on there over the winter to help newcomers like yourself, but having a look at the news and reports might give you a feel for it...

[MarkG]

I have had a brief look around there, and started looking at race results. Trouble is with that approach, I don't know how good the drivers are with the various cars

[StephenRae]

If I were looking for a car to make a start I would buy a VD or Crossle circa 1979-81. These cars have not attained the status of 'historic' so are affordable and still competitive in their class. They are also elligible for virtually every FF1600 race and sprint in the country.
I haven't got one for sale......but I know a man who has!

[JNWRF01]

I drove a FB89 in Junior FF in 1990 - nothing wrong with it - more comfortable than the 90-91 Swifts - was no slower than the 90 VDs that I was racing against. They were a little tricky to set up - esp the front bar - and when you had an off the front rockers tended to smash you in the shins.. I then drove both the Reynard 90 and VD 90 at the end of the season and both were much easier to drive (but the Swift was fantastic and easy to drive in the wet).

If it helps, mine was originally run by the factory for Nicky Hart - and then First Time Racing ran my car (and two others) and a fleet of Swift 89s(6 I think) for their school cars. I smashed mine into a million pieces at Brands in the 90 winter series - so I would avoid that and the school cars. The cars were all painted black if that helps.

Any more info PM me.

[blue nose]

Walshy has a FB89 for sale which is very cheap and it was never black!

[Walshy]

Thanks Alan. The FB'89 has a good size cockpit (Needs to) and with regards to the smashed legs in an impact, we changed the front suspension to remove all the droop and hey presto, the rockers are nowhere near your legs now. For anyone that's interested, it has also had the rear mod which sees the end of the Alloy sump in favour of a true floor section to the chassis. This makes the car much more stable in the high speed corners. Although light on the ground in the NW Championship, there are plenty of Swift '89's down at Comber and the parts aren't hard to come by as "Swift Cooper" still manufacture them. In fact, Tony at Swift, runs an '89 himself..............

Regarding set-up, they are really easy and easy to work on also. No tricky or fidgety bolts to get at.

[Séamas M.]

Originally posted by StephenRae
If I were looking for a car to make a start I would buy a VD or Crossle circa 1979-81. .....

Messrs. Firman and Black would be proud of you Steve

Still a good recommendation, though I would naturally emphasise the Crosslé side!

[keithsekree]

Don't forget that racecars do get damaged! With this in mind its useful to remember that the guys down at Swift (Castle Combe) can usually get spare parts for you quickley and are really helpful/friendly when things do go wrong. I've been racing a Swift 93 for 4 years and couldn't imagine changing. It was a good car when I first started and was running at the back getting experience, and its still a useful car now I'm closer to the front.
Keith

[Ian Sowman]

Welcome to Ten Tenths, Keith. Good to see you in here.