The Build...

46130 Views 208 Replies 50 Participants Last post by CTS-VR, 6 mo ago

Junior1

Discussion Starter · Dec 5, 2011 (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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Reactions: 5

21 - 40 of 209 Posts

Houdini

· #21 · Dec 15, 2011

This is going to be epic!

op2:

wcryan

· #22 · Dec 16, 2011

I know in the end it's gonna be BADASS. But in those pictures, I just think; poor cadillac. haha

Junior1

Discussion Starter · #23 · Dec 17, 2011

wcryan said:
I know in the end it's gonna be BADASS. But in those pictures, I just think; poor cadillac. haha

LOL wifey said the same thing...I said "look someone stole the whole interior"

trukk

· #24 · Dec 21, 2011

LOL,

I just sent Joe an e-mail about a possible cage for my car, before I even bothered to do a search over here.

Junior, Can you PM me your e-mail, I'd like to talk if possible.

-Chris

CadzillaTN

· #25 · Dec 21, 2011

This would be would be awesome to have..

When people got in they'd think, "uhh, this dude is serious".

Say you get chosen for lunch taxi... you get squirrely and people start questioning your behavior, demanding to get out of the car, etc, you just say: "shutup and relax!, we have a rollcage."

I wonder if you get a discount or dropped by the insurance company with this mod :hmm: :alchy:

mberisha

· #26 · Dec 21, 2011

Wow...she looks so naked.....

Subscribed!

6 SPEED Z

· #27 · Dec 21, 2011

wcryan said:
I know in the end it's gonna be BADASS. But in those pictures, I just think; poor cadillac. haha

Yea can't believe you are doing this to a car with such low miles.

But awesome either way, good luck!!

Mike

Junior1

Discussion Starter · #28 · Dec 21, 2011

trukk said:
LOL,

I just sent Joe an e-mail about a possible cage for my car, before I even bothered to do a search over here.

Junior, Can you PM me your e-mail, I'd like to talk if possible.

-Chris

PM sent...

KING03

· #29 · Dec 21, 2011

Just threw up a little, but still have a boner

CancerJCC

· #30 · Dec 22, 2011

6 SPEED Z said:
Yea can't believe you are doing this to a car with such low miles.

Didn't want to be the one to say it but :yeah:

Could have sold this one and bought a high milaege car and been further ahead IMHO. Oh well a little late for that!

Junior1

Discussion Starter · #31 · Dec 22, 2011

CancerJCC said:
Didn't want to be the one to say it but :yeah:

Could have sold this one and bought a high milaege car and been further ahead IMHO. Oh well a little late for that!

I like to build off strong foundations. I've owned the car since 3,400 miles. All the quirks are worked out, all reliability mods were done and everything that needed replacement was done while still under warranty.
I'm yet to come across any competitive race team that didn't either start with a body-in-white or somewhat completely new vehicle. Yes, it may cost a little more in the end, but I can rest assured I'm not dealing with a headache. Not to mention I can readily sell any part I don't need off the car since it is in such great condition...

CancerJCC

· #32 · Dec 23, 2011

Junior1 said:
I like to build off strong foundations. I've owned the car since 3,400 miles. All the quirks are worked out, all reliability mods were done and everything that needed replacement was done while still under warranty.
I'm yet to come across any competitive race team that didn't either start with a body-in-white or somewhat completely new vehicle. Yes, it may cost a little more in the end, but I can rest assured I'm not dealing with a headache. Not to mention I can readily sell any part I don't need off the car since it is in such great condition...

A fair way of looking at it! Good luck with your build, I'll be keeping an eye on it.

trukk

· #33 · Dec 23, 2011

Junior1 said:
PM sent...

Chris,

Great talking to you.

I will be talking with Joe soon about my car.

First thing I need to do is get the dents on the saide of my car pulled out, and then I have a few maintenance things to get cleaned up.

I look forward to following your progress.

-Chris

Junior1

Discussion Starter · #34 · Dec 30, 2011

*UPDATE* 12/30/2011

Removed caulk and seam sealer from the interior.

Put on the lift and prepped anchor points from below.

Race seat came in, Recaro Pro Racer HANS XL, along with aluminum mounting brackets

Black Product Personal protective equipment Sportswear Sleeve

More pics to follow over the weekend...

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jcollege

· #35 · Jan 3, 2012

Awesome build! Cant wait to see how this goes!

Junior1

Discussion Starter · #36 · Jan 4, 2012

9

*UPDATE* 1/4/2012

As promised, some updated pics after I went to the shop to drop off the seat and brackets...

Caulking, seam sealer, and sound proofing removed. Mounting points being prepped

Vehicle Automotive exterior Car Auto part Trunk

Auto part Hood Vehicle Automotive exterior Engine

Vehicle Car Vehicle door Automotive tire Auto part

Vehicle Car Automotive exterior Auto part Trunk

Auto part Vehicle

Vehicle Auto part Car Automotive exterior Subcompact car

Hood Auto part Automotive exterior Vehicle Wheel

Vehicle Car Automotive exterior Hood Automotive window part

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Reactions: 3

killernoodle

· #37 · Jan 4, 2012

It is weird to see a V so stripped down!

Junior1

Discussion Starter · #38 · Jan 20, 2012

3

*UPDATE* 1/20/2012

Few more pictures to add...

Making some progress on the cage...Main hoop, Halo, Door Bars, A Pillars and Rear Mounts
And removal of some unnecessary items and A/C equipment underhood.

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Motor vehicle Rim

Vehicle Motor vehicle Vehicle door Car Wheel

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Engine Sedan

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Reactions: 1

Junior1

Discussion Starter · #39 · Jan 26, 2012

3

* UPDATE * 1/25/2012

Lexan windows got delivered today. Windshield, Back glass and Rear Door glass with Makrolon coating.
All 4 pieces plus the shipping materials and box were not even 50 lbs.

Material property Textile Paper Auto part Plant

Pattern Textile Pattern Linens Paper

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Reactions: 2

Junior1

Discussion Starter · #40 · Jan 29, 2012

5

* UPDATE * 1/29/2012

Few more pics of the cage

Vehicle Car Vehicle door Automotive exterior Auto part

Tire Vehicle Motor vehicle Wheel Automotive tire

Vehicle Car Vehicle door Automotive exterior Windshield

Vehicle Car Windshield Glass Automotive exterior

Vehicle Car Auto part Automotive exterior Windshield

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21 - 40 of 209 Posts

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