[F500] 500 vs Vee

[Gebhardt, Robert (R.)]

Jose,

I have to admit, the Formula Vee's have began to intrigue me since I started racing the F500. I never liked them much before racing with them. Now that I play with them, they're a lot more interesting. I'd love to hitch a ride in one once just for the heck of it. But, if I had it to do all over again I'd still be in the F500. The only benefit to the Vee over the 500 is the fact that you get to shift, IMHO. Both groups of drivers for the 500's and the Vee's are generally pretty good people so either way, the social aspect will be fun.

The 500 has A LOT more power, the braking is considerably better, the handling is pretty close, but Vee's are still a little slower in the corners and the 500's just look cool. I almost feel bad for the Vee driver's at the end of a race because they ALL got lapped and were shorted a lap in their race. The only time that doesn't happen is in the wet where they're almost equals.

I just learned last night that my motor is sloppy and needs a top end rebuild. It'll probably cost $350. After two VERY full seasons of racing, it's tired. No clues what a Vee motor costs. If I tank the motor completely, I can get a rebuilt one for $1400 according to previous posts. The Rotax is generally pretty solid and reliable, unless you're Mike Runyan or Tweety Bird. The Mikuni carbs are very easy to tune and rarely need tuning once you're dialed in (which is simple).

The clutches are the only thing that seems to spook people. They're relatively easy to get in the ball park. It's just the fear of the black box. They're incredibly simple once you've played with them. Get Aaen's clutch tuning book and tear your's appart to see how it works. Just pay attention to how the 5 or 6 parts came off so you put it together right. 

Depending on what chassis you get, there can be a ton of very easy adjustments that can be made to help the handling of your car. I know the vee's can swap shocks and cut the springs that are housed in their front axle tube. The 500's are relatively cheap to fix if you tear it up. If you tear a corner off, you're usually out less than $200 and some fiberglass work. You'd have to ask the Vee guys about parts availability and cost, but I know of several sources for any part on my Novakar. 

Quit ripping on the old guys, they can be touchy :)


31 year old Bob Gebhardt
#36 Novakar
Get the Geratol!


-----Original Message-----
From: Jose Quiroz [mailto:jrq3339 at mwsc.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, August 06, 2002 5:47 PM
To: f500 at f500.org
Subject: [F500] Very New-need help


Thanks guys for all the Simpson advice.  I have no racing experience but really want to get started. I have it narrowed down to Formula Vee and Formula 500. Due to cost.  I am wondering is this to advanced for me, And at 20 years old am I past my prime?  I do plan on attending racing schools and looking at all my options before i commit to one or the other.  If you all could tell me the pros and cons it would really help my decision.  If it helps i am in the Kansas City/ St. Louis area.

Thanks again

Jose Quiroz




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