Superlite GTA

[stevenml]

Can't wait to see this. Are you having SL work on this? or are you planning on doing the work/fabrication for the LSx yourself? I want to do something similar but was hoping to leverage off the work Fran was doing on the two V8 cars (and potentially spread the additional cost among other's wanting V8's).

Above is a good question. I would say it is TBD. There is factory support for this as mentioned, but don't know the particulars yet. I will keep you posted. It is my preferred direction but I am open to whats best.

I'm not proficient with setting up shipping from Europe, but there are a bunch on the euro ebay site from 400-900 euro. Not sure how cost effective that is after $conversion/shipping/refurb. Still seems cheaper then 3k.

I agree 100%. I have been watching all the online sites. For myself, it MUST be a FWD 6 speed version. I am still in the "what's cost effective" mode.

My overall goal is 550hp at the crank. This is the primary reason for the FWD 01e Tranny.

 

[Scott Davis]

I kind of like the idea of buying a donor that comes with the engine AND suspension brakes wheels tires...:thumbsup: I was going to replace the tranny anyway. So is an LS3 car worth the extra$$?

I've been looking, its somewhat difficult to find a side/rear impact car that hasn't partially damaged the suspension, but I think it can be done. The only issue is the auctions still go pretty high because theres a lot of money to be made on the part out.

 

[Samuel Blanco]

Does anyone on here have this kit yet?

 

[Scott Davis]

Fran,

How's the V8 modifications coming for the Apex? Is it a lot of work to make it fit?

I was reading somewhere before on some gt40 builds I think that the G50 boxes sit higher then the audi's when bolted up to the LS engine. So the engine has to sit considerably higher to get an appropriate CV angle with the audi box. So...sounds like whatever you come up with will require the G50 equivalent or more modifications for the audi?

 

[Tom]

Is the Apex going to be added to the Superlite site at some point? Just the SLC, LeMans, Nemesis, and Moab are on there.

 

[Justin]

I'm not trying to ding Fran's websites, but you'll find the most up to date information here on this forum.

 

[Scott Davis]

I'm not really sure if the Apex was truly full production ready yet (after the change to VW) which is why it isn't on the website other then the blog and there isn't a brochure. I think Fran is busy with other things like the GT-R. Which is what I would be doing, it seems to have a bigger market so far and he makes much more $$ on it. BUT if they did post a bunch of pics and details of the Apex he'd probably sell a bunch.

 

[Tom]

The GT-R isn't on the site either.

But the Moab is.

 

[Scott Davis]

Probably cause just like the Apex, it's not 100% done yet either. I'm pretty sure nobody has taken delivery of a GT-R yet and :thumbsdown: if they have and not posted pics!!

Moab is awesome but I'd much rather see some details of these other two cars. I don't expect to see too many Moab builds on this website either (maybe on others yes). In my opinion that's a different market (as opposed to kit...even though it is one). I could be wrong.

I hope Fran's new year resolution is to impress everyone with photos and videos of all he's accomplished:laugh:

 

[mike]

Fran,

How's the V8 modifications coming for the Apex? Is it a lot of work to make it fit?

I was reading somewhere before on some gt40 builds I think that the G50 boxes sit higher then the audi's when bolted up to the LS engine. So the engine has to sit considerably higher to get an appropriate CV angle with the audi box. So...sounds like whatever you come up with will require the G50 equivalent or more modifications for the audi?

I think he would have to lower the engine and trans for the G50 box. It's already designed for the Audi trans.

The G50 box is a rear engine box and has to be flipped upside down and slightly modified to work as a mid engine box. Flipping it raises the location where the axles bolt on by several inches on this tranny as compared to the FWD VAG and mid engine Porsche boxes from the Boxster and Cayman.


Happy New Year Y'all. Let's all make 2015 a great one!!!

 

[Scott Davis]

Yep...car is already setup for audi box but for the VW engines. V8 won't fit, so he's modifying to fit LSx + G50. Was just saying if someone then tries to take the modified V8 setup and use Audi box the engine will need to be raised (because the gearbox is not flipped) so more fab and/or clearance issues to think about is all.

Mike did you put down a deposit yet? or anybody else besides these V8 cars? just curious when the expected shipment dates are for Apex - Compared to say the GT-R which number 1&2 for Dean is expected "soon" and number 7 late October.

 

[mike]

Yep...car is already setup for audi box but for the VW engines. V8 won't fit, so he's modifying to fit LSx + G50. Was just saying if someone then tries to take the modified V8 setup and use Audi box the engine will need to be raised (because the gearbox is not flipped) so more fab and/or clearance issues to think about is all.

Mike did you put down a deposit yet? or anybody else besides these V8 cars? just curious when the expected shipment dates are for Apex - Compared to say the GT-R which number 1&2 for Dean is expected "soon" and number 7 late October.

Scott, I misunderstood what you were trying to say.

I haven't put down a deposit yet. Business hasn't gone as planned (does it ever LOL) the last few months, was only able to work 2 weeks since the end of October.

Daughter was in the hospital for a couple weeks in November (much better now), slow freight, Refrigerator crapped out right before Christmas and had to buy and upfit a new truck for hotshotting campers so I'm a wee bit tapped out right now.

Switching from diesel to gas too, but didn't trade my 2004 Dodge dually in case I was wrong. Have heard good things about the new 6.4 Hemi from several at my company that have made the switch. With the price difference per gallon in fuel I can lose 5 mpg average and still make the same money without the extremely high cost of repairing the emissions equipment on these new diesel engines. Watching a service writer hand a guy an $11k repair estimate for nothing but emmissions equipment on one of these new diesels cured me of wanting a new diesel pickup.

The good news is that it has only pushed back my plans for the Apex a few months and it's busy season for us and I have a l have a nice new truck that can help start pounding the money back into my bank account for me.

Hopefully have the registration for the tag transfer in my hands in the next day or two so I can get it leased to my company by the end of the week or early next week. Ideally I'd like to have an Apex in my hands by late summer/early fall when things start to slow down a bit and I have more time to work on it. January through August is usually really busy for us so

 

[stevenml]

We need an Apex build thread. I did purchase a kit. Have already acquired a donor last weekend and have it 95% dismantled. Would be nice to know what others are doing, if anything. I will post some pics of the donor later in the week.

Literally everything is being removed so it can be cleaned up. The entire interior and dash is out. All wiring harnesses removed and engine bay is empty except for some brake lines.

I have built kits before. This is the first time with a donor. I would say there are many benefits using a donor to provide many oem features.

 

[Matt K]

We need an Apex build thread. I did purchase a kit. Have already acquired a donor last weekend and have it 95% dismantled. Would be nice to know what others are doing, if anything. I will post some pics of the donor later in the week.

Literally everything is being removed so it can be cleaned up. The entire interior and dash is out. All wiring harnesses removed and engine bay is empty except for some brake lines.

I have built kits before. This is the first time with a donor. I would say there are many benefits using a donor to provide many oem features.

Awesome. Do you know when your kit is supposed to arrive?

 

[stevenml]

just cleaned up the old firewall/engine compartment. cut away some front end material but waiting for templates before getting closer to shock towers. rear is ready for cutting. rear completely stripped.

dash is out. debating whether to remove everything completely or not from dash. pro would be can clean it up real nice. only thing really left is wiring, ac/heat and ducting. steering held on by 1 bolt. all pedals removed.

she needs a serious interior bath.

i am open t suggestions/opinions on front firewall sound insulation. oem isnt bad.

 

[Scott Davis]

We need an Apex build thread. I did purchase a kit. Have already acquired a donor last weekend and have it 95% dismantled. Would be nice to know what others are doing, if anything.

Congrats on being able to get started!! Did you take a shop tour and were able to see the car or did you make the purchase somewhat blind? As for plans here, to many variables still up in the air. I'm waiting to at least see one completed car (and not just front and side pics). As far as sound deadening are you planning on recarpeting the interior or spraying something like a bed liner or bare? I think dynamat is pretty effective but I was leaning toward spraying a liner. Somewhat depends on your intended use of the car too.

I agree that Fran should start a GTA clubhouse for build threads similar to the SLC...can't wait to follow your build. I'm sure all the gt and slc guys will chime in with plenty of suggestions. The more pics you post the better and more helpful people can be with their suggestions.

Have you put more thought or had further discussion with Fran about your engine/trans selection. I think last you said LS3/O1E which is similar to what I'd like unless it turns out to be too cost prohibitive to fabricate or purchase fabricated by Fran.

 

[stevenml]

Did you take a shop tour and were able to see the car or did you make the purchase somewhat blind?

Have not been to the shop, so, somewhat blind

Have you put more thought or had further discussion with Fran about your engine/trans selection. I think last you said LS3/O1E which is similar to what I'd like unless it turns out to be too cost prohibitive to fabricate or purchase fabricated by Fran.

Still planning on LS3/O1E.

 

[mike]

i am open t suggestions/opinions on front firewall sound insulation. oem isnt bad.

Congrats on the Apex.

Dynamat, Fatmat, Maxmat, Reckhorn ABX or GTmat. I plan to Dynamat as well as new weatherstripping. I want the quiet cabin of these new high end cars.

x3 we need an Apex clubhouse.

 

[stevenml]

The big outstanding question i have is the AC. Heating doesnt appear to be an issue as the radiator will be front mount. now that the engine is in the rear, what about ac components. pain to run tubing from rear to front.

Will have a standalone ecu and harness for the new motor. Electric compressor could be an option, but pricey.

 

[stevenml]

cut, cut, cut...

have a bunch of pics but here are a few getting the donor ready.