Rallying is a difficult sport that requires a lot of practice to be successful at. It is also very dangerous, with a high attrition rate among top level competitors. Rally cars are based on regular road vehicles and have a number of modifications to make them more robust for offroad driving and to allow drivers to drive the car quickly over rough terrain and through jumps.
While there are many options for how to build a rally car, most start with a standard road-going vehicle that is modified to meet specific rules and regulations to be competitive in the world of rallies. Those rules can vary depending on where and how often you plan to use the car.
The most important modification is a roll bygga rallybil cage, as it is required to protect the driver and codriver in the event of an accident. Other essentials include a racing seat, harnesses and a fire extinguisher.
Another crucial upgrade is a high-quality clutch line, as the factory rubber line can easily fail due to heat and ageing. It’s also worth upgrading the cooling hoses to silicone, as factory ones are prone to cracking and splitting from heat and exposure. Finally, it is a good idea to fit an aluminium plate under the sump, as this will help prevent any damage to the engine and transmission in the event of a large impact.
Once the basic chassis is in place, it is time to add a powerful engine, as this is what makes a rally car fast. However, it is important not to go overboard, as a too-powerful engine can compromise the handling and traction of the vehicle.
After adding the engine, the next most important upgrade is a suspension that can cope with the forces generated by fast cornering and jumping. It is also worth installing a sway bar and strut braces to improve stability and handling. It’s also a good idea to fit an oil cooler with a water pump, as this can help keep the engine running at its optimum temperature.
A battery, fuel cell and ignition system are also vital components. Lastly, the car must be fitted with racing wheels and tyres that can handle the demands of rallying. A competition-grade battery costs around $1,600, while a set of lightweight tyres is about $700.
Adding other upgrades such as a performance chip and a reprogrammed ECU can cost up to $10,000 or more. Other optional items such as a helmet hammock and tow straps can also be expensive. While it is tempting to skimp on safety equipment, this is not an area where you want to cut corners. You can expect a minimum of $150 for a full fireproof suit and helmet. Likewise, racing seats and harnesses will set you back up to $730 or more. There are, of course, labor and shop costs, as well as tools, which can all add up quickly. But if you have the money, it is possible to build a world-class rally car that will be able to compete at the highest level.