Pics:

The Plan:

I’ve always admired Drift Association and how they run and manage their Drift Days out in California. Once aspect I found very compelling is the availability of a teaching vehicle that instructors can use to teach new drivers how to drift. These teaching vehicles take vehicle set up out of the driver’s hands so they can focus on technique. I aim to achieve the same with this car.

To keep things simple, easy to maintain, and fun, I’m going to focus primarily on the suspension, differential, and driver controls. But before I can get into any of the “fun” stuff, the “boring” needs to be taken car of.

First, is to swap the Automatic for a 5-Speed. I have lined up a used 5-Speed transmission and all the associated parts, so I’m hoping to have the swap done sometime in August.

Second, is to address the rust issues with the sunroof:

Driver’s Side:

Passenger Side:

After some thought, I’d like to remove the sunroof entirely than attempt to cut and patch these small areas. If anyone around here is interested in helping close this hole, let me know!

Afterward, the fun stuff, my current list of planned modifications are:

• Coilover Suspension
• Adjustable Suspension Arms
• 1.5 Way Differential
• Bucket Seats
• 4-Point Harnesses
• 4-Point Roll Bar

Evan has graciously offered to find out if I can get this car “Sponsored” so most of the suspension parts can be had for very little cash. I’m also working on other angles for partial sponsorships to help out as well. That’s all the details I have for now, but I’ll be updating this as the project progresses.

It’s been very busy around here working on the Lemon’s race car. Last week the car went to CageThis in Lynn, Massachusetts for the competition roll cage. Bill does great work and the cage should be completed before April 17th. We’ve also got the master shutoff switch and the Corbeau seat bracket. Check the Wiki for the latest updates.

The project car is up for sale on craigslist. You can find find the ad here.

This is a hard decision for me. I’ve put a lot of time and money into this vehicle. It’s fun to drive and easy to maintain. But, I’ve moved on. Maybe if I was 5 or 6 years younger I would dismiss the constant rattles, the droning exhaust note at highway speeds and the stiff suspension. It is a 19 year old chassis, so it has 19 year old problems. The good news is I’m moving up to a Hyundai Genesis Coupe. I’ve got my eye on the 2.0T version and am waiting on the local dealer to clue me in when one arrives. Based on the press I’ve seen, this is the right kind of car for me. Newer, turbo charged, and comfortable enough I can drive it every day. I’m very excited.

[Source: Autoblog]

For more details, visit APR Performance

R-Spec provides genuine track-readiness in an affordable model. The R-Spec adds core performance equipment to the most affordable 2.0T model, such as: Track-tuned suspension, 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with performance summer tires, Brembo® braking system, Torsen limited-slip differential, and R-Spec badging. To further reduce cost and weight, it also eliminates some non-essential convenience equipment such as: Bluetooth®, automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls. The Genesis Coupe R-Spec will be priced at $23,750 and $3,000 less than the 2.0T Track model, leaving tuners with extra cash for their own choice of aftermarket performance upgrades. Appropriately, the R-Spec will be available in three performance oriented exteriors colors: Karussell White, Bathurst Black and Tsukuba Red.

[Source: Autoblog]

That price is amazing. Sign me up! Click on the Source link for the full article.

Next up is the news about Rhys Millen and his new Hyundai Genesis Drift Car. This car will use Lambda V6 bored to 4.1 liters and turbo charged for a whopping 550-hp. I’m not sure what this means for Rhys and Pontiac, but I really don’t care. This car is awesome. I look forward to seeing it tear it up in Formula D this coming season.

[Source: Autoblog]

The budget is set and we have started planning the roll cage installation, parts purchases, and driver safety equipment installations. The car will be towed up to the North Shore for the roll cage installation. Once that is complete, the build up will begin. Our journey, will be chronicled here and on the Lemons Wiki. So follow along and watch how pathetically we try to take this seriously.

There is more footage to be seen. Look for it in a few days.