Any other Brunton M-Spec builders here?

[subtlez28]

I am eagerly awaiting the first week of December, when I will fly down and return to WI with my newest project (in the back of a Penske truck). In the mean time I have been reading all I can, and looking at other "7" based cars on this and other forums.

 

If anyone else is building an M-Spec or has info on one, please post up or pass a link along. I have done about all I can w google searching.

 

My M-Spec will get an L92 and T-56 six speed (manual). For those unfamiliar with the L92, it is an all aluminum (block and heads) GM V-8. 6.2 liter with a factory rating of 403 hp. It has "VVT" or variable valve timing via a cam phaser. These are typically found in trucks and SUVs like Escalades. I'm betting it will move the "7" type chassis alright. It is nearly the same engine as the Camaro, and Corvette's LS3, but with a different cam and solid valves. I will be running the LS3 (car) intake.

 

I chose to go with the more traditional hood. I like the classic round head lights better.

 

I will certainly post more info as the build progresses.

Edited November 16, 2012 by subtlez28

[snookwheel]

I stopped by the Brunton shop just yesterday, they have some very cool projects underway. Good luck with the build, post pictures! An Mspec is in my future..... Someday. We have a Super Stalker 3.8 SC and have a ball with it.

 

Scott

[powderbrake]

Good luck on the new car. You will be all smiles for a long time as you get the new car on the road. It should be a real beast.

[esham]

I am eagerly awaiting the first week of December, when I will fly down and return to WI with my newest project (in the back of a Penske truck). In the mean time I have been reading all I can, and looking at other "7" based cars on this and other forums.

 

If anyone else is building an M-Spec or has info on one, please post up or pass a link along. I have done about all I can w google searching.

 

My M-Spec will get an L92 and T-56 six speed (manual). For those unfamiliar with the L92, it is an all aluminum (block and heads) GM V-8. 6.2 liter with a factory rating of 403 hp. It has "VVT" or variable valve timing via a cam phaser. These are typically found in trucks and SUVs like Escalades. I'm betting it will move the "7" type chassis alright. It is nearly the same engine as the Camaro, and Corvette's LS3, but with a different cam and solid valves. I will be running the LS3 (car) intake.

 

I chose to go with the more traditional hood. I like the classic round head lights better.

 

I will certainly post more info as the build progresses.

 

Cool! Are you the same guy that had the 84 vette with the LS1 T56 swap over at Corvette forum?

[subtlez28]

Yes I am. Thanks for noticing. My concept w the Vette was to be lighter and faster than the 02 Z28 I was racing. I ended up losing interest in the project because it was not going to be quite as light and simple to work on as I had hoped.

 

What I really wanted from the start is a light, simple, LS powered chassis that would be shockingly fast.

 

This project fits the bill!

[esham]

Yes I am. Thanks for noticing. My concept w the Vette was to be lighter and faster than the 02 Z28 I was racing. I ended up losing interest in the project because it was not going to be quite as light and simple to work on as I had hoped.

 

What I really wanted from the start is a light, simple, LS powered chassis that would be shockingly fast.

 

This project fits the bill!

 

I agree. I'm looking forward to seeing your build. Have you already gotten your frame yet?

[subtlez28]

I do have the chassis. With the busy holiday season I had very limited time to work on it. I have the garage organized and have the body work hung on the walls and out of the way. I was able to fab up the floor pans just before 2013 started and heading out of town again. I hope to get a build thread going soon.

[esham]

Did you go with the M-spec Classic R or the M-spec XL? Does the back of the car look like the new M-spec design or the classic Super Stalker design?

Edited January 6, 2013 by esham
spelling

[subtlez28]

My car is a bit of a hybrid. Classic style scoop less hood and 7" round headlights, but M-spec chassis, louvered front fenders and more aerodynamic rear end.

 

My goals here are function over form, and the M-spec rear treatment is supposed to help at speed. I just prefer the olds style headlights.

 

I did not do the XL, but that would not be a bad idea. I fit ok (6' 180 pounds) in the standard chassis, but an XL would open up more potential riders and maybe buyers down the road. It is pretty tight, but I was shooting for maximum performance (less size/weight).

[BusaNostra]

Just read that GM will introduce a weight saving 6.2 LT1 small block this year. The engine is rated 450 hp @6000 rpm - weigh in @ 465 pounds - height 25.3 inches tall - 11.5:1 compression. They focused increasing miles per gallon (26-mpg). To attain the efficiency, there is a cylinder deactivation system - sort of 4 cyl while crossing in the highway. They will offer dry & wet sump.

[xcarguy]

subtlez28,

 

If you haven't already, join the Stalker V6 Yahoo Group:

 

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/stalkerv6/

 

There are several M-spec builds under way. Check out the Stalker V6 Gallery (last page or so):

 

http://www471.pair.com/stalkerv/gallery2/main.php

 

Good luck with the build and post pics in the gallery.

[subtlez28]

Thanks X.

 

I am a member of the Stalker V6 group, but to be honest I am much more comfortable with this style forum. My entry into forums was in prior projects like my LS1 Camaro (reason for the screen name), Dodge and GM trucks, Corvette, Jeeps, and ATV (come to think of it I have been on a LOT of forums). They all had forum communities similar to this in style. I read the new posts on the yahoo group, but am not as competent in locating info there.

 

I'm back from vacation and eager to get back to work. Here are the pics as promised:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g156/subtlez28/M-spec/D8607231-AD2C-4B12-A70B-C2EC9897FC10-1563-000002619C38C0FB.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g156/subtlez28/M-spec/20CF7615-4D30-42C9-8000-EA127AA3E95A-1563-000002619833575D.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g156/subtlez28/M-spec/9E9C7460-48BF-49CA-8F29-D51C6EB753A6-1563-000002619090BAA3.jpg

[subtlez28]

Just read that GM will introduce a weight saving 6.2 LT1 small block this year. The engine is rated 450 hp @6000 rpm - weigh in @ 465 pounds - height 25.3 inches tall - 11.5:1 compression. They focused increasing miles per gallon (26-mpg). To attain the efficiency, there is a cylinder deactivation system - sort of 4 cyl while crossing in the highway. They will offer dry & wet sump.

 

I have been keeping up with the new LT1. Although I think it was to soon to reuse the LT1 name, I like the engine. I'm not sure why GM took so long to bring direct injection to the V-8s.

 

I was pretty happy to score the L92 I have (a few years ago now). I was a believer right away in the VVT that the LT1 carried over. Though I guess other than the starter bolts, and spring retainers, this LT1 shares nothing with my all aluminum 6.2...

 

In a Car and Driver interview an engineer on the C7 Corvette admitted this new LT1 6.2 is actually heavier than the LS3 (and L92) it replaces (not by a lot). Due to the heft of the high pressure mechanical fuel pump and related high pressure rails. So I guess I can at least know my now outdated engine is lighter, lol. Thats what 7's are all about, right? Adding lightness!

[esham]

Looks nice! What are your plans for coating the frame? POR, paint, or powder coat?

[subtlez28]

Looks nice! What are your plans for coating the frame? POR, paint, or powder coat?

 

Thanks! Not much done yet, but I am excited that I have at least started.

 

That is an excellent question. My initial plan was to brush (to limit the mess) paint it in the garage. However, the guys from Brunton warned that it may take a long time for the paint to cure that way, and strongly recommended powder coat.

 

I have to check into pricing on the powder coat. I'm hoping to find someone who can media blast it and coat it for a reasonable price.

 

I intend to mach up the whole whole car, maybe minus electrical, then pull it apart and get paint/coating done.

[xcarguy]

Hey, Z,

 

 

Powder coat is definitely the way to go, especially when you are building a car of the caliber of your M-spec. My last three cars received PC; no regrets. The mach build is also a smart move. I'm a huge fan of mach builds and believe it's the best way to build a car. While it's not a se7en, I've posted a few pics below of a '26 track T that I built a few years ago. The build process was mach build, blow apart, powder coat, paint and then put it back together like a Monogram kit. You should start a thread in Member's Rides and keep everyone updated on your build. Also, do you have a Stalker V6 Gallery build site started?

 

With the M-spec being relatively new to the family of se7en-style cars, I see lots of questions pertaining to M-spec builds floating around on the Yahoo Groups forum. I think several of those folks with questions frequent this site as well for information. Any info current builders can provide about the build experience/process of the M-spec can be invaluable to others as well as to new builders down the road.

[esham]

Thanks! Not much done yet, but I am excited that I have at least started.

 

That is an excellent question. My initial plan was to brush (to limit the mess) paint it in the garage. However, the guys from Brunton warned that it may take a long time for the paint to cure that way, and strongly recommended powder coat.

 

I have to check into pricing on the powder coat. I'm hoping to find someone who can media blast it and coat it for a reasonable price.

 

I intend to mach up the whole whole car, maybe minus electrical, then pull it apart and get paint/coating done.

 

I agree, powder coating would be the best if possible. I'm not a welder but those chassis welds look to be top notch to me.

[DeanG]

I envy you folks. I would like to build a car or do a full up rebuild of a car. The cost in time and money always keeps me from committing to a build. Keep the pictures and write-ups coming.

[subtlez28]

Got a little more garage time in today. Removed the floorpans and fabbed up the seat-back panel. I flipped the chassis back over and set it up on saw horses. I am just amazed that I could roll it over and pick up an end onto a saw horse solo. I love this light little chassis!

 

I promise a regular build thread is coming, maybe once I get all the aluminum work done. But in the mean time here are some pics of my progress today. Fair warning, it doesn't look nearly as cool with the white plastic backing on the aluminum. Bare aluminum just screams race car to me!

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g156/subtlez28/M-spec/030A1AF5-403D-4C50-8C64-3E6B8AAF1F68-172-0000001E58D39B5E.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g156/subtlez28/M-spec/C970CD6A-822E-45FF-8338-0A221078DCC1-172-0000001E6127E799.jpg

[subtlez28]

BTW, X, that track T is awesome!!

 

I went searching online for M-specs in action again tonight. Scott has a video of his car at Sebring, and in some autocross events. Only bummer is they are in car cameras except one short autocross video. Has anyone seen some autocross, track or even aggressive street driving video of an M-spec?