Does the 600cc racing car class still really exist?

[Fireblade]

Originally Posted by RobertT

what have I started.....

you guys.

The reason I asked was that I raced bikes for many years and quite like 2-strokes. I have seen some autocross cars in the US that use 500 and 600 2-strokes with CVT transmissions out of snowmobiles and they look a right laugh. The most recent 600cc snowmobile engines are direct injection 2-strokes that make 120/130hp as stock units.....could be a very handy lightweight and reliable package......

You go for it mate. Can't beat a screaming stroker like a Krauser etc.

[Alpinepg]

Sounds interesting...just check your opposition, because your screaming 2 stroke could look a little weak when lined up against modern superbike engined cars if theres no one else entered in the 600cc class....or even if there is a seperate class (plenty of place just run one up to 1100cc class)

[Craig Powers]

Originally Posted by Alpinepg

Sounds interesting...just check your opposition, because your screaming 2 stroke could look a little weak when lined up against modern superbike engined cars if theres no one else entered in the 600cc class....or even if there is a seperate class (plenty of place just run one up to 1100cc class)

As already said, the support for 600cc class depends on region. Apparently quite a lot in the southern hills, but I have only encountered one in North England in the last few years and that owner was contemplating an 1100 transplant.

As regards 2-strokes, that last one I saw running was Glyn Sketchley's NOVA Jedi 500. That car has since been converted to 4 stroke.

A chat with noise scrutes would be worthwhile. The ones with good memories may be able to comment on 2-stroke noise levels, which may be the reason for their demise in our sport.

[jo white]

2 stokes dissapeared due to source of 500cc stock engines which then encouraged cheque book racers to go and buy krausers etc . Given the chance i would defo use 2 strokes again

[SteveSlowboy]

The Scottish Championships only have an up to 1100 class - the one 600 jedi has since been converted to a blade engine.....

I would guess the 2 strokes fell by the wayside for two reasons (already mentioned) - noise and power compared to the modern 4 strokes.

Steve

[Fireblade]

Originally Posted by jo white

2 stokes dissapeared due to source of 500cc stock engines which then encouraged cheque book racers to go and buy krausers etc . Given the chance i would defo use 2 strokes again

Quite right Jo. Historically it came from air cooled engines such as Suzuki TT500's then the liquid cooled variants that were in production at the time such as the Yamahas and Suzuki's.
A Swiss Auto outfit engine would still be competitive I think. The moment has probably gone forever though.

[blackx]

Originally Posted by RobertT

what have I started.....

you guys.

The reason I asked was that I raced bikes for many years and quite like 2-strokes. I have seen some autocross cars in the US that use 500 and 600 2-strokes with CVT transmissions out of snowmobiles and they look a right laugh. The most recent 600cc snowmobile engines are direct injection 2-strokes that make 120/130hp as stock units.....could be a very handy lightweight and reliable package......

There was one about last year or maybe even the year before.....Basically it was pants.....

[RobertT]

Interesting comments - ta

2-strokes ruled motorcross for years until yamaha brought out the YZF400 4-stroke, a modern design that made more power and was more driveable than the 250 2-strokes. Interestingly, in motorcross, noise has been more of an issue with the 4-strokes, so I think the noise issue could be solved with the right exhaust system.

I remember going to curborough as a boy and watching single seaters with V4 500cc 2-strokes (yam RD500 and suzuki RG500's) and thinking how great they sounded. I guess its a matter of opinion. I assume that this class of cars ended up using 500 GP bike engines at around 200hp? anyone ever put a 'big bang' Honda that the likes of Mick Doohan and co were using in a single seater?

I can see how the costs got out of control if this is what happened.

But.....as with everything the world changes and new tech comes out. In bike racing, KTM are going back to 2-strokes with fuel injection. Ski-Doo snowmobiles have these 600 twins with direct fuel injection that, as stock motors, make similar power as 4-cylinder 600 4-strokes.

I was just thinking that maybe they were worth a look again - but of course if there is no-one to race against where I live, not such a good plan. I'll be checking out the entry lists locally.

[RobertT]

Originally Posted by blackx

There was one about last year or maybe even the year before.....Basically it was pants.....

why was it pants though?

[Alpinepg]

Originally Posted by RobertT

why was it pants though?

Because it had 2 legholes and a crotch! (boom boom)

Where do you live by the way....I assume from your comment that youre somewhere north of the divide?