What did you do on your GTM today?

[Edgeman]

I have the exhaust holes cut out also will do the air intakes in front of the wheels and then the body will be going back on the car. Also have a new toy, traded my Dad Lathes they say bigger is better.
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Went for a test drive and had my first incident, had the steering wheel up when I was turning and caught my finger on the roll bar. Now I have a bruised finger ouch!!!
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[Kalstar]

Went back to the scale today. I filled the tanks as much as I could (took 12 gallons) I would say it holds 16 gallions or about 98 lbs+/- of fuel. Topped off all of the fluids and loaded all the parts I have yet to install on the passanger floor (except the belly pan) things like the wiper and arm, the catch can, interior door pull rods and floor matts. The fully loaded weight came in at 2440. I could find about 55lbs in weight I could have saved if I went with no sound proofer, lightweight battery, no A/C, no radio or speakers, no Vraptor parts and no body mods, but it would not be as nice. The last time I put the GTM on the scale I had almost no gas (infact ran out of gas on the dyno) and the interior was not fully done nor was the extra parts placed in the car. That weight came in at 2247.

Now that I know the completed weight and the Dyno HP the final ratio is 5.92-1 (supercar ratio for sure). Just proves again that when F5R quoted the 2350lbs for their black GTM it was entirely possible (as long as it did not have full gas tanks). They said 2350 and under 40K I can prove both can be done, now for the 300hrs to build (sorry Charlie).

[VD2021]

Progress has been slow, but I managed to complete the install of my markers.

[The Stig]

That's looking nice Vidal. Great work!

[VD2021]

That's looking nice Vidal. Great work!

Thanks Mike. They were a bit more work than I anticipated, because they are not flat, but I'm pleased with the results.

[Kalstar]

Thanks Mike. They were a bit more work than I anticipated, because they are not flat, but I'm pleased with the results.

You Ot'ta be, looks fantastic.

[VD2021]

You Ot'ta be, looks fantastic.

Thanks, J. When do we get the see the interior/uphostry pics?

[Kalstar]

Thanks, J. When do we get the see the interior/uphostry pics?

That is a good question, hard to get the right angle to show the interior without detail bits and pieces missing. It is the detail that really makes it pop.

I am really looking forward to viewing your finished product, lots of "different" was put into your car and your time spent will be very well recieved by everyone that can appreciate what you have created.

[Fraser D]

Took my new temp tags for a spin around town.
Far from complete but at least now I can have a little pleasure with the pain :-)

[VD2021]

Took my new temp tags for a spin around town.
Far from complete but at least now I can have a little pleasure with the pain :-)

Congrats Dave.

[kabacj]

Took my new temp tags for a spin around town.
Far from complete but at least now I can have a little pleasure with the pain :-)

Awesome Dave! How did the first drive go? Did you answer what is that 10 times?

Great job.

John

[LCD Gauges]

Lovin' all the body mods Dave! I think we'll be putting you in the Top 5 unique builds.

[Fraser D]

Thanks for the props guys!
I still need to add the side window scoops, exhaust cut outs and finish off the rear hatch before I am done with the body mods.
It was not quite 10 times as it was just a quick drive but it really draws attention. It was actually hard to change lanes due to being constantly surrounded by folks wanting to look at the car with their cell phones out of their windows.

[VD2021]

1/8" ABS added to the top of the RH side door panel. One down one to go.

[Fraser D]

No video this weekend unfortunately.
Realized that the adhesive I used on the radiator intake mesh has a 24hr cure so that killed my play time this afternoon.
I did spend Saturday getting an alignment and the windshield installed.
Almost 50 miles in the heat of the day in Houston traffic, (no toll tag so no freeway) with no radiator fans and no wheel well vent slots cut, (they were cut out today)...... max temp was 200 deg F.
I am playing with the exhaust tip opening and it still needs a little tweaking.
Engine gets a tune tomorrow afternoon as it is running very fat right now.
My first track day is this Wednesday @ MSR so I am both big time excited as well as nervous as hell. I have a sprint car and drag racing background so this turning both left and right on asphalt is kinda new to me.
This thing is crazy quick and I am yet to get serious with the right pedal.
I can't wait to get comfortable with the car and get it dialed in....

[Edgeman]

I put the rear wing on that I purchased from Thomas142 and installed the hood latches.
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[Edgeman]

Lights installed/fog light with Shane's brackets , along with the roll bar cover and wiper motor and blade.
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[fact5racer]

I spent hours on my knees today Praying that my car gets painted this week so I have the upcoming three day weekend to attack it's final assembly! Bodyshop promised me to have it done by the 10th. The 10th of August that is. It's in primer now and being sealed tomorrow (he says), Sherwin Williams is mixing and delivering my paint tomorrow along with 2 gallons of clear. Then the five colors and three coats of clear starts on Tuesday. Dry , wet sand, then 3 more coats of clear, and I pray it will be done by Friday. Looks like I may have to start leaving work at noon for a few days after it arrives home to get a jump on it.

If any New Englanders get bored and want to jump in and lend a hand I would be glad to see you.

[Fraser D]

After putting about 600 miles on the car it’s time to clean up the drive line, install all close out panels and take care of heat insulation. I was presently surprised at how many of the modifications worked well and even more surprised and how few didn’t.
The turbo combination which brings the power on later in the RPM range works great for where I am right now.
The split front radiator modification is working better than expected regarding heat dissipation with the additional air in the wheel well not presenting any issues yet up to 160mph.
The power train as run was the same engine out of the 2k C5 donor with 60k miles with just an intake and injector upgrade along with a tune.
The transaxle is a G50-20 out of a salvage that was simply inverted and given an oil change with the same clutch reused.
That stock combination is easily running a smidge over 500 WRHP @ 5psi boost with a vacuum leak and a crappy throttle position sensor.
Engine Upgrades while the driveline is removed;
• Turbo cam
• High volume oil pump
• Valve springs
• Push rods
• Con rod bolts
Transaxle Upgrades;
• Billet side plate
I am keeping the stock clutch for now as it is showing no adverse ware at all.
With the upgrades my goal is to tune up to 650RWHP while remaining at 5psi boost but the boost may have to come up just a touch.
I was a little surprised at how much dirt and crap is covering the engine bay in such a short period of time. The car does not have any close out panels installed so I did expect some.
When the drive line goes back in the car will be registered with formal plates.

[VD2021]

Bump

[mikespms]

Hey Vidal,
Started making the rollbar covers
photo (8).JPG

[VD2021]

Mike,

Looks like there is a lot or build work happening in your shop.

[mikespms]

Been working on that side of the car fitting the glove box and dash pad making it so that it can be removed with out having to take the whole interior apart and a bracket to secure the corner of the dash pad and the close out panel between the dash and door post. Have all the tools and pieces laid out on the floor,an organized mess.

[Fraser D]

Hey Vidal,
Started making the rollbar covers
photo (8).JPG

Mike,
What material are you using to make the roll bar cover profile?
Florist foam?

[LCD Gauges]

No pics from me, but I purchased some flexible sanding blocks, and started hitting the back end. Also worked on the driver door internals (cleaning, and priming the brace).

Mike, you'll have to make me a set of roll-bar covers too. My birthday is coming up. Hint, hint.

[Fraser D]

All that I have managed to do the last two + weeks is wait on parts.
Transaxle billet side plate turned up today, (thanks Erik).
I am not sure if I should put it in a frame and hang it on the wall as art or bolt it onto my transaxle so that I can pull a couple more ponies reliably through it.
More Power!!!!

[mikespms]

Hi Dave,

It is a 1/2" closed cell polyurethane marine foam, is going to be covered with 1/4" foam backing and covered with head liner material. It is soft to protect my head from hitting the roll bar when I get in and out of the car.

[VD2021]

All that I have managed to do the last two + weeks is wait on parts.
Transaxle billet side plate turned up today, (thanks Erik).
I am not sure if I should put it in a frame and hang it on the wall as art or bolt it onto my transaxle so that I can pull a couple more ponies reliably through it.
More Power!!!!

Wow, Dave. That is a beautiful piece.

[Fraser D]

Wow, Dave. That is a beautiful piece.

I am thinking about clear anodizing it rather than black.

[Fraser D]

Hi Dave,

It is a 1/2" closed cell polyurethane marine foam, is going to be covered with 1/4" foam backing and covered with head liner material. It is soft to protect my head from hitting the roll bar when I get in and out of the car.

Thanks Mike, I like the way that your headed.

[Edgeman]

I have been working on the diffuser and really did not like the small spacers that Factory Five supplied. I started to machine some out of aluminum but the stock that I was using was 5/8" I think that it was just to big. I started to machine them down then realised that I had some 1/2" stainless tubing (.049 wall thickness). I cut them to 3 3/4' and installed them. I used the Factory Five ones as an insert, worked perfect.

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[VD2021]

Working on the exhaust system.

-Welded on an o2 bung for a wide band.
-2000 degree flat after some light sanding and cleaning.
-DEI header wrap.
-DEI silicone spray.

[dhanisch]

Put in Shane's diffuser louvers.

I did not take the precautions for working with and cutting carbon fiber. I'm paying for it...

[Hdale85]

I worked on and drove the car for about a year and put on about a 1000 miles before pulling it apart for paint. So I'm pretty confident we'll be happy with the long term durability of this window. And if it does get beat up I'm only into it about $200. I'll replace it with a fresh one. I have a great pattern. I knew a long time ago that the back glass that came with the kit was never going to make me happy. It's the one area I really have a problem with. Body fitment is just one of those things that can make me feel really good if it's right and ruin my day if it's off. Once I figured I was never going to have a fit with the stock glass I decided to go with a polycarbonate window. I went down to the local hardware store, bought a 4X4 piece of 1/8" Lexan, laid it over the stock window as a pattern. Cut it out with a jigsaw, filed and sanded until I got the shape right and temporarily glued it in place for a year to see what engine temp and normal wear and tear would do. I also did some work to the rear hatch to make it match the shape of the body - 3/16" (final glass thickness). I'm sorry I don't have some better pictures, but look at the upper edge of the hatch and see how I had to add almost 1/2" to the center of the area that is closest to the body. If you can build up the hatch to match the body shape when you install the poly window it will take that perfect body shape. I think its important that you block and finish the new FG work because if it's wavy you're poly window will take that shape and you'll have waves in your glass.
After I painted the car I ordered a piece of polycarbonate 3/16" Hard faced on both sides from Mc Master Carr. I used the old window as a template and cut, filed and polished the edges of the new window. Then I cut the black out mask and found out how hard the hard facing really is. I wanted to sand the area I was going to spray black but it was too hard to sand. I wound up using a sanding sponge and even that did not do a great job. A light glass bead blasting would probably be best. I just sanded it as best I could and sprayed it black on the inside. Then on the first 105 degree day I put the window in the sun to soften it while I applied a liberal bead of window adhesive to the hatch. After the window was good and hot I put it in place and Gorilla taped the side edges down and let it sit over night. Next day pulled of the mask and Gorilla tape and cleaned the window with Liquid glass and a Microfiber wiping towel. The hard faced Polycarbonate is what they make safety glasses out of so it's extremely scratch resistant and I can vouch for that. I don't think I would try cleaning it with newspaper, but I have no problem rubbing it with a clean Microfiber towel. The 3/16 thickness and the natural curve make the window very strong and yes if you push hard enough in the middle you can deflect it. But it is crystal clear without any distortion. It's not like the headlight covers.

One other thing I did was reinforce the window frame because I suspect the stock glass is uses as a stiffener. I wont be able to use the stock lifting shocks because between the wing and rear louvers the hatch is pretty heavy.

Mike,
this is something you could do to your car without having to do any repaint work. Then after a couple years and a few thousand miles of road rash you could always pull this window out and have your body reshaped to the stock glass and then repaint. The problem is I didn't think I could make the stock glass fit the body and look right for for our car period. And I'm not afraid of a little body work.

And finally Polycarbonate is what they make bullet proof glass from so you are safe from bullets from the rear!

I know this is an older post but I just have to say that hatch fitment you took pics of is terrible! Had no idea it was so bad on this kit.

[sk7500]

Took the GTM out for a ride today. Went to pick up my dad who was a major help in getting this project done, but the opportunity has never happened where I could take him for a ride. He's 77 and I was pretty sure he could get in but I figured the getting out part would be the challenge. But he was willing to try it. So off we go. I took him on a couple 0 - 100 blasts and then just some cruising around. With a big ole grin on his face he said "you need to drive this car more. You seem to need some practice with throttle control". I learned a long time ago, Dads always right.

[The Stig]

Steve,

This is without a doubt one of the coolest posts that I've seen on the forum in quite some time. Thanks for sharing.

Mike

[Fraser D]

The engine is almost ready to go back in.
From a stock LS1 long block a few bits have been upgraded to help things live a little longer.
New high volume oil pump, rod bolts, push rods, valve springs and a turbo cam.
The goal is to bump up the tune from 507rwhp to around 600-650rwhp.
My new clutch that I was going to order turned into a new washing machine during the week so it will be a couple more weeks before I am driving again. Gotta keep the boss happy :-)

[WIS89]

Now THIS is a great day! Glad you and your Dad could get out there and have a good time with your car.

Thanks for putting a smile on my face!

Regards,

Steve

Took the GTM out for a ride today. Went to pick up my dad who was a major help in getting this project done, but the opportunity has never happened where I could take him for a ride. He's 77 and I was pretty sure he could get in but I figured the getting out part would be the challenge. But he was willing to try it. So off we go. I took him on a couple 0 - 100 blasts and then just some cruising around. With a big ole grin on his face he said "you need to drive this car more. You seem to need some practice with throttle control". I learned a long time ago, Dads always right.

[RumRunner]

Today I finally got to give Ron (Presto51) a ride in my GTM (you know, the one he spent the last 3 years helping me build, the one he painted, the one he didn't allow me to cut any corners on). We did a short 35 mile drive, some highway, some backroad. It was my first time on the highway, and at least up to 100mph, the car is rock solid. Steering feels precise and calm - nothing twitchy, nothing scary. No shaking, no rattling, no air coming in around the windows. All good. I'm still in the engine break in period, so with Ron I did my five 2000-4000 rpm half-throttle accelerations, and then a few WOT up to 4000 rpm. Brutal acceleration. Even had my Race Logic traction control kick in twice - once on a straight acceleration in 2nd gear, and once coming out of a turn as I hit the go pedal.

On the highway, in 20 degree weather, I had two kids roll their window down to stick out their "thumbs up" for me. Poor kids probably got frostbite! Also had four other cars match me for a bit while they took photos.

Hoping to finish my Maryland safety inspection tomorrow, and I'll be fully official (driving on a temporary registration now).

Hope everyone has a good Thanksgiving!

-Michael

[Edgeman]

Michael,

Great to here that the car has come together as you wanted it. Congrats on what will be hours and hours of fun driving, post some more pictures or videos. Thanks for your help over the last few years, also. I have a firm date on getting mine painted ( Jan 14, 2014) I have set June 30 as my completion date.