I want to post up a progress report on how my car is doing. As I have stated recently, when building a car at the level I am with SC400TT, it is really a massive undertaking...I underestimated several things when I started the planning of this project. The number one item was time. Now that I really do not have any more "shops" to deal with except for the fabrication of my hard water pipes for the radiator, I have had time to work on the car myself, and with my partner,
Charles Stuart, aka, Chaz. Without his dedication, I would be significantly farther behind, and this project may have only been a dream. I cannot thank Chaz enough for all he has sacrificed and done. He has literally built a major part of my car. My hat is off to you, my close friend. I also want to thank Scott Davidson, aka, motorheaddown, who has assisted me dearly in some of the wiring and electronics of this project.... I also want to thank Scott, aka, Ki soarer who has spent countless hours on helping in pulling out and installing the different versions of my interior.... I also want to thank Dave Penton, aka 2jznat, for all the humor in my looooong build thread and for the towing of my car to Orlando from Tampa. I also want to thank Justin Baloh, who is currently building my headlights. I mentioned several posts back that I have "very special" headlights being built for this project...They are...I have seen the pics, and they are not yhet done, but will be soon. They are so special that I will not post a pic up of them until the whole car is complete. I will post a few teaser shots though...If you want a hint of how they are turning out, keep thinking Audi...and OEM...There is no other SC light like them.... Thanks also to the venerable Zach Culver, aka, UZZ TT, who provided the Super made clear lenses that I so needed to create these lights.... Major thanks goes to Shane Ligon, who builds these kinds of project cars from scratch (Even V8 MR2's), he has been a great technical help, and has also machined several custom parts for this project. A special thanks to David Phan, aka, LEXTREME, who is the impetus for my whole project...David's website is the first I found about 6 years ago when I was searching for more ways to add power to this beautiful SC. If David had not been there (His website, parts, tech articles, own experiences, and his friendship) I may not have ever taken this direction to build such a project. Thanks, David. You are the Man and the Myth.... Lastly, but not least, thanks to Scott Marshall, aka, ScottURnot, who provided several key components (Some of which were custom) for this project at very special rates, and the hours of phone calls discussing build theories and practicalities of this project and his beast of a project. There is a great bond of friendship and comraderie that develops when a project like this is undertaken...I thank each of you...
OK, so here is the progress, and I will post up some pics in some future posts.
- The Turbo oil feed has been completed
- The Turbo Oil return has been completed
- The External Oil Cooler has been installed
- The External Transmisssion Cooler has been installed
- The high Pressure Oil Sandwich Plate configuration has been designed, built and installed (Whew, what a pain)
- The Fuel Return Line has been completed
There is still much to do...I will keep you updated...
I want to thank a few more people here..
- Deron Golding, aka, nextlevelcoupe, you have become a good friend. I appreciate your attention to detail and look forward to seeing your latest version of your car complete. A good friend, too.
- Jose, aka, CleanSC, whose WHite turbo SC is one of the cleanest I have ever seen, what an inspiration you have been. A good friend too.
- Gazi, aka, Aliga. You have provided me with dozens of critical parts for this project, as well as the best deal on a black interior that anyone has ever gotten...What a great resource you are to the Lexus community!!
- Eric, aka, Cowboy. Thanks for your commitment to building quality custom parts for the SC. You have certainly made our projects easier and more custom with your hard work...
- John Brady, you have been a friend and a great resource during this project as well. I appreciate your suggestions and time...
- John Cribb, thank you for the emails and research you have shared that have helped me along...
- Rod, aka Zuffen, thanks for your assistance
- Andrew Vlamos, thanks for the many, many emails, and the superb bushings you make for the SC...
Anybody else I am missing, please forgive me, and please speak up. I certainly want to thank you and list your name publicly, because this project, which is near completion, is a compilation of work and ideas from several people...I love the Lexus community!!! My Hat's off to you all!!
Ryan