<< Prev Page 2 of 2 For most March customers, the purpose-built Cosworth DFX V8 was the engine of choice. Displacing just over 2.6 litre, it was fitted with a single turbocharger and produced around 720 bhp. An alternative was the Buick V6 engine, which was allowed to run with a larger displacement due to its stock block roots. Accordingly, it was more powerful than the DFX but also rarely made it to the finish in one piece. Regardless of the engine used, a Hewland five-speed gearbox was fitted.
Once again most teams opted to run March chassis and even Penske acquired a couple of 86Cs as back-ups for their own but troublesome Ilmor/Chevrolet cars. Bobby Rahal scored six wins out 17 attempts with his Newey-engineered Truesports March 86C Cosworth, including the all-important Indy 500. Three wins and a very consistent season earned Michael Andretti second in the standings with his Kraco March, and Penske's Rick Mears was third, usually driving one of the teams 86Cs. The 86C won all but the last round in 1986.
The new rules that came into effect in 1986 were set in stone until 1989, so relatively few changes were needed for 1987. March nevertheless produced the 87C, which was an improvement in detail only. In fact the Indy 500 that year was won by Al Unser Sr. in one of Penske's March 86C Cosworths. With a perfect record until the final round of the 1986 and a stunning 38 examples built, the March 86C still ranks as one of the most successful Indy racers of all time. << Prev Page 2 of 2
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For most March customers, the purpose-built Cosworth DFX V8 was the engine of choice. Displacing just over 2.6 litre, it was fitted with a single turbocharger and produced around 720 bhp. An alternative was the Buick V6 engine, which was allowed to run with a larger displacement due to its stock block roots. Accordingly, it was more powerful than the DFX but also rarely made it to the finish in one piece. Regardless of the engine used, a Hewland five-speed gearbox was fitted.