My Blog

Tag: Cars

  • Bryan’s Foxbody Obsession

    Bryan’s Foxbody Obsession

    There’s always some enthusiasts who connect with a specific car and just develop a passion that brings that model to the absolute pinnacle of their vision. We’ve seen it all the time, from domestics to imports. Every car enthusiast makes this connection to some extent.

    One prime example of this is Bryan. Bryan loves Foxbody Mustangs more than almost anyone does, we’re willing to bet. When Bryan first came to us, he had a plan for not one, but two Foxbody builds, a 1989 and a 1993, with distinctly different visions for both. The best of both worlds if you will. We couldn’t have been more excited to take these on and bring this twin Foxbody vision to life.

     

     

    First up, this absolutely stunning 1989 model year, was to be a simple build with ties to the OEM nostalgic setup, but with the addition of a built transmission and some boost! Putting the pressure down on the 5.0L 302 is a Vortech Superchargers V-3 Si-Trim Supercharger System. 

    Bringing life to the motor setup, we swapped out the injectors and spark plugs, using NGK and Ford Racing parts, including Ford Racing 47lb EV6 fuel injectors with a Brian Tooley Racing EV1 to EV6 adapter for proper fitting without having to modify the factory wiring harness. 

     

     

    To beef up the drivetrain while running through the gears, we reached out to the team at Monster Transmission & Performance to help Bryan with a heavy duty 4 Speed AOD Transmission. To compliment this truly monster gearbox, we upgraded all the components surrounding, from an ATP Automotive flex plate to pedal and shift linkage bushings from Dorman Products.  All the epic parts in the world can’t do their best if the support for them is aged and worn!

     

    To keep this Fox breathing clear, we swapped out the headers and X-Pipe for some quality parts from the team at BBK Performance Parts. To keep everything regulated, the radiator and thermostat were replaced and upgraded with a Motorad 180 thermostat and Mishimoto aluminum radiator with a dual fan system from Ron Francis Wiring to keep the air flowing and the engine cool.

     

     

    With the mechanical work wrapped up in the shop by John, Matt strapped her down to the rollers for Vlad to perform a custom calibration via SCT Performance! With 93 octane in the tank and the Vortech V-3 Si delivering ~8psi, Vlad increased the 5.0L HO 302’s output to a solid 306.43whp & 359.59lbft!

     

    Next up is Bryan’s 1993 Foxbody Mustang SVT, getting set for an Edelbrock supercharged Coyote swap and 9 inch rear! We can’t wait to see these two together when they’re both finished. More progress coming soon, so stay tuned for updates!

     

     

    For a closer look at this build, take a look at the full gallery below.

     

    Reach out to National Speed today to see what we can do for you! 

     

     Full modification list performed by us below:

    [ngg src=”galleries” ids=”489″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″]

  • Designed to Dig: Torsten’s 2009 Nissan Alpha Performance GT-R is Designed to Hit Low 8’s

    Designed to Dig: Torsten’s 2009 Nissan Alpha Performance GT-R is Designed to Hit Low 8’s

    Many people dream of being able to cross the quarter mile line in under ten seconds, and now most days with enough determination and work you can make it happen. However, things start to change beyond that.

     

    Torsten came to us with one of the greatest platforms for attempting the feat of a monster quarter mile time, a 2009 Nissan GT-R, and an ambitious goal, to design and create a car that is both daily drivable and able to achieve a quarter mile time in the low 8 second range. We were happy to oblige him and take on this project.

     

    2009 Nissan GT-R

     

    Our Performance Consultation team met with Torsten to create a game plan to make his dream of an 8-second daily a reality. It’s always a pleasure to work out the vision with our clients.  With Torsten wanting the best of both worlds, a daily driver with a blistering quarter mile time, our build team began from the bare bones. The VR38DETT was pulled from the bay and was replaced with an Alpha Performance 3.8L Short Block to create a near bulletproof base with 1000hp+ potential for this monster daily. 

     

     

    Topped with a Boost Logic V2 intake manifold with 12 Injector Dynamics ID1050x injectors, ported heads from HeadGames Motorworks were installed along with Stage-2 camshafts from Kelford Cams and a GSC valvetrain to finish up the top end with strength and durability. 

    To crank up the boost, the stock turbos were replaced with quick spooling Extreme Turbo Systems G-Series GTX3582R Gen-2 Turbochargers. 

    Alpha Performance also supplied the Omega twin-pump brushless fuel pump system along with other fuel system components from T1 Race Development and COBB Tuning, completing the fuel system. 

     

    TiAL Blow Off Valve

     

    In order to let her eat, we have to let her breathe, and with an Extreme Turbo Systems race intercooler system with TiAL Sport Q 50mm blow-off valves, we were able to support the turbo system and achieve our 1000HP+ goal. Our friends at Extreme Turbo Systems also supplied the 3.5” to 4” Pro Series Y-Pipe to 4” Exhaust, getting us that signature VR38 sound. 

    Keeping everything together are ARP Fasteners and Genuine Nissan OEM gaskets, seals, and other miscellaneous components used to assemble the engine. With the end product being a daily driver that is able to hit Torsten’s goal of low 8-second passes, we had to make sure that this engine was solid and efficient for run after run, followed by the drive back home.

    The team at Jack’s Transmissions put together the perfect gearbox for this build, a fully built Drag 1000 GR6 Transmission, taking all the raw power from the Alpha VR38 and sending it to all four wheels. 

     

     

    In order to put all this power to the ground successfully and reliably, we tapped the team at Driveshaft Shop to get a 1000HP+ Pro-Level rear axle, hub, and differential stub kit built and ready for Torsten’s GT-R. Tuning the all-wheel drive system is key to a successful launch, so we used a STM Tuned AWD controller to fine tune the power delivery. 

    To help Torsten control this beast, we finished up the build with an Alcon big brake kit in the front and rear and wrapped his wheels with some sticky Toyo R888R Tires. 

     

     

    With all the pieces finally together and ready for tuning, Torsten’s GT-R hit our in-house dyno to see what it could do. Using the COBB Tuning Accessport V3 with TCM Support, our tuning team calibrated the system for Flex Fuel capability for ultimate control over the car and tunes. For our dyno tests, we would be testing with standard 93 octane and E85. 

    Strapped down and with our ears singing with the glory of it’s fully built VR38, Torsten’s GT-R exceeded our goals and laid down a mighty 1,355whp and 972lbft of torque on E85 and a comfortable 882whp and 664lbft of torque on your everyday 93 octane. 

     

     

    To celebrate, we unstrapped the car and took it out for a quick shoot and loved everything we saw. This GT-R is truly a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

     

     

    With the beast built and our goals achieved, we’re looking forward to seeing what Torsten and his GT-R can do at the drag strip. Knowing the great things our team can do, we expect to see a low 8 slip in the very near future. 

    Torsten’s GT-R build is a reminder that no goals are unachievable with the right team and determination. 

    For a closer look at this build, take a look at the full gallery. 

    Reach out to National Speed today to see what we can do for you! 

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  • Deeper into the 9’s with Sean’s 860WHP 2016 Camaro SS

    Deeper into the 9’s with Sean’s 860WHP 2016 Camaro SS

     

    Deeper into the 9’s we go, with an assiduous quest for 8’s!

    Sean has been a long time National Speed client and GM performance car fanatic, owning and restoring a gorgeous 1964 Nova SS, and for the past couple years, his dedicated performance car, a Mosaic Black Metallic 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS. 

     

    For the latest evolution of Sean’s never-ending quest for more power, a simple goal was laid out: 850+whp on 93 octane.

    The car has lived through several iterations over the five years of Sean’s ownership, starting from a bone-stock, brand new platform straight from the dealership. While all was fine for a while, Sean had a craving for something more, and after spending multiple weekends at the dragstrip, the need for more power could not be contained. 

     

    With the original engine-out build yielding him some great results. throwing down a tire-slaying 9.98 quarter mile at Coastal Plains Raceway Park Dragway, it was clear the existing setup needed to be updated. Unable to suppress the desire to see how far we could really push the LT1, a plan was set in place to completely tear down and rebuild the 6.2L LT1...for the second time.

     

     

    With the Camaro back in the shop, our Performance Technician, John, made quick work pulling the engine from the car, tearing it down to the bare short block. From there, he meticulously gapped each piston ring to the exact spec needed and in went a Gwatney Performance Innovation complete drop-in piston & rod package. This specific package includes Diamond Pistons 2618 pistons with rings, Callies Performance Products 6.125″ connecting rods, connecting rod bearings, heavy duty wrist pins, locks, and rings. To compliment the new pistons and rods installed, in went a custom designed 5150 billet-core VVT camshaft from Cam Motion.

    While John was working away on the bottom end, we tapped the great team at Gwatney Performance Innovation again for their ported cylinder head service and installation of Brian Tooley Racing valve spring set. Once the heads were finished with their revamp, John finished up the engine internals with a COMP Cams high pressure fuel pump lash cap, OEM LS7 rocker arm pad, and all the various gaskets and seals to complete the installation.

     

    Maguson Supercharged LT1 Engine

     

    With the internals beefed up and the motor dropped back in, it was time to work on some more power! While Sean was able to make a solid 740.05whp & 694.24lbft on E50 at only ~12.5psi on his old setup, a Magnuson Superchargers Heartbeat TVS2300 supercharger, we decided to up the ante and go with an even bigger setup from Magnuson Superchargers, the Magnum DI TVS2650R! To dial in more boost, a smaller upper pulley was needed, so John swapped out the existing upper pulley for a smaller 80mm unit, then added a 103mm SD103LTX throttle body upgrade from Williams Performance, allowing the most amount of air into the TVS2650R. Finishing up the engine build, John installed a set of LTR7IX-11 spark plugs from NGK Spark Plugs attached to a set of premium spark plug wires from Katech. 

     

    2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS Wheel

     

    With the drivetrain set, it was time to figure out how to get the power to the ground. The stock wheels, control arms, and wheel & brake hub setup were all removed and replaced with a 15” conversion from Carlyle Racing. The stock set was quickly replaced with a set of gorgeous WELD Racing 15×10 S71B Non Beadlock wheels wrapped in Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels 275/60/15 ET Street S/S radials. To help the car stage correctly and to get heat into those new meaty tires, a line lock kit from SJM Manufacturing, Inc. was installed allowing the front brakes to lock up independently from the rear brakes.

     

    With all the parts installed and mechanical work wrapped up in the shop by John, our Calibration Assistant, Matt, strapped her down to the rollers for Vlad to perform a custom calibration via HP Tuners. With 93 octane in the tank and the Magnuson TVS2650R delivering around 16psi, Vlad and the National Speed team were able to increase the LT1’s output to a kick-ass 863.71whp & 742.04lbft!

     

    2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS on Dyno

     

    For Sean, power has come in stages, originally seeing 546.80whp & 545.77lbft with bolt-ons, 740.05whp & 694.24lbft with the first build, and now with the current setup, 863.71whp & 742.04lbft! With the factory direct-injection system being the only limiting factor in this build, the temptation to switch over to LS-based port-injection is already on Sean’s mind. Hopefully we will see him back here for more fueling upgrades and tap into the 900-1000whp range, finally reaching his goal of 8 second quarter mile times!

     

    Reach out to National Speed today to see what we can do for you!

     

  • Greg's Dream Garage

    You know, I figured it’d be a lot easier to narrow it down to 5 cars I wish I had, but alas it seems almost impossible. I could probably narrow it down to a top 20, but that’d still be tough. Either way, I’ve tried to narrow it down to a top 5. For some reason when formulating this list, I came to the conclusion that perhaps I like European cars a bit too much. These are in no particular order, and all of them will crush Casey’s pansy list.

    [Click on all pictures to see extra sexiness.]

    First up: The Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster.

    Lamborghini LP640

    [Sure sure, hate if you will, but if you don’t like my first choosing, something makes me think you won’t like the rest of them either.]

    Hell, it’s an outrageous exotic supercar. What more can I say? I find the vehicle absolutely stunning in every way. It’s as wide as a hummer, the interior looks like a fighter plane, and it sounds like a hurricane. It’s Aesthetically pleasing, Aurally pleasing, and women find it sexually pleasing as well. Screw your hybrids, they bore me. This thing gets friggen’ 8 miles per gallon. If you can pony up the $336,000 for one, I doubt you really care about gas mileage or stereotypes. It’s powered by a 6.5 liter V12 and it has AWD and 100 miles per hour can be achieved in 2nd gear. Practical? It’s impossible to park, gets horrible gas mileage and weighs too much. I don’t care. I love this car.

    Next up is: The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.

    National Speed - Alfa Romeo 8C

    I picked this car for no more reason than appearance. Some find it hideous, I find it beautiful. A combination of Maserati chassis with a Ferrari derived 4.7 liter, the Alfa sounds only like a Ferrari could. Rather than exhaust, pure sex emits from the tailpipes, causing many problems driving around highly populated areas. It’s no limit pusher as far as performance goes, but it was never intended to be. The 4.7 pushes out 450hp and 354lbs/ft torque and it has an LSD and a sequential gearbox, but in all honesty that’s not what’s important. Just look and listen to it. You can see that this Alfa produces pure emotion. That’s worth the price of the $200,000 admission itself. Only 84 of these will be brought stateside.

    Next is: The Brabus Rocket.

    National Speed - Brabus Rocket

    Everyone needs something a little more practical for daily driving, right? I suppose this car depends on your view of the word “practical”. With 730 horsepower and a ridiculous 970lbs/ft torque, it has more horsepower and torque than anything you’d ever need, but at least it has 4 doors. Based on the Mercedes CLS series, they took the already powerful standard CLS 600 Bi-turbo and stroked it to 6.3 liters, added cams, larger turbos, bigger intercooler, and exhaust. Brabus wanted to maintain stock manners while having a ridiculous amount of power. Walk softly and carry a big stick they say. All of this power is routed through a 5 speed automatic and maintains comfortable air suspension or coilovers, depending on what you want. Oh yeah..perhaps I forgot to mention that this thing broke the 4 door sedan speed record at a ridiculous 227 Miles Per Hour. Price to pay for super baller status for you and the family? $490,000. Ouch.

    Next up is: The Ferrari F40.

    National Speed - Ferrari F40

    Not much is needed to be said about this one. It’s a Ferrari F40. Mid-engine, Twin Turbo, Legendary. It’s the last car that Enzo Ferrari ever commissioned himself. With a 2.9L Twin turbo V8 producing 471 horsepower, it was king of it’s time. With a plastic windshield and windows, no carpet, sound system or doorhandles, the Pininfarina designed kevlar, carbon fiber and aluminum chassis was truly a racecar for the street. Many stories have been told about the F40’s almost random turbo lag. 80’s turbo technology was not quite as advanced as it is today and boost was said to hit like a hammer all at once. The F40 was the first road legal production car to break the 200MPH barrier with a speed of 201. This is truly a legendary car and a timeless classic. Current price is to be debated, but the original MSRP when the car debuted was $400,000. The F40 is simply a legend.

    Last up is: The ’03-’04 Mustang Cobra.

    National Speed - Terminator Cobra

    Do whaaaaaat? Out of all of these other cars, this one is mild. I’ve always loved the Terminators, and it’s the only one of these cars on my list that is attainable in any realistic mindset. With a factory blown forged 4.6L making 390HP (Underrated from the factory!) and routed through a Tremec T56 6 speed, the Cobra was nothing to mess around with. Ditching the archaic live axle, Ford threw in Independent Rear Suspension and Bilstien struts. In stock form with a good driver, they are good for mid 12’s and the Eaton blower sounds nasty. With minor bolt-ons you can easily have a reliable 500 horsepower car that not only looks good, but performs just as well (or you could just whipple it and be done with it). People definitely recognize one when they see it and I think a Cobra would make a really good daily driver (as opposed to everything else on my list.). This is the only car that you can modify on my list without paying out the ass or getting killed by a fanboy. They only made around 19,000 of these between ’03-’04 so good luck finding one. Price for a Termie Cobra? It depends, but expect a little under 30k for a nice example.