Accessing new slc build

[Michael Fling]

Been learning and thinking about the new care build. I want a car suitable for track and road. Give me thoughts on things I need and on applications I will need:

engine selection
transmission
sound damping
electronics
wheels
interior and exterior options


Thoughts?

 

[Doc Kaler]

Welcome to the SLC world Michael!

Since you write "track and road", is that your order of priority rather than road and track? It might make a difference in the direction you will take with components. I read that you have a track background so let's assume that's your priority:

Engine: Crate LS3x probably a minimum of perhaps 450HP, wet sump, LS7 exhaust manifolds.
Transmission: Inverted Porsche transaxle with external cooler. Check recent threads on models used. Talk to Fran.
Sound Damping: minimum would be the rear firewall
Electronics: ISIS for chassis wiring (included), GMPP harness and ECU, Koso dash (included) or DigiDash Pro+ with data logging and GPS. RaceLogic Traction Control an optional add-on.
Wheels: Fran's supplied option, tires (depends on purpose)
Interior/Exterior options: Roll Cage, Fire suppression, fender vents, +/- track front splitter depending on priorities (hint: if road use you would definitely need the front lift kit).

Caveat: The engine/transaxle, Koso dash are recommendations based on other build and not mine.....I have LS7 dry sump, Ricardo, DigiDash for example. But, maybe this will provide some starting point for other recommendations.

 

[Doc Todd]

Michael, I think the answer depends on whatever you like. There are guys going with full custom finished interiors all the way to very spartan interiors and are using the cars for both street and for track. I personally plan on doing a 99+% street car and I plan for a full interior with sound dampening mats, etc.
As for the rest, it is really up to you when you think about what engine and wheels you want...as long as it fits. Most current new builds are using porsche transaxles while it seems most of the older chassis are using ricardo transaxles.
I have read nearly every page of the RCR forum 2-3 times now and have a pretty good idea of what I am planning to do now...I think

 

[Doc Todd]

EDIT: looks like Doc and I were typing at the same time.

 

[Grant S]

This question has be asked probably more then any other.
If I had unlimited funds I would have done something like a turbine engine or at least a 1500 hp twin turbo with an F1 sequential 7 speed transaxle, then flown some old lady who used to work at Ferrari or Lamborghini most her life down to hand stitch some exotic extinct animal into an interior for it.
But to make a long story short,
It all has to do with what you can afford, and or, to what level you want to take it to. There is no limit or best way, more like your way. Since you will be building it.
So many ways to do this, but I would start by looking for a dry sump engine if your going to the track, The rest will depend on it. The more HP the stronger the tranny the bigger the cooling system, the more insulation and so on down the line. Then comes what kind of driver are you as thats going to change somethings as well.
No matter what you choose, you will have fun with this car and there are lots of options.
Cheers,

 

[Howard Jones]

The good news about road/track day car combos is that you can change tires/wheels and do both. Go for really good brakes and as much grip as you can fit on the car at the track with modest power 400-500hp (1.0 -1.25hp per cubic inch). This will get you a pump gas motor with plenty of power at the track and be nice and civil on the road.

More than one really cool hotrod has been ruined by putting way too much power into them. YES you can have too much power! Spend your money on brakes, air cond, second set of wheels/tires, and a nice interior, and you will be very happy.

Then take off the track wheels and put on a nice Z rated street tire and you are good to go.

Compromise at the track and put suspension settings on the car that will keep your street tires alive and run this setup for both. You will be able to get plenty of grip out of a set of Hoosiers to keep you at the front of the fast group.

Go for it!!!!!!!!!!! before you get too old!

 

[Will Campbell]

I agree with Howard about wheels and tires-- and brakes. You'll also want to have different pads for street and track, and be able to bed them in as needed. Swapping both rotors and pads at the same time obviates the need to re-bed if that is an issue.

I also agree about the too much power thing. The car is natively very fast even with a relatively low amount of power, and coming to grips with the car will be much easier with less power. Less power isn't really much of a disadvantage for track days as it would be for wheel-to-wheel class racing. And as you get more comfy with the car, more power is easily available, especially with an LS platform.

Talk to Fran about transaxle options before you commit to anything, as there are many options, and he can guide you appropriately.

As Doc has already mentioned, be sure you plan for sealing and noise reduction, and also be aware that a side exhaust will likely be louder than a rear exit.

Depending on how serious you are about use on the track, there are plenty of dash solutions, starting with the AIM series dashes that the 01 car ran with in 2011. You may want to choose a camera system for rear view, and one that could integrate with your data as well.

Finally, I would echo the recommendation for a traction control unit. The one on the factory 01 SLC made life easier, especially in the rain.

Good luck!

 

[Michael Fling]

I must say that the more I read, the less I realize I know. It seems that most have a much better mechanical knowledge than myself. I have a feel for what I want in the end, but I question if I have the knowledge to do it properly? I will seek more input after my visit to see Fran in February.

 

[Fran Hall RCR]

As some of the guys say....less is often more...

Keep it simple and go very fast....

See you in February...

 

[Yos]

I guess you'll have to define need...

You need an engine, fuel system, transaxle, clutch, and exhaust...(The kit really does come with everything else to get the car on the road)

It's the want part that gets out of control...at least it has for me. Go see Fran. The trip to RCR is a real...eye...or should I say, wallet opener :thumbsup: