Newb racer questions

[rahjr60]

I just bought a 67.5 1600 SCCA F/P roadster. The car has been SCCA logbooked since 1974, not on track from 1995 - 2015, but now completely re-done and up to date for SCCA events. Currently only two things that I want to add. The car is currently on new Hoosier slicks, so I am looking for a decent rain tire to have on hand. To match the size of the slicks, I have been looking at 225/45/15 Toyo RA-1s or Hoosier H20s. The Hoosiers are about $70/tire more than the Toyo. Anyone have any thoughts on these two options or other suggestions? The second item is a new battery. There is no alternator on the car, so I need something with good cranking power as well as a good run time. The previous owner runs Optimas in his other race cars. Any suggestions here? I'm planning to only run sprints for now, so I will not add an alternator yet.

Thanks.
(Tried to add pics, but my phone doesn't want to talk to my office computer so I will try later)

[Mike Unger]

Al,
The Hoosier H20s are actual racing rain tires, in a driving rain they will be considerably faster than the RA-1s. However, you can only use them when it's raining. On a just damp track to drying track they will overheat. The RA-1s will work as intermediates and aren't as susceptible to overheating on a dry track but they won't be as fast as the Hoosiers in the rain. Regarding batteries, I would recommend running an alternator, it makes it easier to keep the fan belt adjusted and you don't have to worry about keeping your battery charged between sessions. Also, you can run a smaller battery as well. I use either an Optima or a small industrial Interstate battery like those used in a lawn tractor.

Mike

[rahjr60]

Thanks Mike. I had pretty much come to the same conclusion on the RA-1s. I think I'm leaning that way. I'm hoping to not be racing in heavy rain too much. Do you run a one wire racing alternator? I've been thinking more about that too as I will sometimes be my only crew member at a race, and the less I have to worry about the better. Thanks again for your response.

Al

[Mike Unger]

Al,
Glad to help. Let me know if you're going to be at VIR. I ran my vintage 240Z there this fall at the NCR double regional. That was fun as John Morton was there running a 240Z. Yes, I use a small one wire racing alternator like those sold by Powermaster etc. I use the same type on all my cars so I can carry one spare in the trailer.

Mike

[rahjr60]

I was looking at the Powermaster site yesterday. I hope to run some at VIR with NCR this year. I'll definitely keep you posted. I'll be starting out with driver's school at Roebling Road in mid Feb.

[Mike Unger]

Sounds good. Good luck at Savannah, it's a fun fast track. I'm finishing up a new E Production car so we should have some chances to race together next season.

Mike

[rahjr60]

Thanks. They have added an SVRA school and race the same weekend at Roebling, so it should be interesting. Look forward to seeing you on the track, even if it's just your taillights.

[Mike Unger]

A buddy of mine (Peter Krause) is the head instructor for SVRA. If you get a chance to walk the track or listen in with him that weekend, do it. He's a very good driver and an excellent instructor. Depending on my work schedule, I might come down to race with SVRA.

[zippy67roadster]

Waiting on those pictures still!

[rahjr60]

Sorry Brian,
New phone + new computer + low tech operator = Problems posting

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[rahjr60]

Mike,
I'll try to look him up. It sounds like they will be keeping the two groups fairly separated. It would be nice to meet you down there.

[jake7140]

Nice cage. Good luck on the track! Have fun!

[zippy67roadster]

Good looking car. Have fun!!

[jake7140]

Always interested in how others lay out their engine bay. Yours is quite different from mine (mine is fairly stock with extras crammed in) I assume your masters are under the cowl? If you get a chance, it would nice to see more of a top view to see placements and hose routes. Perhaps I'll get inspired! Looks really nice.

[rahjr60]

Thanks guys. I'm looking forward to finally getting it on the track next month.

Steve - PO told me that the cage was built by Tommy Riggins' shop in Jacksonville, FL. It is one of the things that sold me on the car. In addition to what you can see, it has double door bars on both sides and double bars under the dash. I hope I never need it, but it seems pretty stout. As far as the engine bay, I'll get some pics when I get it back, as I have it loaded to take to a shop tomorrow morning for some help with carb tuning. As this is currently an SCCA car, some of the work may not be allowed in a vintage series car. The brake and clutch masters are under the cowl on a Tilton pedal set with a balance bar.