The $2008 Grassroots challenge build-up thread

wiseco7mgt

dirty mechanic
Aug 12, 2007
811
0
0
queensland
this project sounds like a blast to be a part of, makes for interesting competitors as well, not that any cars a match for a ma70 lol.
 

HommerSimpson

New Member
Dec 31, 2007
1,067
0
0
New Smyrna Beach Florida
Im over in New Smyrna Beach.. 10 miles south of daytona.. I will watch the thread and btw just reply to all the post and comments and you will have 50 post real real soon..and im sure you will do good in all 3 catagorys as the car should preform well .. great job
 

skipbarber

2008 Grassroots Challenge
Mar 26, 2008
134
0
0
Rockville-ish, Maryland
Updated first post with the short vid and added a budget sheet. We only have $990 to play with now, but we hope to start selling some stock parts and get some more wiggle room. We didn't think this thread would get much attention, so thanks for the support everyone!

HommerSimpson..I think you're right. We definately have the right car for the challenge.
 

GrimJack

Administrator
Dec 31, 1969
12,377
3
38
56
Richmond, BC, Canada
idriders.com
skipbarber;976390 said:
^ Grimjack, we were actually contemplating picking up a used MAFT pro for engine management. We can get RX-7 injectors and I can probably find a GM MAP sensor and from what we've been reading, it seems like the MAFT pro setup is significantly better than a 400 AFM and injectors alone. We're going to pull the motor out at some point and check everything and replace the head bolts with ARPs and we wont be limited to $1000. Once we start selling stock parts, we can put that money towards more mods as long as it doesn't exceed what we paid for the car. Anyone here running a MAFT pro? and as far as an intercooler, we've already got something in the works.
Actually, you're right, the MAFT Pro is even better if you can swing the budget. I'm running one myself, with an LC-1 wideband so it can adjust fuel delivery at WOT in closed loop. :) If you have any questions about it, let me know... if they are above my level, we've got some experts here that really know this unit.

If you go this far, plan on upgrading the fuel pump, pressure regulator, and get rid of the J-tube restrictor on the side of the block. Then the only thing holding you back from ~475 rwhp will be the turbo.

Even with the stock turbo on there, it's going to be a bitch to control on a track - the stock turbo hits hard and fast at this mod level - hard enough to make you lose control in corners unless you're really careful.
 

adampecush

Regular Supramaniac
May 11, 2006
2,118
3
38
Edmonton
skipbarber;976204 said:
BTW, adampecush I just finished going through your entire resto-thread. Amazing work!

thanks a lot!

The car you guys snagged looks pretty solid, you probably couldn't ask for a better starting point. It also sounds like you guys have some good engineering and fabrication support, which will go a long way with this car.

Good luck with the build
 

skipbarber

2008 Grassroots Challenge
Mar 26, 2008
134
0
0
Rockville-ish, Maryland
hey everyone this is David (the third member of the group)....I just wanted to introduce myself and say thanks for the support. We wont let the supra community down with this build. We are all very passionate and dedicated to building this and making it a real competitor at the competition.

Hopefully soon enough we can get some seat time in the car at a few autocrosses and dial in the suspension somewhat. if there's someone we could talk to about alignment setup for this car that would be great! i think we have a great platform with the koni's and h&r's...
 

turbo soup

New Member
Nov 1, 2006
17
0
0
MD
skipbarber;975818 said:
Dude...you're not kidding. But when we told him what we wanted to do, he just wanted us to win. Besides, he knows no one is going to take care of this car like we will. My teammate said it the best "we're going to do with this MK3 what every MK3 owner wants to do, but can't because it's a daily driver."


haha, i see you got "destiny" running =) goodluck to you guys, put all of us MKIII owners on the map! Take care of her, she took care of me. Thats one bitch that just wont die.
 

skipbarber

2008 Grassroots Challenge
Mar 26, 2008
134
0
0
Rockville-ish, Maryland
turbo soup;976899 said:
haha, i see you got "destiny" running =) goodluck to you guys, put all of us MKIII owners on the map! Take care of her, she took care of me. Thats one bitch that just wont die.


we'll make you proud koshie.

as far as suspension, we're kinda happy with it as is. We're considering sway bars and definately gonna run a mean alignment setup.
 

Doward

Banned
Jan 11, 2006
4,245
0
36
Alachua, FL
If anyone in your crew has any decent skills with electronics, build a MegaSquirt system - it'd be cheaper, and give you much more options to play with, than a MAFT-Pro (unless the car came with a MAFT-Pro, and I didn't see it)
 

skipbarber

2008 Grassroots Challenge
Mar 26, 2008
134
0
0
Rockville-ish, Maryland
Doward;977403 said:
If anyone in your crew has any decent skills with electronics, build a MegaSquirt system - it'd be cheaper, and give you much more options to play with, than a MAFT-Pro (unless the car came with a MAFT-Pro, and I didn't see it)

one of us is pretty proficient with electronics, thanks for the heads up. How much cheaper can a MegaSquirt get assuming I could maybe swing a MAFT pro for ~$250?

anyways, today we registered the car, got plates, insurance and continued working on it. Stay tuned for pics.
 

dok33

My fuel pump precedes me
Apr 16, 2005
934
0
0
Austin, TX
www.cardomain.com
MS kits start at around $120 (diyautotune.com) if you know how to solder :)

Good to see an MKIII in the $2k challenge, looks like you got a killer deal and a solid start!

We've got a team together here in TX as well but we're not building a Supra :D Think Ford Escort on crack and you're about 1/2way there...
 

skipbarber

2008 Grassroots Challenge
Mar 26, 2008
134
0
0
Rockville-ish, Maryland
Aight sooo, more pics!

Looks pretty good so far I think. Still not washed and waxed. I think our whole team agrees, go before show. But she is looking hot! Soooo fun on the road too! between her style and the open downpipe, She's a real head-turner! I really need to get on that side exit exhaust though, fumes aren't so much fun :aigo:
img2728js0.jpg


img2734cq0.jpg


We've started stripping out the interior and sound barrier, some of which came out in big chunks. For the rest I think we will need the dry ice method.
Of course we also left the Targa top holders in place, cuz who doesn't wanna drive with the top off:naughty:

Also, Edwin and David want to get rid of the carpet, but for some reason, I (Avi) can't seem to want to part with it... I know it's a race car and all. Someone want to put me back to my senses, or does anyone agree with me? I guess it comes down to this... How much are guys willing to pay for a complete grey carpet? :icon_bigg

img2746fp2.jpg


We've also got a little rust goin on below the quarter window. From other pics I've seen, I'm assuming it's a common problem?

img2749dd1.jpg


Lastly we have the Sparco 4-point harness that came with the car. We mounted it up, but feel that it might be inadequate for our uses. Currently looking for a 5-point with compatible lightweight seat.

*edit* I just also wanna add real quick that yeah, we know this isn't the right way to mount a harness. Seeing as how there was no seat belt receiver for the drivers side though, this was our only option

img2765jl6.jpg


I think we also just made a (sorta)decision about the tuning system. (David if you read this before I talk to you, then me an E want your input, haha) So it looks like we will be goin with the Megasquirt. It was between that and the MAFT. The Megasquirt seems to have a lot more capabilities, and best of all it's cheaper. If anyone knows where to get a Megaquirt kit 3.0 for less than $189 let us know! Thats the cheapest we found so far. We're still probably a few months away from needing it, so we have time to shop.

Next big step will be removing the HVAC system, of which the most difficult thing i think will be routing the hoses under the hood. I know we can figure it out, but any tips/suggestions?
 
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americanjebus

Mr. Evergreen
Mar 30, 2005
1,867
0
0
36
wa.
Get a harness bar for that man, weld it in or something sort of a way of stiffening the car and best of all it will be within the rules of safety equipment and you wont have the cost go against you.

Cant tell you how much i love those wheels. What are they? size offset?

keep up the good work and the pics.
 

OneJArpus

Supramania Contributor
Jul 1, 2005
2,798
0
0
40
Newark, New Jersey, United States
skipbarber;978479 said:
Aight sooo, more pics!

img2746fp2.jpg



img2765jl6.jpg


Please, please install the SAFETY HARNESS correctly. I have spine compression in my neck & upper back from a non car related accident BUT!. I will tell you first hand. IT SUCKS having it. Hurts consistantly let alone the massive chiropractor's bill.
 

skipbarber

2008 Grassroots Challenge
Mar 26, 2008
134
0
0
Rockville-ish, Maryland
Thanks for the comments guys, we know this is unsafe, but for the sake of having A seat belt, we had to do this. We don't have the stock buckles and it's state, and I believe federal law, to wear a seatbelt while driving. If you remember our original post, this car WILL HAVE A CAGE.