Tanuki's Race Car Build S14

[Tanuki]

So I have been wanting to build a dedicated race car for a while now. I don't have the budget to do it all at once, so it will come slowly. I will compete in the car through the various stages as well. I will update as I can.

This car was purchased 4-21-2011

Here it was when I got it:


http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0023-1.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0024-1.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0025.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0026-3.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0030.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0032-2.jpg

[Tanuki]

Oh and I painted the wheels with plastidip.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_7917.jpg

4-22-11
Mostly Gutted it tonight in about an hour.

I still need to rip out the 20lbs of sound deadening, Door Cards, and get some race seats.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/P1030815.jpg


http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/P1030817.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/P1030819.jpg

[Tanuki]

4-23-11

I had some bondo spots showing through, so I cut them all out today. Started by sanding the areas down to find the bondo, and started to chizel it out, but then I realized I am going to be smoothing it out anyway, so I took a die-grinder to the bondo and just cut it all out. There were a couple of deep spots, but most of the bondo in the areas was just finishing/ filler. I also ground out the couple of rust spots on the roof. Luckily not deep at all, but I will smooth it all out next week.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_7133.jpg

Once all the metal was exposed, I went over it with etching primer. I hope that the bondo will stick to the etching primer.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_9711.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_4615.jpg

I have never worked in bondo or body work other than a couple of paint jobs and a moto rebuild, so I hope that I make it all good in the end.

[Tanuki]

I just decided to go for it on the bondo. I guess it should be easy to fix if I shave it down wrong. Tomorrow is the day for the sculpting. I think it will turn out fine.

Sorry for the awesome pics:

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_6186.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_5675.jpg

5-5-11
These Came today!

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_7349.jpg

[Tanuki]

my mirrors came today:
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_9768.jpg

5-17-11
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_9509.jpg

5-22-11

Got my new wheels and added them to the wall:
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3485.jpg


http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1422.jpg

[Tanuki]

5/25/11:

uh oh, almost ready for parts to go on!

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_6853.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_9340.jpg

Color looks a bit light because the image is washed out. It is a lighter BRG because they made the BRG lighter on the American LEmans DBR, and that was the color I wanted:
http://cacb.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/800px-58_aston_martin_dbr91.jpg?w=490&h=326

Here is the actual paint sprayed on a card with clear on it:
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_4656.jpg

and here is the car still pre clear:
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_8178.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_5446.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1517.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_7314.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_5791.jpg

[Tanuki]

Yesterday:
Ok got it home and got the Mirrors on. The passenger mirror really is worthless though how it sits.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_9555.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_9548.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3948.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0238.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0228.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0236.jpg

[d-man478]

looks good so far!

[97240TB]

I wanna take a bath in that paint, looks good. Just wish you would have tore the whole car down and sprayed everything that color.

[ManoNegra]

liking that color
I've always wanted to paint a car a similar color
maybe a little darker
liking where this is going so far

what type of racing you planning on doing?

[Tanuki]

I am building for MPRA road racing at Miller Motorsports Park ( Miller Motorsports Park » Performance Driving, Riding, Racing, Karting Schools and Road-Racing Events (http://www.Millermotorsportspark.com) ), but while I am building (for the next year or two) I will be running the local time attack series ( Lap Battle Motorsports Events (http://www.lapbattle.com) ). I may run some other events in the mean time as well. Biggest issue is money, second is time. I think that is the cycle though.

I actually started to work on the coilovers yesterday and found that the rear drivers side wheel was bent, sandwiching the lug in. So, I had to cut the spoke off (Not a huge deal since I hate the wheels and knew they were damaged). Finally I got them off. The issue here is that my BBK won't ship from Stoptech till June 3, and I have a race June 4, so not only do I have a Lap Battle I have to race without my Big Brake Kit, I also can't put the nice 5 lugs on because I can't do the conversion without the rotors. Adding insult to injury, I ruined the 17's I had in a 4x114. SO I get to rock 15's for Lap Battle because I really am that pathetic.

Wheel:
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_5138.jpg

Coilovers have not been fully adjusted because I am waiting till the real wheels are on before I tinker with them.
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_4891.jpg
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3635.jpg

On the 15's
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_6849.jpg

[Nick_04K]

Sweet! A build from Utah for real motor sports competition.

Looks great so far!

[redhatchy92]

love the color. keep it up it looks good

[twyztidmind]

Nice Build. Thats some super glossy paint! Looks good.

[Persona]

Going nicely.

Should have just taken the headlights and taillights out though. Along with the grill.

[Tanuki]

^Thanks. I think that because the car is black, and it is a track car, I really wasn't too worried about that. I did do the door jams though :) Honestly if I had a full interior you wouldn't have any idea just looking at it.

Spent a few hours chiseling out sound deadening material. I tried dry ice, but It still didnt come out as smooth and nice as a lot of the others I have seen. Is that just a matter of using paint remover on the leftover tar?

Total weight of deadening material removed: 25lbs

and there is still a little bit left.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_8212.jpg

[s13silvia_R]

wow, the color looks pretty damn gnarly bro.
The color reminds me of the Intense Motorsport G35.

[AceUp]

wow, the color looks pretty damn gnarly bro.
The color reminds me of the Intense Motorsport G35.

i think this color is nicer... i dont know what kind of lap battling you but over here there is a point system that you upgrade your car in. adding a huge brake kit takes alot of those points away that you can put towards going faster. i would rock stock brakes with super aggressive pads, SS lines,and super good brake fluid. cool car tho!!

[Tanuki]

Our classing system is pretty bad. Gutting the interior with everything else stock puts you in the race class. Even r rated tires on a totally stock platform puts you in the race class. Unfortunately the bigger goal is door to door. Because of this I am building as I can afford bits and pieces and will use lap battle as practice if nothing else. I ran a stock interior mini Cooper before and consistently took 3rd in a lot of events, but honestly I'd rather run race rwd than race front wheel drive, even if it means I lose :)

[Tae-Hyun]

^nice attitude.

Way to go with progress too. Sometimes you gotta work with what you got and your doing good man. Nice color too, really came out nicely. Cant wait to see your final project. Its gonna be something worthwhile and definitely something to look back on.

Keep it up and keep pushing!

[Tanuki]

Thank you. I have had some pretty fun builds over the years. This one is looking good IMO. I like it a lot so far

[soreballz]

That color is rad. It looked neat pre-clear, too.

[Tanuki]

Thanks! I put two of the 17's back on in the rear. the 15's just feel dangerous even around town.

[zooopreme]

So far so good, iffy about the paint but great progress so far

[Om1kron]

So far so good, iffy about the paint but great progress so far

LOL facepalmed through every picture of it being painted with the lights covered.

[Tanuki]

^its a race car. I almost just vinyl wrapped it and called it good.


SO because I have a Lap Battle this weekend and don't want to drill a new set of holes in my rotors, nor do I want to run 15's in the rear, I compromised with one of the ugliest forms of staggering on earth. 15's up front, and 17's in rear.

I already know this car won't be winning based on the classing and current build status, but this will make the day a bit better.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_5320.jpg

(I am hoping this is only like this for 1-2 weeks max)

[Nicksx]

smaller wheels spin faster. i noticed a huge difference going from 15's to 17's. car seems quicker with 15's. heh cant hate on that, plus tires are cheaper :p nice build. sick paint.

[punxva]

i really like the color, its looking like your off to a good start

[Tanuki]

smaller wheels spin faster. i noticed a huge difference going from 15's to 17's. car seems quicker with 15's. heh cant hate on that, plus tires are cheaper :p nice build. sick paint.

Yes, but they don't grip :)

[Tanuki]

LOL facepalmed through every picture of it being painted with the lights covered.

I bet it would look worse if I had left the lights uncovered.

[HPKMotorsports3]

love the paint... nice wall lol

[NismoTuner21]

Why not put the RE-30's on?

[Tanuki]

^I don't have 5 lug rotors (waiting for them from stoptech), so I can't do the 5 lug conversion till they come. I would adjust the current rotors, but it is a waste of time seeing as the new parts should be here next week and I don't want to do the brakes twice.

[Wabash9000]

you should have done the grill and a/c pillars in the british racing orange like that austin. other than that it's looking good

[Tanuki]

^I considered it, but I don't want the car to say "This is as close as I will ever get to a real Aston Martin." You know, like guys who have Fiat Countach kits?

I still need to work out a livery though and it will have some color.

[keeeban]

The paint before the clear looked pretty damn nice. :D

Great color, looks dope!

[Tanuki]

^Thanks. I ordered sway bars today. I went with the Whiteline 20mm' bar in back, and 27mm in front.

[tricky_ab]

Looking great so far...

[Tanuki]

^thanks!

All of this thinking about wheels and how bad mine are got me looking for a set to use for driving around town/ to and from the track (yeah I don't have a truck or garage at the track). So I picked up a set to run around on:

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0363.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_7773.jpg

[Tanuki]

These should be on by the end of the week.

Here are some teasers:

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_9673.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_5773.jpg

[Coolwhip]

looking nice.

[Tanuki]

Today I started on the subframe, Hub conversion, and brakes.

I finished:

Front Brakes (still not bled)
Front 5 lug hub conversion
Rear subframe removal
1/2 the work is done on the rear subframe bushings.

I also measured my front wheels and it looks like both sets fit! The Rays Barely fit, and the Volks fit perfect.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_5108.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0447.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_4782.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_4228.jpg

[Laotian240]

Nice paint Job:O and love the big red brakes!

You got the car on my birthday. lol

[Skilz10179]

The paint looks great BUT why on earth would you do paint work first??? Paint should be the last step after everything else, its sure to get knicked up a few times during the build and chipped and cracked then you realize you need to pull the fenders to fit meaty race rubber.

"Its a race car, i don't care" But still...

[justinedible4]

The paint looks great BUT why on earth would you do paint work first??? Paint should be the last step after everything else, its sure to get knicked up a few times during the build and chipped and cracked then you realize you need to pull the fenders to fit meaty race rubber.

"Its a race car, i don't care" But still...

Took the words right out of my mouth.

[Tanuki]

Took the words right out of my mouth.

What would I scratch on it being under the car or in the engine bay? Paint was bad and car needed body work.

Honestly when you work on your cars do you bang up the body work?

[zooopreme]

What would I scratch on it being under the car or in the engine bay? Paint was bad and car needed body work.

Honestly when you work on your cars do you bang up the body work?

I did disapprove your choice in color for paint before but I agree with you to an extent.

What they were trying to get you to see was that paint is USUALLY the last step in people's builds. It's usually because most people worry about the performance aspect of their cars before aesthetics, for the most part. But you're getting that done so I don't see much of a problem.

[Tanuki]

^yeah I guess where there were some rust spots and a bad bondo area, I wanted to get under all of that and make sure the Chassis was completely sound before putting countless hours and thousands of dollars into modifications. It would seem like a bad idea to me to have a car you know may have issues with structural integrity and not want to check that out. So I guess my thinking was to stop any rust and be sure the body was sound.

I can see what people are saying though. I could see how that would make sense.

[Tanuki]

bushings are in. Car should be back together tomorrow/ drive able by the weekend.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1951.jpg

[onehundredoctane]

Just curious but why did you go with StopTech brakes? 300zx or Q45 get the job done, esp considering the fact that your car is gutted of interior. Just as a baseline I think the stock 60-0 braking distance on the S14's was 140ish ft, with Z or Q brakes you can easily knock that stopping distance down below 120 ft easily. (and even lower with better rubber)

[ixfxi]

LOL facepalmed through every picture of it being painted with the lights covered.

hey, removing lights means that you will probably remove other parts of the car. which leads to removing the bumpers, which leads to removing the doors.. which leads to removing everything and saying fuckit, painting the whole fucking shell and parts individually.

which leads to ditching the bullshit sherman-williams paint and going with something more fancy.

while i personally dont like his choice, i understand it.. and it does the job which is what he intended to do: paint the car. and like he said, its a race-car.. so fuckit, good enough.

from the looks, i am assuming its a 500-1000 paint job. and we all know that costs can quadruple if he did things differently.



http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_5773.jpg

i was under the impression that these older calipers were discontinued and replaced with the newer version that has the machined stoptech logo?


The paint looks great BUT why on earth would you do paint work first??? Paint should be the last step after everything else, its sure to get knicked up a few times during the build and chipped and cracked then you realize you need to pull the fenders to fit meaty race rubber.

What they were trying to get you to see was that paint is USUALLY the last step in people's builds. It's usually because most people worry about the performance aspect of their cars before aesthetics, for the most part. But you're getting that done so I don't see much of a problem.

why should paint be the last step? i painted my car as a shell, i re-worked the entire bottom of the chassis after it was painted. i am putting the motor and bits back on, very carefully i might add, but all this is done AFTER the chassis was painted.


Just curious but why did you go with StopTech brakes? 300zx or Q45 get the job done, esp considering the fact that your car is gutted of interior. Just as a baseline I think the stock 60-0 braking distance on the S14's was 140ish ft, with Z or Q brakes you can easily knock that stopping distance down below 120 ft easily. (and even lower with better rubber)

because 300zx and Q45 brakes are not stoptech brakes, they're not even in the same ball-park. overkill? maybe.

[Tanuki]

^Ha thanks for all the follow up.

The car will need the stoptechs by the time I am done with it. I am building on a budget (that doesn't mean start with X amount of dollars, But get what you can with the dollars you have and wait until funds pile up to get more).

Put it all back together, and washed it!


Here are a couple of quick shots I took this evening.
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0069-1.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0050.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0076.jpg

[Tanuki]

Last weekend I had a race. I am in the local time attack series called "Lap Battle." This is an ongoing series at Miller Motorsports park in Utah. On the 4.5 mile road course, I ran a 3:40.111 with a stock KA24 engine. I could have done better but I kept being stuck behind this guy all day who was only able to run a 3:53:XXX

http://www.uberfoto.com/images/misc/temp/lapbattle/28/pictures/picture-12.jpg

Well i have decided to do a cage.

Because of the cage, I have ordered some other goodies:

Sparco Pro ADV Seat (I am willing to admit I wont fit Bride seats :( )

Takata Harness w/ Crotch Strap

Still need to figure out a steering wheel/ quick release hub combo. Any suggestions?

I thought I would post some info on the guy doing the cage.

He went to some F1 tech program they do at infineon raceway. Then worked for a vintage F1 fabrication shop. Worked for some hot rod places, and now he is building bikes. I am confident he will do a good job on my cage, but I am a bit nervous paying him the same amount a good NASA cage place would charge. Oh well I think he will be outstanding.

Here is some of the stuff he has made:

http://www.slugmag.com/etc/271/2876-SLUG-Pangea2_24_resize.jpg

http://www.bikerhotline.com/eventcoverage/2011/11_born_free_three_2011_bart/assets/images/db_images/db_IMG_01671.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d00nEnWaIxY/TKtPte3Bi4I/AAAAAAAABbg/mEvnUdg00Sg/s1600/623x.jpg

[tricky_ab]

Nice to see that you're out enjoying your car.

Now that you're doing a cage, are you going to spray the interior?

[Tanuki]

^yeah I had to schedule the cage for next month (he is really that booked), and in the mean time I will finish cutting everything out, gutting the doors, cleaning and spraying etc.

[Tanuki]

couple more shots from this weekend:

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f253/th3silent/tanuki-1.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f253/th3silent/tanuki-4.jpg

[Paint209]

thats a clean kouki bro!. wish i had funds and time to dedicate my time on my car. keep it up!

[tricky_ab]

^yeah I had to schedule the cage for next month (he is really that booked), and in the mean time I will finish cutting everything out, gutting the doors, cleaning and spraying etc.


Nice, same colour as the exterior?

[Tanuki]

Probably just all black.

[qwerth]

i like where this thread is headed keep it up!

[slydin240sx]

Looking good man!

[Tanuki]

^Thank you!
Here's one from Lap Battle:

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/P1040199.jpg

Today I started stage 2 of my weight Reduction:
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/P1040205.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/P1040202.jpg

Wasnt someone looking for window motors? ;)

[Tanuki]

I got a few new parts today and have more stuff on order :)
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3336.jpg

[lovdrifting52]

this looks like its gonna be a fun car to beat around

[ladyzx]

Looking good... love the brakes. I need a driver side window motor I'm in sl

[Tanuki]

^Thanks.

I am really excited to get the interior done. I should probably do kill switches, fire suppression, ignition button etc while its torn down. I might.

[colombianbryan]

That looks fantastic man, i can't wait till it's done! What are your plans motor wise?

[Tanuki]

^It may be a while, but either and LS1 or an SR20 built to about 300 to the wheel. I really don't want more than 3-350 max.

[CamryOnBronze]

Wow, nice work! Pretty cool build for sure. My brother actually used to have an 05 Cooper S with a ton of JCW parts on it and Alta exhaust. It was a fun little car!

Excited to see progress on this thing!

[nightsauce]

as everyone said, awesome paint. I'm getting a good vibe from this thread

[Crondy]

was that an indian bike, the last one?

any chance you got your tally racked up yet? pretty interested in that number, thanks.

[Tanuki]

Wow, nice work! Pretty cool build for sure. My brother actually used to have an 05 Cooper S with a ton of JCW parts on it and Alta exhaust. It was a fun little car!

Excited to see progress on this thing!

Thanks, I love my mini stuff. We are down to just the countryman though now.

as everyone said, awesome paint. I'm getting a good vibe from this thread

Thanks. I like the paint more and more whenever I see it. Now if someone could get forza to put the kouki s14 in the game too. I have a hard time making the paint color on that game though.

was that an indian bike, the last one?

any chance you got your tally racked up yet? pretty interested in that number, thanks.

I think that last bike is a triumph, though it very well could be an indian. I know he has made some really intense/ high dollar bikes. He is in magazines and stuff.

Tally Racked up? is that total $ spent so far or what? sorry Im not good with new words :)

[Brok3n_RB25]

Great thread. Subscribed. Looks like I have to do a build thread for my car when it goes down in December to become a straight track car. Good luck and definitely keep us posted.

[tricky_ab]

^Thanks.

I am really excited to get the interior done. I should probably do kill switches, fire suppression, ignition button etc while its torn down. I might.


Don't think about it, just do it! ;)

[Tanuki]

Dang say that with a little more ooomph ;)

can someone recommend a Steering wheel hub/ QR?

[Darren]

Looking good man, keep us updated.. in for more

[colombianbryan]

awesome, good luck with everything! I'll be sure to follow your thread.

[Numbers]

So digging that color, good luck bro.

[06_footy]

Digg'n the build.

[Tanuki]

^Thanks to all.

I will be working on it a bit tonight. Have a bad set of Extended studs that need replaced. Not sure if it was the spacer or the hub that caused the issue, but it is not good.

Also I am hoping to start sanding down the floor to prep it for some paint.

After that I want to starting going through the wire harnesses and cutting out the unimportant ones.

[Tanuki]

Spent the better part of Saturday smoothing out the interior with a wire brush. There are a few more spots I would like to get to still, but so far so good.

Also something else showed up to increase progress:

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_2823.jpg

[S-Nation S13]

Sweet.. I love the color.. Hehe keep it up, build seem to be promising from what you have been posting..

[Tanuki]

Thank you. Updates wont be great for a couple of months, but the cage should be done by christmas :)

[pandaroo]

making some serious progress man! gotta question about your gutted doors. what are you going to do about the windows if your going to run any at all?

[Tanuki]

^I am probably not running windows. The track I drive at does not allow windows up while on track so they aren't much more than dead weight regardless. I may make some clip in lexan windows to use when in the paddock/ pits though. Or Maybe just continue renting a garage at the track. Not sure?

[tricky_ab]

Dang say that with a little more ooomph ;)

can someone recommend a Steering wheel hub/ QR?

I personally owned a Works Bell short hub and Rapfix II quick release, and I'm happy with the quality. So much so that I bought another set for my next ride.

I'd take a look at the Works Bell Rapfix GTC for your setup...

[Tanuki]

I was looking at those but I know a few people that havehad them and told me the NRG hubs are just as reliable for less, so I ordered one yesterday actually.

If I hate it I will just sell it and go with the WB though. I was kind of in a rush to get something before we get going on the cage/ measuring it all out.

[zomgsohc]

Awesome build, man.

May I offer a bit of advice? I had a car with a gutted interior, and I painted it black. Everytim eI drove it on a hot day, I was sweating like a hooker on cowboy payday. I resprayed it to a sort of off-white/grey color, and did the floor on the drivers side in black (so my dirty feet weren't quite as apparent) and it improved things considerably heat-wise. And seeing as hot you live in Utah, where it's hot 80% of the time....

Just my two cents. Otherwise, awesome build. I'll def have to follow this thread and see how it goes! Good luck!

[Tanuki]

Awesome build, man.

May I offer a bit of advice? I had a car with a gutted interior, and I painted it black. Everytim eI drove it on a hot day, I was sweating like a hooker on cowboy payday. I resprayed it to a sort of off-white/grey color, and did the floor on the drivers side in black (so my dirty feet weren't quite as apparent) and it improved things considerably heat-wise. And seeing as hot you live in Utah, where it's hot 80% of the time....

Just my two cents. Otherwise, awesome build. I'll def have to follow this thread and see how it goes! Good luck!


Agreed. I am thinking por15 white inside. That or a black floor with orange cage, but I am leaning towards all white.

[KOUKIboy]

^^^ Orange cage would look sooo sekxay with that exterior color!!! Nice build!!!

[project_silvia]

cool build bro keep us updated

[Darren]

So... er... why a Japanese Racoon, exactly? lol

Liking the progress btw....

[Tanuki]

^Tanuki is just a nickname I picked up somewhere? Maybe because I have black glasses that give a raccoon band look? who knows.

Thanks!

[tricky_ab]

Agreed. I am thinking por15 white inside. That or a black floor with orange cage, but I am leaning towards all white.

I'd be down with a orange cage...:hide:

[Tanuki]

^Maybe I'll just do it. I mean it's just paint. Not like I am welding a wiener on the hood.

[t3hmobster]

Great lookin build bro, can't wait to see some more updates

[Riq]

I like this build, I hope to use my car for the same but it wont be a track only car. Subed

[Darren]

^Tanuki is just a nickname I picked up somewhere? Maybe because I have black glasses that give a raccoon band look? who knows.

Thanks!

omoshiroi! good show... looking forward to more updates

[Tanuki]

More parts came. I need to get the floor done so I can put this in. Also no instructions. It's not a hard install, but it came with two different side mount brackets so I'm not sure how they are different as far as application? I'm guessing they just change seat height.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_4416.jpg

[Tanuki]

Alright, well my hub/ qr came yesterday.
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1101.jpg

I also started installing my BuddyClub Seat Rail, but guess what? It doesn't fit! The side that hooks into the driveshaft tunnel fits fine, but the rail by the door was like a half an inch off! I drilled it out for a while last night and it kind of fits now, but I think I will need to continue to drill it to make it fit correct. Seems strange since its a base made for my car specifically, but that is life I guess.

[tricky_ab]

You dog does not seem amused. I guess he doesn't share in your excitement...HAHA...

[KravingAKouki]

Nice build, that color isnt that bad, orange or white cage would be sick, overall sick ass car! Thing is dope! this build is starting off amazing cant wait to see final results. subscribed

[Tanuki]

Thanks for the kind words!

So I loosely test fitted the seat when I got home. If anything, I would say it is almost too narrow for the brackets. The brackets slide side to side too, so you could probably fit a much bigger seat if needed as far as the space there goes. The helmet bolsters barely fit though haha. The rails did come with one other set of brackets that I think will lower the seat another inch or two so I will try that this weekend once I get some bolts to finalize this ordeal.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_7129.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_6322.jpg

[jdm2191]

Keep it going! Finally someone doing a build thread that at least does something productive with there car

[Tanuki]

Ok help me out. What am I doing wrong? I put the seat in the lowest bracket mounting point but my head had like no clearance. So I moved the fronts to the very top bracket and the back to the lowest bracket mount to tilt the seat back and give me a little more head room. Still I have like no room and this rail is called "Super Low Down," and yet I am sitting much higher than stock.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_7601.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_9755.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1928.jpg

I am thinking it may be time to just sell these and make my own.

The only idea I have is to maybe flip the bracket upside down, although everything I have seen suggests that installation has the bracket above the rail and not below.

[Persona]

Make your own.

[tricky_ab]

Yeah it looks like you're making your own...And don't flip the brackets...

[Tanuki]

Yeah I think it is funny that this is what I get for ordering this part instead of making one. I hope I don't have to make my own hub and quick release too!

[DoubleURX]

Car looks great Brent! Love the color of you S14! Hope the RS has been good for you.

[Tanuki]

^thanks!

I have family in town but managed to get the hub and Qr on tonight.
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1671.jpg

[memphis180sx]

on my buddy club rail i always bolted the seat mount in first then installed the seat i ran into the same problem when i had mine and the brackets are for if u have a low mount seat and just for the regular side mount seats also it came with u diffrent sets of brackets put the other set on

[ms!3]

BC rails suck dude, go buy some nagisa or bride. You can flip the brackets with their design, sit on the floor if you like.

[Enna]

No lie, my bride rails put my Zeta III sport on the floor. I could barely fit a quarter between the carpet and the bottom of my seat.

[Tanuki]

Yeah unfortunately BRIDE/ LOT/TEES USA have been a nightmare to deal with lately so I went with this. I will probably end up cutting this up and using it. Honestly I don't car about the slider on it. Maybe I should just sell it.

[Enna]

Get it through a different source, iirc I got mine from phase 2.

[JSimpson]

For driver side I went with Bride FG. LOVE IT. For passenger.... they get Buddy club... their head isn't as important:)

Oh and Phase2 has Bride rails in stock for cheapish

[Tanuki]

^Awesome thanks! Hopefully they can ship me one by sat. Actually I want to get a bracket instead of a slider i think unless I just fab one.

[JSimpson]

Yeah the straight up bracket (sparco) is lower than the bride slider, unless you remove the slider part then its probably the same... but the sparco bracket is pretty darn low regardless, and cheap!

[Tanuki]

I am now getting confused in my build. I thought there was a simple set of rules for the series I wanted to run as far as cages go, but really just FIA certified is what they want. The issue is I want to build the car so I can run the local series but be able to run nationally/ at other tracks if I ever wanted to/ have $ to do so.

Do any of you have any experience with road racing or have any tips on how to overbuild without being dq'd from major series?

I am thinking I will build for MPRA (miller motorsports park)/ USTCC/ World Challenge

Is there a series I may be missing? Any Nissan cup series or anything similar to Honda Challenge?

[Boorito]

Your build is amazing! Makes me anxious for time to work on mine lol. Hope you find the answer to your question, would be a shame to be able to use the car on another track or in another series after all the work :/

[Tanuki]

^Yeah I am sure I will be able to figure it out if not. I am thinking if I just stick to the general ustcc ratings in conjunction with NASA and FIA I will be fine.

Ok wheel is on.

Also Buddy Club called me today and told me that the poor fitment is highly irregular. So I sent them a bunch of pictures. They will call me again tomorrow.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_7288.jpg

[Darren]

haha, highly irregular? sounds like Dr. Spock!

[Tanuki]

Yeah huh? I will update when I hear from them. I am interested to see what they say? I told them I have been reading a lot of complaints on forums and things and they told me they have not had a complaint on the rails in over 5 years. So who knows, I guess I will have to start sending them links. My friend told me he used to have one in his car and he pulled his seat cushion out when he would race so he could clear too haha.

[tricky_ab]

My friend told me he used to have one in his car and he pulled his seat cushion out when he would race so he could clear too haha.

I've seen quite a few people to that...That would be too uncomfortable for me...

[Tanuki]

^Yeah I am sure we will be able to modify the bc rail. I just hope they start making them correctly. It sounds like every single one of these rails does not fit correctly.

[Tanuki]

Got the dash out and we are now back on the floor!

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/P1040472.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/P1040478.jpg

I will pull out all of the rest of that junk this week hopefully (heater, airbag, etc).

[Darren]

So did BC get back to you on whether their rails would go lower?

[Tanuki]

nope. In fact I emailed them around 7pm MST and asked if there was a reason they didnt call back today? Maybe tomorrow I guess?

[dsc4130]

The problem with them is the slider adjuster is on the inside which doesn't allow you to drop the seat below the rails. Bride, nagisa etc there adjusters are on the outside of the rail allowing you to drop the seat as close to the floor as you can. I have buddy club rails but I cut the floor mounting tabs and switched them around so that the adjusters are on the outside of the rail and I have no problems now.

[Tanuki]

^yeah that is probably what I will do too.

They emailed me today and the guy just said he was out of the office yesterday. Strange because he called me the night before and said he would get with me in the morning...

Anyway I guess any correspondence from them is more than I expected. I just think the bracket shouldn't be on the market since it sounds like no one on earth is happy with it.

[Prove It]

Well first problem is that you did'nt order through enjuku, they would have taken care of you. But also i had the BC seat bracket and with my cage i had the same issue. I went with Nagisa (SP?) and was extremely happy. Def. go that route

[Tanuki]

^They probably couldn't return the seat after I drilled out the mount sadly.

Yeah We will see what happens I guess. I am pretty confident we will be able to fabricate something.

[SlideOrDie831]

friend i was using BC rails in his Z33 and it sits high. he tried contacting BC but no response. he ditched them for bride rails. not sure what model he got.

cars coming out awesome. any plans for aero?

[Tanuki]

My aero plans are actually pretty basic.

I will probably just do small alumilite additions though and probably some factory side skirts.

I am thinking:

Front: Factory lip with alumilite splitter

Sides: OEM Skirts

Rear: cut bumper and large diffuser fitted

Trunk: eventually a wing, probably kognition, but not for a while.

My friend and I can make most of the alumilite stuff and it looks better than a cheezy body kit imo.

Here is his car:

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/drumonthis/5-10.jpg

[imotion s14]

^Tanuki is just a nickname I picked up somewhere? Maybe because I have black glasses that give a raccoon band look? who knows.

Thanks!

or you're trying to insinuate that you have very large testicles that drag on the floor.

[Tanuki]

^I was hoping no one would ask for pictures.

[s14>integra]

is that a boba fett inspired helmet?

[Tanuki]

is that a boba fett inspired helmet?

^Yes it is :)

[Tanuki]

Alright So Albert Tang finally responded to my email requests in regards to why the Buddy Club "Super Low Down" seat rail had the following 2 problems:

1. Required Me to drill the floor mount section of the bracket and still barely allows a bolt to line up with the factory floor mount location.

2. Why a "Super Low Down" seat rail actually sits higher than the stock location.

Here is what he told me after I sent numerous photos of the clearance comparing it to stock height as well as the photos of the necessary modifications I had to make to even get the mounts to line up with the stock floor bolts:

"Hi

the rail was right one. because the sparco seat is higher

Thanks"

So basically they don't care. I'm not really surprised.

[Darren]

Wow .... That is all

[fatduece]

Should have told him to suck a fat one.

[Tanuki]

So I was thinking about everything last night in regards to the seat position, and even though the seat is brand new and probably doesn't deserve this treatment, I am going to just drill new mounting holes on the seat. I need to look at the thickness of the FRP but I am thinking that may work better than chopping up the mount.

[Tanuki]

I will need to get some nutserts too.

[Tanuki]

Ok back from vacation and this is all getting started now...

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_6166.jpg

[jdm_greg]

I've had big issues with sparco seats sitting high...

Sparco Circuit in my buddys subaru, this mount was literally tabs on the ground...
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lgtwg3fh311qbh3o0.jpg

in my friends hill climb (exact same seat) EK with buddy club rails we had to take the seat padding out of the bottom and use a mount with no sliders to have a helmet clear the roof...if not you couldnt actually sit in the seat...

in my S14, that seat sat pretty high just sitting on the ground without a mount or anything if you left the cushion in

[dreamin240sx]

Bride is probably the best way to go for sliding seat rails but i understand that myself and alot of other people dont have the money for them so i made my own as well. idk if this idea would work for you but i made mine out of the stock seat rails.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/215132_10150141842877093_640757092_6889310_1539585 _n.jpg

i bought a set of these for like 35 bucks or so. Then i took apart the stock seat rails. i drilled out all of the spot welds for the slider release handle but kept the mounting brackets on there. then on the one with the gap in the middle and has the slider inside of it. take that slider out. once you get all of that done the bracket with the sliding piece on top make sure you even it up with the lower half and weld it together on the bottom. Then what i did was paint them and mount them with out the seat in the car. After that i mounted the L brackets onto the seat and laid it on top of the rails. I had somebody hold the seat exactly where i wanted it. I then took a hammer and a punch and marked the holes that i needed to drill thru the bracket i just made. after that i pulled them back out and drilled my holes thru the rails. After i was done i test fitted my seat to make sure thats where i wanted it and then proceeded to mount the seat into the car. Im sorry if this seems really confusing but i can get more pics and try to help you out. but all in all i made a functional seat rail for less than 40 bucks and some labor. Once again sorry for the long post just trying to help.

[irritatedmax]

Like this build. Seems like you are tackling it pretty quickly. Props.

[Tanuki]

Thank you I hope it continues smoothly, but budget will always be the pacemaker

[KravingAKouki]

any updates? im definately following this

[Tanuki]

Sorry nothing yet. Been working on a teammate's gc8 the last couple weeks while we wait on my materials to show up.

Sails in Shadows - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seHbSv_MhZc&context=C2d7fcADOEgsToPDskKPO3n-z4dPpA2vo5i1opxC)

[KravingAKouki]

any updates? really nice so far man!

[EmpyreS13]

where is the cage builder located? whats the shop name he runs out of?

[Tanuki]

Sorry for no updates. He is not technically a cage builder, but a fabricator. He specializes in bikes and I don't think he is looking to get into the business of making cages. There are a few really good people for cages around though Empyre. You are probably looking between 5-7k from everyone I talked to though. Also there is a guy on utahnissans that mentioned that his company builds cages from scratch using computers and automated systems for the entirety. Sounds really interesting.

As for progress, We got the bars all measured, bent, and test fitted. Also cut out some of the floor bits so as to make room and lower the seat as far as possible.

Pictures to come tonight.

[vas570sx]

cages are usually built in the $2k range.. at least around here. Good progress btw.

[Tanuki]

^Thanks. I guess there is a big range. Most guys you go to that will build a cage that cheap are ordering an autopower and welding it in, but all of the custom places I talked to have all wanted a lot more to do it by hand.

Either way I guess it's no big deal, just depends what you are looking for. I think we have gotten this one very close to the chassis though. Just tacked in and pieces cut so far. Give it another couple of weeks and it should be done.

Here are some pics:

Cut the floor so the seat could mount properly:
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0142-1.jpg

Much lower seating position now:
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0127.jpg

shoot, now you all know I am white.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0155-1.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0153.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0151-1.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0150-1.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0135-1.jpg

[mikerbike]

You're white? I've known you for almost two months and I didn't notice.

[EmpyreS13]

i believe Mike is Color-blind though

[Csomme]

Didn't read through, but if you plan on competing in any Formula D sanctioned events, that piece you cut out in the floor(Depending on if you delete the cat hump or not) Is considered illegal. We went through some stuff with Tony last year about it.

[EmpyreS13]

[QUOTE=Tanuki;4068626]I am building for MPRA road racing at Miller Motorsports Park ( Miller Motorsports Park » Performance Driving, Riding, Racing, Karting Schools and Road-Racing Events (http://www.Millermotorsportspark.com) ), but while I am building (for the next year or two) I will be running the local time attack series ( Lap Battle Motorsports Events (http://www.lapbattle.com) ). I may run some other events in the mean time as well. Biggest issue is money, second is time. I think that is the cycle though.

[DJPimpFlex]

Why did you paint first? Usually build, disassemble, paint, final assemble. That way you can paint everything (cage, engine bay ect.)

[Tanuki]

Because I don't do hack jobs and it needed paint.

[DJPimpFlex]

It wouldn't be a hack job, it would be better. Either way cars looking awesome!

[Tanuki]

^Thanks.

No I meant I am not too concerned with messing up the body paint because I am very careful with my stuff as I work on it. The engine bay and interior will all be white too, so I think it is fine. I was driving the car as a dd in the beginning and couldnt stand how bad it looked, so I had to clean it up.

[Csomme]

Car looks good, should've read, sorry if I cluttered the thread! I'm sure you'll have tons of fun.

[Tubasteve1]

Just read the build. Great choice in color and in for more(:

[Tanuki]

^Thanks. I hope it all comes out as good as I keep saying it will :)

Here is the new steering wheel ride height.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0136-1.jpg

[tricky_ab]

Things are really coming along! When do you think you'll have it in for paint?

[Tanuki]

I am thinking two weeks till paint and finishing work on the cage. I need to get a wiring diagram and figure out what I can start cutting.

[Darren]

Nice progress racoon boy!

as i've stated before, i love your attention to detail... i'm sure this part of the build will be more of the same!

Looking forward to more...

also... how is the car on the track? I don't remember seeing anything about how well it is doing....

[Tanuki]

^Thanks Darren.

Honestly it does great on track, but is extremely slow. To be honest, I haven't even done any form of tune up on the car, so there may be some power I am missing somewhere. I am used to driving cars with a lot more power, and am said to say, that even my last mini cooper could probably leave this car in its dust on the straights.

I have spent a lot of time and money on suspension and brakes though, and they have paid off. I can out brake just about anything and dive into corners. I have a few more things to work on once the cage is completed, but after that, I will start my engine budget. I can't stay KA if I want to keep having fun.

Here is a shot of the grip side:
http://www.trackpirates.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/tanuki-4-1024x682.jpg

[Tanuki]

Tryin' on some new kicks...
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/384460_326668347366846_181636858536663_1057878_243 676156_n.jpg

[nickkaplz]

you can have fun in a ka!! just throw some boost on it

[Tanuki]

^Yeah I guess the way I see it, is that any money spent on a KA-T is money I could spend on my swap. I will probably tune the engine up and maximize what I can get out of it for 1-200$ then drive it till it blows up.

[Tanuki]

Here are a couple of shots of the progress. Things have been busy, so we are still tacking it together.
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/P1040542.jpg

Bird's Eye View:
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/P1040554.jpg

Here's one of the main plates:
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/P1040548.jpg

[Pinggg]

Looking good!

[Tubasteve1]

Good progress!

[fatduece]

Here's one of the main plates:
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/P1040548.jpg Isn't that part of the floor weak?

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab54/dohc1974/Random%20ff/cage.jpg This spot might be a little stronger?

[Tanuki]

The post lines up with the frame rail there, but I could be wrong. Also it lines up with the halo best there.

[irritatedmax]

I think people usually build on the ledge for more seat clearance (tall drivers need to get that seat back).

[vehicle336]

Nice, CE28n's and some pirelli world challenge slicks?

So are you excited now that Utah finally has a NASA region? Biggie has an ass-ton of events set up for this year, its going to be epic.

Also, before you do any w2w racing youll need a license, planning on doing MMP's racing school? Or going somewhere else?

[Melonburst]

The post lines up with the frame rail there, but I could be wrong. Also it lines up with the halo best there.

You're right, that is the best place for it to go. Any experienced cage builder will put it there.

[Tanuki]

Yeah for the question regarding licensing, I am probably running lap battle one more season and working on licensing as I can afford it.

Thanks for te confirmation on the cage. You guys had me second guessing for a min there.

[Tanuki]

Well how about some cage updates? I think it has been a while, and this thing is almost done! Should be out of the shop on Friday!
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3122.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_4733.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1498.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_5353.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_6105.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3099.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3556.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_2245.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_2440.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_7539.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_6071.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0962.jpg

[Imarvin240]

looking good so far, keep it up!

[Tanuki]

Thank you sir! I am getting excited to get this thing home so the motor can go in!

[Functiontheory]

love it!! its cool to see a build other then a drift car, very refreshing. looks awesome cant wait to see it when its done.

[jefferz]

deleted wall of text.

[Tanuki]

^thanks for the wall of text, but that is misinformation, well I guess depending on what rule book you are looking at.

Look up NASA 15.6.11

Thanks

[jefferz]

^thanks for the wall of text, but that is misinformation, well I guess depending on what rule book you are looking at.

Look up NASA 15.6.11

Thanks



15.6.11
Rear Braces

The main hoop must have two (2) braces extending to the rear. The braces shall be
attached as near as possible to the top of the main hoop, and no more than six (6)
inches below the top.



The braces must not contain any bends*. There must be at

least 30 degrees between the plane of the main hoop and the plane of the rear braces.
The main hoop rear braces shall be installed to form no more than a one hundred five
(105) degree angle or no less than a seventy-five (75) degree angle with the main hoop
when viewed from the top. The main hoop braces must be mounted at the rear shock


mounts or suspension pickup points


pretty sure the wheel well is not the shock mount or a suspension pick up

I own a shop and i cage cars. I know the rules.

the cross bars that are welded to that bar between the strut towers is not right either.

A friend a mine right before i started doing cages got his car done by some ghetto shop got one similiar to your rear set up. Did NOT pass tech.

Make the guy do it right.

[Tanuki]

Why not quote the whole rule instead of the parts you are wanting to quote?

15.6.11 Rear Braces
The main hoop must have two (2) braces extending to the rear. The braces shall be
attached as near as possible to the top of the main hoop, and no more than six (6)
inches below the top. The braces must not contain any bends*. There must be at
least 30 degrees between the plane of the main hoop and the plane of the rear braces.
The main hoop rear braces shall be installed to form no more than a one hundred five
(105) degree angle or no less than a seventy-five (75) degree angle with the main hoop
when viewed from the top. The main hoop braces may be mounted at the rear shock
mounts or suspension pickup points (providing that the braces remain in compliance with
all other sections of the CCR). They may go through any rear bulkhead(s) provided the
bulkhead(s) is sealed around the cage braces. *There may be certain exceptions
allowed for cars that cannot possible meet this “no bend” requirement. One exception is
listed [Ref:(15.6.11.A)]. Other exceptions may be made (not guaranteed) if all of the
required bars meet the specifications for a vehicle in the next heavier weight
classification and the alternative design is submitted to the NASA National Office for
special allowance.
15.6.11.A Rear Braces - Exceptions
On cars where the rear window/bulkhead prohibits the installation of rear braces
(Porsche 914, Pontiac Fiero, etc.) the main hoop must be attached to the body by plates
welded to the cage and bolted to the stock shoulder harness mounting location. There
must also be a diagonal bar connecting the top of the main hoop to the lower front
passenger side mounting point (“Petty bar”). Some cars built for racing in other
recognized sanctioning bodies may be granted a waiver of this rule, however they must
show proof of compliance with the current published rules for their class.


It does not say that it is required to mount to the shock mount or suspension pick up. It says that you can mount it there. The plates that are on there cover the rule. I have done my research and there is nothing on this cage that will not pass tech.

[Prove It]

It wont pass xdc , or fd. Like stated it must go to strut tower

[bb4_96]

It wont pass xdc , or fd. Like stated it must go to strut tower

I didn't know he was running either.

[Tanuki]

It wont pass xdc , or fd. Like stated it must go to strut tower

I didn't know he was running either.


Right. The car is being built for NASA events primarily as well as some Time Attack. The cage meets all FIA/NASA regulations.

[jefferz]

Right. The car is being built for NASA events primarily as well as some Time Attack. The cage meets all FIA/NASA regulations.


you think it will. but it wont formula d and xdc base there rules off of FIA/NASA rules. there cage rules are direct copy of FIA/NASA rules basically.

[Tanuki]

I have spoken with many people including a Continental Series Crew Chief and the Director of the Wasatch NASA Chapter. No one else has said that this design will be an issue.

I do appreciate you looking out for me though. Not trying to be an ass about it at all either, just saying thanks for that.

[Tanuki]

Well yesterday was extremely busy.

Basic schedule:
Work: 7:30-1:30
Pull Engine from wrecked 240: 3-5
Pick up a trailer and head to cage shop: 6-8
Finish cage and bring home car: 8-12

But on the busy day was worth it. The car is now sitting in the garage, waiting for a new heart.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_8070.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_5247.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3139.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0532.jpg

[irritatedmax]

Forget the crappy 90s car...more pics of that truck!

[Tanuki]

this is the only other pic I have:
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_7644.jpg

[irritatedmax]

That thing is sickkkkkk.

Props on the SR power.

[Tanuki]

^Thank you sir.

I don't have more pics of that datsun. I will try and get some soon.

I started cleaning out the interior today using aircraft stripper. I got a lot of it done, but i need to finish going through it all and then start painting. I also need to drill some mounting points for the lap straps on the harness.

Oh and the SR20 went in today. Motor was pulled and new motor mounted in less than 10 hours. Long day, but totally worth it.

Here are specs on the engine:

About the engine. I had it rebuilt at Element with
new rod bearings
stock rods
forged pistons
new head gasket
new gasket and sill kit
new s14 SR water pump (better flow than s13 water pump)
The head is stock but has new lifters
stock turbine on the engine but aftermarket exhaust manifold and dump pipe braided oil and coolant lines
stage 2 single plate clutch w/ ligthened fly wheel

Engine has a little less than 5k miles on it since rebuild. Engine, tranny, wiring harness (wired for S14), ecu, mafs, ignitor, r33 gtr intercooler w/ piping, and full exhaust.

Here are a few new pics of the cage, swap, etc. The engine needs cleaned up and the valve cover needs some love, but it is all in and solid.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/P1040598.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/P1040604.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/P1040608.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/th_IMG_3592.jpg (http://s813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/?action=view&current=IMG_3592.mp4)

[Darren]

Are you able to keep your class with this swap? Sorry if this was covered

[driftwhat]

Wow man that's an amazing cage build!!

[Tanuki]

^thank you sir. I appreciate it!

Decided to get started on painting the interior. Still a long ways to go.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0314.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0313.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0310.jpg

[Tanuki]

Darren,

So few people run here that they combine classes a lot. I will probably just jump into whatever class is biggest so that they can get prize money into that class. I think that a class must have 10+ cars before they start contingency/ prize money.

So for now, classing in the local nasa series should be fine. I will be running against most of my friends. Had I done the LS1 I would have moved classes though.

I may be wrong about the way they run classes, though here. Either way I will fit in somewhere and have some fun!

[irritatedmax]

Is the interior paint some sort of brush on paint?

[Tanuki]

Yeah it is por15 white coat. I kind of wish I'd just used spray can auto paint

[Darren]

Darren,

So few people run here that they combine classes a lot. I will probably just jump into whatever class is biggest so that they can get prize money into that class. I think that a class must have 10+ cars before they start contingency/ prize money.

So for now, classing in the local nasa series should be fine. I will be running against most of my friends. Had I done the LS1 I would have moved classes though.

I may be wrong about the way they run classes, though here. Either way I will fit in somewhere and have some fun!


That's cool, i've had some dealings with scca type rules here with AutoX (we have no proper road tracks around here) so i know that changes can adversely affect your class and make you less competitive, even though the car is faster

[Tanuki]

^Yeah I think autox is always like that too.

[Tanuki]

Little bit of interior flare.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_7122.jpg

[vehicle336]

^ That's actually a really good idea. Gotta keep an eye out for what's coming up behind you.

[Pinggg]

Clean up the engine bay and this build would be dope son!

[JDM_Tuner]

how much of the por15 whitecoat do you need to fully paint the interior cabin and cage? and do you think its better than using a single stage paint from dupont or ppg?

[vehicle336]

POR15 can be spread like normal paint, so if you're stingy you can get away with two quarts, and a quality job a half-gallon should be just fine. I used a half-gallon on my 69 Camaro to cover a really large area in the wells, trunk, inner doors and underneath my rear fender skins. This shit is so bad-ass that if your car is submerged for 100's of years under water the POR15 covered areas will still be rust-free. Good shit for sure. Oh, you can also hand paint it on as well, it's more concentrated. Just be sure to wear gloves since it takes two weeks or so to unstain your skin.

[Tanuki]

Thanks all.

Yeah I bought a gallon and would say you only need 1/2 gallon. The problem with whitecoat, is that it doesn't level as well as the normal por15, so it looks kind of rough to be honest. If I were doing it all again, I would use spray cans to coat it all white, but do the cage alone with the por15. The whole reason to use por15, is that it is much harder than regular paint, and it seals the metal as well. If you could use it in a spray gun (which I'm guessing you can and I should have) you could get a nice smooth application. My other problem is that the interior is black so turning a black interior white is always a pain.

As for the engine bay, it is definitely next on my list once the interior is finished.

[irritatedmax]

POR15 can be spread like normal paint, so if you're stingy you can get away with two quarts, and a quality job a half-gallon should be just fine. I used a half-gallon on my 69 Camaro to cover a really large area in the wells, trunk, inner doors and underneath my rear fender skins. This shit is so bad-ass that if your car is submerged for 100's of years under water the POR15 covered areas will still be rust-free. Good shit for sure. Oh, you can also hand paint it on as well, it's more concentrated. Just be sure to wear gloves since it takes two weeks or so to unstain your skin.

4 quarts to a gallon.

Not sure if this is a math fail or an English fail.

[datsunnazi]

you think it will. But it wont formula d and xdc base there rules off of fia/nasa rules. There cage rules are direct copy of fia/nasa rules basically.

you suck! Go somewhere else to flex your internet cage building muscles, please!

[datsunnazi]

forget the crappy 90s car...more pics of that truck!

pm me for truck pics. ;)

[Tanuki]

^Hi Ryan :)

So its a little bit dirty, but I drove it around the neighborhood today and it seems to run well.

Mishimoto Radiator Came:
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_9080.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_2816.jpg

Windows are all uncovered and I can now see through the rear:

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0345.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0338.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0337.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0332.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0329.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0326.jpg

[datsunnazi]

^Hi Ryan :)

So its a little bit dirty, but I drove it around the neighborhood today and it seems to run well.

Mishimoto Radiator Came:
http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_9080.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_2816.jpg

Windows are all uncovered and I can now see through the rear:

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0345.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0338.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0337.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0332.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0329.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/DSC_0326.jpg

Sweet! I'll be over later

[Tanuki]

Glad you could make it

[datsunnazi]

SORRY about blowing off the coupler. LOL

[Tanuki]

^Sorry you can't drive ;)

I think I will run it tomorrow at wintercross just to get my bearings before Lap Battle next month.

[tovar]

what ! i wana go for ride i never got to hear it run, it was getting cold so i hada leave early (its flaco by the way)

[Tanuki]

^Eric, I think it is your fault that the coupler came off ;)

Stop by sometime.

[89JDM240sx]

Nice build!!! What tires are you using during the events?

[Tanuki]

Thanks!

These pirelli's for now, but I will probably end up on R1's and run ST2

[Big Zee]

question on the cage argument, you seem to be looking at the bars coming down fromt he cage to the wheel well's, but doesn't the x brace going to the strut towers count as the same thing ? its 2 bars, going to the strut tower/suspension pickup from the top of the cage.

great build so far, keep up the great work!!

[Big Zee]

btw, most people that use POR15 up here perfer to brush on, spray on seems to take out the guns, and the finish is not as nice.

[Tanuki]

question on the cage argument, you seem to be looking at the bars coming down fromt he cage to the wheel well's, but doesn't the x brace going to the strut towers count as the same thing ? its 2 bars, going to the strut tower/suspension pickup from the top of the cage.

great build so far, keep up the great work!!

btw, most people that use POR15 up here perfer to brush on, spray on seems to take out the guns, and the finish is not as nice.


Thank you for the kind words. The por15 was a pain, but honestly I think it looks good enough for what it is. It is not the best, but will do its job of being tough and sealing the metal.

Yeah no one else has said anything about the cage being illegal. I would be willing to bet it is tougher than jefferz cages, but he at 23 about all I could do was change brake pads, maybe he is amazing. I don't know, but I do know he is wrong on the cage.


Survived the maiden voyage!

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_9692.jpg

[datsunnazi]

what ! i wana go for ride i never got to hear it run, it was getting cold so i hada leave early (its flaco by the way)

I eric! thanks for the $$$:mepoke:

[tovar]

^Eric, I think it is your fault that the coupler came off ;)

Stop by sometime.

haha which side was the coupler on ? might really have been my fault :hey:

for sure man


no problem ryan thanks for the parts

[Tanuki]

Coupler was on the passenger side and was a PITA to get back on.

Now I just need to fix that starter wire so I dont get stranded in a parking lot. :)

[Darren]

Congrats on the maiden voyage!

Was it an event or just an outing?

[Tanuki]

Just an outing, but I did get to the track yesterday. The car did pretty well, but I'm not a fan of the power ban.

[Big Zee]

is it just a stock redtop ?

a S15 turbo with some 550's z maf and a good tune will open it up good. maybe a set of 264's also. That should give you a more useable powerband with quick spool so it would feel more "peppy"

[vehicle336]

The car looks really good. Every time I meant to come talk to you about it you were out on track. How did you do?

[marco22]

thats a really sweet build. keep up the great work

[Tanuki]

The car looks really good. Every time I meant to come talk to you about it you were out on track. How did you do?


Oh I think I did wave to you once :)

Thanks for the comments everyone. I can't wait to get it all dialed in.

[Tanuki]

Here is the only picture I have seen from the event this last Saturday at Miller Motorsports Park:

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/426725_10150545362506090_103511336089_9404144_1551 742799_n.jpg

[jefferz]

Thank you for the kind words. The por15 was a pain, but honestly I think it looks good enough for what it is. It is not the best, but will do its job of being tough and sealing the metal.

Yeah no one else has said anything about the cage being illegal. I would be willing to bet it is tougher than jefferz cages, but he at 23 about all I could do was change brake pads, maybe he is amazing. I don't know, but I do know he is wrong on the cage.

Survived the maiden voyage!



lol.
that is all

[Tanuki]

^I mean the least you could do is post some pictures of your shop and the sweet cages you have made instead of talking about them right?

[datsunnazi]

lol.
that is all

I've literally heard this guy say that he lives by the theory that "Your welding is only as good as your ability to grind it."



















That is all.

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh311/madmongoose5876/deal.gif

^I mean the least you could do is post some pictures of your shop and the sweet cages you have made instead of talking about them right?

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQtC9GSg6DrNZOAC_JAAGg87ngsXHw4Y-7RieAUptaBJp_eO3iuaSm66eltIQ

[jefferz]

ill grab som,e photos of the 180sx we just did when i go to the shop tonight. and my car that is in the shop getting redone for the upcoming season

[Darren]

looking good Tanuki-san!

How did it feel on the track? more solid?

[Tanuki]

Felt good on track. The turbo is too small, but other than that, I think the car should do great this year.

[Darren]

awesome, stock turbo i take it then.... That's easily remedied haha

[brudacille]

Very nice, keep up the great work!

[Tanuki]

Thanks guys. Yeah stock turbo. I guess I have never driven a car with a t25

[Tanuki]

No major updates, but here are some updates.

Last night I went up to the garage to install the radiator fan and and do some weight reduction.

Luckily the Pirate Lounge has a lift now, so it did make the job go a lot faster.

Started by pulling off the bumper/ lights so that we could cut the bumper, remove the bumper bar, and install the radiator fan. I did find out that the fan really wasn't engineered to be installed after the fact, so I just pulled the radiator and installed it all then slid it back in. I didnt get everything back together yet, but will soon.I will hopefully get a bit more done this weekend and possibly mid next week.

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1697.jpg

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz55/CelestialBeingExia/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0011.jpg

[Darren]

How are you cutting the bumper? or is this just to clear the FMIC and provide more air flow?