Spec Boxster Build

[thstone]

Originally Posted by maytag

What's an SRF worth? Any exotica in the drivetrain?

Pricing is very similar to Spec Boxster's: Brand new build runs ~$55K. A nice ready-to-race car is ~$35K. A car that needs some updates or a bit of refreshing is typically in the high $20K's.

The engine is a Ford Sigma 1.6L, fuel-injected, DOHC 16-valve, inline 4-cylinder (derived from Ford Fiesta). They are built by Ford Performance and dynamometer tested for parity. It only puts out 135hp but remember, the car is 1,000 lbs lighter than a Spec Boxster. Engines last 3+ seasons, rebuilds are $2,500.

ECU is a Performance Electronics unit running a custom race tune. ECU is sealed.

Transmission is a Ford 5-speed manual.

Inboard Penske adjustable racing shocks.

The Hoosier slicks are about the same price as a set of Spec Boxster Toyo RR's but have a lot more grip and have a bit more life in them.

The suspension is pure race car with rocker-arm-actuated springs and shocks and adjustable front and rear swaybars. If you look closely at the second photo with the rear bodywork removed, you can see the inboard shocks/springs behind the muffler. This design puts the Boxster MacPherson strut suspension to shame.

There are three areas where an SRF really outshines a Spec Boxster - light weight, cornering grip, and all of the major components (engine, trans, ECU, shocks, body panels, suspension, etc) are sealed and/or numbered by the SCCA to eliminate cheating.

The downsides are that the car is bit wonky looking, its not a Porsche (for those who are brand-minded), and the cars can feel very old school (no power steering, no power brakes, no traction control, no stability control, etc).