GTM #30 Build thread

[Power Surge]

Figured I might as well start up a build thread for ole #30. I am the third owner now of this unfinished car. The previous two owners had the car in running go kart stage. But I plan to redo a lot of the car and upgrade a bunch as well.

The car currently has donor 97 Vette parts on it. LS1, with a G50/01 trans.

Here is a list of my proposed build and upgrades. Not all may be done, just depends on what the budget allows.

- Caddy XLR Northstar M122 supercharger, with Fabworks head adapters and billet fuel rails.

- Ractronix C5 fuel pump setup, lines, filter, and regulator. Injector Dynamics ID1050x LS2 injectors.

- HP Tuners new CORE ECU setup. IF this winds up being in the budget, I will be using the traction control option with it.

- Wilwood Aero6 calipers, front and rear. C6 Z51 front rotors, C6 Z06 rear rotors.

- Variant Alloy custom made wheels. 19x8.5 +44 fronts, 19x11 +38 rears. 245-35/19s and 315-30/19s.

- Brandwood shifter setup with Shane's brackets.

- Aircups spring lift setup.

- Touchscreen Center console control system.

- Relocate coolant tubes to outside the frame under the body.

That's the plan so far. More things will be added as I learn more about what other people have done on their cars. I do have to admit, it's a little disheartening seeing the lack of activity on the GTM forums, but I do understand I'm coming into this almost 20 years since the introduction of the car. Maybe my posts will bring some people back out of the woodwork.

Also, if ANYONE out there has a lead on a set of GTM door window glass, please contact me! :D

https://i.ibb.co/FxJb4c2/20240121-171108.jpg (https://ibb.co/vwmx4fp)

https://i.ibb.co/C1mFXTR/20240121-171138.jpg (https://ibb.co/NVtzkHc)

https://i.ibb.co/f1Ky5zL/20240121-171216.jpg (https://ibb.co/ZLwFPp7)

[beeman]

Great first post, looks like a nice list of changes and upgrades.
I'm 8 weeks out from shoulder surgery, can't do anything for another 4 weeks. I'll admit that other projects have distracted me from the GTM as well.
I have all of the GTM glass except for the windshield in NE Indiana, where are you located?
Dave

[Power Surge]

Great first post, looks like a nice list of changes and upgrades.
I'm 8 weeks out from shoulder surgery, can't do anything for another 4 weeks. I'll admit that other projects have distracted me from the GTM as well.
I have all of the GTM glass except for the windshield in NE Indiana, where are you located?
Dave


Hey Dave, I'm in Florida. You have door glass available?

[beeman]

Hey Dave, I'm in Florida. You have door glass available?

I am 99% sure I have all the glass except for the windshield. It is all in the original packaging, I would need to confirm nothing has been broken while it has been in storage.

I purchased the kit 2nd hand like you did

[Power Surge]

I am 99% sure I have all the glass except for the windshield. It is all in the original packaging, I would need to confirm nothing has been broken while it has been in storage.

I purchased the kit 2nd hand like you did

Awesome. Please check on that when you can and let me know! :D

[crash]

Is the door glass not a donor part from a Vette? Seems like those should be available from a wrecking yard? It is all the other windows that are specific to the kit...windshield, rear window, and quarter panel glass, right?

[beeman]

I think the door glass is quite a bit smaller than Corvette

[crash]

I think the door glass is quite a bit smaller than Corvette

I never had any door glass in my GTM so maybe I am confused. I thought that was one of the parts used from the donor. I thought that was why the door windows did not seal very well. Again, maybe I am mistaken since I never had to work with those. The only glass my GTM has is the windshield. I have changed everything else to non kit speced items.

[Shoeless]

Door glass is a kit item.

Power Surge - where in FL are you? I'm in Palm City on the east coast.

[Power Surge]

Door glass is a kit item.

Power Surge - where in FL are you? I'm in Palm City on the east coast.

Palm Coast/St Aug here. :)

[Power Surge]

Is the door glass not a donor part from a Vette? Seems like those should be available from a wrecking yard? It is all the other windows that are specific to the kit...windshield, rear window, and quarter panel glass, right?

Unfortunately it's an FFR made item. And they do not have any. I did just get a new windshield from them though. But I'm missing the door windows.

[Ajzride]

Unfortunately it's an FFR made item. And they do not have any. I did just get a new windshield from them though. But I'm missing the door windows.

This probably a blessing in disguise. You can now find some windows that are reasonably close in size (or make some from plexiglass) and rework the entire tracks and sealing mechanism and have a much nicer car.

[Power Surge]

This probably a blessing in disguise. You can now find some windows that are reasonably close in size (or make some from plexiglass) and rework the entire tracks and sealing mechanism and have a much nicer car.

Is this a thing? Do you have any details?

[Ajzride]

The 818 guys have retrofitted S10 truck window guides, I'm betting a day in a salvage yard would find something close to the right size for a GTM:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?27468-Discoveries-spleen-venting-amp-818C-side-windows&p=447240&viewfull=1#post447240

[lance corsi]

Yea, just make a template of your required glass curvature and use that template to compare with windows to at the salvage yard. Make sure it’s large enough to accommodate your profile then take it to a competent glass man and have him cut it down to size. Don’t forget the guide channels, you’ll need those too.

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

The door windows are complicated enough with glass that FFR designed specifically to fit. Personally, I doubt you're going to find anything usable from a production car. Those windows can't be cut down to size because they are tempered glass.

Sounds like you have a pretty solid build plan. Good luck!!

[lance corsi]

I thought a diamond wheel would cut it. My bad. Fwiw, all of the FFR door glass is a pain to get right.

[Ajzride]

I was recommended mostly production guides, with glass as an unlikely bonus. Look at 1965 mustang window hardware, it’s relatively simple and might could be trimmed down to fit. Since you have no glass you might be stuck with plexi

[Power Surge]

Well I'm hoping beeman will hook me up with his unused glass :cool:

[beeman]

Crap, forgot to look at it, I'll try to find it in the next couple of days

[beeman]

I do have the side glass still in the factory wrap. I don't know how well it would travel. PM me if you want it.
Dave
195928

[frankenford]

What coils and and shocks are you planning on using? I might have the air cups you need for half price.

[Power Surge]

What coils and and shocks are you planning on using? I might have the air cups you need for half price.

I'm using the yellow Konis that came with the kit. But I already have them on order from stance parts:(

[frankenford]

Awe that's too bad because that's the ones that I have. If you decide you want some for the back let me know.

[Power Surge]

Awe that's too bad because that's the ones that I have. If you decide you want some for the back let me know.

I wanted to do the rears...but it didn't look like there was room? Shoot me a pm.

[beeman]

Side windows ready for shipping, my daughter helped :p

196343

196344

[Ajzride]

Side windows ready for shipping, my daughter helped :p



Those nails look like the perfect color blue for your car ;)

[beeman]

Those nails look like the perfect color blue for your car ;)

You might be onto something there! I'm getting Gulf Blue vibes. How many bottles of nail polish are recommended for an average sized coupe?

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

Or.....stay with me here.........buy a whole truckload of fake nails...paint them all individually and the glue them to the car like dragon scales? :D

[Ajzride]

Or.....stay with me here.........buy a whole truckload of fake nails...paint them all individually and the glue them to the car like dragon scales? :D

This is brilliant, your body work gets cut by 100x. No blocking or guide coat needed.

[Power Surge]

Parts are starting to roll in :D

https://i.ibb.co/Qcz1ZM0/20240221-163403.jpg (https://ibb.co/thkWSDR)

https://i.ibb.co/CJr3Trw/20240221-164000.jpg (https://ibb.co/KN1p315)

https://i.ibb.co/6td3L24/20240221-164014.jpg (https://ibb.co/HPJW30r)

https://i.ibb.co/Bc9rtZB/20240221-164430.jpg (https://ibb.co/4KHY7Tp)

https://i.ibb.co/2SdhZpw/20240305-122844.jpg (https://ibb.co/5kL4KJd)

[kabacj]

You are going to love it. The GTM is not easy to build, but it’s so much fun . Lots of people here to help you evaluate solutions to any problem you have.

Im looking forward to your progress.

[Power Surge]

Ok... this weekend was the first big milestone after buying the car. I was able to get the body off, and then roll it outside to powerwash a decade or so of dust/dirt/etc off the entire car. Also got all the new wheels installed :cool:

Now I can really get a good look at the car, and formulate a game plan going forward with what I want to redo and change/add to the car from this point.


https://i.ibb.co/cJdFnfc/20240331-125438.jpg (https://ibb.co/mJ7qWZC)

https://i.ibb.co/j3HdFRr/20240331-125454.jpg (https://ibb.co/HGX0QdH)

https://i.ibb.co/pbcFDdV/20240331-125506.jpg (https://ibb.co/BcbMDBW)

https://i.ibb.co/4t5bJPM/20240331-125518.jpg (https://ibb.co/8sSyX62)

[Power Surge]

Some more goodies for the build came in....

Stanceparts Aircups (fronts only)

Fuel Injector Clinic 775cc injectors

Racetronix 255lph in tank pump, with upgraded wiring harness

Also got a bunch of small panels and brackets from Shane! :D


https://i.ibb.co/PNb1VJm/20240401-133136.jpg (https://ibb.co/rmL5Xq7)

https://i.ibb.co/bWMsTM0/20240404-223921.jpg (https://ibb.co/JBwvVw1)

https://i.ibb.co/23KQ5Xp/20240404-224010.jpg (https://ibb.co/s93GtLX)

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

Nice! The air cups sure come in handy a lot!

[Shoeless]

Any reason you didn't go with the tankless air cup set? It actually works really well without the tank.

[Power Surge]

Any reason you didn't go with the tankless air cup set? It actually works really well without the tank.

Because I didn't know any better? lol

Not much info out there with people having them on GTMs. I'm not opposed to running it tankless.

[Shoeless]

No worries, we all learned as we progressed through our builds.

If you have the option, I'd swap your kit for the tankless setup. One thing the GTM does not have, as you are likely seeing, is spare room to mount extra things.

[Power Surge]

Ok, got some time to actually do some work on the GTM this week. I was able to get the new 6 piston Wilwood front brake setup on. I took off the donor hubs and installed brand new ones. Got the C6 Z51 front rotors on, and setup the Wilwoods along with braided brake lines. I got the Aircups installed on the front Konis. I used the smaller diameter Aircups, which were supposed to fit the GTM front Konis. I did have to slightly shave down the outer diameter of the bottom two coils down a tad to not bind in the Aircups. No biggie. On the top, I had to slightly shave the inside parts of the shock mounts, because the shock body was just touching and I didn't like that.

I also started to swap in the new 5/8" clutch master and Porsche slave, but I have to cut down the master rod, and the clutch slave needs a different banjo fitting.

Oooh... and my carbon/leather steering wheel and quick release setup came in :cool:


https://i.ibb.co/VLQ4y7w/20240428-155739.jpg (https://ibb.co/j8WXKcJ)

https://i.ibb.co/wNXyNQh/20240504-153500.jpg (https://ibb.co/XZgXZ5x)

https://i.ibb.co/TPLFyj0/20240504-153510.jpg (https://ibb.co/r5s198p)

https://i.ibb.co/sgWv4Vr/20240504-153517.jpg (https://ibb.co/vcXxWj8)

https://i.ibb.co/HtzdP8F/20240504-153529.jpg (https://ibb.co/wSWsQm0)

[Power Surge]

https://i.ibb.co/fncd59G/20240504-150431.jpg (https://ibb.co/3MJmqvY)

https://i.ibb.co/MZ4XWHt/20240504-150953.jpg (https://ibb.co/ZGPZtrF)

[GTM_Vet]

Thanks for sharing bro! Im getting one thats completed at times Im like man I wished I built it but then I see these type posts and then think Nam Im good! lol a man has got to know his limitations! I would have never been able to complete it!

[Power Surge]

Thanks for sharing bro! Im getting one thats completed at times Im like man I wished I built it but then I see these type posts and then think Nam Im good! lol a man has got to know his limitations! I would have never been able to complete it!

I think a lot of people get overwhelmed building one of these cars. That's why you see a lot of them for sale unfinished. My car was manufactured in 2006, and I'm the third owner of it now with it still being only half finished. I do this stuff for a living and even sometimes I think to myself what have I gotten myself into. It can definitely be overwhelming.

[Power Surge]

Another little update on #30.

Acquired some more parts.

Got my new gauges that I had custom made. New Vintage USA CFR gauges in blue. Custom 200mph speedo. Tach, water temp, oil pressure, fuel level, and air/fuel. Turn signals and warning lamps built into the displays.

Got the Brandwood cable shifter setup. And Shane's brackets.

Got my new billet buttons that I had custom made. Engine start, hazard, fog lamps, and Air Cups activation buttons. They have an LED ring that you can setup in 5 different colors.

I rebuilt both brake masters this weekend. Got the brakes all bled out and pedal feels great. Got the big 6 piston setup on the rears to match the fronts. C6 Z06 rotors to keep the factory E brake operation. Got the 5/8" clutch master on, as well as the Porsche slave cylinder. Part numbers for the slave and the required banjo fitting and bolt in the pics below.

Making some progress slowly but surely.


https://i.ibb.co/CJ9Gtsp/20240610-194215.jpg (https://ibb.co/hXdzM1x)

https://i.ibb.co/603ZV07/20240610-194511.jpg (https://ibb.co/HTW21Tf)

https://i.ibb.co/cNG9b1x/20240518-160545.jpg (https://ibb.co/8jWwz0X)

https://i.ibb.co/z8VHxZy/20240518-161254.jpg (https://ibb.co/tZpPKD7)

https://i.ibb.co/7p9T6Ps/20240518-160442.jpg (https://ibb.co/SmL19bF)

https://i.ibb.co/zFZRX0G/20240518-160625.jpg (https://ibb.co/42pT85P)

https://i.ibb.co/VDVj6G2/20240518-160657.jpg (https://ibb.co/ZKdL9rW)

[Shoeless]

Always loved it when new parts show up. It's Christmas all year round building a GTM :cool:

[Power Surge]

Always loved it when new parts show up. It's Christmas all year round building a GTM :cool:

If you mean broke from buying "presents" all year, then yes ;)

[Power Surge]

Got some more work done on the GTM.

- Redesigned the cable shifter brackets at the back end, for proper shifter operation. See my other thread about it.

- Mounted the cable shifter box at the front, using Shane's brackets (mounted a bit different than intended).

- Replaced the cut off hoses plugged with metal caps on the fuel tanks with nice silicone caps.

- Replaced the cut off and plugged hoses on the fuel ports on the tanks with Racetronix block off adapters.

https://i.ibb.co/1s6TdLR/20240630-125527.jpg (https://ibb.co/0BtrFcY)

https://i.ibb.co/sw0BGZn/20240630-125537.jpg (https://ibb.co/SnhL8zb)

https://i.ibb.co/vds7FB8/20240630-125620.jpg (https://ibb.co/n13HG0S)

https://i.ibb.co/nbzbmn6/20240630-125647.jpg (https://ibb.co/ZVWVXYG)

https://i.ibb.co/P4ySD3D/20240706-172858.jpg (https://ibb.co/MpHXBWB)

https://i.ibb.co/44p2myw/20240706-172940.jpg (https://ibb.co/TPt1vXD)

[Power Surge]

If you've been following my build, then you've seen that I had to replace/rebuild the three masters for the brakes and the clutch. Also replaced the clutch slave, and upgraded to the Wilwood brakes. And of course the cable shifter. This weekend I got to test out if it all works! The car shifts, moves, and stops.

I also forgot to previously mention I did the CTSV alternator setup, and added a Racetronix fuel pump in the tank.



https://youtu.be/NMiQ-6UIJAE


https://i.ibb.co/cbJDPfs/20240616-132618.jpg (https://ibb.co/YD2p6nV)

https://i.ibb.co/SPXNSMC/20240621-110301.jpg (https://ibb.co/0cjq56b)

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

Nice upgrades!

[crash]

Just thought I would post up how the FFR PDG GTM belt is routed. I am fitting a new diameter damper here so the belt is too short.

This setup has worked well over the years as we run two alternators to have redundant systems, but one could easily substitute the lower alternator for a A/C compressor. All the brackets are GM OEM cast aluminum and as such are extremely rigid. I will try and get part numbers if people are interested?

201899

[Power Surge]

Just thought I would post up how the FFR PDG GTM belt is routed. I am fitting a new diameter damper here so the belt is too short.

This setup has worked well over the years as we run two alternators to have redundant systems, but one could easily substitute the lower alternator for a A/C compressor. All the brackets are GM OEM cast aluminum and as such are extremely rigid. I will try and get part numbers if people are interested?

201899

Thanks for the insight on your setup, Crash! I will be running a supercharger, so I am going to need to be creative with my belt setup. But I'll have to figure it out once the blower is on.

[Power Surge]

Nice upgrades!

I'm trying! ;)

[crash]

You need to be very careful using a blower on a mid engine setup. We raced against a Ford GT and they would throw belts regularly. When they did that the race was over for them as it was near impossible to access the belt on the GT.

I contemplated a super charger setup and came to the conclusion that a larger belt and possibly even a cogged belt with the use of a one way clutch hub and a blow off valve would be what I would try. I had come up with the idea of the one way bearing hub "clutch" and then saw that exact product at SEMA the next year. IIRC it was an ATI product.

[crash]

Yep, here is the ATI product...

https://www.atiracing.com/superpulley/

Again, I believe you would necessarily have to also use a blow off valve as the supercharger would still be spinning when the throttle is closed and therefore still making boost that you would need to vent. I did not get that far into this concept, but I don't think it would be that difficult to make work.

[Power Surge]

Yep, here is the ATI product...

https://www.atiracing.com/superpulley/

I've been building supercharged cars for 30 years.... and I have never seen that pulley before. That is a pretty slick part!


Again, I believe you would necessarily have to also use a blow off valve as the supercharger would still be spinning when the throttle is closed and therefore still making boost that you would need to vent. I did not get that far into this concept, but I don't think it would be that difficult to make work.

Centrifugal blowers definitely need a blow off/bybass valve. I will be running a positive displacement unit, so it's got an internal bypass valve.

[Power Surge]

Anyone see any issues with running this layout for the battery and air tank?

I really like the way both sit in these positions. Tank fills that space nicely, and battery looks like it was supposed to go in that spot, plus easy access.

A/C accumulator will be moved to the corner of the frame near the battery.

https://i.ibb.co/zQF78Dn/20240815-114003.jpg (https://ibb.co/Gn9tsNx)

https://i.ibb.co/m6W9cr4/20240815-114013.jpg (https://ibb.co/kQC4SVX)

https://i.ibb.co/kcrYsd6/20240815-114029.jpg (https://ibb.co/DK63Hqg)

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

I think that all looks like it should work out very well. The build I'm working on right now....I actually had to mount the AC accumulator where you're talking about.....right below where the wiper motor mounts and it worked out fine. Have to make new AC hoses, of course.

[Shoeless]

Layout looks great, only feedback is that battery. I started my build with the exact same one. About 2 years after I bought it, it died. I sent it in to Braille for warranty and although they did give me credit for it, they told me it’s not really a good battery for the application. I ended up taking their recommendation and going to the extreme and buying the ML30C. Pretty penny, but boy it’s flawless. I can’t remember if the GreenLite version would have covered me, I just decided to go all out.

[Power Surge]

Layout looks great, only feedback is that battery. I started my build with the exact same one. About 2 years after I bought it, it died. I sent it in to Braille for warranty and although they did give me credit for it, they told me it’s not really a good battery for the application. I ended up taking their recommendation and going to the extreme and buying the ML30C. Pretty penny, but boy it’s flawless. I can’t remember if the GreenLite version would have covered me, I just decided to go all out.

I remember you mentioning that before. Was that new one dimensionally the same? If so, I might just use this one (since it's new) until it quits, and then switch over.

[Shoeless]

I remember you mentioning that before. Was that new one dimensionally the same? If so, I might just use this one (since it's new) until it quits, and then switch over.

Exactly the same dimensionally, so will fit in that mount.

[Power Surge]

Nothing overly exciting going on, just still accumulating parts, and working on the wiring schematics.

I have acquired the amplifier for audio out of the LCD console display. Also picked up a Digital Guard Dawg RFIK keyless ignition setup. And more of Shane's awesome goodies! Got Shane's hidden storage compartment, which I plan to install some of the car's added electronics into. Oh, and I got a power trunk release from a 90s TransAm (same as C5 vette) along with Shane's latch mount.

I also cleaned 20 years of crud off the body. Actually makes me feel better seeing it clean now. lol.

https://i.ibb.co/2dm8mgf/20241222-135037.jpg (https://ibb.co/XtNyNSv)

https://i.ibb.co/K68Xc3B/20241222-135920.jpg (https://ibb.co/CBSzpT4)

https://i.ibb.co/TBZmz5y/20241223-183122.jpg (https://ibb.co/N6XZwzR)

[fhp1154!]

Have you changed your mind about selling?

[Power Surge]

A couple more parts for the build...

Custom GRP tail lights.

Summit SFI balancer to replace the failure prone stock balancer. Especially with running the supercharger.

https://i.ibb.co/h1wd5rc/20250120-191601.jpg (https://ibb.co/G3NMwG9)


https://i.ibb.co/26wR1cp/20250120-191651.jpg (https://ibb.co/mBmdVhP)

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

Love those tail lights!!