Alumicraft.. what’s the story and the kinds?

I have! 3 trips now in the car! Having been in a good handful of cars of the same era, I can comfortably say that I understand why so many people have a great love for the early Alumicrafts. For a 4 seat, single shock sandcar, this car absolutely gets down! It is a blast to drive and definitely gives you the "experience" as a driver. The Wheelbase is phenomenal at 123", in and out of any corner and it doesnt matter if your at low speed or high speed. It whips through with absolute ease. It works through bumps if your willing to attack at high speeds, just gotta be ready for quick corrections. I have a unique set of tires for it right now. Since its a stock 2.0 running about 8# of boost, the 230hp Im told it has seems pretty accurate and I wanted to give it a fighting chance. 31 Blackbirds with a #1 paddle and comp cut. Youll notice in the pics its not a traditional comp cut. I did a "full hater cut" which removed the shoulders of each paddle to allow for more sliding and I also cut as much as I could off. Took a 33lb tire down to 19lbs! and it slides way better too! only tire that would be better is a Dune sport which is on my list to try with this car. Up front is a 31 tribute thats been comp cut down to just the steering rib. Pretty good tire but to be honest, not as good as I hoped. The 8.50 Razorback will be next on my agenda to try. way lighter and being more narrow will be easier to turn since this car is without power steering.
Super well balanced, just like the gen3 funcos, this car is truly built and balanced around the driver. I thought the width of the car would be something I would noticed being that its more narrow then others, but this car feels like its over 7' wide when driving. CG is super low, and the wheelbase definitely affects it in a good way. You can side hill this car at low speeds if you really wanted to and not even think twice. I beat on this car on a few runs and after looking through the car, its absolutely holding up 10x better then most. virtually no ware down or stress. Usually after as much driving as I have put this through I would have found a crack or something coming undone - it was pretty rough on a couple trips out. the cross ruts alone hurt to drive through...
Power steering and a full shock tune, not just a rebuild, but a full tune for this car and I can easily see this car sticking around a while. Full disclosure: I got in my buddies Gen 4 funco right after driving this and instantly got humbled, however, I have to remind my self that these 2 cars are not apples to apples. if I compare it to my old Gen 3, its a lot closer. As of right now....... Gen3 is still taking the cake.
We'll see what some dune sports and a little more TLC does to this car though. I have a feeling its going to do what I want it too, even underpowered.

All Part of the fun! I'll have some more feedback soon. Including some onboard footage.

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These cars are often overlooked. I love seeing guys put them through their paces. It looks great. Thanks for sharing.
 
HP.Habits said:
I have! 3 trips now in the car! Having been in a good handful of cars of the same era, I can comfortably say that I understand why so many people have a great love for the early Alumicrafts. For a 4 seat, single shock sandcar, this car absolutely gets down! It is a blast to drive and definitely gives you the "experience" as a driver. The Wheelbase is phenomenal at 123", in and out of any corner and it doesnt matter if your at low speed or high speed. It whips through with absolute ease. It works through bumps if your willing to attack at high speeds, just gotta be ready for quick corrections. I have a unique set of tires for it right now. Since its a stock 2.0 running about 8# of boost, the 230hp Im told it has seems pretty accurate and I wanted to give it a fighting chance. 31 Blackbirds with a #1 paddle and comp cut. Youll notice in the pics its not a traditional comp cut. I did a "full hater cut" which removed the shoulders of each paddle to allow for more sliding and I also cut as much as I could off. Took a 33lb tire down to 19lbs! and it slides way better too! only tire that would be better is a Dune sport which is on my list to try with this car. Up front is a 31 tribute thats been comp cut down to just the steering rib. Pretty good tire but to be honest, not as good as I hoped. The 8.50 Razorback will be next on my agenda to try. way lighter and being more narrow will be easier to turn since this car is without power steering.
Super well balanced, just like the gen3 funcos, this car is truly built and balanced around the driver. I thought the width of the car would be something I would noticed being that its more narrow then others, but this car feels like its over 7' wide when driving. CG is super low, and the wheelbase definitely affects it in a good way. You can side hill this car at low speeds if you really wanted to and not even think twice. I beat on this car on a few runs and after looking through the car, its absolutely holding up 10x better then most. virtually no ware down or stress. Usually after as much driving as I have put this through I would have found a crack or something coming undone - it was pretty rough on a couple trips out. the cross ruts alone hurt to drive through...
Power steering and a full shock tune, not just a rebuild, but a full tune for this car and I can easily see this car sticking around a while. Full disclosure: I got in my buddies Gen 4 funco right after driving this and instantly got humbled, however, I have to remind my self that these 2 cars are not apples to apples. if I compare it to my old Gen 3, its a lot closer. As of right now....... Gen3 is still taking the cake.
We'll see what some dune sports and a little more TLC does to this car though. I have a feeling its going to do what I want it too, even underpowered.

All Part of the fun! I'll have some more feedback soon. Including some onboard footage.

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One of the best things I did to mine was ditching the “wet” power steering for electronic, a little more horsepower without the pump and the ability to dial in the steering response. I believe the EPS unit was off of a Saturn sedan.
 
My father bought Glamis Mike's old mid-engine car earlier this year. It was in rough shape and needed love. The car is now serviced, has some upgrades, runs great, and ready for a new owner. Haven't posted it for sale yet, but it will be up soon and available for New Years. (y)
 

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Not much to add other than Aaron Rice's new Alumicraft 'Freshly Squeezed' is an absolute work of art. I joked with him on IG that 'freshly squeezed' is how his wallet must feel. The billet LS block is amazing.
 
Just wrapped up a trip for New Years.
The sand was absolute carnage some sections in the busy areas had ruts so deep I was almost rubbing my skid pan.

Switched the fronts out for some 8.50-15 razor backs from STU. They are the perfect tire for these little cars. So light, and narrow. I can feel the steering rack and spindles thanking me through each turn. They cut through the bumps instead of bouncing off them and definitely have give better control.

This car really is something special and the more time I put into it, the more it grows on me. I have a set of 14.50-15 Dune Sport #1 paddles waiting to be put on, and I was going to this trip. But to be honest, these cut 31 Blackbird Pros are a blast! And I can slide this car super well with how there cut -no turn brake needed. Super fun car and has been super reliable so far. It’s got a lot of hours and miles on it now. Cooley built a super great car for sure.
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HP.Habits said:
Just wrapped up a trip for New Years.
The sand was absolute carnage some sections in the busy areas had ruts so deep I was almost rubbing my skid pan.

Switched the fronts out for some 8.50-15 razor backs from STU. They are the perfect tire for these little cars. So light, and narrow. I can feel the steering rack and spindles thanking me through each turn. They cut through the bumps instead of bouncing off them and definitely have give better control.

This car really is something special and the more time I put into it, the more it grows on me. I have a set of 14.50-15 Dune Sport #1 paddles waiting to be put on, and I was going to this trip. But to be honest, these cut 31 Blackbird Pros are a blast! And I can slide this car super well with how there cut -no turn brake needed. Super fun car and has been super reliable so far. It’s got a lot of hours and miles on it now. Cooley built a super great car for sure.
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Sweet car. Let’s dune
 
I love this car. How did you like those lights on your car for night rides? I need to pick some out for mine.
 
Sutton said:
I love this car. How did you like those lights on your car for night rides? I need to pick some out for mine.
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Lights work great! Baja sports in the very center and are spots for far out, front corners are Baja XL Floods and at the A-pillar are cheap LEDs pointed 45° out for corners. For only having a few it does good enough to lead, lol.
 
Here’s an onboard dune run with the Barbieri’s from Gecko set to Road runner set. Super rutted and rough. And all the HP was used to keep up with them. Those big cars sure get through the rough stuff with ease.

 
HP.Habits said:
Here’s an onboard dune run with the Barbieri’s from Gecko set to Road runner set. Super rutted and rough. And all the HP was used to keep up with them. Those big cars sure get through the rough stuff with ease.

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That video is awesome. I didn't have my car this trip, but was on a dirt bike, and the chatter and ruts beat the daylight out of us.
 
HP.Habits said:
Here’s an onboard dune run with the Barbieri’s from Gecko set to Road runner set. Super rutted and rough. And all the HP was used to keep up with them. Those big cars sure get through the rough stuff with ease.

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Pretty rad video!
 
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