When the opportunity came up to check out three new mid-engine
sand cars in the dunes at the same time, I jumped. As an owner of a mid-engine
sand car, I can't say enough about how much I like the nimble feel that a
mid-engine chassis provides. Many duners
have enjoyed the slot car like capabilities for years. In the past, mid-engine
sand cars have been light weight with 4 cylinder Subaru or VW engines. Over the
last few years, a new breed of mid-engine cars has hit the dunes and revived the interest in
mid-engine chassis. The three sand cars seen here from Mosebillt, Revenge Racing
and Suspensions Unlimited are
all new, ground up designs with sway bars, long trailing arms and many other
engine options. I was interested to see how these new cars performed.
Mosebillt
Universal MB2
Revenge Racing
Silencer
Suspensions Unlimited
Sand Pro 2
The lineup:
Revenge Racing, Mosebillt and Suspensions Unlimited
The mid-engine sand cars take to the dunes.
Able to handle V8 engines
These chassis’ are all setup to handle today’s heavier and
more popular V8 engines. Compared to the lighter mid-engine from a few years
back, you will notice more tubing and heavier wall thickness to help compensate
for stress cause by the added weight.
Classic Mid-Engine Handling
Click image to enlarge
Typical mid-engine sand cars are known for their nimble
"slot car" handling characteristics, and these three did not
disappoint. They all cornered very well and handled side-hills like a billy
goat.
Longer trailing arms, pivot location and anti-sway bars
Click image to enlarge
Mosebillt and SU are running 35.5" STUs and Revenge is
running 33".
These sand cars have longer trailing arms (33" - 46")
to help address some of the typical mid-engine weak points - running through
whoops and jumping.
You will also notice that they all are equipped with anti-sway
bars to help minimize body roll. Anti-sway bars are standard equipment on all of
these cars, and really help when the engine choice is a heavy V8. Revenge Racing
also has an optional front anti-sway bar.
Action Shots
Suspensions Unlimited
The Suspensions Unlimited sand car came equipped with a 600HP
6.0L LS2 and a Mendeola S4 Sequential transaxle.
Mosebillt
The Mosebillt sand car came equipped with a 550HP 6.0L LS2 and
a Mendeola 2D transaxle.
Revenge Racing
The Revenge Racing sand car came equipped with a 550HP Turbo
3.0L Subaru and a Mendeola 2D transaxle.
Specification Comparison
Mosebillt
Revenge
Suspensions
Unlimited
Overall Length
13' - 14'
14' 2"
13' 5"
Wheelbase
124"
122"
123"
Front Width
85"
80"
80"
Rear Width
92"
94"
93"
Dry Weight (LSx)
2,100+ lbs.
2,000+ lbs.
1,995 lbs.
Engine Options
LSx
LSx, Subaru
LSx
Front Travel
26"
20"
20"
Rear Travel
26"
20"
22"
Shocks
Internal bypass front
Bypass rear
Bypass front/rear
optional
Bypass front/rear
Trailing Arm Length
46"
40"
33"
Power Steering
2.5" Rack
Char-Lynn std.
2.5" Rack opt.
Char-Lynn std.
2.5" Rack opt.
Brakes
Front - 4 piston
Rear - 6 piston
Front- 2 piston
Rear- 4 piston
Front- 2 piston
Rear- 4 piston
Rear Hubs
Micro-stub std.
Mid-board opt.
Mid-board
Micro-stub std.
Mid-board opt.
Front Spindle
2" Hollow
Combo std.
2" Hollow opt.
Combo
Anti-Sway Bar
Rear std.
Rear std.
Front opt.
Rear std.
Frame
1.75" .083 - 4130
1.5" .095" - 4130
1.5" .095" - 4130
Additional Photos:
Mosebillt
Revenge Racing
Suspensions Unlimited
Conclusions:
I had a great time checking out these cars at Glamis, and would encourage
anyone that has interest in a new two seat sand car to check them out.
Although I was not shopping for a new sand car when I did the photo shoot,
one thing led to another and I now have a new car on order. Justin at
Revenge Racing will be building a Silencer for me with a Mendeola S4 and a
DanZio built 600HP LS2.
Revenge Racing was started in 1999. Starting with a few class 8 trucks and
then the Predator sand car, they have steadily improved and refined their
product lines. Revenge Racing builds the Silencer, the Predator, the Avenger
dual sport, Punisher Class One car, Pro 2 and Pro 4 CORR trucks.
