Since I continue to hear how expensive the 250's are, and see the class facing a great deal of silent opposition, I thought I would post a mid season report of what our team has spent to put a 250 in 2nd and 3rd in points. Can you spend more than this? sure, many do, but do you need to? Costs listed are per car.
winter motor rebuild: rebuilt crank, new bearings, cylinder replate, 2 new gear sets, fuel pump rebuild, new reeds. $800 (will last full season)
Pistons and gaskets to run 1/2 season (2 cast ESR pistons, and 4 base gaskets): $140
Oil and fuel: $200 (includes Boise shootout)
Tires: $100 Just put 1st new tire on this week, the RR that came off went onto a spare wheel and was originally mounted on my car in August last season.
Thats a total cost of less than $900 per car to operate a consistent top 5 car in the 250 class for 1/2 season. includes 1/2 the winter rebuid cost. Running Maxima 927 castor, we have gone 25-27 races on ESR cranks without rebuild, and never had a problem, and can go a full season on a millennium technologies plating job. Now consider the earnings potential that the generous Deming payout provides, and the fact that a race ready competitive car is about $4000, this becomes a pretty affordable operation. occasionally you may seize a piston, but I have not melted one in the last 2 seasons, in my off the shelf Hyper engine. Race ready engines are available for about $1500.
In no way am I trying to cause trouble or start a fight. just trying to dispell the rumors that are trying to kill a class that has supported deming through multiple configurations of the "open" class, and has seen mid-size engines come and go once before. Anyone who is interested in more info in the 250 class, including motor rebuild help, come see us at the track, or email: speedy29@gte.net
I have to agee with you, everyone told me when we got into the 250 class how expensive they they are,and i saw why some spent so much. If you have to send a motor out to get a new piston you are going to spend to much, it isnt rocket science to change a piston or put a crank in, the gears are alittle challenging the first time but evan my 16 year old does them now. Much of the saving that he just told you is the oil they use, i really think it almost gives you twice the life out of things. I really think that most get a 600 because they are a turn key car that anyone can drive and be competative.
ya no kidding.... 600's s[ed more on tires in a year then maintaining a 250 program.. specially when track conditions r dry.. we can go through up to 4 tires a night when realy dry....