Big 5 Gen V

 

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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

 

 

Why do we call it the BIG 5?  

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Hauls up to 5 people             

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It's BIG on suspension

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It's BIG on comfort

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It's BIG on utility

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It's BIG on safety

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It's BIG on durability

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It's REALLY BIG on handling

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It's BIG on looks!

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It's got BIG 17" tires!

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It's BIG on pure duning fun for all passengers

Gen 5 PRICING


CLICK HERE for detailed pictures of this car

The Ultimate Duning Machine.

Yes, we've taken the Big 5 to the next level. If you thought the Gen 4 was awesome, wait till you check out this new design.  This baby sits a taste higher off the ground using the new 17" wheels, front and rear. It also has new full width dash to mount almost anything you'd need in your car with easy access and wiring options.  It's full of new features, but retains the legendary handling of the Big 5, that's something Funco won't sacrifice in any model we produce.  The first time you drive your new Gen 5 it will feel natural and grow on you like it's part of your body.  It responds to your steering input better than anything else in the dunes, that's our reputation. And stopping the new Gen 5 is quick and easy with four wheel disk brakes.

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Gen V features:

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19" travel in front, 20" travel in rear (2" higher ride height than Gen IV)

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17" wheels front and rear.  Square profile 17" paddles for easy sliding

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Optional Billet A-arms

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New full width dash, capable of holding gauges, radios, intercom, and GPS

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117 to 123" wheelbase, front wheel width (84"), rear (92.5"), fits in most 102" OD trailers

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Super duty rack and pinion unit, custom by Funco

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15 gal gas tank with gas gauge sending unit

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Front disc brakes standard, special Funco units

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Heavy Duty spindles and steering rod ends

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3 panel billet rear view mirror (optional panel for passenger)

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Mid-board hubs, brakes are inside rear wheels to all longer 32" axles

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Awesome handling, the best you'll ever drive through the dunes

The Gen 5 offers new motor and transmission option from the most popular Subaru 4 cylinder to the brute force of a super charged V8 (kit form only).  With new smog regulation for turn-key cars call us to find out the latest available motors. Whatever motor you end up getting we can hookup the appropriate transaxle to put the power to the ground, reliably.  Mendeola, Albins or Fortin, whichever you want. 

The Gen 5 has added the latest technology in tire size to add a little more ground clearance.  This was done without affecting the center of gravity, which is one of the secrets to the handling of a Funco car.  The center of gravity is based on the center of the axle, not the height of the weigh.  So adding bigger wheels doesn't affect center of gravity as much as some think.  Adding a couple more inches of ground clearance lets the longer travel suspension of the Gen 5 work better without the risk of scooping the sand on irregular dune shapes.  

The shorter wheelbase, unique long travel air suspension, and "cab forward" weight distribution are the secrets that make up the superb (please don't tell our competition) handling of the BIG 5.  It's new front end shape departs from the legendary bullet shape, adding a sleeker look to the design without affecting the triangulation integrity that's mandatory for reliability and a crack free life.

If you're trying to decide between the Gen 4 and the Gen 5 that can be tough decision.  If you're one of those that want the best, the Gen 5 is the car.  If you'd like to save a little money and don't expect the need for a radio and intercom, maybe the Gen 4 is right for you.  Both handle the same, they just look a little different.

Facts about air suspension:

Air bags have been around for many years and are very reliable in suspension applications.  Technically known as "AIR SPRINGS", most people call them "Air Bags" because they look somewhat like a small bag when you see them.  Air bags used by Funco are made by Firestone, the leaders in air bag suspension components.  These air bags should not to be confused with the air bags in cars which deploy upon frontal impact, that's a totally different kind of air bag, and you won't find those in sandrails, yet!

The smooth ride from an air bag suspension is legendary.  You'll find air bags in Lincoln, Mercedes, and Ford, not to mention most buses and many truck trailers.  In addition to a smooth ride, an important attribute from air bag suspension is the highly progressive spring rates, the result of compressing the air inside the bag.  This progressive rate  reduces the chances of your shock bottoming out when you make a driving mistake. 

One of the key advantages of our exclusive air bag setup is the ability to adjust the spring rate by simply adding air to the bags.  Let's say you usually haul around 2 kids in the back seats and now you want to take two big adults for a 4hr ride.  Instead of having to drive slower to prevent the shocks from bottoming out like you'll find with coil spring shocks, you can quickly add a few pounds of air to the rear bags, then put the pedal to the metal. You don't have to change your driving habits anymore just because you have more weight.  And.... do you know how many sandrails drive around for years with the wrong spring rates, simply because of the cost and hassle of swapping out the springs?  Yes, air suspension offer an incredible flexibility to your car's handling characteristics, allowing the car to perform regardless of occupancy or driving style.  Lets say you want to do some serious jumping.... just add some air...... specific to your goals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Features

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Exclusive long travel air suspension

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Full 4130 Chromoly frame and suspension

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Unmatched steering geometry and handling performance

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Upright seating for the best view and comfortable ride

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Roomy interior, Beard seats with choice of fabric & colors