Originally Posted by cudaman1969
Think of this, NASCAR requires mild steel for a cage, 4000 pound cars going 200 mph that wreck a lot. Ask yourself why?


Yeah, and anything quicker than 7.50s is required to be 4130. Why?

I don't want to dissuade anyone from building their own car, engine, trans, rear or whatever. But you have to be realistic about your skills and abilities. No one is born being Jerry Bickel or Don Ness. They have to learn and build on their skills to where they can do what they do. Some people become good accountants or lawyers so they can pay people to build them cars.

You have to work with someone to learn fabrication skills and things specific to doing race car work. Talk to people who have done it and have them show you around a car. A mentor or an advisor who isn't an idiot is almost a necessity for those just starting out. You have to learn how to make stuff out of metal. It's all just metal.

You should know your own abilities and mechanical aptitude. You should be very familiar with the roll bar/cage section of the rulebook. If you are able to do it, then do it. It's rewarding to do a project like that, learn how to do it and build on your skills.


If the results don't match the theory, change the theory.