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Car specs and pricing
Big 5 GenV (4 or 5 seat)
Big 5 - Gen IV (4 or
5 seat)
Hustler - Gen IV (4 or
5 seat)
Hustler (2 seater)
Custom specialty cars
Why our cars work so good
Long Travel
Suspension
Rigidity and
Durability
Safety Features
Seating Options
Seating Position
Shock
Technology
Steering Geometry
Utility, Convenience & Comfort
Weight
Distribution
FAQS
History of Funco
Assembled Cars
BIG
5 GenV assembled less drive-train
BIG 5 Gen
IV assembled less drive-train
Examples of otherTurn-key cars
Turn-key, more info
Motor Options
Acura/Honda
V8's
Subaru
VW air-cooled
Motor weight comparisons
Seats Options
Seat Selection
Seat
Upgrades
Other Options
Bolts on options
Chrome & polish
Custom Modifications
Front Brakes
Details and setup
Dash & Wiring
Harness
Gas tank &
Radiator
Pedals,
Turn-brake, Seats & Bags
Kit assembly hints and
instruction
Tire Recommendations
Transaxle, CV's & Axles
Pictures
2008
pictures
2007 Regatta
Cars
2007 Regatta Pictures
2007 Regatta Games
2007 Pictures
2007 EPO Pictures
2006 Regatta Pictures Pg1
2006 Regatta Pictures Pg2
2006 Regatta Pictures Pg3
2005 Pictures
2005 Regatta Group Picture
2005 Regatta Pictures Pg1
2005 Regatta Pictures
Pg2
2005 Regatta Pictures
Pg3
2005 Regatta Pictures
Pg4
2005 Regatta Pictures
Pg5
2004 Pictures
2003 Pictures
2002 Pictures
Other Funco Info
Annual Funco Regatta
Attention Funco owners
Funco Apparel
Funco Clocks
Videos
Links
Outfront
Motorsports, Subaru motors & parts
California
Performance Transaxles
C&G Performance, Subaru & Honda motors
Intercom/Radio Communications
Mendeola
Transaxles link
Sandrail
Camcorder link
Glamis Online link
American
Sand Association link
Open Up More Dunes, Join ASA
Check it out
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Q: In a five-seater sandcar, how
much horsepower do I need to be happy with 5 passengers?
A: Our 4 or 5 seat cars weigh around 1800 to 1900 pounds,
depending on engine. With this weight range you'll need a minimum
of 250HP. We often sell a great little 300HP combination using a
Subaru motor, putting the total car weight at about 1850lbs.
Customers love this setup. The nice part about this Subaru combination
is there's room to grow into a 450HP engine and still be reliable. |
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Q: How much suspension do I need for a 4 or
5 seat car?
A: This is a key issue you need to consider based on your primary
use. If your primary usage will be driving through the dunes with
the family then handling will be very important. We recommend
around 18-20" of travel for all-around duning to achieve good handling
while soaking up the big bumps. Any more travel than this and cars
tend to sit very high and act top heavy, leaning when you turn, lacking
the good responsive steering geometry which is the hallmark of Funco
cars. After you test ride a BIG 5
or Hustler-4 you'll quickly understand why
we focus so much on handling and steering geometry.
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Q: Can I really get by with an 091 transaxle if I
have 250-275HP?
A: Yes, but using a Subaru or Honda motor it's easy to get over 300HP with
the simple addition of a turbo. 300HP is pretty much the
top horsepower limit of an 091, or any other transaxle with an 091 ring a pinion. If you
expect to grow into
something more than 300HP you should install a more durable transaxle, such as
Mendeola or
Fortin.
These transaxles require a different chassis mounting for the trans and engine
versus using a VW transaxle, that's why it's important to consider your future
engine upgrades before you order your new sandcar. Changing out the mounts from a VW
091 transaxle to
some else after the chassis is power coated is expensive, plus the
powder coat won't look right in the modification areas. Resell
value is also a key reason to carefully pick your transaxles. If
it's got an 091 many buyers won't be interested because of the
limitations to increase the motor horsepower. |
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Q: It seems your cars cost a little more than others, can you
explain why?
A: Funco cars are at the top in features, quality, and performance.
They aren't for everyone because they are the best. If you comparison shop
you'll find our cars are competitive with other leading long travel sandcars.
But when comparing manufacturing cost there are four areas the Funco design
costs more to build. 1. The chassis is a very complex to achieve the rigidity
and safety we demand, which takes longer to build. Take a look at the triangulation compared to
others and you'll see the difference. 2. The air bag suspension
costs more than coil over springs, but it works much better. 3. The power rack and pinion unit is superior to what
others use, custom made by Funco. 4. The aluminum roof top costs more than naugahyde. So
as the saying goes, you get what you pay for, and if you want the best, it's not
the cheapest. Another thing to consider is resell
value, you'll find our cars are very impressive on resale due to our brand name
and solid reputation for quality, performance, and support. |
Q: Are there other advantages of using a Mendeola box?
A: A Mendeola transaxle is narrower, the CV flanges are set in more, allowing for longer axles,
which reduces the CV angles as the suspension works. This reduces wear on
CV's over time. Also, the super large ring gear on an MD4-2D positions the
motor about 2" higher than a Bus Box or 091, and with an S4S it's about
2.75" higher. This higher positioning of the motor in the engine
compartment can help with oil pan ground clearance, otherwise the oil pan can
hang
low to get damaged. |
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Q: Have you ever seen one of your suspension air bags
fail?
A: Out of 2000+ air bags we have sold in sandcars only 3 have been
replaced. Out of those 3, 2 of them were from accidents where traditional
shocks/spring units would have been damaged too. Under normal circumstances air
bags are extremely reliable. You'll even find them in luxury automobiles because
it's the most effective way to provide the plushest ride. |
Q: Do I have to buy everything Funco's B kit, or can I
pick and choose what I need?
A: You can pick and choose the items you want from our kits and we'll
reduce the price accordingly. The kits are a guideline based on the most
popular items that most customers buy. Typically most customers buy the
full kit to minimize the build time. The nut and bolt kits we offer
(highly recommended by shade tree mechanics) saves a load of time shagging all
that little stuff. |
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Q: How do you sell so many sandcars?
A: Most of our cars are sold by word of mouth, from friend to friend, and
it has just kept multiplying. It's only after someone experiences the many
differences in our design that the value of our product becomes
apparent, and this naturally happens among friends. Once you ride in a
Funco and learn the value, it sells itself. Come out to Glamis and let us
take you for a demo. |
Q: If I wanted a traditional shock with coil spring setup, can
I get that on a Funco sandcar?
A: Although our exclusive air ride suspension has proven to work best
for years, a few want
traditional coil spring suspensions. We have a commitment to give the customer whatever they want.
We do offer a coil over spring option for any of our cars, and they are less
expensive. But you do sacrifice handling and easy adjustability of the spring
rate.
The spring rate of an airbag is easily changed by adding or removing
air. This is really handy when you have a big passenger load, or
you want to go jumping some big air. Before you make that decision, you must ride in one of our cars with air
suspension. |
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Q: I noticed you make sandcars for government
applications. How did you get into that?
A: Funco is closely involved with the BLM and Sheriff departments to help
keep people safe in the dunes. When the BLM needed something special we
got together and discussed their needs, which ended up in a sale. From
those early custom cars it has just multiplied from there. We now sell
cars to all kinds of agencies in many states. We welcome custom
work of all kinds. We can design custom cars for almost any off-road purpose.
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Q: How long does it take to have a Funco sandcar made
after I put down the $500 deposit?
A: Generally speaking A and B kits take 10-12wks. Turn-key cars less engine take
14-18wks. And full turnkey cars take 16-24wks. This could vary
either way depending on our workload. Call us for the latest leadtimes.
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Q: Why does your BIG 5 car look so funny?
A: We get this question all the time and we laugh
because our customers love them. BIG 5 owners like the fact they are so recognizable from a distance.
Our BULLET shape is the most unique in the sand. But to directly answer this question, our prime objectives when we
originally
designed the car did not have looks at the top of the
list. Back then the BIG 5 Gen 1 car was the trail
blazer providing long travel
suspension, good handling, safety and ultimate utility. The suspension and steering geometry worked so good
we sold more 5 seat sandcars than anyone else, even with it's unique looks.
It takes just one ride to learn why. When we updated the BIG to our
latest Gen 4 we
worked a little on
the looks, but we primarily worked on suspension and handling, which is the hallmarks of
all Funco cars. The Big5 has ended up to be one of
the best all around cars for pure duning pleasure, whether with family, friends,
or dicing it up with your buddies one on one. Our customers tell us the unique
bullet look of the BIG 5 quickly grows on you, with pride. And now for 2006 we have released the
Hustler 4, with more traditional better looks. For those that like more
conventional lines they should take a look at this car. It's got our
legendary handling with a sleeker look. Besides the looks, the primary
difference between the Big5 and the
Hustler 4 is the ease of entry and exit, with the
Big 5 being easier for kids and women. So if you've owned a traditional
sandrail before, your family will love you for buying a Big 5. But if you want
that sleeker look, check out the Hustler 4.
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