RickBetterley

We have begun the process of converting the donor car; the goals are safety, reliability, and performance in that order. Conceptually it is a stock drive train with a race suspension and safety improvements.
Thanks to my many good friends who helped me think through the details, especially Scott L, Dave K, Frank P, Tom B, Dan D., and especially the very patient Spencer *** who is doing the build and who now knows what it is like to be immersed in one of Rick's enthusiasms.
* The donor car is a 6-speed 2009 Cayman S with 8,500 miles. Sourced from a customer of Speed Sports Tuning (Spencer's shop). I thought about already-built race cars but decided to start with a fresh car. Saw some nice ones, though.
* Strip car, cut doors, build and paint cage.
* Install transmission cooler kit, center radiator kit, brake cooling ducts and cut inner fenders for cooling.
* Install OMP HTE seats, Schroth belts, roll bar padding, OMP wheel, radio block off plate, electrical fire system, auxiliary fuse panel, PSM cutoff switch.
* Clean up wire harness and door harness. Trim doors and install cup car door pulls.
* Install JRZ RS Pro suspension, TPC sway bars, RSS drop links, RSS rear toe links, front GT3 inner and outer control arms, replace rubber pucks in the rear, install tow hooks, tie down points, and rear jack point.
* Install Guard LSD
* Install StopTech big brake kit w/Pagid RS 14 pads and SS brake lines
* Install wheel studs
* Wire and install Aim MXL Pista dash with SmartyCam HD
* Install Bavaro carbon fiber splitter
* Install Interseries wing w/SST uprights
* Install window and center nets
* Design and install graphics package (if I have any money left!)
* Add paint protector to specified areas
Not necessarily in the order shown above.
I'll post pics as the work is done; cage is being built next week.
Oh - and thanks to my wife, who is incredibly understanding.

Matt Lane

Nice, Rick - looking forward to the progress reports!

Just curious - what's the status/approximate cost of such a donor car? What were you looking for when you sourced it - curious since it has such low mileage.

Also, wondering about the reliability portion of the equation. Besides the additional oil cooling, what if anything needs to be done to the engine for long-term operating reliability?

Finally, what's the rationale for the larger brakes - how inadequate are the stock brakes, properly ventilated?

OK, one more - what's the target weight, wet, vs. stock?

Cheers!

Matt

bobfrombolton

Rick, can't wait to see the finished project. Best of luck with your new toy.

sleder

Rick, looking forward to seeing the build as it develops. Also looking at getting in the right seat with you.

Frank 993 C4S

Rick,

This is just too nice of a donor car!

some more considerations (it never ends):

- save some money and don't install the StopTech big brake kit unless you are looking to do this for rotor life only. Stock rotors with GT3 brake cooling deflectors worked well for me but they needed frequent replacement. If you insist on the StopTech brakes you will probably need a different master brake cylinder and booster to get the biasing right. Personally, I'd leave this "upgrade" for later.
- Consider stainless steel brake lines.
- If you like left foot braking, consider reflashing the ECU and remove the brake/throttle interlock but this can be done later
- Consider the Porsche Motorsport Engine Oil Separator
- Consider Motorsport Coolant Thermostat
- Consider Cool suit set-up "while you're in there"
- Consider installing ability to read real oil pressure on the AIM, not just the oil pressure warning light
- Consider some deep sump oil pan (X51), best with baffles
- Cut the onboard computer control stalk because YOU WIL brake it off when you get into the car with the cage

BostonDMD

Rick, that is a beauty....... congrats!

RickBetterley

Thanks, Bob - you've been through this with your Boxster and earlier the Miata I suppose.

RickBetterley

Hi Matt!
$41,000 for the donor. Street only (so far) with relatively few options I think. Haven't seen the original sticker or delved into the options. Funny how this works - if it were a normal car purchase options would have been important. For this project, most of them just get in the way!
Low miles = better engine life etc.; didn't go looking for this low, just got lucky. More typical might have been 35-50,000 miles.
Gen 2 cars have the oiling system the Cayman should have had from the start (but that shortfall is easily remedied). Additional cooling via a 3rd radiator and transmission cooler help.
Stock brakes probably sufficient (you know I'm not a fan of heavy braking) but Spencer had a set of near new StopTechs which were hard to pass up.
Weight - good question. We are taking out side windows and motors, stock seats, door panels, lower dash, but putting in the cage, additional cooling, aero, and the race seats so I doubt we have a net loss. I will ask.
Maybe by the time I see you next I'll be able to drive it the way it should be driven. The deal with Spencer includes a day of coaching, set up, and data acquisition, all of which will really help.

RickBetterley

Hi Scott (my Cayman Guru)!
You can count on it; might you be available at Cups?

Matt Romanowski

Why did you choose the JRZ shocks?

SWK6Cup

Rick Betterley 2.0, sweet donor.....you okay with the car not matching the trailer????? Cuz If you aren't I want first dibs......
Seriously, congrats....see you next season.

RickBetterley

Another of my helpers arrives!
Thanks for the thoughts; I'll check on them.
Ss brake lines are on the build list; forgot to mention them.
I haven't used a cool suit; would be nice to chill, but chasing ice must be a pain. Maybe worth it. How about a helmet blower?
Oil pressure sounds smart; you can then set an alarm, right?
Funny about the computer stalk; like hitting the wipers except you blow up Chicago?!
Oil separator and sump needed on a Gen 2?
Not dexterous enough to left foot! I listen to Ross on that one.
Thermostat - why?
Thanks as always - had a great talk with Dan about graphics. Turns out he knows my 993.

RickBetterley

Thanks, Doc - bet you aren't shocked I'm as interested in the looks as I am in the performance.
Not racing is very freeing.

RickBetterley

Hi Matt
Spencer likes = Rick likes them. Also looked into Bodymotion builds (which I like and respect but NJ too far for me) and they like them.

RickBetterley

I figure the white trailer goes with most anything (including the VT DOT for those that read that thread many years back).
Next season can't come soon enough!