Stalker M-Spec AXR

[xcarguy]

Well, guess I may as well post this here since the Minehearts haven't (don't think they will mind:jester:). It's a video and photo of the new Stalker M-Spec AXR with Scott Mineheart giving it a maiden voyage. Also, here are a few excerrpts from the Storker forum regarding the car:

 

 

. . . . . We just completed our new M-Spec AXR model. Design to be optimized for autocross, but a capable track car, and of course, awesome street car. We have tucked the rear wheels behind the passenger compartment, instead of being along side it, so we can use really wide rear tires without making the car any wider. Standard street tires are 315/35/17, and the racing slicks are Formula Atlantics from Goodyear, on 14" wide, 13" diameter wheels.

 

. . . . . The car has 4 piston Wilwood calipers on all corners, and power assist. That coupled with the large rear tires gives grip never before available on a Stalker. 10"rotors for the 13" racing wheels, and 13" for the 17" wheels. Awesome braking without lockup. First time ever. Maval electric power steering with the Coleman racing rack.

 

. . . . We didn't have a big budget so we stayed with a 2004 GTO LS1 engine, and the 4 speed automatic that came with it. We had never tried an automatic before, so we knew there may be challenges to overcome, but figured we would give it a shot anyway. If we didn't like it, we could spend the money and get a new T56 Magnum. Our engine tuner was able to tune the trans to shift nearly instantly and lock up the torque converter so you have engine braking like a manual. For autocross, you put it in 2nd and go!. 2nd is good to around 85. 3rd around 130, I think. Frickin' awesome. Sweet on the street also. Yeah, we loved it. The first autocross weekend was definitely a success! I can't believe we actually like the auto trans! No slush bucket by any means.

 

. . . . . The 4L65E trans came with the '04 GTO engine.

 

. . . . an android tablet (used as a dash, my commment) connected to the OBDII port with a $6.29 Bluetooth adapter and $5 Torque software. Gets any info that is available to the ECU, plus does 0-60, 1/8 mile, 1/4 mile times. And check engine codes. It is velcro'd to the dash. My android phone will also pull the same gauges and info from the ECU. Cheaper than buying gauges. It doesn't show well with the GoPro camera, but is easily readable by the driver. The dash has an overhang over the tablet, so it is always in the shade - like in your daily driver.

 

. . . . My wife drives this car, also. In the previous two Stalkers my wife, being 5'-1" was right up on the wheel, and she slammed her elbows on the tunnel and side of the chassis,when she autocrossed it. This works perfectly for her, and since we have electric power steering, the Coleman Racing steering rack, and improved steering geometry, it is quite easy to steer. You can see from the video that Scott doesn't have any problem moving the wheel. Neither does Krista. You guys that have not driven an M-Spec don't know what you are missing. Tell 'em Wheeler!! I want to get you in the new AXR and get your impressions. We'll bump into you at an autocross soon, I'm sure.

 

. . . . Oh, one more thing. The new cars have a chassis that is 1 1/4" taller than the old cars. Puts the wheel that much taller than before. We don't have a hump in the hood to look over either. Krista had a bit of a hard time with the other cars and the hood scoops, when it came to seeing the cones.

 

 

 

. . . . :lurk:

Edited October 22, 2014 by xcarguy

[snookwheel]

I have a Super Stalker that we autocross pretty often, Glen gave me an opportunity to take a few runs in their Mspec V8 Stalker. I really didn't think it would be that much different...... I was very wrong! The new suspension coupled with the V8 and other refinements (steering etc) made a HUGE difference. That car simply did anything I asked it to do, effortlessly and VERY fast.

 

My Super Stalker is no slouch, but I plan to have an Stalker Mspec or AXR in the garage one of these years!