Spec Focus Advice

So here's the deal. My brother has an 02 SVT that he let run out of oil. He is considering splitting the cost between 4 people, myself included, to build the car up to SPEC. Thing is, we're all starting from zero. As in no track experience. We're all handy with a wrench (anything that doesn't involve serious fabbing, welding, tuning) and we all have experience with FF driving. So...I guess the plan would be to go up the ranks in HPDE and then apply for Spec Focus correct? In terms of dollars we're talkin $200-300 per HPDE event, per person (so at least 4 track days each), plus $200-300 per race? Plus however many thousands to get the car track ready. All he has on the car is the ES full bushing kit. So what should we expect in terms of dollars?

Another good question is, does anyone run Spec Focus here in the Bay Area of CA?

Figure $1500-$2000 for a good cage. Seat: $200-$600 (if you fab your own mounts) Belts: $100 (G-force) Fire bottle: $50 Brake pads: $400 (maybe less) Window net: $50 Kill switch: $20 I'll let you look up the cost of whatever components are required to run spec focus (suspension, tires, wheels, whatever; I'm guessing $2000-$3000 total). You'll also want to replace every wear component on the car (suspension, strut mounts, wheel bearings) plus whatever it costs to replace the motor and do your motor maintanence (belts, hoses, water pump). That bushing kit is probably not legal for spec focus.

Personal safety gear: Driver's suit $300-$600. Shoes: $100 Gloves:$50 Hans (required): $600 Underwear/socks: $75 Helmet: $200-$800

Keep in mind that only one of you will be able to drive each race weekend and if you all have zero experience the same goes for HPDEs (you'l have to run in the novice group).

Keep in mind that everything above is pretty bare bones pricing and I'm probably missing a bunch of stuff you'll need. To me, it sounds like a terrible idea. I'd pick up a used Spec Neon which you could get for $2000 race ready instead.

PS if this is the spec focus rally series, x2 for the cage and another $200 for skid plates and another $200 for the intercom.

Start by going here and reading all about Spec Focus. stumpmj hit all the major points. One good thing about starting with an SVT is that you must run a stock engine in that model. So you will not need to buy a bunch of expensive aftermarket parts. You also have the "spec" brakes and wheels on the car already.

Hal wrote: One good thing about starting with an SVT is that you must run a stock engine in that model. So you will not need to buy a bunch of expensive aftermarket parts.

Except he ran the motor out of oil.

I'm wondering how he managed to do that. The engine rebuild will add a big chunk to the list.

2002maniac wrote:

Hal wrote: One good thing about starting with an SVT is that you must run a stock engine in that model. So you will not need to buy a bunch of expensive aftermarket parts.

Except he ran the motor out of oil.

What I meant is that he could rebuild with stock parts. The SVT limited to a CAI and cat-back exhaust under Spec Focus rules. If you have the standard Zetec engine you are allowed (and need to if you want to be competitive) to use the Ford Racing $$$ intake manifold, larger aftermarket throttle body, aftermarket header, etc.

This is all very good information guys thanks. I am actually trying to discourage this venture. Only one driver per race (even for HPDE) is a major blow.

I have no idea how he ran it out of oil. Must have a leak and he relied on the pressure gauge.