boardkat
CAMtard
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2013
- Threads
- 45
- Messages
- 900
- Reaction score
- 569
- Location
- Lake Oswego, OR
- Vehicle(s)
- '15 GT
- Thread starter
- #1
So I figure it's finally time to dedicate space to a build journal, rather than burying tidbits in various autox threads as I've been doing over the years. I sometimes forget all that I've done myself (especially the trials and tribulations that go into various installations and fitment), so consolidating everything here that I've done (and will be doing in the future) will be my goal in the coming weeks, months (and years).
Those that I compete against and others that lurk in the Road Course, Track, Autocross, HPDE forum are already familiar with my build, but for those that aren't, here's a quick primer. AutoX is my hobby - every car I've bought in the last 10 years has been specifically for that purpose. I compete all over the country at many types of events; from the stereotypical "racing in parking lots" locally, to abandoned lumber mills in the middle of nowhere, military bases, airports and everything in between. For all its quirks - the rules, the events, and the characters you meet along the way - I can truly say I've found a passion and have made many friends that I can't imagine not having in my life.
I took delivery on 1/2/15; a factory-ordered 2015 GT PP 6MT that I bought to replace my 2013 GT 6MT Brembo/Recaro car, which was rear-ended and totaled out a few months prior.
I immediately began modifying it to maximize the ESP ruleset, which allows for a decent amount of drivetrain and suspension upgrades. With a limited competition schedule in 2015 due to timing and acquisition of prototype parts, it was an eye-opening experience to attend Solo Nationals in Lincoln and still place 4th overall.
This chassis was capable, and I committed to taking this car as far as I possibly could - and then Solo Nationals in 2016 happened.
After winning CAM, and my co-driver winning ESP in the Pro Finale (on old 315 A7s), we were both prepared to take this car to the top of the ESP charts. And then my OPG blew up on the way to the event site the morning of competition. So much for that :|
Not willing to take a chance swapping in another stock motor (even with an aftermarket OPG), I decided that this car's ESP days were over, and proceeded to have Livernois build me an engine that was built for power (1000whp) and durability at high (8600) RPMs. I knew I was heading down a dark path, but threw in the towel and accepted my fate!
Here's a pic on way back from Detroit, after picking the car up:
Spent a lot of time reworking my suspension ahead of the 2017 season (all rubber be gone, everywhere!), and dropping weight where I could (driveshaft, rear seat delete, hitch removal) to get my car under 3500lbs. It paid off, as I managed to put my car at or near the top at Crows Landing and Packwood national events, and then proceeded to win CAM-C and the overall competition at the CAM Invitational:
Didn't drive my car to full potential at Solo Nationals, but still managed to place 2nd in CAM-C. The fire has been lit, and I intend to take THIS iteration of the car to the top of CAM-C in 2018 (and beyond)!
Those that I compete against and others that lurk in the Road Course, Track, Autocross, HPDE forum are already familiar with my build, but for those that aren't, here's a quick primer. AutoX is my hobby - every car I've bought in the last 10 years has been specifically for that purpose. I compete all over the country at many types of events; from the stereotypical "racing in parking lots" locally, to abandoned lumber mills in the middle of nowhere, military bases, airports and everything in between. For all its quirks - the rules, the events, and the characters you meet along the way - I can truly say I've found a passion and have made many friends that I can't imagine not having in my life.
I took delivery on 1/2/15; a factory-ordered 2015 GT PP 6MT that I bought to replace my 2013 GT 6MT Brembo/Recaro car, which was rear-ended and totaled out a few months prior.
I immediately began modifying it to maximize the ESP ruleset, which allows for a decent amount of drivetrain and suspension upgrades. With a limited competition schedule in 2015 due to timing and acquisition of prototype parts, it was an eye-opening experience to attend Solo Nationals in Lincoln and still place 4th overall.
This chassis was capable, and I committed to taking this car as far as I possibly could - and then Solo Nationals in 2016 happened.
After winning CAM, and my co-driver winning ESP in the Pro Finale (on old 315 A7s), we were both prepared to take this car to the top of the ESP charts. And then my OPG blew up on the way to the event site the morning of competition. So much for that :|
Not willing to take a chance swapping in another stock motor (even with an aftermarket OPG), I decided that this car's ESP days were over, and proceeded to have Livernois build me an engine that was built for power (1000whp) and durability at high (8600) RPMs. I knew I was heading down a dark path, but threw in the towel and accepted my fate!
Here's a pic on way back from Detroit, after picking the car up:
Spent a lot of time reworking my suspension ahead of the 2017 season (all rubber be gone, everywhere!), and dropping weight where I could (driveshaft, rear seat delete, hitch removal) to get my car under 3500lbs. It paid off, as I managed to put my car at or near the top at Crows Landing and Packwood national events, and then proceeded to win CAM-C and the overall competition at the CAM Invitational:
Didn't drive my car to full potential at Solo Nationals, but still managed to place 2nd in CAM-C. The fire has been lit, and I intend to take THIS iteration of the car to the top of CAM-C in 2018 (and beyond)!
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