Buckna
03-07-2011, 08:40 PM
Hi guys. Thought I'd post up the build thread here as I don't know how to get access to the premium section. And I know some of you might enjoy seeing something different getting built.
The idea came about when I decided I wanted to build something new, as the 350z had gotten boring and was moving onto circuit racing, we'd come to the conclusion that apart from a select few, there are virtually no good looking r33's in australia, and barely any around the world. I knew I wanted it to be wide, low, huge wheels and powerful. Needed to combine everything I'd done in my previous cars and turn it into one good collaberation of everything I've done before plus some new things I wanted to try.
Started off as a R33 GTR shell I picked up for virtually nothing off my good mate callum. Pretty clean shell, missing a few panels, some good bits on it to re sell.
http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/3498/img07531749793.jpg (http://img203.imageshack.us/i/img07531749793.jpg/)
http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/598/img07541757206.jpg (http://img808.imageshack.us/i/img07541757206.jpg/)
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/2929/img07551766870.jpg (http://img232.imageshack.us/i/img07551766870.jpg/)
http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/5938/img07561773216.jpg (http://img62.imageshack.us/i/img07561773216.jpg/)
When I got it home, I instantly started removing everything I didn't want in the car, and everything I was planning on modifying.
http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/1730/img10191836664.jpg (http://img808.imageshack.us/i/img10191836664.jpg/)
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/6373/img10201844373.jpg (http://img190.imageshack.us/i/img10201844373.jpg/)
http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/7035/img10211849768.jpg (http://img219.imageshack.us/i/img10211849768.jpg/)
http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/3983/img10231856878.jpg (http://img535.imageshack.us/i/img10231856878.jpg/)
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/7697/img10241862797.jpg (http://img17.imageshack.us/i/img10241862797.jpg/)
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/6723/img10262002029.jpg (http://img707.imageshack.us/i/img10262002029.jpg/)
Now, there where a few things I liked about the GTR, wide guards, great aggresive body line, clean base. etc.
But, I don't like GTR front suspension, It doesn't allow for adjustability, and considering I didn't need the 4wd system, I thought I'd scrap the factory GTR stuff.
This proved a little more difficult then I'd first thought, GTR rails are bigger, strong, and in a completely different spot, so bolting a GTST crossmember to them was out of the question. Then I toyed with the idea of doing a full rail swap from a GTST, and that, due to my limited panel beating knowledge was deemed to hard. So we decided to build a complete custom from K frame so to speak, utilising bits off other nissan's to simplify the process.
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/1413/img10262214454.jpg (http://img41.imageshack.us/i/img10262214454.jpg/)
http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/2306/img10312220804.jpg (http://img846.imageshack.us/i/img10312220804.jpg/)
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/290/img10322226674.jpg (http://img42.imageshack.us/i/img10322226674.jpg/)
This is a comparrison of the original GTR crossmember, compared to the GTST item. As you can see, there is a big difference, joining these together was not going to be an easy task.
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/7021/img10562333018.jpg (http://img29.imageshack.us/i/img10562333018.jpg/)
http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/6945/img10572339411.jpg (http://img580.imageshack.us/i/img10572339411.jpg/)
http://img848.imageshack.us/img848/8097/img10582345933.jpg (http://img848.imageshack.us/i/img10582345933.jpg/)
http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/9104/img10592351724.jpg (http://img703.imageshack.us/i/img10592351724.jpg/)
Here we started to dummy up one side of the normal nissan setup into the GTR frame. This looked like it was going to be a fairly simple process.. So we bolted it into the car and had a look at where everything sat.
http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/3651/img10602428701.jpg (http://img638.imageshack.us/i/img10602428701.jpg/)
http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/6093/img10612435533.jpg (http://img534.imageshack.us/i/img10612435533.jpg/)
WRONG!. Turns out, GTR stub axles are actually 50mm longer than GTST items. Which essentially means the whole steering rack/lca setup also sits about 50mm lower in the car, obviously to allow for the 4wd system to come through and to clear that huge sump! This setup would probably have worked to drive in and out of the driveway with, but the geometry would be all kinds of whack. It'd essentially be like you've lowered your car 50mm at standard height.. not ideal.
So we continued to cut away at things, and refitted the lca mount 50mm higher (actually a touch higher again, as I figured I'm going to run this car stupidly low I should try correct some roll centre while I'm here)
http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/4076/img10622763168.jpg (http://img683.imageshack.us/i/img10622763168.jpg/)
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/3198/img10632770468.jpg (http://img194.imageshack.us/i/img10632770468.jpg/)
http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/6988/img10642775892.jpg (http://img683.imageshack.us/i/img10642775892.jpg/)
Now we refitted all the suspension stuff and it looks normal. finally. Although some more minor mods will be done to this setup towards the end of the project, this seems good enough for now. After that it was time to dummy fit the steering rack, move it as far forward as possible without fouling on anything. Also decided to mount the rack up a bit, to help with tie rod angle when car is railed. Once all that was in, measured, and tacked, we started to weld in all the bits we needed, adding plate (3mm) to brace any sections we needed.
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/2880/img10663019581.jpg (http://img199.imageshack.us/i/img10663019581.jpg/)
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/2166/img10673028426.jpg (http://img215.imageshack.us/i/img10673028426.jpg/)
http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/5084/img10713035249.jpg (http://img854.imageshack.us/i/img10713035249.jpg/)
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/3434/img10723042325.jpg (http://img189.imageshack.us/i/img10723042325.jpg/)
http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/7508/img10733051120.jpg (http://img8.imageshack.us/i/img10733051120.jpg/)
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/4456/img10743057018.jpg (http://img42.imageshack.us/i/img10743057018.jpg/)
http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/3361/img10753063673.jpg (http://img849.imageshack.us/i/img10753063673.jpg/)
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/2269/img10763071568.jpg (http://img29.imageshack.us/i/img10763071568.jpg/)
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/695/img10773077887.jpg (http://img3.imageshack.us/i/img10773077887.jpg/)
and of course, a shot in the car
http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/9506/img10823113376.jpg (http://img717.imageshack.us/i/img10823113376.jpg/)
http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/3961/img10843121524.jpg (http://img691.imageshack.us/i/img10843121524.jpg/)
Now you'll notice the steering rack. Having done an ls1 into an s15 with a mate of mine, steering rack knuckle to starter motor clearance was an issue, here the GTR rack comes out further by about 2 inches and hugs the rail, which is handy, should mean that there are no dramas in clearing the starter.
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/934/img10283361808.jpg (http://img6.imageshack.us/i/img10283361808.jpg/)
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/2717/img10293367715.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/i/img10293367715.jpg/)
GTR rack vs S13 rack.
Now that the crossmember is 90% completed, It came time to try and mount the engine.
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/8822/img10893430640.jpg (http://img88.imageshack.us/i/img10893430640.jpg/)
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/6168/img10903437043.jpg (http://img101.imageshack.us/i/img10903437043.jpg/)
Engine is sitting on a block of wood in this shot, it's not straight here, as what I was using to measure off was actually not centre. doh. But this is majority of it mounted.
Few dramas of course, the sump didn't clear the middle of the crossmember at the front, so we cut away at that. cleared the starter by heaps, but then was limited as to how far back I could move the engine due to clutch master cylinder needing a home. Most conversions run a clutch master inside the cabin, normally a willwood or something of the sort. If I'm lucky the GTR's 5/8 clutch master with booster should be sufficent for the twin plate clutch the engine will be running. If not, I'll tackle that hurdle when I get to it.
http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/7474/img10923639911.jpg (http://img716.imageshack.us/i/img10923639911.jpg/)
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/7273/img10933645557.jpg (http://img98.imageshack.us/i/img10933645557.jpg/)
Turns out, along with the 50mm lower steering setup, the trans tunnel is actually shorter in height than a normal skyline one. So the gearbox did not want to fit in the factory tunnel. Not that big of a drama. So it was removed.
http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/7885/img10943703600.jpg (http://img812.imageshack.us/i/img10943703600.jpg/)
http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/7504/img10953709498.jpg (http://img808.imageshack.us/i/img10953709498.jpg/)
Now that all this was dummy fitted in place, it was time to see if the bonnet shut.
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/8963/img10973739808.jpg (http://img69.imageshack.us/i/img10973739808.jpg/)
good, bonnet clears no dramas. :) excellent.
Ontop of all of this, I'd also been collecting more parts for it. Stuff like wheels. seats, radiator, turbo etc. I'll post up some pictures of the more interesting stuff.
http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/2599/img09833813516.jpg (http://img64.imageshack.us/i/img09833813516.jpg/)
This is an alloy twin core 75mm PWR radiator, PWR make some of the best cooling products in australia, and this radiator was designed to sit directly under the rad support to allow it to move forward in the engine bay for more clearance. picked it up at a bargain off a mate who wasn't going to use it anymore. Didn't quite fit, but with a bit of cutting, it found it's home nicely.
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/7057/img10493921454.jpg (http://img231.imageshack.us/i/img10493921454.jpg/)
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/7172/img10503928318.jpg (http://img200.imageshack.us/i/img10503928318.jpg/)
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/6339/img10363959264.jpg (http://img29.imageshack.us/i/img10363959264.jpg/)
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/5057/img10373964460.jpg (http://img98.imageshack.us/i/img10373964460.jpg/)
This here is a R33 GTST shell that has had a front hit, this is what started the project off as it was given to me by a friend of mine "the ibis"
it was a good condition low km (16,000km!!) shell which was missing motor and box and had the obvious front hit. This is good as it will have all the dash, carpet, door trims, window surrounds glass etc I need to complete my build. Ibis has also hooked me up with headlights, the turbo charger, front brakes, and will hopefully be doing the wiring when the time comes.
Speaking of the turbo charger.
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/2559/img10524139973.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/i/img10524139973.jpg/)
Ibis has provided me with a garret 4082S turbo he picked up for $100 a while ago, core is in perfect condition, as are the housings, specs are 1-18 rear housing and .58 front housing, Should hopefully do some damage to tires with the 5.7 litre capacity the motor has!
Other things I've gotten so far are, a fixed back seat, genuine sheepdog racing from the late 90's, have had this seat in nearly every drift car I've owned, I find when you find a seat that just feels amazing, you just can't seem to part with it.
Bride recliner seat, this will be used for passenger, nice n comfy seat, should do the goods, also have a pair of harnesses to go with them.
I have sourced some wheels thanks to JDM GARAGE, work VSKF 18x10 +7 front, 19x10.5 +7 rear in chrome. these sizes should be ideal for what I want to do, they have heaps of dish front and rear, and I have 4 rears in the same size! So that should make skidding on the same wheels possible more often
Some cusco base height fully adjustable coilovers to suit R33 GTST, A nismo pro GT carbon LSD suit GTR. adjustable 1,1.5 and 2 way. Trust extended diff cover, R32 gtr rear brakes and R33 gtr rear swaybar. Also an R34 N/A rear cradle, no hicas. To accompany that there are ikeya formula toe arms, cusco camber arms, GTR axles and hubs, the rear cradle will be seeing an equal amount of modifying, but hasn't been started on yet.
The idea came about when I decided I wanted to build something new, as the 350z had gotten boring and was moving onto circuit racing, we'd come to the conclusion that apart from a select few, there are virtually no good looking r33's in australia, and barely any around the world. I knew I wanted it to be wide, low, huge wheels and powerful. Needed to combine everything I'd done in my previous cars and turn it into one good collaberation of everything I've done before plus some new things I wanted to try.
Started off as a R33 GTR shell I picked up for virtually nothing off my good mate callum. Pretty clean shell, missing a few panels, some good bits on it to re sell.
http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/3498/img07531749793.jpg (http://img203.imageshack.us/i/img07531749793.jpg/)
http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/598/img07541757206.jpg (http://img808.imageshack.us/i/img07541757206.jpg/)
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/2929/img07551766870.jpg (http://img232.imageshack.us/i/img07551766870.jpg/)
http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/5938/img07561773216.jpg (http://img62.imageshack.us/i/img07561773216.jpg/)
When I got it home, I instantly started removing everything I didn't want in the car, and everything I was planning on modifying.
http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/1730/img10191836664.jpg (http://img808.imageshack.us/i/img10191836664.jpg/)
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/6373/img10201844373.jpg (http://img190.imageshack.us/i/img10201844373.jpg/)
http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/7035/img10211849768.jpg (http://img219.imageshack.us/i/img10211849768.jpg/)
http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/3983/img10231856878.jpg (http://img535.imageshack.us/i/img10231856878.jpg/)
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/7697/img10241862797.jpg (http://img17.imageshack.us/i/img10241862797.jpg/)
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/6723/img10262002029.jpg (http://img707.imageshack.us/i/img10262002029.jpg/)
Now, there where a few things I liked about the GTR, wide guards, great aggresive body line, clean base. etc.
But, I don't like GTR front suspension, It doesn't allow for adjustability, and considering I didn't need the 4wd system, I thought I'd scrap the factory GTR stuff.
This proved a little more difficult then I'd first thought, GTR rails are bigger, strong, and in a completely different spot, so bolting a GTST crossmember to them was out of the question. Then I toyed with the idea of doing a full rail swap from a GTST, and that, due to my limited panel beating knowledge was deemed to hard. So we decided to build a complete custom from K frame so to speak, utilising bits off other nissan's to simplify the process.
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/1413/img10262214454.jpg (http://img41.imageshack.us/i/img10262214454.jpg/)
http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/2306/img10312220804.jpg (http://img846.imageshack.us/i/img10312220804.jpg/)
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/290/img10322226674.jpg (http://img42.imageshack.us/i/img10322226674.jpg/)
This is a comparrison of the original GTR crossmember, compared to the GTST item. As you can see, there is a big difference, joining these together was not going to be an easy task.
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/7021/img10562333018.jpg (http://img29.imageshack.us/i/img10562333018.jpg/)
http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/6945/img10572339411.jpg (http://img580.imageshack.us/i/img10572339411.jpg/)
http://img848.imageshack.us/img848/8097/img10582345933.jpg (http://img848.imageshack.us/i/img10582345933.jpg/)
http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/9104/img10592351724.jpg (http://img703.imageshack.us/i/img10592351724.jpg/)
Here we started to dummy up one side of the normal nissan setup into the GTR frame. This looked like it was going to be a fairly simple process.. So we bolted it into the car and had a look at where everything sat.
http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/3651/img10602428701.jpg (http://img638.imageshack.us/i/img10602428701.jpg/)
http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/6093/img10612435533.jpg (http://img534.imageshack.us/i/img10612435533.jpg/)
WRONG!. Turns out, GTR stub axles are actually 50mm longer than GTST items. Which essentially means the whole steering rack/lca setup also sits about 50mm lower in the car, obviously to allow for the 4wd system to come through and to clear that huge sump! This setup would probably have worked to drive in and out of the driveway with, but the geometry would be all kinds of whack. It'd essentially be like you've lowered your car 50mm at standard height.. not ideal.
So we continued to cut away at things, and refitted the lca mount 50mm higher (actually a touch higher again, as I figured I'm going to run this car stupidly low I should try correct some roll centre while I'm here)
http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/4076/img10622763168.jpg (http://img683.imageshack.us/i/img10622763168.jpg/)
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/3198/img10632770468.jpg (http://img194.imageshack.us/i/img10632770468.jpg/)
http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/6988/img10642775892.jpg (http://img683.imageshack.us/i/img10642775892.jpg/)
Now we refitted all the suspension stuff and it looks normal. finally. Although some more minor mods will be done to this setup towards the end of the project, this seems good enough for now. After that it was time to dummy fit the steering rack, move it as far forward as possible without fouling on anything. Also decided to mount the rack up a bit, to help with tie rod angle when car is railed. Once all that was in, measured, and tacked, we started to weld in all the bits we needed, adding plate (3mm) to brace any sections we needed.
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/2880/img10663019581.jpg (http://img199.imageshack.us/i/img10663019581.jpg/)
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/2166/img10673028426.jpg (http://img215.imageshack.us/i/img10673028426.jpg/)
http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/5084/img10713035249.jpg (http://img854.imageshack.us/i/img10713035249.jpg/)
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/3434/img10723042325.jpg (http://img189.imageshack.us/i/img10723042325.jpg/)
http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/7508/img10733051120.jpg (http://img8.imageshack.us/i/img10733051120.jpg/)
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/4456/img10743057018.jpg (http://img42.imageshack.us/i/img10743057018.jpg/)
http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/3361/img10753063673.jpg (http://img849.imageshack.us/i/img10753063673.jpg/)
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/2269/img10763071568.jpg (http://img29.imageshack.us/i/img10763071568.jpg/)
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/695/img10773077887.jpg (http://img3.imageshack.us/i/img10773077887.jpg/)
and of course, a shot in the car
http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/9506/img10823113376.jpg (http://img717.imageshack.us/i/img10823113376.jpg/)
http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/3961/img10843121524.jpg (http://img691.imageshack.us/i/img10843121524.jpg/)
Now you'll notice the steering rack. Having done an ls1 into an s15 with a mate of mine, steering rack knuckle to starter motor clearance was an issue, here the GTR rack comes out further by about 2 inches and hugs the rail, which is handy, should mean that there are no dramas in clearing the starter.
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/934/img10283361808.jpg (http://img6.imageshack.us/i/img10283361808.jpg/)
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/2717/img10293367715.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/i/img10293367715.jpg/)
GTR rack vs S13 rack.
Now that the crossmember is 90% completed, It came time to try and mount the engine.
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/8822/img10893430640.jpg (http://img88.imageshack.us/i/img10893430640.jpg/)
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/6168/img10903437043.jpg (http://img101.imageshack.us/i/img10903437043.jpg/)
Engine is sitting on a block of wood in this shot, it's not straight here, as what I was using to measure off was actually not centre. doh. But this is majority of it mounted.
Few dramas of course, the sump didn't clear the middle of the crossmember at the front, so we cut away at that. cleared the starter by heaps, but then was limited as to how far back I could move the engine due to clutch master cylinder needing a home. Most conversions run a clutch master inside the cabin, normally a willwood or something of the sort. If I'm lucky the GTR's 5/8 clutch master with booster should be sufficent for the twin plate clutch the engine will be running. If not, I'll tackle that hurdle when I get to it.
http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/7474/img10923639911.jpg (http://img716.imageshack.us/i/img10923639911.jpg/)
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/7273/img10933645557.jpg (http://img98.imageshack.us/i/img10933645557.jpg/)
Turns out, along with the 50mm lower steering setup, the trans tunnel is actually shorter in height than a normal skyline one. So the gearbox did not want to fit in the factory tunnel. Not that big of a drama. So it was removed.
http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/7885/img10943703600.jpg (http://img812.imageshack.us/i/img10943703600.jpg/)
http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/7504/img10953709498.jpg (http://img808.imageshack.us/i/img10953709498.jpg/)
Now that all this was dummy fitted in place, it was time to see if the bonnet shut.
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/8963/img10973739808.jpg (http://img69.imageshack.us/i/img10973739808.jpg/)
good, bonnet clears no dramas. :) excellent.
Ontop of all of this, I'd also been collecting more parts for it. Stuff like wheels. seats, radiator, turbo etc. I'll post up some pictures of the more interesting stuff.
http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/2599/img09833813516.jpg (http://img64.imageshack.us/i/img09833813516.jpg/)
This is an alloy twin core 75mm PWR radiator, PWR make some of the best cooling products in australia, and this radiator was designed to sit directly under the rad support to allow it to move forward in the engine bay for more clearance. picked it up at a bargain off a mate who wasn't going to use it anymore. Didn't quite fit, but with a bit of cutting, it found it's home nicely.
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/7057/img10493921454.jpg (http://img231.imageshack.us/i/img10493921454.jpg/)
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/7172/img10503928318.jpg (http://img200.imageshack.us/i/img10503928318.jpg/)
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/6339/img10363959264.jpg (http://img29.imageshack.us/i/img10363959264.jpg/)
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/5057/img10373964460.jpg (http://img98.imageshack.us/i/img10373964460.jpg/)
This here is a R33 GTST shell that has had a front hit, this is what started the project off as it was given to me by a friend of mine "the ibis"
it was a good condition low km (16,000km!!) shell which was missing motor and box and had the obvious front hit. This is good as it will have all the dash, carpet, door trims, window surrounds glass etc I need to complete my build. Ibis has also hooked me up with headlights, the turbo charger, front brakes, and will hopefully be doing the wiring when the time comes.
Speaking of the turbo charger.
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/2559/img10524139973.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/i/img10524139973.jpg/)
Ibis has provided me with a garret 4082S turbo he picked up for $100 a while ago, core is in perfect condition, as are the housings, specs are 1-18 rear housing and .58 front housing, Should hopefully do some damage to tires with the 5.7 litre capacity the motor has!
Other things I've gotten so far are, a fixed back seat, genuine sheepdog racing from the late 90's, have had this seat in nearly every drift car I've owned, I find when you find a seat that just feels amazing, you just can't seem to part with it.
Bride recliner seat, this will be used for passenger, nice n comfy seat, should do the goods, also have a pair of harnesses to go with them.
I have sourced some wheels thanks to JDM GARAGE, work VSKF 18x10 +7 front, 19x10.5 +7 rear in chrome. these sizes should be ideal for what I want to do, they have heaps of dish front and rear, and I have 4 rears in the same size! So that should make skidding on the same wheels possible more often
Some cusco base height fully adjustable coilovers to suit R33 GTST, A nismo pro GT carbon LSD suit GTR. adjustable 1,1.5 and 2 way. Trust extended diff cover, R32 gtr rear brakes and R33 gtr rear swaybar. Also an R34 N/A rear cradle, no hicas. To accompany that there are ikeya formula toe arms, cusco camber arms, GTR axles and hubs, the rear cradle will be seeing an equal amount of modifying, but hasn't been started on yet.