Will Zetec's be adopted by the Clubman

Walshy · 21 Nov 2005, 15:26 (Ref:1466568)

Now with the advent of Duratec (or is it Sigma - do they know). There are going to be lots of Zetecs lying around.

For those that aren't converted to Kent engined cars, other than the monoposto, where will you be able to run them?

Could we see a market for a new series in the form of regional championships just like the Kent engined cars?

Would it be possible to have say, 60 Kent cars at an Oulton meeting and a further 30 Zetec cars in their own race?

I suppose when Zetec came along, things looked gloomy for the Kent's, but they have been adopted as the car to have for the limited budget clubman racer. Could we see the same happen to the Zetec cars.

Afterall, the engines are bullet proof, which is ideal to a clubman. but would the tyres be the killer. Or could they adopt the Avon AC's we run on?

Ian Sowman · 21 Nov 2005, 15:45 (Ref:1466580)

The best place for the older Zetecs is in F4. I'm not sure if 750MC have any plans to allow in newer models (think it is just Pre 1999 at the moment). That would seem to be the best fit for me.

Redracer77 · 21 Nov 2005, 16:11 (Ref:1466600)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian Sowman

The best place for the older Zetecs is in F4. I'm not sure if 750MC have any plans to allow in newer models (think it is just Pre 1999 at the moment). That would seem to be the best fit for me.

Ian is right, I am converting a zetec to Formula 4 spec for next season as it offers attractive cars with good power and cost effective racing. They have 20 - 27 car grids and double headers at a number of meetings plus they have an engine that lasts longer than 2 mins!!!

When my car is finished it will look like the below car but in Gulf colours

http://www.mdh-photography.co.uk/Gal...s/photo75.html

Ian Sowman · 21 Nov 2005, 16:14 (Ref:1466604)

You don't need to put wings on it though to compete in Class E

The latest age cut-off on this is Pre 2001. Think this might be a moving target so more cars are allowed in each year.

Redracer77 · 21 Nov 2005, 16:22 (Ref:1466611)

true but class A cars are better looking!!

JohnMiller · 21 Nov 2005, 16:36 (Ref:1466624)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redracer77

They have 20 - 27 car grids and double headers at a number of meetings plus they have an engine that lasts longer than 2 mins!!!

But the CVH engined cars coat the circuit with oil every 2 minutes.

Ian Sowman · 21 Nov 2005, 16:37 (Ref:1466625)

Agreed. The racing is equally competitive in both classes - Class A battles have been better than a lot of FF1600 stuff I have seen this year!

Triple J Motorsport · 21 Nov 2005, 17:36 (Ref:1466665)

This was tried before - NFFC and SFFC all that's left now is effectively the SFFC running as Avon Clubman with the national series at a number of rounds.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walshy

Now with the advent of Duratec (or is it Sigma - do they know). There are going to be lots of Zetecs lying around.

For those that aren't converted to Kent engined cars, other than the monoposto, where will you be able to run them?

Could we see a market for a new series in the form of regional championships just like the Kent engined cars?

Would it be possible to have say, 60 Kent cars at an Oulton meeting and a further 30 Zetec cars in their own race?

I suppose when Zetec came along, things looked gloomy for the Kent's, but they have been adopted as the car to have for the limited budget clubman racer. Could we see the same happen to the Zetec cars.

Afterall, the engines are bullet proof, which is ideal to a clubman. but would the tyres be the killer. Or could they adopt the Avon AC's we run on?

JohnMiller · 21 Nov 2005, 17:38 (Ref:1466667)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian Sowman

The best place for the older Zetecs is in F4. I'm not sure if 750MC have any plans to allow in newer models (think it is just Pre 1999 at the moment).

They've allowed newer in for at least 3 to 4 years now Ian!

Redracer77 · 21 Nov 2005, 18:01 (Ref:1466678)

I can't remember there being a age limit when I read the regs the other day?

There will be limited use for zetecs after next year when as the new engine can only be used in cars 03 or newer

Ian Sowman · 21 Nov 2005, 18:06 (Ref:1466679)

Indeed you're right John, although there haven't been that many 1999 on ones out there. The Pre 2001 age limit for Class E is correct as per the regs on www.750mc.co.uk Chris.

JohnMiller · 21 Nov 2005, 18:08 (Ref:1466681)

Note, Class E only, not Class A.

Mind you, post '98 Class Es run a 25mm restrictor as opposed to the standard 30mm.

Barry Pomfret · 21 Nov 2005, 19:05 (Ref:1466723)

Sorry John, you're wrong there. 750 Club gave up on the smaller restrictors a couple of years ago. All the Zetec class E cars now run standard Formula Ford size blue restrictors.

JohnMiller · 22 Nov 2005, 08:01 (Ref:1467137)

Really? Thanks Barry, I always thought the smaller restrictor was a crap idea anyway.

Go-Pakistan · 22 Nov 2005, 11:13 (Ref:1467308)

I thought the zetecs (with minimum of 2003 chassis?) would be run as a scholarship class alongside the new duratec championship. I know this is a pro series running at the F3 meetings and not really club level. Anyone know more on this?

darcym · 22 Nov 2005, 11:28 (Ref:1467331)

autosport reported there would be a class for the zetecs on the grid

Tim Draffan · 23 Nov 2005, 10:45 (Ref:1468185)

I looked seriously at the 750 MC Zetec series a few years back and the conclusion I reached was that (at the time) although the cars are relatively cheap to buy and run the racing was quite tame and the series was propped up with Formula 4 cars.

FF1600 offers the chance to race almost any weekend through out the season and against very drivers.

If regular grids of 20 plus cars then it might be more appealing but as we have seen
in the SFFC Zetec doesn't attract the club driver.

Walshy · 23 Nov 2005, 11:29 (Ref:1468218)

I can see your point..

I suppose the fact that the engines are bullet proof just isn't enough.

The associated running costs are expensive for the regular clubbie aren't they. Slick tyres for one and the need to carry wets around. When you also add in the cost of some of the components. Nose boxes £400+.

I suppose the rules and regs would need an overhaul for it to become a successful club formula. A switch to the FF1600 ACB's would be one such change.

kartingdad · 23 Nov 2005, 13:03 (Ref:1468299)

I have it on good authority that they not as nice to drive, as the comparatively tall zetec engine tends to make the cars lean at the back. A switch to a less sticky tyre could make them even nastier to drive.

jminsh · 23 Nov 2005, 13:26 (Ref:1468319)

Before Slicks the ACB 10 was originally used on the zetecs IIRC and they were all over the place at the backend like KD says.

Walshy · 23 Nov 2005, 13:58 (Ref:1468348)

I was aware of the heaviness of the Zetec unit, but I didn't know that they had been run on ACB's before now..

So, Jay. I know this is a little like how long's a piece of string, but you knowing more about slicks than me, answer me this. In a 20 minute Formula Ford race, how much stick do slicks get and how many races could a set last if you were good to them?

jminsh · 23 Nov 2005, 14:09 (Ref:1468359)

I think from what i've heard on the zetec job they are mega grippy for say 3-4 laps ie Qualy then after that they settle down to a constant grip level thats the same for ages .Unless ofcourse you some dreadfull setup that overheats your tyres ?

Walshy · 23 Nov 2005, 14:12 (Ref:1468363)

Cheers mate.

But when you say ages, do you mean numerous laps or numerous races.....

jminsh · 23 Nov 2005, 14:15 (Ref:1468367)

both

or till the canvas is showing

Walshy · 23 Nov 2005, 14:47 (Ref:1468389)

And they are consistant. All the way through their life after that initial first 4 laps or so?

How much are a full set of current Zetec slicks?

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