Cost of Conversion FV--->Fst

[DerElf]

Over the past couple of years I have heard a lot of questions about what it would ACTUALLY COST to convert s FV to a FsT car. When I didn't have exact number the "Pixies" shook their heads and walked away.

Now that I am doing a conversion I am going to give out those numbers as I experience them.

1.)DISC BRAKES - First to heavy packages Arrive from www.FORMULAFIRSTRACING.COM bearing my favorite parts, the brand shiney new Disc Brakes. OOOOO! Pretty! NO more adjusting hot brakes at Thill in August!

Since I am doing a "working man's conversion" on my car (i.e.: Leaving the Link pin front end on) the boxes contain a Chirco bolt on Link Pin Disc Brake Conversion Kit. The kit includes bolt on brackets (with bolts!), New VW Calipers, New Pads, Standard VW Type 3->4 Rotors, Fresh Roller Bearings for the rotors and grease seals. Sorry, YOU need to supply your own facing washers and pinch bolts...wait...you have those already!

PRICE: $229.50 (How much did you pay for BRAKES SHOES?)
Ron Chucks, whose opinion in such matters I trust implicitly, said that this is all you would need, along with some 4 bolt rear drums, to upgrade your brakes. I, however, am a lazy bastard and do not want to adjust ANY brakes so the second box contains A Chirco Rear Disc Brake conversion kit that contains all the same components for the rear end. OK a bit short on bolts as you use your old bearing carrier bolts for the conversion but the price drops to...

PRICE $195.00

Total Cost for brake conversion kits (with shipping)

$451.56 (about the same as a set of Carbotek linings and a pair of Lybarger rear drums)

There are two MINOR bits that I have to make but hey, when they are done I will make some for you if you want them (for a price).

I also wanted to note that ALL of the compents in these kits are NEW MANUFACTURE, not rehabilitated.

[DerElf]

OK The second Package is on it's way to me with a set of shiney new Chirco Formula First Wheels. These are purpose built Wheels with the Formula First Specs (13"X6"X3.5" Offset weighing more than 10 Lbs).

Outside of those specifications the first rules are *Snicker* Open, meaning you are free to redrill your Rotors to fit any wheel that fits the rules. DRE (Racers Supply/SRacing) has new wheels on order that require redrilling and Stinger had their own wheels made so I image they can help any would be converters out as well.

I went with the Chirco wheels because they bolt up DIRECTLY to a standard VW 4 bolt pattern. They are spun steel, weigh in at 11 lbs. and I think they are attractive in a NASCAR sorta way, remember I am working class here (not a professional PIXIE).

Cost for four wheels delivered to my door from www.formulafirstracing.co
$366.00

[spondon]

Marty,

This is very helpful for me to determine what I need to convert my car as well. I got into FV because of the costs that were associtated with running these cars. Your postings are a great deal of help to me.

Thank You!
Car 83

[DerElf]

Russ;

I am glad this is helping. The plan is to get concrete numbers for guys who might be interested in converting.

Follow up on the brakes
The TRW Caliper some with pads installed when you buy them. I am just off the phone with CenDiv and what they have found is that they went three 14 race seasons on those stock pads before they had to change them, and they weren't worn out when they did.

Replacement Cost of Stock VW Disc brake Pads:
$14 an axle for the high grade ones.

(They are still using the original pads on the rear.)

[stinger1]

Marty,

We have spoken before about wheels and re-drilling etc. i had some custom made whuch are the ones in pic on Formula First.org. My others are Diamond wheels with the stock 4x130mm VW pattern. They are the best buy on the market (in my opinion). They are in there catalog(nothing custom),they were shipped on time, powder coated, 11 lbs and cost $345.48 delivered to my door. Steel surcharge may differ with steel cost fluctuations...

Bob
VolSep Stinger Racing
Ripon,CA

[DerElf]

Bob;

Thanks for the update on those wheels. Kurt is using Diamonds on the M5.

OK Next expense I incurred was more of a vanity/convenience expense, EMPI Screw in lug bolt replacement Studs and AFCO 1/2"-20 RACING lugnuts.

Total Cost: $48.00 for (16 of each)