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Thread: Making progress on my build...

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  1. #1
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    Making progress on my build...

    I really got started on my GTM build a little over a year ago, some planning occurred before that.
    I knew that the FFR kit was a great basis to build into my ideal car. Initially I thought this would be a few tweaks here and there (dropping the nose, shortening overhangs, improving front airflow, improving driver position/forward visibility, etc), but I kept wanting more.
    This build is not meant to be disrespectful to the FFR GTM design. It is a beautiful car. I simply felt that I PERSONALLY wanted something in the spirit of the GTM but with some personal modifications for comfort, aesthetics, and even a couple areas that I feel will improve performance (both driver and vehicle).
    There have been twists and turns and wasted months along the way. I'm at the point where I am sure of the plan and am inching my way towards that goal.
    Still a lot of work left, but it has become more enjoyable now that I am not going in a bunch of different directions and 'spinning my tires' trying to figure out some tough decisions.
    I'm open to advice and criticism. My day to day occupation has nothing to do with cars, machines, or anything of that sort. I did build a FFR roadster prior to the GTM. I have a passion for cars and am self-taught in this arena.

    I started simple, removing a few pieces that didn't fit my build plan.





    Then I decided the footbox had to be moved, so I cut out the pedal box.



    Things got serious when I removed the roll cage



    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by beeman; 01-18-2017 at 09:56 PM.
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  2. #2
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    The concept was to keep the GTM chassis but find a suitable OEM donor cabin. OEM windshield, OEM quality side windows that seal when you roll them up. And some way to drop the top on sunny days.
    I wasted a lot of time going back and forth between the 2nd generation MR2 with t-tops and an 03 Celica with a power moonroof. Both had sleek designs but both had flaws when applied to this project.









    Last edited by beeman; 01-18-2017 at 09:55 PM.
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  3. #3
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    I had to move the foot box forward and create a new firewall. I utilized 1/8" steel plate for the firewall. I incorporated modified Toyota pedals, converted from OEM hanging style to floor mounted. Utilizing C5 Corvette brake booster/master cylinder, Toyota 5/8" clutch master cylinder, Corvette fly by wire gas pedal converted to floor mounted. Driver footbox extended with sheetmetal into tunnel area, cooling lines will run outside the car similar to the 818.





    Clutch pedal converted to floor mount





    Corvette booster with shortened piston rod, fashioned a 1/2" aluminum spacer.



    Last edited by beeman; 01-19-2017 at 08:17 AM.
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  4. Likes Jkviper liked this post
  5. #4
    Senior Member Jkviper's Avatar
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    Nice job on the brake booster, also enjoying reading through your build thread.

  6. #5
    Senior Member Jkviper's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by beeman View Post
    I had to move the foot box forward and create a new firewall. I utilized 1/8" steel plate for the firewall. I incorporated modified Toyota pedals, converted from OEM hanging style to floor mounted. Utilizing C5 Corvette brake booster/master cylinder, Toyota 5/8" clutch master cylinder, Corvette fly by wire gas pedal converted to floor mounted. Driver footbox extended with sheetmetal into tunnel area, cooling lines will run outside the car similar to the 818.





    Clutch pedal converted to floor mount





    Corvette booster with shortened piston rod, fashioned a 1/2" aluminum spacer.



    Dave,

    What are your thoughts on adjusting brake bias? You and I have a similar setup to our mid engine kits and I am not sure if I will need to add a proportioning valve to either the front or the rear brakes or both to dial it in. Curious what you are thinking.

    Thanks,

    Joel

  7. #6
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    Pedals moved quite a bit forward, but remain well behind front axle line. Borrowed some space from within the rear lower control arm mount ears for the clutch pedal mount.



    Booster looks crooked, but is in line with driver right foot axis.



    Game of millimeters!



    Plenty of room for my size 13's. Floor chassis rail between the brake and clutch is in a great location, not even noticed in driving position.

    Last edited by beeman; 01-19-2017 at 08:20 AM.
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  8. #7
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    Finally bought a tube bender this past August, should have bought it sooner.



    In August, I found a donor that finally worked. Lightweight aluminum targa roof. More ideal side windows for the shape of the planned doors. Easy transition from roof to rear end.

    Last edited by beeman; 01-19-2017 at 08:24 AM.
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  9. #8
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    In October, had the donor parts off the donor chassis and began fitting them to the GTM chassis. I eventually would get the alignment perfect.









    Difference in B-pillar location, 15" forward. Rear bodywork is slid back to get it out of the way, pay no attention to it.



    Began to build up the roll cage.

    Last edited by beeman; 01-19-2017 at 08:28 AM.
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  10. #9
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    I had issues with the stock GTM roll cage being right next to the side of my head in the driving position, I'm 6'3". That really bothered me, I think my head would have exploded if I got T-boned.
    I decided to do something like the Ultima GTR roof structure.



    11-13-2016
    I designed the upper bars to curve up into the targa top recess for even more headroom.



    11-18-2016
    To aid in triangulation, I designed the bars to diverge 16" (8" each side) from back to front



    In driving position, I don't believe there is any way - even trying - for my head (even with a helmet) to hit the roll cage.



    12-03-2016
    After building the cage from DOM tubing, I prepared the chassis with tack welds to be delivered to a fabrication shop for safe welding of the structure. The shop I used builds and races tube frame Mustangs. Additional triangulation is planned for the future.

    Last edited by beeman; 01-19-2017 at 11:57 AM.
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  11. #10
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    01-01-2017
    Dropped the chassis off at the fabricator the week before Christmas, got it back the week after Christmas.
    Made little pieces of the puzzle with the chop saw/notcher/grinder to tie donor parts into the roll cage. A little tedious but I love this crap.





    01-07-2017
    One challenge was tying the rear GTM bodywork into the donor cabin structure. Decided to hinge the rear hatch at the level of the back edge of the targa seal. All metal bodywork has been removed from the rear and sides of the b-pillar structure, deep unibody left on sides to tie the side/rear GTM fiberglass into.



    Last edited by beeman; 01-19-2017 at 11:55 AM.
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  12. #11
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    01-12-2017
    Here is the welded chassis after an etch prime, you can see the body tie-ins for the windshield and roof structures.





    01-13-2017
    Donor parts welded on for good.

    Last edited by beeman; 01-19-2017 at 11:28 AM.
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  13. #12
    Senior Member The Stig's Avatar
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    Whoa...! And you thought I was holding back information...

    This will be fun to follow.

    Mike
    The Stig

    Some say, that I only know two facts about ducks, (both being wrong); and that if I could be bothered, I could solve the "da Vinci Code" in 47 seconds...
    All I know is that I'm called "The Stig".
    GTM #0081

  14. #13
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    01-14-2017
    Took her in for an initial alignment. Didn't want to touch the body work until I knew where the wheels should be.





    No brakes yet. Couldn't get an accurate caster reading without ability to lock the front brakes! So we went with the maximum caster that the components allowed, will have to recheck that in the future.



    I like the stance, about 4.5" front, 5 1/8" rear. May play with that a little when completed.

    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  15. #14
    Senior Member dallas_'s Avatar
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    Good progress, keep posting!
    FFR 7123 tilt front, Levy 5link/wilwoods/LCA's, webers.
    SL-C, LS3 525, Mendeola SDR5,

  16. #15
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    I think you will find range of motion an issue on those...unless you don't tighten the through bolts down and let the inners rotate on the bolts.
    www.myraceshop.com

    GTM solution kits
    Corvette and Race parts

  17. #16
    Senior Member dallas_'s Avatar
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    Hey, I used a little cutoff wheel for that.
    FFR 7123 tilt front, Levy 5link/wilwoods/LCA's, webers.
    SL-C, LS3 525, Mendeola SDR5,

  18. #17
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by dallas_ View Post
    Hey, I used a little cutoff wheel for that.
    You apparently have a lot more patience (and probably finesse) than me!
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  19. #18
    Senior Member dallas_'s Avatar
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    Wow, that is a significant difference.

    Nothing your sawzall can't handle.
    FFR 7123 tilt front, Levy 5link/wilwoods/LCA's, webers.
    SL-C, LS3 525, Mendeola SDR5,

  20. #19
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    Love it, this is one heck of project! a lot of people have made GTM's with their own style but this will hopefully push creativity for future builders. Cant wait to see how close it ends up to your rendering.

  21. #20
    Senior Member Gromit's Avatar
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    A most ambitious project for sure.. What winshield Glass and targa top donor did you end up with ?
    I can definitely see the targa as a cool option for a GTM. of course I need to be careful and not say it to many times... according to Wikipedia The term was first used on the 1966 Porsche 911 Targa, and it remains a registered trademark of Porsche AG. So I won't say it again... well maybe

    Targa very cool indeed.

    Chris AKA Gromit

  22. #21
    Senior Member dallas_'s Avatar
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    Interesting. Might help to see what you plan for headlights.
    What is that fascia from?
    FFR 7123 tilt front, Levy 5link/wilwoods/LCA's, webers.
    SL-C, LS3 525, Mendeola SDR5,

  23. #22
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    based on color and styling my guess is the Honda Del Sol

    Brett

  24. #23
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    Yep, Del Sol it is. Featherweight, aluminum roof, narrow cockpit. Cabin tilted back about 2 degrees compared to stock del sol.
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  25. #24
    Senior Member dallas_'s Avatar
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    Very cool!
    I wish all your photos were showing up. Many just show as a X (at least for me).
    FFR 7123 tilt front, Levy 5link/wilwoods/LCA's, webers.
    SL-C, LS3 525, Mendeola SDR5,

  26. #25
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    Love the targa!

  27. #26
    Senior Member dallas_'s Avatar
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    I think whichever front clip you go with, you'll make it look great.
    There are things about both that I like, such as the vertical slits at the front wheels on the original clip.

    By the way, the roadster looks fantastic!
    FFR 7123 tilt front, Levy 5link/wilwoods/LCA's, webers.
    SL-C, LS3 525, Mendeola SDR5,

  28. #27
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    Anyone else having trouble seeing the pictures?
    Working on the interior.. Not quite plug and play!



    Nothing is off the table, this may help me with shrinking the front end. I will probably modify the intakes if it is incorporated.

    Last edited by beeman; 01-07-2021 at 06:56 AM.
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  29. #28
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    I can see them!

    What's the nose from? Almost looks RX-7ish? A little tall maybe for that.
    www.myraceshop.com

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  30. #29
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    Actually MR2 spyder. About 6" shorter than GTM fascia believe it or not. I understand the GTM design harks back to the original GT40, so I understand the long nose. Just looking for something different. Goal is not just appearance, but also better forward visibility.

    Key goal all along has been forward visibility. I have achieved this. You can see where the tires are, will obviously have fenders above them, but central hood will remain low and sloping. Gauge cluster will reside in same housing with different gauges and indicators.



    Now that I have the dash location, I need to find a home for this guy...

    Last edited by beeman; 01-20-2017 at 01:01 PM.
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  31. #30
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    Those electric PS units, while fine for street applications, tend to have overheating issues on the race track. Just a heads up.
    www.myraceshop.com

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  32. #31
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    I had not heard that... Is that even with the assist dialed way down? I plan to track it 2-3 times a year for high-performance driving, not wheel-to-wheel.. it is the GM unit from The Vue / torrent. I would have the ability to turn it completely off without much increased resistance if that would help protect it on the track.
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  33. #32
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    My experiences are with two competitors that had them and both experienced issues that made the cars undrivable. They put cooling fins and dedicated air cooling ducts to them and the issues seemed to go away, but I thought I would mention it as a heads up. From talking to them it sounds like something gets hot, expands, and then locks the steering. Not fun at speed. I think they were using the Unisteer and/or the Flaming River units.
    www.myraceshop.com

    GTM solution kits
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  34. #33
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    Unrelated update, got my roadster back from the painter this morning, I absolutely love it!! And right on budget (plus a nice tip of course)!
    Porsche Mexico Blue, baby!!

    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  35. Likes RR46 liked this post
  36. #34

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    RoadRacer's Avatar
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    This GTM is the best build I've seen here - well done. I've done some wacky things like this in the past - round tube frame under a 'glass 55 chevy with 383 sbc - I love the one-off's where you're making it how you like it.

    BTW, the roofline/glass of the GTM is the only reason I don't like it - this is MUCH prettier imo. Very impressed.

  37. #35
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    Classy color choices on the Roadster Beeman!

  38. #36
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    Bee-

    I like the roadster color choices! The GTM is amazing! Mad skills to be sure!!

    I have deep respect for those that have the vision and skills to do work like you are doing.

    I look forward to following along; awesome stuff!!

    Regards,

    Steve

  39. #37
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    Appreciate the kind words, guys!
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  40. #38
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    Here is where this donor chassis is really cooperative. The split side window gives me critical emptiness in the forward/lower door to allow for me to push the cab way forward. Most cars have window tracks that extend all the way down to the lower front corner of the door. Big reason I abandoned the other 2 chassis. Love the squeaky tight seal so far!



    Last edited by beeman; 01-22-2017 at 04:28 PM.
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  41. #39
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    Airtight side windows and cabin... It's glorious!



    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  42. #40
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    I've been looking at many options for hinging the door. Standard front hinges are not an option obviously, I'd have to mount them to the front wheel. Universal Lambo door hinges also reside in the typical front fender area. My best options would be butterfly style hinges vs suicide hinges, and I'm not really interested in suicide doors. I have looked at OEM options including McLaren. They are a little complex but do-able, and tuck under the base of the A-pillar essentially.
    One option I recently stumbled upon are the hinges on the Le Mans Ford GT. Certainly not something you'd find on a high $$ factory car, I'm pretty sure the factory Ford GT does not have these simple hinges. But they are perfect for a car like mine. And I actually like the simple, utilitarian design. It should be as simple as getting the geometry right, the axis of the hinge appears to be just out of line with the slope of the A-pillar. The Ford GT design looks like it slides on and off with a couple retaining pins. Let me know if you guys have any ideas for the hinge interface, I don't even think there are bearings on this design?



    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

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