Track Dawg Project Update #2

[Don Plumley]

Since passing Smog, I've been focused on collecting parts and starting real work. So far, I've sourced seats, shocks, steering wheel, shift knob, RS shifter, and lots of other odds and ends.

I painted the rear bumperettes:


Started to clean the suspension in preparation to install the KMS/Penske racing shocks (I hate cosmoline):


Installed WEVO Semi-Solid Motor Mounts:


And today's project, installing RS Door Panels from AppBiz:

Which gave me an opportunity to remove the sound deadening from inside the door, and debate having speakers. I'm thinking removable speaker boxes...


Next on the agenda is to remove the interior and temporarily install the RS carpet set. Temporarily in the sense I need to source a roll bar or roll cage and install. To help with the suspension work, I was able to find a nice used compressor (Craigslist), and a couple of Snap On (Blue Point) air tools (eBay).

My website has been updated and I'll do my best to keep it up with the big steps every so often.

Thanks!

Don

[Jeff Alton]

Very cool, keep up the good work. You are building a car that I am sure a lot of us would love to have!

Cheers

[aigel]

Those bumperettes will get you a second lap time improvement at least! Are you going to run the car with GGR or what club?

I like the 993 a lot but always see the stockers being pretty slow at the track. It may be due to stock cars being driven by novices. It will be good to see what modifications will make this one go fast, especially because you won't be a novice driver!

George

[Jack Olsen]

For speakers, I got a set of external iPod speakers that I'll attach to my roll bar and remove on track days. Even when the whole setup is in there (iPod, two speakers), it's pretty light.

Then again, why do you want music in a track car?

[pantera]

Don, really nice project. Thanks for sharing, really look forward to seeing more as it continues. Really nice!

Dan

[Don Plumley]

Originally posted by Jack Olsen
Then again, why do you want music in a track car?

Yes, most of the music comes from the German Philharmonic slightly aft of the rear seats. But on the drive too/from the track you can't always wear headphones.

If I could mount a simple iPod powered speaker system that had an AM/FM radio (for traffic info), I'll ditch the dash receiver. Anyone have any ideas?

George - If I can get to GGR ground school in Feb, and get the car done, I'll try to make it to the DE/TT at Sears Point. But I'd really rather run Thunderhill the first time out with this car. My modifications are focused on safety and suspension - along with removing weight. There's way more power back there than I know what to do with. You are however being generous by calling me anything but a novice!

Thanks

[aigel]

Don:

Sounds like a plan. Remember that you need to get the car teched too. There is always a ground school before every TT, but tech will cost you if you don't do it with everyone at the preset dates.

I agree, Thunderhill will be the better first event. Last year it rained cats and dogs at Sears and I had little fun with a wet track and worse, wet grass runoff that would not slow you down if you'd go off.

George

[Bill Verburg]

When I installed the RS panels I ditched the door speakers, don't miss them at all.


There are definite advantages to getting all the possible weight out of the bumpers, I would remove everything that is not absolutely necessary. The bumper skin is fairly light, on a par w/ f/g used on earlier cars. But the hang ons like the pads and the substructure can certainly stand some dieting. Plus it will be cleaner looking.

The inner aluminum heat shields are necessary unless you vent the bumper.