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Frequently asked questions about building ASPs
General Questions
ASP 320 specific questions
ASP 350/570 specific questions
Q: You can’t build you own cars anymore can you? I heard rules are too strict.
A: Not true. Design Rules are updated all the time and emissions standards continue to tighten but these cars can most certainly still be built. The cars now fall under the ICV or “individually constructed vehicle” classification which exempts them from some of the extremely harsh design rules, like the need to crash test the vehicle! As all ASPs constructed are engineer designed and supervised, you can be confident that the vehicles will comply with the regulations when finished. In South Australia, unlike some other states, the regulation requirements are frozen when you apply to build the car. This means, for instance, that you won’t face any “nasty surprises” at the end of the build when the emissions standards now ban your chosen engine.
Q: How can I build a whole car? Surely you can’t build your own engines or gearboxes?
A: These cars are not entirely built from scratch. The logic behind this type of car is that you take as much commercial “off-the-shelf” components as possible and put them into a new chassis to give a much higher performance vehicle than the original. Original equipment from production vehicles means that the components do not need to be tested to verify that they comply with Australian Design Rules as they already have been! To save money, most components are out of commonly available vehicles so they can be sourced second hand or cheaply. Generally speaking, the engines, gearboxes, steering racks, steering columns, differentials and some suspension components are second hand but items such as brakes, windscreens, lights, radiators, fuel tanks and exhaust systems are new.
Q: Why do I need the help of an engineer? Can’t I just build it myself?
A: Vehicles submitted for inspection under the ICV rules must be accompanied by a chartered engineer’s report. ASP engineers supervise the build to ensure quality, safety and compliance during the build.
A: That really depends on the type of build you choose. The beauty of these cars is that you could literally build it from the ground up for less than AU$25,000 or you could purchase pre-fabricated components if you wish to save time for a little more expense.For an accurate price, please discuss details with an ASP engineer. Contact is here
A: This depends on the type of build and on the time you put into it. You should expect to build a car from kit in 6 months to 2 years part time. The time it takes depends on how much time a week you have to put into the build.
Q: Can I build an ASP outside of South Australia?
A: Yes, but the final test report will need to be done by an engineer from your state or territory. This is generally satisfactory, but the engineer should discuss the project with ASP at an early stage.
Q: These cars look pretty flimsy – how strong are they?
A: Multi-tube chassis are certainly not flimsy and have adequate torsional and beaming strength for their weight and engine power. Experience has shown that they are much stronger than most production vehicles.
Q: Can I pay someone to build me a car?
A: If you require a completed vehicle ASP will sell you one starting from $45000 excluding GST and on road costs. We can also supply you with everything you need to bolt together your own car under our guidance.
Q: Are they street legal in every state?
A: ASP Clubmans comply with the ICV requirements for Australian Design Rules that apply Australia wide. Some road traffic regulations vary between States but meeting these is not difficult.
Q: Can I insure a car like this?
A: Yes. Organisations like Shannons will insure the car. ASP have a very good record and getting insurance has not been an issue.
Q: Can someone else buy my car if I sell it and still drive it on the road?
A: Yes. Once the car is registered it is like any other vehicle. It can be bought and sold like any other production car.
Q: Can I specify different equipment for my car i.e. a different engine?
A: As all ASPs are engineer supervised, you can certainly request equipment changes. You need to be aware that any engineering changes will incur extra fees. Alpha Sports Productions reserve the right to refuse some requests in the interests of safety. for example, ASP suggest that the maximum engine capacity for a Clubman that typically weighs 600 kg is 1800 cc naturally aspirated.
Q: How new does the engine have to be to be legal?
A: This question does not have a straight forward answer. The requirements on engines are that they meet emissions standards. A recent development in South Australia (and other states) means that the regulatory authority can now test engines themselves. Therefore, it is feasible that many engine once thought obsolete may now be certified. The only way to be certain is the check with an Alpha Sports engineer at the time you are interested in building.
Q: If I wanted to build a pure track car i.e. not road registered, would it be cheaper?
A: There is no straight answer. Yes you can save on trimmings, but you may well want higher performance suspension, engine or tyres. Race specification equipment tends to be very expensive.
Q: I don’t have a lot of space. How much room do you need to build a car like this?
A: Basically, If you have an area big enough to park two family sedans, you have enough room to construct an ASP. Most ASP chassis are built in the factory so when you take it home, it is usually ready to put on its wheels. It therefore only occupies one normal car parking space.
Q: How much mechanical knowledge do I need to build one?
A: In general you don’t need any specific knowledge but mechanical competency will make life a lot easier and the project faster! One important benefit with building a car like this is that, by the end of the project, no matter what amount of knowledge you started with, you will have a well-rounded knowledge of sports car dynamics and construction. The other major benefit, of course, is that you won’t be paying anyone to do your repairs or maintenance!
A: That is a difficult question to answer. If you have enough tools to carry out servicing of a production vehicle, then you probably have most of what you need. Items like bench grinders and drill presses will make life easier but you do not necessarily need your own welder, lathe, mill or any other manufacturing equipment. Many owners use the build process as an opportunity to upgrade their own equipment so that, by the end of the build process, they also have well stocked workshops.
Q: Are these cars built for the road or for the track? Are they good at both?
A : Most clubmans on the road today tend to be road cars that some race on weekends. ASPs were always engineered to race as well as be road cars, so their track performance tends to be better than some of the competing designs on the market. The simple answer is that ASPs can be set up to be perfectly smooth handling road cars or aggressively handling race cars with no compromises.
Q: I am Over 6ft Tall can I fit into an ASP 320 ?
A: Yes, ASP does not simply clone other clubman designs, ours has developed over years of testing and experiance. Our 320 is designed so that anyone can fit in it with comfort, we understand that the joy of owning a clubman style car should not be limited to 5'6 english men.
Q: What categories can ASP 320s be raced in?
A: Even in road trim, ASPs can compete in Supersprint events. In full race trim, 320s can race in sports car capacity classes and mixed categories to make up feiled sizes. There is currently a move to establish clubman only classes as the clubman’s superior power to weight ratio and handling and their overall weight and height make them virtually unbeatable by larger engine (and much more expensive) class cars.
Q: What’s the biggest engine I can put in a clubman chassis?
A: recommendation is 1.8 litre naturally aspirated. The chasis designed for a smaller capacity engine and with the low weight bigger engines are not needed. If you want to build a car with a v6 or v8 then we suggest our 350 or 570 models which are designed for these engines.
Q: What is the weight distribution of an ASP?
A: ASP cars are all designed with optimum weight balance. 50% F and R before driver and fuel. Thus in drive trim a little extra weight at the rear.
Q: Unlike some clubmans, ASP’s don’t have IRS (independent rear suspension). Why Not?
A: Live axles (or a traditional differential) don't need any wheel alignment and if linkage angles are designed correctly, will have no roll-steer or rear end squat problems. They do have a higher unsprung mass which is only an issue on rough surfaces. IRS setup on such a light car can be problematic and some are poorly designed, making setup even more difficult. DJ sports cars UK have stopped making IRS and now use a De-dion live axle, as does the ASP 350/570 series. In the case of the ASP 320, the simplest solution is the best solution.
Q: Can I change the body styling or even add a body to the 320?
A: How you finish your car is entirely up to you. It is harder than you think for the average person to design and produce a body. ASP are aware that people do have differing taste in styling, so we offer a couple of different panal designs for the bonnet, front and rear guards as well as a choice of metal material used in the skin.
Q: Can I fit a V8 engine to the 350?
A: Yes, this model was designed to use V6 or V8 Holden engines and components. Chassis for the V8 has the front rails wider to accomodate the Gen III and Gen IV engines. In this configuration, the car is designated an ASP 570.
Q: What categories can ASP 350s be raced in?
A: ASP 350’s and 570’s can race in engine capacity sports and mixed races.
Q: Can I change the body styling of the 350 to something other than a 30's style?
A: As with the ASP 320, how you finish your car is up to you. There is actually a modern body style for the 350 under development as we speak. The modular design of the ASP 350/570 allows new bodies to be created reasonably easily compared to other types of car. Therefore, if you would like the performance and handling of the 350 but do not really want a 30's style body then it can be changed!