Author Topic: Solstice Drift Build (Read 70493 times)

frictionfighter · « **on:** October 11, 2010, 10:14:16 AM »

A few people suggested that I provide details of my build. Progress is at a medium pace but is sure footed.

Background:

I've had a strong interest in road racing for a number of years and have played around with several different vehicles. I've mainly been involved with the turbo awd platforms. I had the chance to try out drifting...burnouts + sliding...who doesn't want that? I found and purchased a 2008 Solstice GXP with ~2500 miles. I chose the Solstice for the reasons that it was RWD, an excellent platform, and somewhat unique. After purchasing the solstice, I participated in a few minor drift events that didn't require a cage (small tracks, skid pads, etc). I also had the opportunity to ride along with several pro level drivers. Thereafter, I decided to commit the car to drifting and began to prepare the car to have a cage installed.

In the interest of budget, I decided to list the parts that I would no longer need for sale on the forum. This worked out quite well financially and for folks here but I soon found myself minimizing the wiring harness to remove the air bags, radio, etc (see the picture below). I really didn't intend to go quite that far yet but did so b/c there was interest.

I purchased a coupe style hardtop from a most reputable source (Norm's Fiberglass!) and found another source to build and install a roll cage. I also sourced a used Sparco EVO II seat (6'3 200lbs).

Notes of interest:

The car is due to get caged here in the next week or two.
I've run into a number of issues that I did not foresee such as finding a steering wheel hub after selling the driver's side airbag. I also need to have a bracket for the seat welded.
I always intended to "eventually" swap a ls series v8 into the solstice. I have no opposition to the turbo 4 cylinder, I love both engines but thought the v8 would be very functional in this platform.

My intention is to build a street legal drift car from the Solstice platform. The car will be not be driven except for to/from events and, of course, other small jaunts. I currently don't have the means to trailer the car.

Installed Modifications:
Diet

Upcoming:
Full Role Cage
Norm's Fiberglass hardtop
KW Variant 3 Coilovers
.
.
.

A few pictures:

Stock:

Minimized the wiring harness (quite the weight loss surprisingly)

Starting to come back together:

Basic rendering (GIMP Photochop) of the look n' feel I'm going for:
Brushed aluminum vinyl, Enkei PF01, Coupe Hardtop, etc...

More soon!

Kelu · « **Reply #1 on:** October 11, 2010, 10:58:28 AM »

Wow, awesome, looking forward to next steps, thank you for sharing!

Arabas · « **Reply #2 on:** October 11, 2010, 11:10:21 AM »

Nice project frictionfighter !
hope everything goes as planned!!

GXPinKC · « **Reply #3 on:** October 11, 2010, 11:12:18 AM »

AWESOME POST frictionfighter!!! I for one will be following this thread with great interest. First off, finding a 2008 GXP with 2500 miles on the odometer was a steal for sure and yes your first move to purchase a "coupe style hardtop" from Norms Fiberglass is a great first move. Thanks for the great pictures above. I can't wait to see your transformation as it continues. Good luck with the build!

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #4 on:** October 11, 2010, 11:27:29 AM »

Sweet, when do you think you'll be racing? Will you be driving out at Summit Point?

SKY888 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 11, 2010, 11:42:49 AM »

I'm very interested with the full roll-cage build!

good luck!!!

Gentleman Jack · « **Reply #6 on:** October 11, 2010, 12:03:14 PM »

Welcome FrictionFighter! Nece to have you here. You may want to look at Old Goats post about some brakes that are currently used on a Solstice Drift car. I don't know much about them, just that they were used on someones race car and they might be really cheap compared to new.

http://www.kappaperformance.com/forum/index.php?topic=5434.msg74974;topicseen#new

GJ

frictionfighter · « **Reply #7 on:** October 11, 2010, 12:45:20 PM »

Thanks guys! I can't believe the reception and interest...most excellent! I'm really stoked to see so much interest in a platform that deserves far more attention than it receives!

Quote

Sweet, when do you think you'll be racing? Will you be driving out at Summit Point?

I have raced at Summit Point already...well skid pad anyhow...just testing out the stock car
Drift Nirvana

Quote

I'm very interested with the full roll-cage build!

good luck!!!

I will keep you updated!

SKY888 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 11, 2010, 12:54:39 PM »

if you don't mind me asking, what's the price quote for a full roll-cage? you can pm me if you like.

thanks!

Critterman · « **Reply #9 on:** October 11, 2010, 01:13:57 PM »

Definately contact 'some old goat', he has contacts and may be able to point you in the right direction. You will definately have to change the a frame assy to get more 'turn' in the wheel. Most of the big teams are getting 55-60 degrees on the front wheels.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Yogi · « **Reply #10 on:** October 11, 2010, 02:26:13 PM »

Very interesting project! Good luck and thanks for sharing!

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #11 on:** October 11, 2010, 02:43:20 PM »

I scarfed on of his pics from the other forum

Looks like he's go the hard top already.

Where in Virginia are you located. I'd like to try and come see the car.

LatinVenom · « **Reply #12 on:** October 11, 2010, 05:59:06 PM »

Good luck with your project.

frictionfighter · « **Reply #13 on:** October 11, 2010, 07:24:43 PM »

Stopped by the shop and took a few pictures of the hardtop.
Nice work Norm!!!

Details:
The top is LIGHT and yet quite strong; remarkably made. Where most people cut the edges, Norm makes a beautiful lip to make sure the fit is correct. I should've taken a picture of that...

Notes:

The rear glass is coming later.
The hardtop obviously has not been painted yet.

Back

The transitions and edges are smooth to the touch. Pure art.

Side Angle

Again, that rear transition into the lip is just brilliant.
Also, yes, that is a sexy AE86 in the background.

Front-Top

Driver's Side

Yes, that is a not so pretty AE86 in the background.

Tomorrow I'm having a bracket welded for the Sparco seat. Then I can get her in the shop and start working on the cage! Details on the cage will follow.

More soon!

frictionfighter · « **Reply #14 on:** October 11, 2010, 07:27:57 PM »

Quote

if you don't mind me asking, what's the price quote for a full roll-cage? you can pm me if you like.

I'll have more information on this soon. Keep reminding me

Quote

Definately contact 'some old goat', he has contacts and may be able to point you in the right direction. You will definately have to change the a frame assy to get more 'turn' in the wheel. Most of the big teams are getting 55-60 degrees on the front wheels.

Thanks! I'm always up for advice! Need all I can get

Quote

I scarfed on of his pics from the other forum

Looks like he's go the hard top already.

Where in Virginia are you located. I'd like to try and come see the car.

Yea, I'm posting the same thing on both forums. I'm located in Arlington but the car will be worked on in Chantilly. Either way, come see it!

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #15 on:** October 11, 2010, 08:41:45 PM »

Perhaps next weekend. I'll bring the coupe! Sending you a PM

frictionfighter · « **Reply #16 on:** October 11, 2010, 10:34:30 PM »

Awesome! Thanks Joe!

Well met all!

frictionfighter · « **Reply #17 on:** October 12, 2010, 12:26:57 PM »

BTW, I still have quite a few things for sale:

Onstar
XM Radio
A-Pillars w/ tweeter +mic
Flawless trunk interior

If you have a request for something, let me know. I'll work with you if I can!

See here

I'm really not trying to make money as I am trying to see these low mileage parts off to a good home. I've accepted all offers so far (save one, that was too low). Admittedly, it does offset the costs of the project.

I'll soon have the suspension, exhaust, wheels, etc up for sale.

And now we return to your regularly scheduled program...

Critterman · « **Reply #18 on:** October 12, 2010, 02:43:26 PM »

Chuck doc might be interested in the trunk carpet, someone spilled oil in his.

chuckdoc · « **Reply #19 on:** October 12, 2010, 04:56:26 PM »

Someone was me! I got it cleaned though! Good luck with the sale.

frictionfighter · « **Reply #20 on:** October 12, 2010, 08:04:45 PM »

Thanks!

I dropped off the seat today to have a bracket welded to match both the bolt pattern and the car.

I'm seriously considering designing and selling a bracket for this very thing. It would be so nice to be able to buy these kinds of things as opposed to having them fabricated. Would anyone be interested in such a thing?

kennysabarese · « **Reply #21 on:** October 12, 2010, 08:45:56 PM »

Have you seen my Kirkey seat install?

http://kappaperformance.com/forum/index.php?topic=3519.0

frictionfighter · « **Reply #22 on:** October 12, 2010, 10:17:56 PM »

Just read through it. Thanks for sharing! Any post install advice? I'm definitely looking for a good harness to use on/off the street.

kennysabarese · « **Reply #23 on:** October 12, 2010, 10:22:23 PM »

My install rocks. The seat is really low and with padding I can sit higher.

Harnesses suck on the street. I just use the stock belt. Schroth is the best. SFI approved for 5 years.

The thinner waist belt is safer and the thinner HANS shoulder belts are more comfortable.

No complaints. I'm really happy with my setup.

frictionfighter · « **Reply #24 on:** October 12, 2010, 10:50:03 PM »

Which specific Schroth model did you get?

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Author Topic: Solstice Drift Build (Read 70493 times)