First off - I will be new to the dunes and the sandcar world. I am an avid boater who spends most of my time on Lake Havasu. For those that know boats (or me already)- this will tell you alot about what I am looking for in a sandcar. In 2006, I bought my first boat - a DCB Mach 26 tunnel with a 496HO -- the boat can handle 110 mph, but I am more than happy with my 70mph performance. I don't need to be the fastest. I have over 200 hours in this motor in 18 months, so I use my stuff and love reliability. I look forward to this kind of use and reliability in my future dune toys.

If I put a Vortec V6 or Honda V6 in a Big 5 (or Hustler) - would I be satisfied? Is that enough power to move the car efficiently around with 4 people on board? Is that underpowered? A good starting point?

If I recall, the Big 5 will fit in most toyhaulers without removing the rear paddles. Is this correct or did I make this up?
How long are these cars (with the rear wings)? How wide are these with the paddles?

I would like to get a Fleetwood Redline Toyhauler - 30'. Do any of you have one of these? Similar to the Gear box -- just not all of the bells and whistles. It shows 16'9" to the first cabinets but I don't know the width of the interior and rear door.

Do most of you take spare rims and tires with you?

Any additional information is appreciated - thanks for info and helping out a newbie.

Patrick

What's up Patrick? You wont have any probs fitting the funco in the toyhauler. I would think i honda would be fine. I have a subi and my friend just got a new funco with an ls1! Glad to see you getting a rail! How does the hot sauce work on the rails LOL!

Brian

Double check those trailer dimensions. Manufacturers sometimes show the dimension to the refer which is longer than the first cabinet.

Good luck, and you can't go wrong with a Funco.

Nice to see your still looking at the Funco.

For the Gen. 4 Big 5, your looking at 92.5" rear width, 82" front width and an overall length of 14.5'. Funco knows how much of a hassle changing tires out are, so the build and design their cars accordingly.

Funco has stated on their website that 250hp is the bare minimum for a Big 5. Their 300 hp Subie motor is an economical packege, light weight and plent of horsepower to have fun in the dunes.

Depends on your budget. The subie with a turbo is the best way to go but these cars are also awesome with the v6. The N/A V6 will get you around just fine. You could also add the turbo later if you want more power. Do a search on Funco and you will find tons of threads on the subject. Also ride in the different combinations. Funco is having their Regatta in a little over month and I'm sure you could get some rides. Especially with Grant. I went for rides with him at a couple of Regattas and was very well educated before making a decision. As far as the trailer mine is older and I'm guessing narrower than the newer ones so I have to change the tires. BTW I would Do the Honda vs the Vortec.

Thx Brian- rumor is the HOT Sauce works great on rails, rhinos, trucks, and boats

Roln 20s

Thanks for all of the info guys - FUNCO seems to be one of the best and the few dealings I have had were great.

Roln 20s

Hey Patrick!


Welcome to the sand addiction! I bought a couple bottles of your Pro Sauce at the recommendation of Bohica. I have a 40' trailer that I need to clean up/wax and your product is what I'm gonna use! That is if my arms don't fall off first!




You can't go wrong with a Funco! I'd suggest getting a ride with Grant or Chad in one of their Subaru powered cars before you decide on going Chevy or Honda V6. Part of the equation to getting the insane handling out of a Funco is the very low center of gravity that the Subi gives you, and no V6 or V8 is going to be able to duplicate that.

If you just have to have gobs of torque, then maybe a stroked LS2 might be what you need, but I'd definitely get a ride in a Subi powered car before you dismiss them. I was given a ride in one of Outfront's 640hp powered cars long ago, I think he had it in low boost setting. Even so, it really felt like an elephant had kicked me in the back, the acceleration was so brutal and instantaneous!

Thanks for the biz support - the PRO Sauce will be the perfect product for you. Sounds like this Subie may be the ultimate. From what I have read - I will be in good shape with a Subie motor - the turbo upgrades that some motor builders offer for these motors are insane. Definitely no shortage of power. I like the power to weight ratio -- seems super strong. I spent a round of golf Saturday with my dad discussing this car -- he thinks I'm crazy but is excited to work on it.

Roln 20s

I don't know how you feel about buying new vs used, but there are a few very nice Gen 4s for sale on the board at real bargain prices. The wait time for new Funcos has gone down dramatically, but the used prices are a lot lower than new, and the Grant family will take care of you like Customer #1 no matter where you bought the car.

I have a different brand of car, but duning with Funcos is always...

challenging - yes, that's the word!

Hi-Ya Patrick
Welcome to the board, now we can boat, and dune together!
Russ

Talk to Grant first,I chose a V8 instead of the Subie because we uasally have a full car and I did not want to be shifting all the time.I like the low end torque of the V8.I think Funco has a V8 demo car now.As far as handling Grant can tell you the difference.Mine handles great for my needs.I,m sure this will start a Subie vs. V8 handling debate.LOL

Remember your reliability !!!

Stock Stock Stock.....

The LS1's that are kept stock are reliable and you can find great deals on them. The Subies are Great motors
but can be very pricey.

I do not know what budget you are thinking of but used might be the way you want to go.

Good luck and SMART people buy FUNCO's

Scott...