Racer Front Engine Sand Car - Why?

[Dockmaster]

I’ve seen a few of the new Racer front engine sand cars now. I’m curious what the benefit of the front engine is? Is the car better balanced or something? Seems like the weight up front would be much harder on the front suspension? And from photos engine maintenance and repair looks like it would be a PITA. Just curious what you gain in this configuration?

 

[SeanRitchie]

There have been a few variations of front engine sand cars built over the years (V8Rails built a few back in the mid 2000's).

Most are built to use cheaper drivetrain parts like a turbo 400 or Ultraglide automatic transmission and either a solid axle rear end, or independent Ford 9" rear diff with trailing arms or a-arms.

Those that I have talked to that owned them or drove them said they were not any better performing than a rear or mid-engine sand rail with transaxle. The automatic trans gear ratio's are too tall and make them sluggish.

 

[L.R.S.]

First one was built by Racer 4 years ago. Dale had one at the Sand Show 2 or 3 years ago.
Why? $35k transaxleor $5k powerglide.

 

[EmpirE231]

keeping the front end down at the drags?

wonder how they would dune?

 

[Kraut_n_Rice]

There have been a few variations of front engine sand cars built over the years (V8Rails built a few back in the mid 2000's).

Most are built to use cheaper drivetrain parts like a turbo 400 or Ultraglide automatic transmission and either a solid axle rear end, or independent Ford 9" rear diff with trailing arms or a-arms.

Those that I have talked to that owned them or drove them said they were not any better performing than a rear or mid-engine sand rail with transaxle. The automatic trans gear ratio's are too tall and make them sluggish.

Couldn't make that up with rear gear ratio?

 

[Dockmaster]

Just saw a pretty new one listed for sale a week or so ago for $325k. Doesn’t appear that saving a few bucks on a transaxle is the motive on these cars. Has to be another reason to do front engine I would think.

 

[lincster]

I was camped with 1 over Thanksgiving.
Ran super hot, had to open the hood every time we stopped.
Owner said 2 panels come off the side and you can access everything in the engine.

 

[South Bay]

Just saw a pretty new one listed for sale a week or so ago for $325k. Doesn’t appear that saving a few bucks on a transaxle is the motive on these cars. Has to be another reason to do front engine I would think.

Sometimes people just want something different and of course, because they can.

I loved the V8 Rails from back in the day. The crew that designed them were super creative and the ones that I saw in person were really nice. If I remember they changed their business model into doing custom fab stuff for the entertainment industry

 

[SeanRitchie]

Couldn't make that up with rear gear ratio?

Have to run a really low 9" rear end ratio, which makes them weaker. And you still have the big splits between the 3 speeds which makes the torque converter work harder in the sand, which is what builds the heat.

They are cool cars, but have their limitations over a transaxle car with a 4 or 5-speed and tight gear ratio's.

 

[Kevin]

the why was to try something from what i had heard. the high hp (2k+) guys that run the drags mainly move and add a shit ton of weight forward to keep the front down and longer trailing arms etc. those guys burn up an albons ring and pinion in 2 weekends typically from what Aaron has told me.

 

[SeanRitchie]

R&P's have been fine. 3rd and 4th gears are another story.

 

[parker@gearone]

I doubt after you build a power glide or turbo 400 accordingly with a ford 9" you wont save much money compared to an S4d or even an albins.

Just ask a competitive 6100 "spec trophy truck" what they pay for a built "turbo 400"

 

[chopshop]

Different strokes for different folks .

My friend owns the latest one Dale built and loves its . He has owned other traditional Racer Eng cars for comparison .

 

[Cookie]

Love the fact people try and do things different.

 

[cali kid]

Why not

 

[EastMT]

Back when I was looking at used sandcars I noticed several Sand Rockets for sale. All had recently replaced rear ends.

 

[SanduneSam]

V8 rail built some pretty cool front engine cars back in the day, one of the coolest cars they built had a twin turbo big block Chevy and pulled wheelies at 4000 lbs.

My dad has one of their cars and it has its pros and cons. Contrary to what most people would think his car is almost perfect 50 50 weight bias front to back. It’s big though, hard to fit it in a 5th wheel trailer and the turning radius leave some to be desired. Still a really fun car to ride in.

I think it’s just too difficult to compare a big front engine car to a smaller lighter sand car. They are just entirely different riding experiences.

 

[SanduneSam]

 

[SeanRitchie]

I doubt after you build a power glide or turbo 400 accordingly with a ford 9" you wont save much money compared to an S4d or even an albins.

Just ask a competitive 6100 "spec trophy truck" what they pay for a built "turbo 400"

A lot of the cost for a 6100 drivetrain package is the underdrive. That is where they shot themselves in the foot when they went to 40's.

 

[GoBig]

I’ve seen a few of the new Racer front engine sand cars now. I’m curious what the benefit of the front engine is? Is the car better balanced or something? Seems like the weight up front would be much harder on the front suspension? And from photos engine maintenance and repair looks like it would be a PITA. Just curious what you gain in this configuration?

Best cat on the planet by far. It's every bit of 25 mph faster than anything else I driven in the dunes. It turns, slides, and flys better.

It's still heavier in the rear when the tank is full. I do open the hood to let the turbo heat out when I stop. It's is fully enclosed and the heat from the exhaust will cook the paint if left to sit.
The turbo 400 makes it easy to drive. It did take a little getting used tto. You don't have to lifti when you shift. It's like driving a big sxs. If you like banging the gears this is not the car for you. The auto let's you focus on other thing like not blowing through the corner. You are moving way faster in this car.

If you see it out there stop and take a look, the car is impressive. You won't know that it's a front engine unless you really look for it.