The Mini 7 class represents one of the most cost efffective ways to go racing in New Zealand.    Not many other classes can be run on minimal  sponsorship, have such a low running cost and offer such close competitive racing (a top car vs a back marker car run lap times within 10 seconds).

The most asked question is always "how much will it cost?".    Here are a few examples as a guideline.

Cars:

• Building a car from scratch:      
  

     Upwards of $20,000 just for the basics, depending on how much you can do yourself.   As much as $40,000 from a professional race car builder.

• Buying a prepared front running car:

     $15,000 - $25,000 depending on spares provided (e.g. number of whells, spare engine etc)
     A car in this category should be capabe of sub 1 min 47 sec lap times at Ruapuna.

• Buying a prepared mid-field car:

     $10,000 - $15000, again depending on spares provided.   Typcially a good mid-field car can be further developed to make if faster.
     A car in this category should be capable of a sub 1 min 50 sec lap time at Ruapuna    

• Buying a slower group car, or one that has not competed for a number of years:

     $7,000 to $10,000.    Sometimes these cars simply need some TLC, e.g. engine rebuild, new paint etc.   Cars that have not competed for some time will not have the latest modifications allowed by the Schedule M rules.
     A car in this category should be capable of better than 1 min 54 sec lap time at Ruapuna


Running Expenses:

• Tyres:

     Hoosier slick tyre - $288 each from Paterson Bros tyres, Christchurch.  Approx 4-8 required per season.
     Wet tyre - any road legal 10" tyre.   Pick at the moment is the Yokohama A032-R.   Approx $ 170 each and last 4 seasons.

• Oil and consumables:

    Oil and filter every 3 race meetings, with a top mineral or synthetic oil - approx $80 per time
    Spark plugs every 3 race meetings, B9ES or B9EGV - approx $25 or $90 per time

Yearly Expenses:

• Engine freshen:

     Basic engine freshen (rings, bearings, valve grind, crack test etc) $1,000 - $2,000
     Major engine rebuild (new pistons and other major components) $2,500 - $8,000
     New engine (preparing all components, basic to extreme) $6,000 - $20,000

• Brakes and suspension:
  

     Front pads $100
     Rear shoes $100
     Brake and suspension components should also be crack tested at least once a year

Other Repairs:

• Bodyshell:

     Wheelarch flare $50 each
     Bumper (used/new) $50 - $150    
     Grille (new) $150 - $200
     Tail light (used/new)  $20 - $150
     Supplies of good secondhand body parts are plentiful.   Many Mini 7 South members keep a few spare body shells and components in storage.   Swift Automotive (Christchurch) can supply every part available new or used.