Ok, I know there are several "newbie" threads looking for info on building an SL-C. This thread is similar, but different, I hope. I have done extensive research for a GTM build, which also includes a very detailed parts/price list unique to my build desires. Based on that experience, and what I have been able to pull from these forums, several of my questions have been answered. However, not all of them were answered so I will try to make my questions as specific (and not as repetitive) as I can.
The purpose of the car is a street car, with all of the creature comforts of a street car, that can be used at the track occasionally. As a point of reference, I currently track my "mildly" modified 2005 BMW M3 which is still very much a street car (and more than enough for me at the track at my skill level). My thoughts are that a "street" SL-C will run circles around my M3, thus I do not intend to do any of the race upgrades available for the SL-C as that seems like overkill for me and not money well spent for my build. For me, going to the track with this car would basically entail only changing tires and brake pads (and possible brake fluid if necessary) to make the car "track ready".
Now on to my questions.....
1. Plug-n-Play Engine/Trans Advice. I found a thread that discussed various engine/trans combos - good info. As the GTM is LSX based, my planned combo for that build after taking several factors into consideration (LS376 w/G50-20) seems right at home in an SL-C. I don't have any desire to modify the engine, I just want simple reliability and performance and be able to just "plug-n-play" in the car with little to no modifications from the kit as designed. So the question is, as the SL-C offers more engine/trans options than a GTM, are there any other good plug-n-play engine/trans combos for the SL-C in the 400-500 HP range that may be less expensive than the combo I listed above (I know some money can be saved by using a LS1/2/3 or a different G50 box, but I want to know if there is some other good combo out there that might have similar performance)? Also, my current preference is for a new vs used/rebuilt engine for cost and reliability reasons.
2. Headers and Exhaust. I have not found a lot of info here, maybe because there several engine possibilities for the SL-C. Again, I am not looking for anything fancy here. My basic requirement would be a system that has headers, CATs of some sort (to make it street legal and cut down on exhaust smell), and mufflers. Again, the plug-n-play principle applies as I have no desire to make any radical body or frame modifications to support the exhaust system. Any recommendations? Are there any "kits" available or is it all custom exhaust work?
3. Air Intake System. So far I have only seen designs that encompass a filter open in the engine bay (not a fan due to the heat build up) or a tube that is snaked to one of the side vents. I am actually willing to be a little creative here, as I was planning to do so for a GTM build which can be seen here. I saw a pic of something similar for the SL-C here on the forum, but also looking for other intake ideas as well.
4. Engine and Transmission Coolers. Are they even necessary for an SL-C (they are for a street GTM after my research IMHO)? If so, what is the best and simplest setup (the plug-n-play principle applies to the max extent possible here, but I understand there may be some fabrication involved if RCR does not already have a solution)?
5. Air Conditioning. From my searching I could not confirm if a Vintage Air Gen II or Gen IV was used in the current kits. I know how to integrate a Gen IV, but want to know if I need to bother researching about the Gen II, which is slightly different.
6. Power Steering. Has anyone done this and would it be helpful for a street SL-C? I saw this as an option, but only for the racing steering column (which is too spartan for me in a street car build). I planned to do this upgrade for a GTM build (which uses an OEM Vette steering column) and it basically consists of a Ford Mustang based steering rack (the GTM rack does not have the plumbing, but the Ford rack is a direct swap), an MR-2 electric power steering pump assembly, and a programmable controller. Definitely not plug-n-play, but I feel is within my install capability after my research (at least for the GTM). More info can be seen here?
I guess that is all for now. Hopefully I was not too repetitive. Oh yeah, pics are worth a thousand words here, especially for any air intake or oil cooler setups.
The purpose of the car is a street car, with all of the creature comforts of a street car, that can be used at the track occasionally. As a point of reference, I currently track my "mildly" modified 2005 BMW M3 which is still very much a street car (and more than enough for me at the track at my skill level). My thoughts are that a "street" SL-C will run circles around my M3, thus I do not intend to do any of the race upgrades available for the SL-C as that seems like overkill for me and not money well spent for my build. For me, going to the track with this car would basically entail only changing tires and brake pads (and possible brake fluid if necessary) to make the car "track ready".
Now on to my questions.....
1. Plug-n-Play Engine/Trans Advice. I found a thread that discussed various engine/trans combos - good info. As the GTM is LSX based, my planned combo for that build after taking several factors into consideration (LS376 w/G50-20) seems right at home in an SL-C. I don't have any desire to modify the engine, I just want simple reliability and performance and be able to just "plug-n-play" in the car with little to no modifications from the kit as designed. So the question is, as the SL-C offers more engine/trans options than a GTM, are there any other good plug-n-play engine/trans combos for the SL-C in the 400-500 HP range that may be less expensive than the combo I listed above (I know some money can be saved by using a LS1/2/3 or a different G50 box, but I want to know if there is some other good combo out there that might have similar performance)? Also, my current preference is for a new vs used/rebuilt engine for cost and reliability reasons.
2. Headers and Exhaust. I have not found a lot of info here, maybe because there several engine possibilities for the SL-C. Again, I am not looking for anything fancy here. My basic requirement would be a system that has headers, CATs of some sort (to make it street legal and cut down on exhaust smell), and mufflers. Again, the plug-n-play principle applies as I have no desire to make any radical body or frame modifications to support the exhaust system. Any recommendations? Are there any "kits" available or is it all custom exhaust work?
3. Air Intake System. So far I have only seen designs that encompass a filter open in the engine bay (not a fan due to the heat build up) or a tube that is snaked to one of the side vents. I am actually willing to be a little creative here, as I was planning to do so for a GTM build which can be seen here. I saw a pic of something similar for the SL-C here on the forum, but also looking for other intake ideas as well.
4. Engine and Transmission Coolers. Are they even necessary for an SL-C (they are for a street GTM after my research IMHO)? If so, what is the best and simplest setup (the plug-n-play principle applies to the max extent possible here, but I understand there may be some fabrication involved if RCR does not already have a solution)?
5. Air Conditioning. From my searching I could not confirm if a Vintage Air Gen II or Gen IV was used in the current kits. I know how to integrate a Gen IV, but want to know if I need to bother researching about the Gen II, which is slightly different.
6. Power Steering. Has anyone done this and would it be helpful for a street SL-C? I saw this as an option, but only for the racing steering column (which is too spartan for me in a street car build). I planned to do this upgrade for a GTM build (which uses an OEM Vette steering column) and it basically consists of a Ford Mustang based steering rack (the GTM rack does not have the plumbing, but the Ford rack is a direct swap), an MR-2 electric power steering pump assembly, and a programmable controller. Definitely not plug-n-play, but I feel is within my install capability after my research (at least for the GTM). More info can be seen here?
I guess that is all for now. Hopefully I was not too repetitive. Oh yeah, pics are worth a thousand words here, especially for any air intake or oil cooler setups.
.
