Budget GTM build thread

[Kalstar]

Disclaimer....Don't be mislead by this "budget" project of mine. It has take lots and lots of planning and I also have the ability to financially cover unseen costs even if the cost is 100% more than planned. The GTM is not an inexpensive build!! This build log is not meant to confuse people into the false hope of building something they can not afford. With proper planning (building bare bones) FFR's notion of a 35K-40K GTM "might" be be realized. But until I am done and the last bolt is fastened I can make no claim that sub 40K is possible. Remember most of the cars are in excess of 60K to build without counting labor. When comparing values, this build should not be used as a comparative of true value. I am using a second hand kit, a 5.3 engine, a short nose trans and I have researched/planned cut cutting strategies for nearly two years. By no means am I building a "cheap" GTM, I am just cutting expense on some of the nicer things many of the builders are putting into their cars. Just as one can buy a new C6 for 50K or ZR1 for 110K, here too, there are many levels of GTM's.

I will keep copious notes and spread sheets. When I am done, hopefully there will be a road map for other budget builders to follow.


I am aiming to build a $30,000 GTM (materials only no labor).

I purchased my kit second hand but if my figures are correct for roughly $7000.00 more than my target budget, a Gen2 can be completed including the factory A/C. So here is the game plan....I am using a 2005 aluminum 5.3 L33 (I hear those snickers) that I purchased locally with everything needed for $750.00. This motor comes stock with the 243 heads. I have purchased a 216/220 exh .525/.532 cam w/918 springs for $257.00 nearly new. So all said and done I have a 2005 29K motor with 243 heads, small cam (about 40whp increase), 2005 (newer) electronics and around 370-380 na hp for just over $1000.00. I will also be running a MP70 turbo with a dual switch 6/12psi boosting output to 500@6psi or 650@12psi. I purchased a 2003 donor and parted it out, I swapped all of the drive accs and the oil pan over before selling the LS1, the buyer was fine with it since he was putting the motor in a gen3 Camaro. From the sale of the un-needed donor parts I have not only gotten all the GTM parts for nothing, I have also made enough profit to cover the full cost of both the transaxcle and the engine completely as well as roughly half the cost of the used GTM kit. I purchased the spare trans from Richard owner of PDG GTM as a race prep'ed box that was no longer needed when they converted over to Mendeola. The GTM kit was purchased second hand off ebay for $15,000 with lots and lots of new extras. Do to work restraints I have hired Mike Everson to complete the go-kart with me, his labor is not included in my sub 30K target.

I will be going two tone paint...(done right) using Dupont Chroma-Premier Copper pearl with M/B graphite roof and stripe. The same guy that painted Haya's car and Joe Mush's (Jonh Leflame) will be doing mine (awesome price too).

So here goes...............

[Kalstar]

Next was to dismantle the Vette, sell what I did not need, recondition the parts I did. I made over 10K parting out the Vette. Here is a pic of the beginning of putting on the tin panels (light and strong) drilled and rivited into the frame rails. Modified and installed the Corvette telecoptic steering shaft/column. Brake masters are in, in the pic fans are justing sitting there and the steering rack in place but not bolted up. Mike Everson was instrumental to this project so a big thank you to him. I have pics of the Vette tear down, but they are boring.....

[Kalstar]

Next was to find a donor. I purchased a lightly hit but totaled 2004 with the right options, some parts are worth more when selling off the unneeded donor parts. Best to find a stick, with good bags and good headlights, black interior is good too. I purchased it from copart.com, shipped to my door for $5625.

Second and Third pic is how the GTM looked when I picked her up.

[Kalstar]

The Koni's, custom sway bar and masters. Brake and clutch lines are in and bleed and A/C is installed. I ground off the "Corvette" lettering on the calipers and went with aftermarket rotors. The standard Vette brakes are plenty in the stopping dept and the aftermarket rotors were purchased on Corvette Forum for $143 for all 4.

[Kalstar]

Good reads........

Saving money on the GTM build..........
http://www.ffcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209915

My donor sell off spread-sheet.............
https://spreadsheets1.google.com/ccc?key=t3M6CzMm-PsMTdB_3PHnMCA&authkey=CJKy9sIF#gid=0

My GTM build spead-sheet..........
https://spreadsheets0.google.com/ccc?hl=en&key=p1nYtN5lhzsGNwsf9UKQ_PA&hl=en#gid=0

[justinat711]

Hello,

My name is Justin Thompson and i am excited to see how your process on the car is going. I wish you the best of luck reaching your mark and not going over too much. I also wanted to ask if you knew anybody that has the time and experience to build me a GTM. I live in Amarillo texas and am willing to spend 57k to jump in one completed. If you have any ideas please let me know. thanks

[crash]

Well, Justin, at $57k you are probably asking someone to work for about $5 an hour! These cars can be built for significantly less than your $57k number, but what isn't factored in is the labor.

I would point you to Shane for a real world estimate of what having one built "right" would cost you, but the other thing you might want to consider is looking in the classifieds. With hundreds of these cars out there now, a couple are usually always for sale. ;)

[Kalstar]

Hello,

My name is Justin Thompson and i am excited to see how your process on the car is going. I wish you the best of luck reaching your mark and not going over too much. I also wanted to ask if you knew anybody that has the time and experience to build me a GTM. I live in Amarillo texas and am willing to spend 57k to jump in one completed. If you have any ideas please let me know. thanks

Thank you for your well wishes.

I agree with crash, there are several beautiful cars for sale right now. Reasonable entry cost and instant gratification. I am in New England, I can think of a few people back here that would tackle your 57K build but have no idea about TX.

[Kalstar]

Went to the body shop today to see how things are going and to drop off some parts. Thomas"142 did a Real Carbon Fiber wing that looks awesome. That guy is an artist. Here are some updated photos.

[beeman]

Looks great!
Nice toys by the way!

[Joe Mush]

It's looking good Jim. How close are you to paint?

[Kalstar]

Less than 30 days to color. The paint guy (John) is going crazy as I keep throwing different things at him. Should already be in paint if it was not for my changes. And if anyone is wondering...Yes I am...still on budget!

[David Hodgkins]

Lookin' real good! Pretty amazing that you haven't fallen victim the the dreaded upgrade bug!

:)

[kabacj]

Awesome Jim

Right on schedule.

On time and on budget. Not too shabby

John

[Kalstar]

That upgrade bug has been bitting me too. Just trying to keep it in check though. I am about $4500 in "real" extras and over $5000.00 if I include upgraded parts. Shane and Thomas have stolen my innocence. :rolleyes:

Thx John & Joe, shooting to have it done for the high speed, even if they do limit the speeds greatly.

[tcarlson]

Any updates? I'm curious about the final cost.

[Kalstar]

With the sale of the donor parts I will without question be under 30k. The car is almost in paint, then to the interior. I will be helping Joe Mush with his interior and he offered to help me. This community we have is awesome. I am on track and on budget. I have about 6k in extras that a true basic build could do without. I pinch evey penny so my results are not typical, but I am proving it can be done. My spread sheet is current and upto date. So one can track if they would like.

I feel like Crash...... basically every panel has been cut or modified. Nose, hatch, wing, intakes, doors, vents and scoops have all been modified, added or some how changed.

[Kalstar]

Wow I suck! I never updated this thread, I will start adding pics and such. Car has been finished for 2 years.......and yes I met my cost goal.

The little engine that could. As many know we built my GTM using a 5.3 L33 engine. Several fellow forum members have been in or driven my GTM (Kempo, Presto51, Mike) and will confirm how quick it is. (roughly 420 crank hp with only a baby cam). The engine was purchased with 29k for $750.00. Well this weekend coming back from a car show the oil presure gauge was reading nearly no pressure. Having run the engine for nearly an hour when we first installed the engine (wrong gasket lead to suck air not oil) the coolant system was burped with not a drop of oil flowing. Having put on about 3000 miles I figured the worst and decided to locate the same engine for a swap. For $300.00 I found the same engine (long block) with 83k miles running strong. Many bone yards are not aware of this engine and sell it as a run of the mill 5.3. The heads alone are worth $350 (L33 comes with 799 or 243 Z06 heads). Look for 05-07 4x4 short bed Silverado or GMC with a B in the vin. This engine was the test bed for the new to be introduced LS3. They are all aluminum, coated pistons, floating pin and respond very well to mods. Anyway.....back to the story. Turns out the oil issue was a sending unit issue as a NAPA mechanical gauge is reading 28 at idle and 40 at 3000rpm. Soooooo.... The new engine is being prepped for GTM service. Machine shop is punching her out to a 383 stoker. Local engine builder is allowing me to work beside him to build the engine. New Keith black forged pistons, king bearings, Scat crank, h-rods and the 243 heads are getting sent to AI for porting. I will reuse my LS6 intake (when on low boost). New injectors are already here. The engine is being built for a Precision 88 turbo. I have hired a local fab guy for $1500 to fab what we need for the turbo and assist in the instal (everyone seems to want their name on a GTM). So at the end of the day for roughly $7,500 installed I will have a new turbo mill (detuned) to about 700hp with the ability to pass 1000hp. The little 5.3 will become a monster, watch for the build thread this winter.

[The Stig]

Sweet! Lemons to lemonade!

Looking forward to following the upgrade.

Mike

[Presto51]

Holy Thread Resuscitation Batman I’ve never seen an OP bring their own dead thread back to life :rolleyes:

Look forward to the new engine build this winter.

700hp??? WOW she’s going to cook for you Jim

Ron

[kabacj]

1000 hp under the cost of a crate motor. That's pretty fancy.

Even 700hp for normal driving is very nice.

You will have a budget GTM, but I have a feeling you are going to blow the money saved on rear tires. :cool:

[Kempo]

That is going to be a monster with that HP and still on a budget.

[Kalstar]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DGmnrbyaVg

Here is a 383 LS with a P88.

[wallace18]

Does this mean you have given up on the 818? Just kidding.LOL. Sounds like a awesome engine!

[Kalstar]

Hell no. The 818 you are doing for me will be my track car. Your just so fast. Half the fun is collecting the custom parts. You are a gifted builder my friend. And yes we are taking car of your baby. Just got a coat of fresh wax last night.

[fastthings]

Nice upgrade, I look forward to watching for updates, with pics.

Are you scared, that's a lot of power. And by the way, being scared is a good thing.

[Kalstar]

The car still scares me now, but mo is betta.

Though the trans might not share that sentiment.

[Kalstar]

Kempo sent me a link today of a 4.8 being tested to see where the killing point is. They ran it up to 1200hp and they still could not break it. The article says that 60 dyno pulls were made with half over the 1000hp mark. The only reason they stopped was because the turbos were blowing out the spark. Junk yard engine with original bearings and rings and even a large rust spot in cylinder 8. Only changes were the turbos, blower cam, fast intake/TB and a valve job. Everything else was boneyard fresh. Crazy!

[Kempo]

Here is the test

http://www.performancetrucks.net/forums/forced-induction-159/ls-power-twin-76mm-turbo-4-8l-1200hp-still-going-485734/#PhotoSwipe1411672314128

[carbon fiber]

I knew one way or another, that turbo wouldn't sit on the shelf long. You know, now you need upgrade axles, trans, clutch, wider wheels/tires on the back... You can do a new thread, How to blow your budget build! I'm looking forward to seeing the new setup.

[fastthings]

i knew one way or another, that turbo wouldn't sit on the shelf long. You know, now you need upgrade axles, trans, clutch, wider wheels/tires on the back... You can do a new thread, how to blow your budget build! I'm looking forward to seeing the new setup.

lol

[riptide motorsport]

Wow, that's incredible!

[Kalstar]

I knew one way or another, that turbo wouldn't sit on the shelf long. You know, now you need upgrade axles, trans, clutch, wider wheels/tires on the back... You can do a new thread, How to blow your budget build! I'm looking forward to seeing the new setup.

Where is the like button??

Clutch and CVs are good (thx Crash). Trans is the weak link. Case and point....I was in there the other day installing a manual oil gauge and I noticed the bolts on the (driver's side) side plate had worked themselves loose, I could turn them off with a twist of the wrist. If pushing the car hard at 350whp is working nuts out, wait until it is double that. The trans was race preped by Ron at PDG with only 23K original miles but I feel it's life is about to change for the worst. As for tires..... Tires are cheap to upgrade.

I will start with low boost 8 or so then work up. There was a builder on here a few years back that ran a turbo threw his G50-20 (weaker then my set up) and was pushing 15psi and as of the last time he posted he had not popped the tranny.

[carbon fiber]

I've decided to do a 383 stroker l33 myself. I've been looking locally for a l33, but I've only found iron blocks so far. I'm going normally aspirated but I'll probably do TFS heads, looking to get 500+hp. With the low entry cost of a junkyard 5.3, why not have forged/h-beam bottom end vs. the ls3 crate I was looking at?. Do you know how many cfms the ported factory castings flow? I may do a set of ported stock heads instead of the TFS if I can get to 500hp.

[Kalstar]

I've decided to do a 383 stroker l33 myself. I've been looking locally for a l33, but I've only found iron blocks so far. I'm going normally aspirated but I'll probably do TFS heads, looking to get 500+hp. With the low entry cost of a junkyard 5.3, why not have forged/h-beam bottom end vs. the ls3 crate I was looking at?. Do you know how many cfms the ported factory castings flow? I may do a set of ported stock heads instead of the TFS if I can get to 500hp.

The L33 comes with 799 or 243 heads flow good for 280ish. Are you looking for 500 crank or wheel? 500 crank is easy as pie, port the heads and larger cam, done. I am turning 420 with stock everything except a baby cam Do you want me to keep an eye out for a L33. I just bought a spare one for $300.00.

[carbon fiber]

Thanks for the info, and thanks for the offer. I'll just keep looking locally, I'm sure I'll find one soon. I'm looking for 500hp at the crank, so it sounds like it's not a problem.

[Kalstar]

So to bring the tread current I will be post progression pics and statements this evening, car has been done for about 2 years but I felt it important to complete the thread for other budget builders that follow. It is actually good that the thread is being done like this, lots of added points I could not have known till after the build was done.

[Kalstar]

On to the body..... I made no less than 14 body mods. The largest is making it a wide body to get more air into the engine bay. Added a functioning roof scoop, added direct air intakes via napa ducts to feed the cold air for the turbo. Added additional vents in rear and vented diffuser to allow air to escape below. Also added a fully custom carbon fiber wing and front splitter. The paint color will be Viper Copperhead with a Carbon Ash roof (to match with the carbon fiber). Seams are cut and the bodywork is just beginning.

[Kalstar]

Had parts from Shane from Raptor Speed Works that i purchase off our forum (seller sold at a discount because they went a different direction). The mesh that comes with the kit is just too restrictive. Here is a few picks of them painted. The dusty vents are in the difuser and will remain satin black to match the carbon fiber diffuser.

[Kalstar]

Next step was to make it a wide body. Pushing it out a few inches in the back made for all kind of trouble. Look how badly it screwed up the front wheel wells.

[Kalstar]

I wanted the body to look more like aluminum then fiberglass.....Body guy did lots and lots of work to make it straight.

[Kalstar]

The fun part is starting, getting the headlight buckets in and putting the whole thing in one color, even if only polyprimer.

[Kalstar]

The carbon fiber parts being fitted and trimmed and or body molded around them. I did not take a pic of the rocker extension and front splitter before we cut it/fit it and stored them away (they get installed just before the car is done, but needs to be fit during the bodywork stage). So here is what they look like on the F5R car. BTW, the carbon fiber fixed wing is a one off, no others will be produced. Just that one mod should make me stand out among other GTM builds. *Edit, for the old timers like me, the Red car is the old body replaced by the yellow gen 2 body on the GTM owned by Factory Five.

[Kalstar]

The first pic was when the rest of the parts went into poly-primer. I was very happy to see it all in one color.

The A/C installed and plumbed, not charged but ready to go. Very tight fit, less then 1/4 inch to engine bay frame support and even tighter up front. I went with the blower relocate to make more room under the front hood.

The big blue tubs of what looks like puddy is actually the heat/Sound proofer. The tin that give the car it's rigidity needs to be coated or the road noisy is nearly unbearable. The product I went with was GT Matt, Awesome stuff and cheap (so happy with it I used it on the 818 as well). It goes on great and coverage is better than the more expensive options. What a difference, I have a video on my phone of a before after with a blunt end of a screw driver....night and day!

The gauge set came in, though I'll run out of gear at 186mph I "needed" the 200mph speedo. Ill post a pic of of them light up....way cool back-lighting. Traded even with a forum member that wanted the white gauges that came with the gen 1 package.

Mike did away with the fuse block from the Vette, no need for that big heavy box with the limited electronics the car runs. 5 fuses and no need for more.

[Kalstar]

Here is a buddy's GTM (Kempo)....those are his gauges light up. I followed his lead on the dash set-up. This is the interior I was trying to replicate. I went with the same gauges as Kempo as I really liked the look of these gauges over the stock white Autolight gauges that came with the kit.

Here is a photoshop done by Flowtogtm, very close to what I was doing, though wing and hood is different, but close enough that it became a screen saver on my ipad for many months. *He ended up going gray on his GTM at the end of the day*.

These are the wheels I purchased, I was given too much greif on the other wheels as looking to "bling". These wheel are a fantastic match for GTM and inexpensive, I paid less the 650.00 for all 4 shipped to my door. They come standard on the ARC Viper and the Ferrari race team uses the same wheels (though they are called Technomesh).

[Kalstar]

Here are some paint pics......Problem was..... the roof black was not done the way I asked. The mate line between the Copper and black was all wrong. So they had to resand the entire body, repaint the Carbon Ash and reclear the whole car. They were not happy with me!

[Kalstar]

Here it is resanded and the roof repainted. It is in the booth waiting my approval before the clear was sprayed. Notice how the dark roof paint lines follow the body lines in this pic, instead of cutting across the bodylines like in the post above.

[Kalstar]

Here is the underside of hood and headlight buckets.

[Kalstar]

A few pics of the Cut vents installed the Shane makes. (I got them off a forum member that went a different direction).

[Kalstar]

Just a step back, I wanted to show before and after photos of the engine....amazing what a few bucks in spray paint can do. The red is VHT wrinkle paint (used by Ferrari and Maserati of New England to repaint paint scratches on their engines) it is a perfect match they said in both color and texture. The intake and rails were removed from the donor Vette Engine before I sold the engine off. I replaced the LS6 intake off the 04 donor (after 2001 all LS1 engines came with the LS6 intakes) with a craigslist LS1 intake I paid $50.00 for. The TB is from the 5.3. Of course I kept the ls6 intake.

[Kalstar]

Couples pics of the hood, widebody intake and door in final color......

[Kalstar]

The roof intake and the 3/4 scoop came out beautiful.......

[Kalstar]

Dusty in this process pic. Glass still needs to be installed. The carbon fiber.....front splitter, rear deffuser, rocker extensions, bottom close out panels and rear wing will be going on soon. I drop it off at the interior shop (they do corporate jets, and they are very close by) on April 30, 2012. Look past all the dust in these pics, lots of primer dust all over the place.

[wallace18]

Wow! your paint guys booth looks exactly like my guys.

[Kalstar]

Motegi Racing Technomesh MR120 is the Wheels I went with $650.00 shipped for all 4.

[Kalstar]

Pics after the paint was cut and buffed. Really starting to come together.

[Kalstar]

Kids were off school for the holiday....well the car took a back seat. I did get the door uprights painted black, installed the firewall, installed the door crash bars and got the door handles and both mirrors re-installed.

[Kalstar]

All wrapped up like a present. Picking her up from the body shop. The plastic wrap is distorting the shape a bit but I wanted to keep the dust off until it was out of the shop...... The back is not square and the wheels are really round. The black wheels will look great.

[Kalstar]

I have been asked several times what I think about co-part......

Copart sucks! However it is the best way to get to a large enough pool of salvage cars. They ding you for every fee imaginable, I think they stay up nights figuring ways to get a few extra hidden dollars out of your pocket. I have purchased 7 cars from them. Just know what your getting into and know that if you are careful..... good, correction, great deals can be had. Just get ready to be soaked by the hidden fees.

[Kalstar]

Put the new wheels/tires on and installed the Liqui-damp with my 9 year old son. He installed his first wheel/tire all by himself.

Tires are Toyo R1R. Very happy with them, came off ebay. 2 year old tires unmounted for 100.00 each brand new. Non current production years can not be sold as new so look at ebay for fantastic deals on new/old tires.

The sound proofer is new product from GT Sound Control called Liqui-damp. It is a inexpensive alternative to products like Lizard Skin (about 1/3 the cost for the same coverage area). Covered the whole floor, both fire walls, entire tunnel and all upright aluminum with about 2 quarts. Not only will it cut down on road noise and heat, but will definitely help eliminate interior rattles, squeaks and that aluminum tin sound. In my mind, the extra 10lbs in weight and $60 spent (including shipping for 1 gallon) is without question worth it. Took about an hour for my 9 year old son and I to coat everything.

[Kalstar]

Splitter and rockers installed. The black pieces really ties in the black of the roof and wheels. The splitter and rockers should come standard on the GTM, they add nicely to the over all appearance. Here is some pics. They are aluminum covered in vinyl wrap. Very durable and cost effective to boot.

[Kalstar]

Headlights and tail lights installed, just the fog lights still to go, got all of the rest of the powder coating done. The battery installed/wired. I mounted the battery tray high because where you put it according to the manual it is a bear to get to.

Few points.

1). Tried to tint the headlight covers with spray on tint (dumb idea). Cost me two new lenses.
2). I purchased a reconditioned battery from Interstate batteries, all sizes $40.00, still good 3 years later.

[Kalstar]

Little more done, all mesh is in, hood hardware installed, headlights lens are done and fog lights finally fit into place.

Funny point, the mesh is gutter guard material from Home Depot. Looks fantastic and allows more air in then the F5R stuff. Painted satin black it looks like a million bucks.

I painted all of the badges with Krylon plastic paint to turn all of the chrome to gloss black. Scuffted them up with a scuff pad and painted, still look like new over 2 years later.

[Kalstar]

I was playing around with interior ideas. Here are the cars I used for inspiration. I was between tan and black or Copper and black, the interior guy likes black and orange and in the end, he won out.

The interior (pics posted later in thread) came out incredible. In fact won best interior at the Factory Five open house last year.

[Kalstar]

Here is the day I dropped it of at the interior shop on 5/28. Lots of little detail stuff that goes invisible in photos was done in these pics. Anyway here is some updated pics as of today 5/28. Went black leather, with orange double stitch throughout. Glass goes in next and final tune is the 11th by Freddy at SMG in Hopedale MA.

The engine cover is another item made by Shane. I purchased the cold air kit for 1/2 price off our forum as the builder when with a different set up. Are you seeing the theme here, lots of parts were purchased from our classifieds at large discounts from forum members. Even the roof scoop was purchased for $50.00 off a fellow builder because he cut it wrong (to his liking) looks great on mine though as we made it work.

Last pic is a sneak peak of the interior design we went with.

[Kalstar]

Keeping with my frugal ways,


By far the greatest thing I have added to date. Here is what it does, 4 point camara mounts (tiny) with on board recording (front, back, one in each side scoop) display and posting capabilities from the cockpit, on board diagnostics and code reader via Bluetooth wireless and wireless OBD2, onboard performance with display of lab times/1/4 mile/0-60/hp/TQ/ect, all of which appears on a fully customizable screen. Of course all of the Nav (with real time traffic updates, radar monitoring and real time speed trap notifications), all the media stuff and Bluetooth stuff too. How about access to 10 million songs. Another cool thing... Anything your iPhone can display including apps will appear and can be controlled on the touch screen. Even has drive-mate that uses the camera and hard drive to record loops of videos that will record if an accident happens, warns of blind spot approaches and lane departures (can be muted). There are so many apps that can be loaded and it can be used with any smart phone. Angry birds at 100mph anyone, ok maybe not.

The JVC KW-60BT is last years model, I paid $279.00 for it. This years model is only a little more $$.

All the apps were under $100.00, and I can use them anywhere, They are not car specific.

The bluetooth wireless OBD plug was $26.00, again, can be moved car to car.

All four cameras were $98.00

And the cables were $57.00.

JVC Mobile 2012

For Android Mini ELM327 OBDII Bluetooth Scan Tool OBD2 OBDII Scanner SHIP from USA | eBay

For iphone WiFi ELM327 Wireless OBD2 Auto Scanner Adapter Scan Tool for iPhone iPad E77 B 4 | eBay

2012 JVC receivers feature App Link for iPhone | CES 2012: Car Tech - CNET Blogs

iPhone PocketDyno Demo - YouTube

[Kalstar]

This head unit is fantastic.

Some of these have overlapping features. So far I have added....

PocketDyno (already had this app)

DashCommand on iPad using OBD2 wifi - YouTube

MotionX® | MotionX-GPS Overview

Overview | Cobra iRadar | Community-based Radar Detector

DriveMate OnboardCam 1.2.0 App for iPad, iPhone - Photo & Video - app by CARMATE - LisiSoft.com

More to come, audio stuff too. Lots to play with/learn on the 5 apps I already downloaded.

[Kalstar]

Alignment done, what a difference.

Look how much lower the GTM is compared to the Vette.

Here is a view from the drives seat. The roof of the GTM is not up to the window sill of the Vette.

[Kalstar]

Here is a few pics of the interior finished.

[Kalstar]

Here are a couple pics Will Fox took at a local forest. The red pine needles look like they were photoshopped in, they were not.

[Kalstar]

Here she is finally tuned NA. Freddy from SMG in Hopkinton MA did the tuning. I think I will drive it like this for a few 1000 miles before the turbo go on. Currently has (358whp @6100 /339 TQ @3200 or roughly 415 crank) and at only 2247lbs that s a 5.35-1 weight/power ratio. I was hoping for 370-380 crank, this little 5.3 put out 45hp more then I thought it would with the mild mods I did.

Here is the dyno pull video

http://youtu.be/h6zFB2hdiIU

Here is a rev video, someone asked what it sounded like, I know slightly on the immature side.

http://youtu.be/mHRuWy6NPFA

[Kalstar]

Just had to share.

I went a Cars and Copters (a Jimmy fund sponsored) car show. Over 4000 cars showed up. When I got there they put me in the exotic section (about 40 cars). I was between a Ferrari 612 and a Ferrari 348. Then this group of ultra high-end exotics came in, about a dozen of them. A Spyker, a Murcielago, 3 Gallardo models, V8 Vantage, a Gran Turismo, 2 Ferrari 458, 2 430 drop tops and a comp M3 drift car. They were put center stage in reserved spots. When one of them found out my car was there they offered to make room over with them. It was great to be welcomed "just like that". They walked past the 612 and several other worthy cars to invite me over.

When I was ready to leave, a 430 had pulled out and stopped in the main exit road filling the air with the most beautiful revs, behind him was a Gallardo hard top, then my GTM and a Gallardo Spyder behind me. The exit road was wide and had people on both sides hoping to see burnouts or hot-dogging. The cops were there and were just as content to watch. I gave a punch at the throttle a few times but it was clear the Ferrari was singing a whole different song. He threw it in gear and took off with the Gallardo right behind. I was a little hesitant but I layed into the go pedal too and quickly reeled them both in. The people on each side of the road just erupted into fist pumps and cheers as we rocketed by. The Lambo behind me was well behind by the time I had cleared the crowd and could look back. When the 430 and the Lambo in front of me went around the bend along the back of the hangers and exited out of the corner they layed into their cars again. When I could safety hammer in to the GTM the 2 cars were 300 feet ahead of me, again I quickly reeled them both in. I am absolutely in awe of the Lambos and Ferraris of the world but it is clear that Factory Five did an outstanding job with not only the looks of this beast but the performance of these vehicles put it right up there with the best.

God I love this car!

Edit, my daughter took these pics near the end of the show.

[Kalstar]

Here is a write up that I had no idea existed, it was sent to me by a friend.

http://www.gtspirit.com/2013/07/07/gallery-the-factory-five-gtm-supercar/

Every show the car has gone to it has been well received. I won best of show at last year and this year's Farthers Day car show (and I was interviewed my Dennis Gage for his TV show). Won best interior at The Factory Five open house. Even won best of show at a prestigious invite only show. I was parked between an original Porsche Speedster and a Ferrari 330 V12. Spectators had to pay $18.00 per person to get into the show. I was by far the least expensive car there and the GTM took home the top prize. Town Fair tire the sponsor of World of Wheels asked me to be the sole car in their both this past winter. The car was such a hit they asked if I could bring the 818 up for their 2014 show.

[Kalstar]

So there you have it, the thread is now up to date and the car is basically finished (still some small odds and ends still to do). I wanted to complete the thread for anyone coming behind me that wants to do what I did, enjoy the F5R experience while creating a one of a kind work of art but still being able to keep to a tight budget. Can a sub 40K GTM be built?.....I have proven it can.

Here is an article written on the car. http://www.gtspirit.com/2013/07/07/gallery-the-factory-five-gtm-supercar/

If anyone has questions please feel free to ask.

[Kalstar]

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?15901-GTM-twin-turbo-winter-project

And the beat marches on....

[BobbyB]

The wheels you used are they just the corvette back spacing and pattern? Where did you buy them from thanks.
Bob

[Kalstar]

Yes they are C5 offsets using the F5R supplied spacers. I paid $143 each including shipping. I will get you the name of the retailer when I get home tonight.

[Kalstar]

Yes they are C5 offsets using the F5R supplied spacers. I paid $143 each including shipping. I will get you the name of the retailer when I get home tonight.

Here is the link http://4wheelonline.com/Motegi_Racing_Wheels_MR120_Race_Silver.199006.1396 548

I also noticed a Stagered fit 17/18 set on eBay for $599 (new ) a few days ago.

[BobbyB]

Hey thanks I will look on ebay and see if there is anything there.
Bob

[Kalstar]

Hey thanks I will look on ebay and see if there is anything there.
Bob

They come black, silver, chrome and race gray. They are Motegi MR120. So look for that name on eBay.

[Kalstar]

Went on a charity ride this past weekend. Lambos, Ferraris, R8, Mercs, Bentleys, Lotus...you name it was there. Was a great time. Here is a pic.

[fastthings]

What a cool pic, what a great time.

Your the craziest sober person I know, had a fun time at SEMA.

[Kempo]

What a cool pic, what a great time.

Your the craziest sober person I know, had a fun time at SEMA.

Heve to agree with you on both.

[Kalstar]

What a cool pic, what a great time.

Your the craziest sober person I know, had a fun time at SEMA.

Never too old to act drunk when sober, still quick with my mouth and hands when need be. As the song goes "Not as good as I once was but I'm good once, as I ever was". It was great meeting you as well. The e-brake power slide across the strip in a rental car with 7 people (seats for only 5) was what memories are made of. Great time for sure.

[Kempo]

Never too old to act drunk when sober, still quick with my mouth and hands when need be. As the song goes "Not as good as I once was but I'm good once, as I ever was". It was great meeting you as well. The e-brake power slide across the strip in a rental car with 7 people (seats for only 5) was what memories are made of. Great time for sure.
At one point it felt as if we were filming The Hangover 4.

[fastthings]

That picture is so cool. I can't believe the opportunities building one of these cars brings. It's fun to hear about and see the things that people get to do with there GTM, and the people that you meet.
Can't wait to see what my GTM has in store for me.

I forgot about the ebrake thing. I was laughing so hard, lots of fun. Now I'm looking forward to next years meeting.

[Stage7]

Hey buddy, I enjoyed reading your updates and how you have been enjoying your GTM. It's great to see! Happy holidays-let's connect soon.

[Taz Rules]

Love that photo!!!

How come I never got a copy of it for the calendar??? Huh?? :p

[Kalstar]

Love that photo!!!

How come I never got a copy of it for the calendar??? Huh?? :p

Cuz I suck! I got wrapped up in work and forgot to send....there is always next year (I'm not going anywhere).

Fastthings.....I have made life long friends because and through F5R. Next year I say we all rent some exotic cars for the night and really tear it up. We will all keep a $100 bill in our pockets as a "bail a friend".

Stage....where have you been? Yes, we are long over due for a (catch up)! Pun intended.

[Street Rod Jim]

Kalstar. I sent you a PM.