1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Search By Vehicle
Manufacturers
Browse By Category
Aftermarket Parts
Bargain Basement
Genuine Nissan Accessories
OEM Parts
Information
Stay Connected

Share This!
   

Blog News

Back to categories list
Archive:  
Show:  
Body Build
Posted July 25, 2010 By  
   

BODY BUILD







Grand Am rules are very specific when it comes to body design.  The rules allow the panels to be replaced with carbon fiber as long as they directly replace the OEM panels.













The rules also allow and require the body  to cover the wheels but only allow the body to be widened above the hub center line.













The use of a Nismo kit ( the same kit allowed in the GS class) as a base was approved by Grand Am.  Below the hub center line the body has to return to the OE width.














While the chassis was under construction the composite shop used a second tub to model the body.  We used very thick fiberglass parts made from our GS tooling to base the GT body on.




















Foam and bondo were used to create the shapes for the new wide body.  Wood templates were taken from one side and transfered to the other side to create a symmetrical body.























High temperature tools were constructed from the finish...
No comments

Car Build
Posted July 25, 2010 By  
   
Car Build
 
Once the chassis and body are complete it is time to work on all of the individual parts and start assembly.
                               
Xtrac 427 Gearbox and custom spacer The first project was to install the custom Xtrac 427 gearbox.  We had designed everything before hand and Xtrac built the gearbox to our specifications.  We used an aluminum Tilton bell housing that we welded and machined to fit the VQ 35 engine.  Tilton built a custom all steel 104 T flywheel using a triple plate 5.5" clutch.  The flywheel only weighs 3.8 pounds and the 8.0" diameter gives it an ultra low moment of inertia.  We used a standard Tilton annular throw out bearing and Super Starter to complete the package.  We were allowed to move the transmission rearward about 8" so we machined an aluminum spacer to go between the transmission and bell housing.


Alcon brake package on Nissan 350Z





The next project was to mount the Alcon brakes.  It is easy to over size the brakes and not really improv...
No comments

Chassis Build
Posted July 25, 2010 By  
   

CHASSIS BUILD



Before construction begins on a race car like this, we study the rules,  establish the design parameters, and set goals for the build.  In this case we knew we had to strip the car to a bare tub.  The bare tub, after spending about 100 hours to strip, now weighs 680 pounds.  From previous experience building GS class cars we estimated that about 140 pounds would be added in cage construction.  To make weight the finished tub with cage and paint needed to weigh 600 pounds.











We spent about 80 hours cutting all unnecessary metal from the tub and cut about 450 holes in the tub to save weight.











The rules and safety dictate the cage contain certain elements that are primarily for driver safety.  The mandated tubing is bent and temporarily installed in the car.  We use string to help visualize the tube layout.












All tubing below the "belt line" is designed to stiffen the chassis.  All tubing is bent on our rotary draw bender after it is designed on the computer.  All the tubes are coped with a horizontal ...
No comments

Page of 1