Can Race Cars With Salvaged Parts Be Competition-Worthy?

Motorsports is an inherently expensive activity. That doesn't mean there aren't cost effective ways to get started. Those with budgets at the lower end of the scale may find themselves having to either build from scratch or create their competition machinery from other racer's cast off parts. Such a path begs the question, can race cars with salvaged parts be competition worthy? The answer is yes if things are done right.

Out the starting blocks

The rule book is the first place to check before looking at what parts to purchase. This is because certain items may be illegal in the class or form of motor racing being looked at. From here on, how the car is to be built will determine the next move. Beginning with a salvaged chassis presents a different challenge than converting a current vehicle on hand into a race car. Most important, never jump on price.

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Ground up

Since accidents are a part of racing, cars are often stripped to bare chassis and sold. Sometimes there are racers with spares, but that doesn't mean a reduction in caution. Every driver knows that a great race car begins with a properly prepped chassis. Ending up with a damaged one can cause problems from bad alignment to failed structural integrity. Always have the chassis inspected on a jig for straightness and don't be fooled by fresh paint as it could just be there to hide the flaws.

Key components

Once the chassis is set, the next major item to source and inspect is the engine. Avoid buying motors from vehicles that had front hits or engines that haven't been rebuilt as installing such a motor just means inheriting previous problems. If upgrading an existing engine with salvaged parts, stay away from high stressed pieces like driveshafts, pistons, and turbochargers. Other parts to stay away from for reliability reasons are brakes rotors, rims, and suspension pieces. Brakes and rims can be warped which isn't visible to the naked eye. A racecar's suspension takes a beating on the circuit making potential failure random.

Hit the track

The key to making race cars with salvaged parts competition worthy is patience. Stick within the budget where possible, but never skimp on the smaller important things like engine belts, seals, and regular service items. This will extend their life making for fast enjoyable, reliable racing on the cheap.

Tagged as: Cars, CompetitionWorthy, Parts, Race, Salvaged