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The Build...

48K views 208 replies 50 participants last post by  CTS-VR 
#1 · (Edited)
As some of you guys know, I've been bouncing around the idea of converting the V into a dedicated track car.
Main use will be to run NASA's ST2 class with the possibility of running in other SCCA classes as well.
Today, I'm happy to report that the first step in the build process has begun.
I hope to provide a step by step process that will detail all of the changes from start to finish...

Vehicle as it stands today road ready is:

2005 CTS-V
Light Platinum w/ Black interior
LS6/6 speed tremec
11,771 miles

Current Mods:

Magnaflow Cat-Back exhaust
Diablo Predator tune
Ron Davis Racing radiator
FG2 Shocks
UUC Poly motor mounts, tranny mount, and diff bushing
UUC short shifter
Spectre Werkes delrin cradle bushings
Rear Strut tower brace
UUC Braided brake lines
GM Performance/Brembo cross drilled rotors
Motul 600 fluid
Michelin Pilot SuperSport Tires

12/4/11: Conversion

All Fab work for the rollcage as well as complete gut of the interior and removal of all non-necessary parts is being done by Phoenix Performance*
Last year at the V Performance Lab @ MMC, I met John Heinricy who recommended I get in touch with the owner, Joe Aquilante, who happens to build and maintain some of the Vettes that HeinRocket has had much success with running in the SCCA ranks. It also didn't hurt that Phoenix had built the V that John Buttermore has had his success in T2 so I know they have experience working with V's

First order of business is to completely remove the interior and begin fabrication on the SCCA/NASA legal rollcage, as well as remove all of the non-essential parts such as the air conditioning and other heavyweight items.
(BTW, please contact me if you should need any stock interior parts)

Pictures to follow soon...


*About Phoenix Performance: Phoenix Performance, LLC owned by Joe Aquilante, is based in a 32,000 sq ft race shop in Phoenixville, PA. Since 1999, Phoenix Performance-prepared cars have won 21 SCCA National Championship Runoffs in Touring and Showroom Stock classes, 2 professional series Driver and Manufacturer Championships, and the GM Motorsports Winner's Circle Award
 
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#76 ·
..When will those bushings be available?

I NEED EM!

-Chris
 
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#80 ·
Managed to track down the last of the carbon fiber brake ducts and fascia scoops...

 
#81 ·
That is a big big score Chris.
 
#82 ·
*UPDATE* 6/23/2012

Got Shocks ?

Coilovers are done...

Triple Adjustable Penske's built by Anze Suspension

Remote reservoir, upgraded pistons with Hyperco Springs and clevis mounts
Spring rates based on wheel/tire combo are 900 Front and 500 Rear...


 
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#88 ·
*UPDATE* 6/25/2012

Nothing really to see. We were waiting on the coilovers before anything else proceeded. Some small projects have been taken care of. The Clutch, Slave and bleeder are all installed. The driveshaft and full exhaust are all back in and some minor wiring has been completed inside.

The front upper control arms were successfully modified to allow for greater camber adjustment. Some may remember that GMPP had some that came drilled 4-5mm in from stock. Due to none of those being left the guys at Phoenix enlarged the mounting holes and then machined an oblong spacer to accomplish the same thing. (in talks to have this available to others as well)

Key thing is Mark from Phoenix figured out the whole Kooks headers and Oil Cooler issue. He modified one of the Moroso type adapters by plugging one of the ports and drilling and retapping a new one 90 degrees away. By doing it this way he was able to run two -12 lines to the oil cooler which is now mounted in the old a/c condenser location. (we removed the a/c system from the car to save weight, so the way he ran the lines may or may not work on a stock vehicle)

Now that the suspension is made up, once its installed we can fit the carbon brake ducts and scoops to the lower fascia.

Getting antsy now...
 
#89 ·
*UPDATE* 6/28/2012

Shocks are mounted up and everything seems to fit just fine...:thumbsup:

 
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#93 ·
Once the build is finished, everything not needed will be sold...
 
#94 ·
Man that is nice. can't wait to see this thing on the track!

BTW, any word on those suspension bushings (Front/rear Upper and Lower control arms?)

-Chris
 
#99 ·
Do those have the 2" shoulder straps to work with a HANS?

-Chris
 
#97 ·
Every get a weight on the car Chris?
 
#100 ·
Went away for a couple of weeks so didn't have a chance to check on anything. Ended up buying something for the V in Atlanta...

 
#102 ·
Which ones? Front or Rear? They should be posted up in the past page or two...
 
#108 ·
Your big butt needs to come out and rent a seat in the chumpmobile!

Then you can say balaclava and nomex-undies and MEAN IT!

-Chris
 
#110 ·
You know you want too!

Still need 1 moahr driver for 24 hr in Aug. Blow off your other plans man! Uphill Essess at 3am = EPIC!

-Chris
 
#112 · (Edited)
UPDATE *8/20/2012*

Moving along slowly but making progress...

The Oil and Tranny Coolers are now mounted and fully functional.
Front & Rear Tow Hook provisions are now done.
All wiring has been pulled from the doors. The Rear doors are now back on the car with Lexan windows installed
Rear bulkhead is now closed off with aluminum.
All 4 remote reserviors are mounted and manual trunk release is now rerouted under the bumper for easy access.
Front suspension is now together.
Braille lightweight (21lbs) carbon battery and cover (thanks crankedupforit) came in. Ride Along seat and brackets also arrived...

Oil & Tranny Coolers



Rear bulkhead



Lexan rear door windows installed



Front Suspension



Underhood Bling

 
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