When we left him the last time, our Hero (I’m taking a little poetic license here) was faced with the daunting task of assembling the new race car. I must confess, for some unknown reason I seem to be much more adept at dis-assembling things than re-assembling them. (Maybe I’ve found my niche). Regardless, I’ve never let anything as trivial as total ignorance or lack of planning stand in MY way, so I did what any Professional Automotive Service Provider would do... I had one of my employees to do the grunt work.
I’m a great “this goes here, that goes there” man, so I supervised/instructed/assisted with most of the build-up. The chassis went together without incident. I am using 38mm front torsion bars, up from 24.5mm stock bars. They are a bit too stiff for a car without aerodynamic aids which makes the car very difficult to drive in the rain since it is just too stiff, but no suitable alternative is available at present. The rear spring rates were uprated to balance the fronts and to help give the car a more neutral handling characteristic, rather than the abundant understeer present in stock GTV-6’s. This setup, along with a specially aligned DeDion tube in the rear gave my previous race car a very good feel.
Koni racing shocks are used all around, but they are not stiff enough to handle the spring rates so a change here is imminent. The rear sway bar is from Shankle but the front is stock, again to try to control understeer. A specially built 4.10 limited slip transaxde was fitted along with a (hopefully) very healthy motor. I treated myself to a set of nickel-plated Shankle headers just ‘cause they’re cool, and a K&N-style induction replaces the stock air box. A modified ECU and airflow meter round out the trick engine mods, actual track testing will determine whether they live up to their claims or not. If I were a betting man, my money would be on “or not.”
The interior was stripped using a sophisticated technique known as “sanding the s**t out of it.” The sound-proofing tar used throughout the interior is more clingy that a codependent girlfriend, and just like the girlfriend, it shows up in the darnest places. Trust me.... I know. Imron light blue paint covers the floor and interior roof, a racing seat and 5-point racing harness keep me in place, and a full 8-point roll cage adds a substantial measure of safety and chassis stiffening (as well as 120 lbs.)! A fire extinguisher system and window net complete the safety requirements, and a Momo steering wheel adds the finishing touch to the interior.
The next step is to paint the car black, which will be augmented with bright blue designs. Then the installation of bumpers, spoilers, and other trim pieces should finish the body. Racing wheels and tires will complete the car, although at this time I still haven’t decide which tires to go with.
Oh yeah, then I have to start the engine. After sitting for several years, I’m not sure what to expect. Obviously, I’m hoping for the best.
I’m still aiming for a Spring Fling debut, and although I doubt the car will be completed by then, if it runs, we’ll be there. Maybe minus a few body parts. And a paint job. Don’t know what I’ll do about wheels ‘n tires... not to mention license plates. But hey, since uncertainty of the future is am Alfisti prerequisite, and I have personally elevated the concept of “lack of planning” to new heights, what am I worried about? I’m there!