Hi Chris,
Glad your here!
Congrats on winning the oil!!!
I used to race pavement mods over here in the Pacific Northwest. Like you, a friend introduced me to the "Little" cars. Not sure what your rules are where you race; but my mod was costing upwards of $15,000 per season. That was back in the early '80s. It's up over $25,000 now days. That was assuming that I could fix any major problems (I'm a pretty innovative guy). An engine cost a minimum of $8,000 back then. Costs of fuel is up; Not only for the race car, but just for towing. Tire bill was kept down only because I bought used tires from the ASA guys. I had a body shop as one of my sponsors, and the bodywork was not all that technical where I raced. Suspension mods are more technical these days. A whole lot more that I could ramble on about; but it just has dollar signs attached.
In this series, everybody runs (basically) the same equipment. The rules DO limit what you can do. There are options to run ovals, road courses, auto-cross, drag racing, etc... Things outside the INEX, 600 Racing; You could get back into the sky is the limit!
The car I am building is NOT a Legends Car. It is, by definition, a Dwarf Car. Dwarfs still run the motorcyle powered engines; but Do Not attempt to limit costs. Also, NO Fenders. There's a lot more to it, but that is a simplified version. I am planning to run SCCA Auto-Cross, because I don't see it as cost effective to tow 300+ miles to race at a INEX Sanctioned event.
I don't always agree with with the rules; but they are in place to try to keep everyone on a level playing field. Open Engines would give you a chance to get your hands dirty; maybe some room for innovation (within the rules). Sealed Engines( just my oppinion), would allow you to concentrate your efforts on set up.
The "As Delivered By 600 Racing"; You would have to ask someone that knows more than me. My personal oppinion; IF the part meets their requirement - Then it should be OK. I'm Not A Tech Guy, so can't say for sure. I DO know that 600 Racing parts are not near as expensive as some of the parts that I paid for my modified. My car is being built using a lot of the ideas and rules that govern the Legends Car Series. I see it as a cost saving measure.
Ask your friend if you can test out his (or her) car. I think you will be surprised at how much power and responsiveness these cars have! For their size, thery are pretty quick!
We have a few members that have done the modifieds, and are looking into the Legends Series. I, personally, am looking forward to the challenge of building my own car; as well as the challenge of learning more about motorcycle powered vehicles. I Do have a slight advantage in that department, as my younger brother is a motorcyle mechanic.
So, Long Winded as that was; Check it out!!! Couldn't hurt! Never know; You might like it!!!
JMHO
Steve