His car is also approx the same weight.
My point is that its not just power to weight it is also a sequential box, the gearing, tyres etc. This is before we start talking about aerodynamics...
- Jim
Hello, am thinking of getting a LOCOST of some sort, but am getting swayed towards a BEC due to the quoted performane figures. Now, what BHP would
you need in a CEC to get the equivalent performance, as would be used mainly for traks/weekend blasts?
Thanks
140bhp in a 420kg car = 333 BHP per Tonne
CEC must weigh best part of 600kgs so you will need approx 200bhp
Now some BEC make alot more than 140bhp, but with little or no weight gain.
Guess it all depends on what BEC you are taking about. A carbs fireblade is roughly as per above, but if your comapring a CEC to a 200bhp busa monster
then you will need a SERIOUS car engine to match it.
Dont forget handling though, that is worth quite a few seconds a lap - Ive heard of well set up caterhams CEC's beating quick BECs becuase they
have spent some cash getting their cars to handle.
[Edited on 10/11/08 by Dangle_kt]
Thanks for the reply, I was thinking of a R1 or Blade powered car, as don't want to spend too much on one.
Lee
My friends Caterham 220hp R400/SLR is pretty similar performance wise to my Fury with 150ish hp.
His car is also approx the same weight.
My point is that its not just power to weight it is also a sequential box, the gearing, tyres etc. This is before we start talking about
aerodynamics...
- Jim
Thanks, I must say I am hoping to go out in one soon (once weather better!) and will decide from there. I want something for the odd track day blast
and weekend fun!
Am also considering a TVR Tusca, but a LOT more money!
Check your insurance costs before committing to a BEC. They tend to be dearer to insure, especially if you are younger.
one of my mates had a tuscan at his work (garage) and took it out for the MOT, and he said it was bloody mental, the back kept stepping out really badly and he said if you didnt concentrate all the time you could send yourself into the nearest hedge really easily - it still stepped out when chagning down at 80 :O!
another thing to consider is the noise with a bec going up to 13000 odd rpm...
its awesome!
Hi
Forget about the BEC & CEC bit, it's pretty much irrelevant where the engine came from - it's how its used.
It's how the builder wants/wanted to focus the build of their car, if you go BEC then all you're probably doing is focusing on performance
over pretty much everything else.
You can achive the same results of light weight, high power, short gearing etc from various different directions engine wise.
If you get the vehicle down to 500kgs or less, stick 150+ bhp in it and then gear it so it runs out of revs at roughly the same point it runs out of
aerodynamics - and then make it handle - it'll be properly quick - on a track
And be very hard work indeed on the road.
A TVR Tuscan is a completly different animal altogether, it's a bit like saying 'Shall I buy a ultra high performance motorbike or a sports
car' IMHO.
Oh and do check with your other half - mine won't even get in the Striker.. (well not again anyway )
The comment about the noise from a BEC at 13000 rpm is worth considering, I currently can't track day either my Skyline or CEC striker at
elvington as they break the noise limits so make sure if it's mainly for a track they'll let you on!
I'm investigating new exhaust systems for my winter !
Surely, by far the most important thing in how fast any car goes is between the seat and the wheel..... 
Chris
Having had two friends with Tuscans, I would advise against. There is a fundamental problem with the implementation (not the original design) of the
Speed Six, with inadequate oil supply to one end of the valvetrain and premature wear of the finger followers. After two rebuilds each, they sold them
on.
Great car, great engine design, just lousy execution on the part of TVR.
Nick
quote:
Originally posted by nstrug
Having had two friends with Tuscans, I would advise against. There is a fundamental problem with the implementation (not the original design) of the Speed Six, with inadequate oil supply to one end of the valvetrain and premature wear of the finger followers. After two rebuilds each, they sold them on.
Great car, great engine design, just lousy execution on the part of TVR.
Nick
quote:
Originally posted by wilkingj
Check your insurance costs before committing to a BEC. They tend to be dearer to insure, especially if you are younger.
quote:
Originally posted by JimSpencer
Oh and do check with your other half - mine won't even get in the Striker.. (well not again anyway
Insurance not an issue, as will be a 2nd car on limited milage!
Seriously torn between a BEC and TUSCAN (even tough as Tuscan will cost SO SO MUCH more to run!).
Lee
Why dont you get a cec, stick a quick Duratec in there then mate it to a Quaife sequential box job done.
quote:
Originally posted by philw
Why dont you get a cec, stick a quick Duratec in there then mate it to a Quaife sequential box job done.
quote:
Originally posted by leemarkadams
quote:
Originally posted by philw
Why dont you get a cec, stick a quick Duratec in there then mate it to a Quaife sequential box job done.
Because by the time you put a sequential box and quick Duratec in a CEC you could buy a Tuscan, and the wife would not let me spend that much on a CEC! She would go for the Tuscan!
Lee
Hi Lee. She really isn't helping is she
Fingers crossed for the next couple of weeks and we will get out...
Hobzy I agree, if I get a BEC it will end up with just me using it anyway!