TopSpeed's 2009 Time Attack Build

[TopSpeedInc]

After dominating the 2008 Time Attack season we should have probably left good enough alone. But as I am sure some have followed Redline has relaxed the unlimited class rules. Allowing for more radical modifications and changes to be made. Excited about the new rules in effect, we have decided to start building a new Shell and then swap over most of the existing drivetrain and suspension. This would make a for a fast and very cost effective build as I would only be out the costs for material and a Shell (big thanks to Slowwrx).

Like all of TopSpeed's builds we are open and willing to share everything with the public. No smoke and mirrors here or topsecrete info. Just kick ass builds and Wins. So if there are any questions feel free to ask and we will do our best to answer them.

Our initial plans were to take all the information we had learned from the past two seasons and build what we feel is the ultimate Time Attack car. With our end goal to have a lighter, stiffer and better balanced car. After much brainstorming we came up the following changes that need to be made.

Lower roof (lower CoG and less frontal area)
Lower the ride height (lower CoG)
Move radiator to rear (weight distribution)
Front mount turbo (weight distribution)
New Cage Design (Stiffer less weight)
Seam Welding (chassis stiffness)
Adj Suspension Pickup points (better geometry)



That is the small list of major changes we will be making. Ofcourse there will also be a ton of smaller changes, but those will not make as huge a difference.


The current Shell weights 430lbs. I have removed excess metal from key areas that will be strenthened by the cage. Also from the pictures you can see how much I have removed from the roof (2.5"). Next up is to cut and tub the wheel wells to allow tire clearance with the car sitting so low. Then its media blasted, seam welded, and caged.

Check back here as I plan on updating this thread with new build pictures. This build should go quick as we are scheduled for track testing in 8wks.


Enjoy,

Douglas Wilks
TopSpeed Inc.

[TopSpeedInc]

1/05/09 Update: Here are a couple pictures of the front passenger wheel well. I have extended it up and out by about 3". This will give me the clearance needed to run the car lower.





This last picture is with the wheel sitting inside the fender. This should be about the final ride height once everything is done.



Doug Wilks
TopSpeed

[TopSpeedInc]

For those not familiar with our original Time Attack build here is a link to it. http://www.rs25.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49054

That covers from when I first got the car untill now. It would prolly take you a few hours to read through it all though.

[Crazy Asian]

can you turn my 2009 accord into a racecar?

[Brick]

Looks like fun, good luck with it.

[TopSpeedInc]

Thanks, I will try and keep this thread updated with build progress. We have 8 week to get it completed.. so were under a bit of time crunch.

[JITB]

what does your old Subaru think about this? it oesnt look too excited in the back...lol

are u gonna get rid of it? put another motor in it?

[UpSideDownDesi]

looking forward to see the finished car, and GL with build.

[Atlblkz06]

GL with the build, I'm looking forward to this.
Make sure you can fit in there before you weld the cut roof in

[Black4DrEK]

Damn cant wait to see the finish product!! the old car is SICK!!

[TopSpeedInc]

We will keep the other car, but its going to be mostly a shell with a cage in it when were done. It will be good to have as a back up in the event something were to happen and ruin the new car.

[TopSpeedInc]

can you turn my 2009 accord into a racecar?

We can turn anything into a race car... it just takes $$

[vividracing]

Awesome build guys. Loved the red one, and this one looks much more menacing! reminds me of the Cusco JGTC car with the super low stance.

Jon

[dappsta]

The arch "tubbing" looks a bit small, how come you guys didn't extend it out to the end of the shock tunnel? Also, will there be any issues with tire clearance if the car is in full lock??

[DunDunSkeert]

Awesome. Are Y'all going with carbon fiber body panels? Somebody recently came out with a widebody carnonfiber kit. i can find the link if you want it.

[Oz10]

I can't wait to see this thing completed!

[TopSpeedInc]

thanks

[nsany(atl)]

you need to calculate the addidional water and hose weight for moving the radiator to the back. In most situations it is not worth is b/c you have to run so much more water and hose, also may need to run an additional pump.

[TopSpeedInc]

The arch "tubbing" looks a bit small, how come you guys didn't extend it out to the end of the shock tunnel? Also, will there be any issues with tire clearance if the car is in full lock??

They don't need to be any larger towards the center than what we have them at now. There is plenty of room on the inside. Our main issue was with he car sitting low it would rub the top side of the tire. The new tubs have raised the wheel well up about 4" giving us plenty or suspension travel and wheel clearance now.

[TopSpeedInc]

you need to calculate the addidional water and hose weight for moving the radiator to the back. In most situations it is not worth is b/c you have to run so much more water and hose, also may need to run an additional pump.

Any additional weight in the rear of the car will actually be good. Our current car has barely any weight on in the rear and a ton on the front. Coolant flow has also been addressed. We have a custom high flow water pump we run.


Don't worry this isn't our first rodeo


Doug

[canadianrcis]

balling build

[SandM]

hooray for build #2. loved the first one and can't wait to see the progress of this one... and look, trey's 240 still in the shop....

[amandDA]

cant wait to see the final product! and x2 on what are you all going to do with the old one? just keep building it more

[NAIZBST]

very nice and can't wait to see the finished product

[ep9716]

Can't Wait For Updates.

[teh_mugen18]

Wow what a starting point...!!

[Mr. Antonov]

balling build

That's what I'm thinking..

This is going to be nuts, already love the roof..


BTW somebody sticky this..

[teh_mugen18]

BTW somebody sticky this..

x2

[WalkS]

Aw man, this is going to be interesting. I can't wait to see more!

[GGPIS3]

more beer less work! haha nice to see progress...

[c0l7hy]

looks like yall are headed in the right direction to tear it up again next season. sick build.

[csmiths]

cant wait to see the final product. i saw the red one run, and that car is pretty much on point

[DVSRX-7]

Another squirrel?? Goodluck on everything

[xdavidscenex]

sick!!!!

[dappsta]

They don't need to be any larger towards the center than what we have them at now. There is plenty of room on the inside. Our main issue was with he car sitting low it would rub the top side of the tire. The new tubs have raised the wheel well up about 4" giving us plenty or suspension travel and wheel clearance now.

Understandable. I guess i was more looking at it from an aesthetic POV, however, it still looks great! and the welds are excellent, i can't wait to see the finished product

[speedminded]

Niceee! Chopped and tubbed...got baby moons to mount to the rotas? Cue ball shifter, fuzzy dice, and spark plugs in the exhaust?

[Bus Driver J]

... and look, tray's 240 still in the shop....

LMAO!!!!! It gets worked on at least once a week.....

[dorin48]

I can't wait to see this come together. I work next door to you guys hope you dont mind if I come in an ogle/drool? lol

[TopSpeedInc]

Feel free to stop by...

I should have some more pics of the progress up soon.

[The BUCKY]

let me know if you need any paint work!!! cant wait to see this one in action