Hello all, new to the forum and ready to share my build with everyone. It is finally complete after a few years of on and off wrenching.
It is being built to compete in SCCA Xp class AutoX.
Basics: 1987 Porsche 944 Chassis 5.7L GM Ls6 Aluminum block V8 Weight Goal- 2250 lbs. RwHp- 430 CrRwTq- 400
Hope you enjoy viewing the progress as much as I enjoyed building it!
Here is the chassis upon arrival. The PO started seam welding the front towers before I purchased it. The car was originally from N. Carolina. Not a sign of corrosion anywhere.
Sculpting the widebody. BEFORE reading the rule set completely. You will notice a few changes to the design in the next photo. Arrghh..No one to blame but myself.
The buck for the hood.
Just before casting the molds.
Here are all the pics of my winter('14/15)of metal work. Chop, weld, grind, weld, chop, you get the idea...
Dieting.
Yep, side exit.
This and the previous image show the new angle of the radiator cradle. Putting the vented hood to good use.
Boxed rear Transaxle X-member.
And that's the end of that.
Nice workmanship. What is the intent of the box where teh passenger seat would normally be, battery? It just seems large.
Bodywork.
Taking a look at the first fender produced with a wheel in it.
Notice the shaved door handles and mirrors. Doors went from 60lbs to sub 20lbs.
Fitting all the pieces.
Just before finalizing the bodylines and shooting the color.
The paint.
The four colors are original Porsche colors available in '87. The first session in the booth was 16 hrs. straight. I then wet sanded and sprayed again with clear a few days later. (Double dip)
Let the color sanding and polishing begin!
The 5 speed transaxle.
Lexan windshield and quarter windows I was able to make, the hatch however beat me. I'll be ordering that.
SS 3" Exhaust.
Finished side exit.
The Wheels.
So, somewhere along the journey this has turned into more than just building a racecar. This is not the time or forum to discuss that. However, it did have a huge influence on my next decision. After doing a fair amount of research over a period of years on wheels available for P-cars(and multiple purchases), I decided to design my own.
Design factors in order of importance:
Weight, strength, weight, appearance.
The beginning...
and then it's digital...
The billet aluminum. 17" x 2.125" @ 50 lbs. each
Ready for the first cut.
Going vertical.
More of the wheel production...
https://www.facebook.com/854618944655708/videos/1018042264980041 .
Link to video.
Custom ordered titanium hardware.
Because racecar
The first complete center.
From 50 lbs. to under 9 lbs. Actual weight is classified.
Each center took me 6 hrs. to polish. Don't want to do that again but it's done and ready to roll!
Down force...
Get u some.
Mocking up the rear wing before paint. Making sure my designs are not junk...what do ya know...it worked!
And the front....
Completed...before livery decals.
My favorite decal that I designed for the car. Hoping this system still functions!
On Oct.23rd, 2016 the car made it's first public appearance at Import Face-off Joliet, IL.
I now have all winter to set-up and balance the car. Plan to duct the radiator and cold air intake as well before spring.
I'm fortunate to live within minutes of a beautiful location for photo's. Here is my attempt at automotive photography.
It was a long road but I'm pleased to see what was waiting at the end.
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