Building, maintaining and providing pit service to a Late Model race car is a daunting task to say the least. It takes money, time, sweat and determination to put a winner on the track week after week during a six month race season. From engines to tires, every facet of the race car requires meticulous attention on a regular basis. Here's a little insight into what the Partsource Auto Parts Dodge Charger looks like - from the inside - out.
ENGINES
The 99 is powered by a Chevrolet 355 cubic inch power plant built by Cunningham Engines. Compression is restricted to a 10:1 ratio. The cost of an engine varies alot but a range would be between $12k to $20k for the Late Model class. That would be everything new from carb to pan, using good quality parts. The top price for a Chev is $20k, with Fords and Dodges costing more. These figures are assuming a reputable engine builder has performed the operation. This 2006 Dodge Charger is built by Mike McColl, one of the industries best.
TIRES
Tires are about $150 each per corner (tire), and you can count on one set per race in order to be competitive. In 2001, some tracks in Ontario went to an 8" treaded tire. We have found these tires to have a very flimsy sidewall which makes the car very unpredictable and slippery. The reason they went to these is because the 8" slicks used in the past were not lasting and it was very expensive to keep tires on the car. The tires used at Mosport, Kawartha and Flamboro are 10" slicks and are a much more appropriate tire for our type of car. Four fresh tires at every race is the way to go, so count on $3600-$4000 per season.
WHEELS
Wheels are another story. Costs vary for good rims, but you're going to start the year with 8 new rims and with any luck you'll only purchase another 4-6 @ $75 each for the wheels we use. I think Basset wheels are around $110 each, so say about $1000 per year.
BODY
Our Partsource Auto Parts Dodge Charger is a 2006 body of fibreglass and aluminum by 5 Star. It's finished in Nason Base/Clear Urethane. Purchasing a body is perhaps the least expensive part of the car. Around $18k without molded windows. It does, however, take some time to fit the chassis and make it look right, not to mention making sure it conforms to the rules. Paying to put a body and interior on may run around $1k. Team 99 did our own work.
CHASSIS
This race car has a Perimeter chassis with a 105 inch wheel base, built by Mike McColl. The cost of a complete rolling chassis (doing nothing yourself), less interior and body, would be about $15k. Again this is probably mid range and could easily grow to $20,000 with some optional stuff.
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