HR361 - 2017 GT350R - The Story

[Tomster]

Nice job documenting Tom.

Tob,

Some of this is for the documentation because eventually this car will probably be sold. However, not only is this to reflect the time line of the car and the work that was done to it, but it is a story of interest IMHO. Any time that I can read and look at pictures of work that is done to someone else's car, I get enjoyment out of not only possibly learning something, but happiness for a fellow enthusiast.

Your posts and reviews are a case in point. Your information, photos, insight, and perspective are something I, as well as the rest of the forum enjoy.

So I have some more projects to go before Daytona in December. The MGW shifter, Vorshlag camber plates, roll bar, harness, and replacement seat delete to go with the new roll bar are on the short list. I've got a birthday coming up, so I'll probably hit the old lady up for some camber plates or shifter

Anyway, thanks for reading and keep those reviews coming Tob!

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[jefc73]

Nice Tom. :cheers:

 

[Tomster]

Today, I installed the splitter on HR361. It was quite easy and didn't take long to accomplish. The hold up for the splitter installation was due to the PITA job to install the titanium ZL1 addons tow hook.

The instructions were quite clear. It took me about 45 minutes or so and went very smoothly. I took my time to ensure that every screw went exactly where is was supposed to go. As many of you know, dealers who install these splitters often screw up the installation by omitting various screws and fasteners. This happened on my '16 track pack when a very spirited drive pulled my splitter off the front end and down very close to the street causing some major scrapes. The dealer replaced it and I kept the old one, but that is another story....

First I put the car up on race ramps. I then inventoried all the parts to ensure it was all there. I then removed the two screws on each side of the belly pan near the wheel wells and then removed the wheel well liner fasteners as per the instructions.

Once the two screws and wheel well fasteners were removed it was time to put the splitter on. The instructions stated that a shop rag and mallet were needed, however I found that to not be the case. A shove and a firm smack on the leading edge of the splitter seated the locking tabs nicely.

Once the splitter was in place, it was time to install the moon clips. The reason the wheel well liner fasteners had to be removed was due to the need to install 4 moon clips as shown below. These were installed by pulling the wheel well liner back and feeling for the slots on the tabs for the clips to fit in. This, in my opinion was the worst part of the job. This was due to me using ramps and not jacking the car and removing the front wheels. If I had to do it again, I would do the exact same thing. However if the splitter ever had to be removed, those moon clips would be very difficult to get out and you very well may have to remove the front wheels.

The rest of the installation was simple. It was just a matter of replacing the wheel well liner fasteners, screwing the correct screws into the right holes, and torqueing them to spec. Very easy.

And the result.....

 

[Destro]

Nice build so far.

I'm headed out to PBIR on the 14th and am shooting for Daytona Dec 1st. Hoping to get out to Sebring sometime in between.

I might have to pick up the same catch can you have. I have the BBK can and it's supposed to sit right behind the surge tank. However, I have the Granatelli tank with the expansion tank. There's no room for the catch can to sit. It's kinda just laying crooked.

 

[Etchhead]

Sweet build Tom!
What are your plans for seat/harness/bar/Fire extinguisher?

 

[Tomster]

Sweet build Tom!
What are your plans for seat/harness/bar/Fire extinguisher?

I will be going with a 4 point Watson roll cage. I am undecided between Schroth or Simpson harness. I would like to keep the factory recaros for now, so I believe that would have to be a 4 point.

Extinguisher? Right here, right now, it is not in the works. I'm just getting the basics done before Daytona in December.

 

[Etchhead]

I will be going with a 4 point Watson roll cage. I am undecided between Schroth or Simpson harness. I would like to keep the factory recaros for now, so I believe that would have to be a 4 point.

Extinguisher? Right here, right now, it is not in the works. I'm just getting the basics done before Daytona in December.

I hear you in the basics. I’ve always had proper fixed back seat, 6-pt harness, rollbar, Fire with previous cars as it was also minimum to run with my club. Also made you much safer while allowing you to focus on driving and not holding yourself in seat! I haven’t seen an elegant way to use our Recaro seats with 6-pt yet but would like that if it was an option Myself. It’s all a compromise in the end, but with 2x Rs that shouldn’t be an issue for You!!

 

[Tomster]

I hear you in the basics. I’ve always had proper fixed back seat, 6-pt harness, rollbar, Fire with previous cars as it was also minimum to run with my club. Also made you much safer while allowing you to focus on driving and not holding yourself in seat! I haven’t seen an elegant way to use our Recaro seats with 6-pt yet but would like that if it was an option Myself. It’s all a compromise in the end, but with 2x Rs that shouldn’t be an issue for You!!

So much is dependent on what the next latest and greatest car is going to be. I didn't buy two R's to have two R's. I bought one for life and the other to use and retain value. The way I see it is to not sink a boat load of money and time into a car that will most likely be sold, especially on items that most wont care about. I plan to do the basic mods as described to make it more track worthy and safe. I am not trying to build the ultimate track machine, but instead something that someone else may enjoy when it is time to move on. You know how mods go, you never get back what you put into them..... However, I have a pretty good head start on a 2K ADM R.

More to follow.

 

[Tomster]

Today I ordered the MGW shifter, Watson 4 point roll cage, Vorshlag camber plates, cooltech belt eyelets, OEM front brake pads, and Castrol SRF brake fluid. I have tracking numbers for the shifter, camber plates, and fluid. The roll cage as well as the brake pads are back ordered. I expect shipping on the roll cage within a week.

Daytona is right around the corner........

 

[Av8orntn]

Did you ever find a discount for the camber plates?

 

[Tomster]

Did you ever find a discount for the camber plates?

No, AFAIK there are no discount codes.

However when I called I was treated very well. Any question or concern was addressed and I got a tracking number ASAP.

Time vs money. Get 'er done......

 

[Tomster]

I got home late last night to find a bunch of presents to myself for a Christmas that comes early this year (December 1-3 to be exact). I received a set of Vorshlag camber plates, MGW shifter, and a set of Cooltech belt clips.

My impressions of the Vorshlag plates are that they are top quality. I had a set of other plates on my track pack before, but they just didn't cut it.

MGW, of course is top notch quality. Of all the mods, this is the one I am most excited about. I dred the installation though.....

I saw the Cooltech belt loops a while back in someone else's build and was impressed with the quality. the welds look fantastic. I just ordered a second set for the passengers side so that both seats can have a harness.

I am still waiting on a Watson 4 point roll cage and I am yet to order the harness set. As soon as I get time, I will get them all installed.

More to follow...............

 

[TDC]

What Hans do you plan on using?

 

[Tomster]

What Hans do you plan on using?

I'm still undecided on the harness. I don't want to get into new seats at this point in time, so my options are somewhat limited I believe. Do you have any suggestions?

 

[TDC]

I'm still undecided on the harness. I don't want to get into new seats at this point in time, so my options are somewhat limited I believe. Do you have any suggestions?

I am not well informed on the safety gear at this point. Same as you, don't want to switch out the seats at this point so looking for something to work with the sofas.

I think Firestarter2 may have posted a complete setup with factory seats. Trying to get ideas about what to use during the off season so could prepare for next spring where I plan on going to more HPDE's and I'm starting to go faster.

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