I can't see how a breathed on 135 hp 400+ftlb tdi can't be a fun thing in a small car...
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June 17, 2011 9:01 p.m. Jay_W HalfDork
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June 17, 2011 11:38 p.m. HiTempguy Dork
Does anybody remember that other thread... ya know, the one about UTCC and stuff?
This car, twin turbo Vr6. MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
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June 21, 2011 2:27 p.m. jlphil New Reader
IT HAPPENED SUNDAY - cut the sucker apart in my garage, thoroughly committed to the G3F build NOW for sure!
I can't get pictures to post, sorry, but trust me it was fun.
If you're interested in more details, see PICS at Smyth G3F Build Pics or the BLOG at JLP's Smyth G3F Build Blog or Mark Smith's BLOG about the entire G3F project and concept is at Mark's Smyth Blog
Should be a fun summer!
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June 21, 2011 2:51 p.m. dyintorace SuperDork
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June 22, 2011 7:32 a.m. jlphil New Reader
Thanks!
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Sept. 13, 2011 9:20 p.m. jlphil New Reader
UPDATE: FWIW, the Beta #1project is proceeding VERY well. Smyth rear subframe, which is really the main feature of the entire car, arrived and was installed, rear suspension was rolled into place and attached (FOUR FLIPPIN' BOLTS and it was IN!), and Sunday I dropped the engine into place at the REAR of the former Jetta. WooHoo! Waiting for more parts to make it a rolling piece of kit-auto history . Here are a couple of pics re progress:
More details on the build blog if you're interested: G3F jlphil build
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Dec. 20, 2011 8:09 p.m. jlphil New Reader
Pre-Christmas progress update BETA #1 Smyth G3F:
Just a quick report and pic or two. Christmas is almost here, but I've been sneaking out into the garage to work on the G3F. Brakes, brake lines, turbo and CAI piping all installed now. Tonight I finalized the MAP-IAT mount, after some fabricating. Other stuff has been accomplished. I've put a lot more detail in the build blog if you would like to see, just use the link below. Mark is getting more beta kits ready to ship, has at least one body made from the new molds, and is as excited as any of us - MORE so I think. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone. I hope to have lots more to report soon with some garage-work time coming up over the holidays.Thanks for your interest.
Long time between posts, I'll try to be back sooner!
BLOG at: G3F jlphil Build blog
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Dec. 20, 2011 11:32 p.m. nderwater SuperDork
looking good!
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Dec. 21, 2011 4:11 a.m. 7pilot Reader
NOHOME wrote:
nderwater wrote:
Cars's don't just hatch from eggs - the development process for a new vehicle is a huge undertaking. Mark Smith is doing this on his own, while starting a new company at the same time. Calling the G3F project 'vaporware' isn't exactly fair - the prototype car isn't completed yet, but it exists, and beta car projects will begin next year. Mark announced the idea for the project little less than a year and a half ago, and has been documenting the process and soliciting ideas and advice from enthusiasts in the VW & Kit Car communities the entire way.
"Vaporware" is not necessarily a derogative term. It means that the concept is tossed out in order to see if there is any interest.
What it also means is that I can't buy it even though it is presented as ready for market. The posted delivery dates for this kit were september of this year.
So lets hope that it is just delayed due to more potential for development. However I am familiar with what happens when cashflow does not start on an expected date but development cost continue to acrue.
Like the Vector. That was some heavy smoke.
m
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May 11, 2012 8:07 a.m. jlphil New Reader
This update reports little in the way of sexy accomplishments, but it's work that has to be done to make this thing GO.
Big doings around here as we slowly work toward firing up and driving the Beta #1 G3F. My last update was around Christmas. The car's still on jackstands, but much detail work has been done in the meantime while waiting for Mark to finish producing and shipping the last few vital parts. Here's a short list of what I can remember I've done since last checking in:
- Fuel tank & battery installed in front end (former engine compartment)
- Radiator installed, coolant hoses and pipes run to the rear engine
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Shifter box, shift cables, and Smyth-designed GENIUS
shift extension invention installed and tested
- ECM mounted at permanent home in rear, engine wire harness relocated and all electrics extended and connected to stock plug locations up front
- Clutch hydraulic line, A/C hoses, heater water hoses all extended and connected to engine in rear
- ALL (I do mean ALL) electric wires and cables extended to rear, including all the little wires and all the big cables. Plugs re-wired to extensions for re-connection to their stock plug-mates
- Tidying up all wiring, and plumbing, with clamps, zip-ties, and whatever else works to make it neat and long-lived
Next big steps: charge battery, check electrics, install all fluids, start the engine, drive the "go cart" rolling chassis to ensure steering, brakes, clutch, shift and engine work as desired. THEN install final parts I'm hoping to receive very soon: Windshield frame/front frame component, body front, rear and door caps. This puppy is almost ready to play!
NOTE: This is a Beta build. Production kits will not have the delays and developments I've described in my blog. So far, I have 91 honest hours of construction work in this kit. I'll not finish in 100 hours, but damn close for the first civilian build. If you're even remotely stoked by this kit, contact Mark and build one of the production kits. I am a total believer from my experience so far!
Having trouble posting pics from my Picasa album. Here's its address if you are interested: G3F BETA-BUILD PICS
More info and pics are at the blog in my siggy below. Thanks for checking it out.
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May 11, 2012 9:34 a.m. Ian F UberDork
Good to hear it's moving along. I'm definitely interested in hearing about how some of the electronic hurdles are overcome to get the ECU to be happy.
Hmm... no link in your sig (not sure those are allowed).
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May 11, 2012 9:37 a.m. wearymicrobe HalfDork
Do you have the body yet?
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May 11, 2012 9:44 a.m. GameboyRMH UberDork
Nice looking car, and I like the idea of an affordable kit with a simple powertrain, but why oh why did they go with a Jetta diesel? I would have preferred an RSX powertrain, Regal GS powertrain...even an electric engine over that diesel.
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May 11, 2012 9:45 a.m. Ian F UberDork
wearymicrobe wrote:
Do you have the body yet?
jlphil wrote: THEN install final parts I'm hoping to receive very soon: Windshield frame/front frame component, body front, rear and door caps. This puppy is almost ready to play!
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May 12, 2012 9:08 p.m. jlphil New Reader
Sorry, forgot to include with my last post. Blog link is here: G3F jlphil Build blog
BODY NOT HERE YET, but thinking it will be here SOON. Working on all other systems, to be ready for the body when it arrives.
GameboyRMH : ANY VW ENGINE can go into the G3F, as long as it fit the original Jetta. LOTS of guys building or planning 1.8T's, some doing VR6 turbo's etc. TDI is definitely my choice, but you can do whatever you want.
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May 13, 2012 2:17 p.m. steven_loe New Reader
Looking forward to seeing the body test fit.
