Brief update on FJ spec motor proposal

[Richard Jung]

Sorry Robbie, didn't mean to discourage you. I wasn't there, so I don't know if the course favored karts, or other factors involved. Just prelim data. Hope to have first hand knowledge in a few weeks. Joe's findings sound promising, where the WF can pull clean, but is choked off at the top.

[Joe Ricard]

[quote="Richard Jung"]

[Chris Teague]

[Joe Ricard]

Interesting this came back to the top.

Since Xmas we have been beating a rut in the road to the sprint track. My son has made comments to the effect that autocross is what he used to do.

There is a pretty strong group of Junior kart racers here and since the purchase of a used Mini Max he has been having a blast racing his friends as often as we can get to the track. 2X a month.

Something something about he doesn't have to chauk 500 cones at sunrise.

Would I like to get back to AX sure, but I suspect it will be when he gets a license. Thinking STS CIVIC??????

So to the point, get him seat time at a track and they may not want to go back.
_________________
Arrow AX-8/ Rotax Sr.

[Tom Reynolds]

Keep watching fastracks for some comments about this original topic. While the KAC is limited is what we can comment on, I can tell you those that weren't on the KAC until this year now understand why the Spec Motor was being worked on as a possible path for the SCCA.

At this time, its possible and likely no change will happen (no spec motor for JA/JB) anytime soon due to letter writing against such a proposal in its current form - however this is of course very unofficial until you see it in a fastrack. What is certain and I'll risk commenting on is that nothing is changing for 2013 for JA/JB (minor weight changes excluded as those can happen anytime) as we will miss the deadline for 2013 rules next month.

[Andrew Peppler]

Congrats needs to go out to everyone involved with getting a proper slide restrictor made for JB! I think this now makes the WF a great option in JB. I can now say if anyone asks me "what engine would be best for my son/daughter", the WF would be first reply to non-karting families since it really is the easy button.

We are still running the KT100, but I am starting to look at the WF as a possible option for next year. I expect we'll see a lot more WF's in action soon.

Good job to everyone!

[Robbie Nelson]

After spending yesterday running (yes, running) cross course most of the day (seemed like most of the day) with a lead battery starter to refire the KT100, I now want an easier to start engine. I imagine a WF would fit that bill. Can someone point me in the right direction?

What will I need to convert from a KT100 to a TaG WF? Is there anything I need to be aware of? Perhaps someone could start a "Briggs WF FAQ" thread.

[Brian Garfield]

I will comment that the WF is absolutely the best motor for JB drivers (not to mention the power advantage it now has), and anyone that can afford to switch should.

That said, you should be prepared to shell out some cash. Since before the KAC started talking about spec WF's, I researched the motor and the costs to change as well as checking on EKN for used or nearly new motors. There's about 1 WF for every 100 KT's (not an exaggeration) and the used ones are often illegally (for SCCA) modified or just sketchy IMO.

So, more than likely you'll be starting out with a new one, which IMO is the best option anyway if you're going to use this for JB and JA anyway.

Here's what I priced out awhile back to convert Julian's already friendly 4 Stroke chassis (Arrow AX-9 4S, he's been driving a four stroke chassis the whole time in JA, best chassis for the class IMO because of that versatility):

World Formula Engine: $900 (this was a good deal I found on a new one)

WF engine install accessories: $450
engine mount
clutch guard
sprocket guard
219 chain
219 split sprocket (I own a ton of Sprockets, but none are split)
Battery
battery bracket/mount
2-30mm frame clamps
wiring harness
WF exhaust silencer
silencer bumper clamp

So, count on $1350+ if you want battery start (I assume that's the whole point of this).
Keep in mind, the above does not include costs if the WF doesn't fit your chassis just right, and if you currently own a standard 2 Stroke Chassis, *most* will require slight modifications or other ways for the motor to adapt.

You could get very lucky and find a great deal on a package that's already together, but because the WF is not a popular race class everywhere in the country, it's tough to find one near you. If it's not near you, you'll want to factor in shipping costs ($300-ish).

I would love to switch over, particularly on Julian's kart, but it makes no financial sense for us at this point.

Brian

[Karl Hughes]

I went through the same evaluation Brian did, and came up with very similar numbers. My son's kart is an antique Trick with a Raptor, and upgrading was looking like it wasn't worth doing with that kart.

I ended buying a complete WF-equipped kart from a friend whose son turned 16 and became eligible to drive actual cars. I was lucky to have this come up when I needed it at about the price of the conversion.

Now all I have to do is get the comparatively tiny seat mounted (my eleven-year-old is a bit smaller than the previous driver), add lots of lead, and install the JB restrictor kit. This one is pull start, not electric, but it is a lot easier to start than the Raptor, and the pull starter is attached. Eventually we'll add electric start, since there will be plenty of lead we can take off.

[Joe Ricard]

It's been awhile since I read the FJ rules but I seem to remember something silly about the WF had to have the starter attached. but the battery was optional.

If you need one I have an extra.
_________________
Arrow AX-8/ Rotax Sr.

[Alan Sheidler]

[Tom Reynolds]

FWIW, it has been discussed to make the starter now optional with a cover plate to give access to the slightly heavier drivers. I could easily see this happen at some point in the near future as I believe others like the WKA allow this.

[Karl Hughes]