So here we go with some background info and then into it. First, this is going to be a slow build as I have time here and there to do things and will go weeks without. I have had my car for 3 years now and I am just starting to do it now if that gives you any indication of my speed as of late to finish up other projects. I ordered my kit and then two weeks later I found out my 2nd kid was on the way. My time for it went away and have had a lot of and now that he is almost 3 time is starting to come back to me, plus I have had a lot of other project. What really takes up almost all my free car project time is the race car and team, McKibbin's Biohazard Racing, running the team, building the car, etc. I am addicted to the entire process of building a car and races so that took priority for a while. I also wanted to finish my MR2Mini project car, blog here MR2 Mini
OK, now that is out of the way let me share some thoughts on my SLC and where I plan on going.
Engine- I have changed my mind 5 times on the engine now and yes I know, I have issues. I started out with a twin turbo Toyota 3MZFE and planned to make 500-600hp with it, but I changed my mind from this as I wanted at least a V8 sound, yet I still think that a V6TT with a light engine, more forward location would be a great engine in an SLC. I then went the standard LS3-480 variant and ordered my car to that. I then had the crazy idea of a flat plane crank LS3 that would be destroked to 5.0L and rev like crazy. I got the design done and ran out of time to do it and money (I still might someday as I have the hard parts). I then wanted to go with a S85 BMW V10, but after cost and complexity of that engine I said no to that also, yet the V10 is my favorite engine sound. Now I am back to what I know and using a 1uzfe and will twin turbo it. From a cost perspective and hp it is the cheapest for the most. The engine is so over built that we can buy a junkyard one for $400-500, put it in, run 11psi of boost (my plan) and get around 450-500rwhp out of it. I will be using a MS3Pro to control it with a custom intake manifold to fit the SLC and ID 1000cc injectors. I also will use T3/T4 turbos, twin air to air intercoolers and AIM meth injection to help. I have different stages I am calling it and this is stage I and will rev to 7,000rpm. Stage II will be a build bottom end with con rods and pistons at 9.5 c/r to turn the boost a bit to 15psiand maybe 500-550rwhp. Stage III is build heads with cams, porting and polishing, valve springs, shimless buckets and rev to 9,000-10,000 and this would be in the 600-700rwhp range depending on how much I turn up the boost. Stage IV is to upgrade to EFR turbos.
Trans- I had a G50/20 LSD 6speed and was going to use that, but changed my mind with my big splurge item and got a Quafe full sequential LSD 6speed box. I am a motorcycle guy at heart and really like the idea of a full sequential box. This blew my budget and used up my money. Cost was like $14K for it and then I got a custom flywheel from AASCO with a Tilton twin disc clutch and release bearing for about 2K.
Wheels- Currently I have Vette grand sport 5 spoke wheels and I ponder different wheels all the time so time will tell on that.
Body- I plan on doing a few things with the body as I am inspired by all the work done from the guys on the board. I got different front head lights that I think will look great when done, like Fling did. I got a set of C7 tailights and will redo the rear end to make it all one flowing piece. I am not sure where the exhaust will exit yet as I have to see when done. I plan to make the side scoops much larger for the intercooler and thinking something like the Mclearon 675 sides or something like that. I also plan to remove the roof scoop and smooth that transition to not have a hump on the roof. I want a smooth roof and will be way different with that for sure and I think the lines on the car will flow better this way. Side mirrors I am undecided on at this point. Color will be 2014 Caterham F1 green.
Interior- I plan to make my own dash and console area and will make a buck and mold and then do CF. I got the CF interior kit and will go off that a theme for it. Seats, I have tired a bunch and think I will go with the stock seats and have them redone to make nice as the others I have gotten just do not really work well. I plan on adding a radio, amp, speakers, etc, but we will see when done what it looks like. I am also going to use gauges Speed Revolution Gauges.
Here we go.
OK, now that is out of the way let me share some thoughts on my SLC and where I plan on going.
Engine- I have changed my mind 5 times on the engine now and yes I know, I have issues. I started out with a twin turbo Toyota 3MZFE and planned to make 500-600hp with it, but I changed my mind from this as I wanted at least a V8 sound, yet I still think that a V6TT with a light engine, more forward location would be a great engine in an SLC. I then went the standard LS3-480 variant and ordered my car to that. I then had the crazy idea of a flat plane crank LS3 that would be destroked to 5.0L and rev like crazy. I got the design done and ran out of time to do it and money (I still might someday as I have the hard parts). I then wanted to go with a S85 BMW V10, but after cost and complexity of that engine I said no to that also, yet the V10 is my favorite engine sound. Now I am back to what I know and using a 1uzfe and will twin turbo it. From a cost perspective and hp it is the cheapest for the most. The engine is so over built that we can buy a junkyard one for $400-500, put it in, run 11psi of boost (my plan) and get around 450-500rwhp out of it. I will be using a MS3Pro to control it with a custom intake manifold to fit the SLC and ID 1000cc injectors. I also will use T3/T4 turbos, twin air to air intercoolers and AIM meth injection to help. I have different stages I am calling it and this is stage I and will rev to 7,000rpm. Stage II will be a build bottom end with con rods and pistons at 9.5 c/r to turn the boost a bit to 15psiand maybe 500-550rwhp. Stage III is build heads with cams, porting and polishing, valve springs, shimless buckets and rev to 9,000-10,000 and this would be in the 600-700rwhp range depending on how much I turn up the boost. Stage IV is to upgrade to EFR turbos.
Trans- I had a G50/20 LSD 6speed and was going to use that, but changed my mind with my big splurge item and got a Quafe full sequential LSD 6speed box. I am a motorcycle guy at heart and really like the idea of a full sequential box. This blew my budget and used up my money. Cost was like $14K for it and then I got a custom flywheel from AASCO with a Tilton twin disc clutch and release bearing for about 2K.
Wheels- Currently I have Vette grand sport 5 spoke wheels and I ponder different wheels all the time so time will tell on that.
Body- I plan on doing a few things with the body as I am inspired by all the work done from the guys on the board. I got different front head lights that I think will look great when done, like Fling did. I got a set of C7 tailights and will redo the rear end to make it all one flowing piece. I am not sure where the exhaust will exit yet as I have to see when done. I plan to make the side scoops much larger for the intercooler and thinking something like the Mclearon 675 sides or something like that. I also plan to remove the roof scoop and smooth that transition to not have a hump on the roof. I want a smooth roof and will be way different with that for sure and I think the lines on the car will flow better this way. Side mirrors I am undecided on at this point. Color will be 2014 Caterham F1 green.
Interior- I plan to make my own dash and console area and will make a buck and mold and then do CF. I got the CF interior kit and will go off that a theme for it. Seats, I have tired a bunch and think I will go with the stock seats and have them redone to make nice as the others I have gotten just do not really work well. I plan on adding a radio, amp, speakers, etc, but we will see when done what it looks like. I am also going to use gauges Speed Revolution Gauges.
Here we go.