We have been building this car over the last month, it is the 2nd SPEC3 in existence as Cabetto (head of nasa midatlantic) finalizes the rule set for public release. We hope this car will drum up some excitement for the new e36 based racing series.

Its my first bmw project, what do you guys think?

you can find more pics @ my site but i will hotlink a couple good ones

http://www.kaplhenke.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=58&Itemid=48

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/initialdoorbarlayup2.jpg

Polished tubing makes for clean weld surfaces and removes all scratches, mill scale, and irregularities.
http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/mainhoop.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/DSC_0202.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/layout.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/backbone.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/weldgrabbars2.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/welddowntubes1.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/roofbar.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/reartowerclean.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/%7Ekaplecom/images/spec3/images/reartowerprogress.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/vinyl8.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/reartowerweld1.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/rearstays3.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/weldtaco3.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/%7Ekaplecom/images/spec3/images/weldtaco7.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/doorbars.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/apillar.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/gussets1.jpg

Vinyl package + 300 hp

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/vinyl7.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/vinyl4.jpg

@ VIR

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/track2.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/track4.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3track/images/spec3_IMG_9642.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3track/images/spec3_IMG_9692.jpg

Beautiful! :buttrock

Jon

Interesting x in the rear.

Great fit on the cage. It's too bad you have to paint the cage, maybe just a clear coat :D

Great fit on the cage. It's too bad you have to paint the cage, maybe just a clear coat :D

Took the words right out of my mouth. I mean that thing is GOOOD (anchorman)

very interesting X. seems much more time consuming to make, with less rearward vision than the standard X.

otherwise nice build

very interesting X. seems much more time consuming to make, with less rearward vision than the standard X.

otherwise nice build

It was very time consuming but the way the members joint gives it great torsional stiffness, much more then the standard X. It also allows input forces to be distributed at a much wider range of input angles without loading the tubing in bending.

The rearward vision is actually excellent as we offset the junction point on the low side, from the drivers seat the top gusset plate is 2" below the 3rd brake light so there is 0 obstruction from the gusseting. The fact that it is offset actually makes it have better visibility then the normal X as well.

Interesting x in the rear.

Great fit on the cage. It's too bad you have to paint the cage, maybe just a clear coat :D

We are going to clear it :D

initially it was going to be painted orange but the polishing turned out so amazing that it would be a shame to cover it up.

It was very time consuming but the way the members joint gives it great torsional stiffness, much more then the standard X. It also allows input forces to be distributed at a much wider range of input angles without loading the tubing in bending.



Can you further explain this theory. Your load paths are redirected from the shortest path possible. The bends are inherently weaker than a straight peice of tubing. I'm interested to see why you think (or maybe have some FEA) on how its much more rigid than a straight X with 4 gussets.

Also, how thick are the sheet gussets, 065?

I assume the start inserts are for show and you did not want the extra rigidity from flaring the holes?

Looks great, but not sure if its more functional than other techniques.

Can you further explain this theory. Your load paths are redirected from the shortest path possible. The bends are inherently weaker than a straight peice of tubing. I'm interested to see why you think (or maybe have some FEA) on how its much more rigid than a straight X with 4 gussets.

Also, how thick are the sheet gussets, 065?

I assume the start inserts are for show and you did not want the extra rigidity from flaring the holes?

Looks great, but not sure if its more functional than other techniques.

I would assume, in part, that he is referring to a standard X without gusseting.

Personally, I like the seemingly artistic integration into the functional design...color me impressed.

BTW...what size tire and what suspension? OTE's wouldn't be a problem with some dirt stockers. Dayum!

I would assume, in part, that he is referring to a standard X without gusseting.

Personally, I like the seemingly artistic integration into the functional design...color me impressed.

I like the artistic aspect as well, but its a racecar, not a show car :) Comparing an X w/o gussets does not make much sense though.

Now if it had some FEA to back it up, and it turns out to in fact be more structural, that'd be awesome. Kind of like the new AP calipers. Works of art (but i've heard they have had issues, although the nascars are winning with them now).

Can you further explain this theory. Your load paths are redirected from the shortest path possible. The bends are inherently weaker than a straight peice of tubing. I'm interested to see why you think (or maybe have some FEA) on how its much more rigid than a straight X with 4 gussets.

Also, how thick are the sheet gussets, 065?

I assume the start inserts are for show and you did not want the extra rigidity from flaring the holes?

Looks great, but not sure if its more functional than other techniques.

I did some initial FEA theory a ways back I don't have any of the results saved but i can try and recreate it and post my results.

You are dead on with the thickness of the gussets. .065 Cold rolled steel.

You are wrong about the inserts, we laser cut all the gussets for this project, if we just wanted the inserts for show i would have laser cut them and not spent hours welding them onto the plates. The gussets are flared and then have the inserts seamed on top them, The inserts are mainly a branding extra that we added but they do add a 7% increase in torsional rigidity to the gusset plates.




You can see the gussets here with the flared holes before we welded to them http://kaplhenke.com/images/spec3/images/gussets.jpg

It was very time consuming but the way the members joint gives it great torsional stiffness, much more then the standard X. It also allows input forces to be distributed at a much wider range of input angles without loading the tubing in bending.

I'm with Steve....I don't inderstand using that style in that location. I do understand that X configuration as I used it in my cage with the door bars, but in that area of the cage I'm not seeing a benifit.

BTW...what size tire and what suspension? OTE's wouldn't be a problem with some dirt stockers. Dayum!

The spec wheel size for SPEC3 is 15x7. I believe tire sizing is open.

This weekend we just had the stock suspension on the car but we have the spec suspension on order waiting to be installed.

I dont have the full details on whats coming but i know it involves Koni inserts, Vogtland Springs, Vorschlag camber plates, subframe reinforcement kit. I have no clue if those brand names are spelled correctly?

Ah, I see the flares, thats cool. Not diggin the little branding discs, but to each his own, something to be recognized for at the local track i suppose. With the capabilities it sounds like you have, I rpob would have saved time and just laser cut the design into the sheet, and then had a male/female die press flare the hole and stretch the disc. There is deep draw software that will calculate the amount of material you need to add to compensate for the flare. I used it to create an aluminum soap dish container (don't ask lol). It works flawlessly though.

What kind of laser cutter do you have (or have used)? I know some people who have made some DIY CNC laser jigs that work awesome.

I'm interested in where the figures are coming from, as i like to have data compare to.

I'll do up a comparison in SW right now to get a number and see how close the data is, its never right, its just good for comparison.

I'm always worried about dirt and rubber getting inside the gussets lol maybe I should have some mesh discs laser cut with jaffster in the center, the jaffster has to be good for 7.001% i'm sure. :)

Ah, I see the flares, thats cool. Not diggin the little branding discs, but to each his own, something to be recognized for at the local track i suppose.

What kind of laser cutter do you have (or have used)? I know some people who have made some DIY CNC laser jigs that work awesome.

I'm interested in where the figures are coming from, as i like to have data compare to.

I'll do up a comparison in SW right now to get a number and see how close the data is, its never right, its just good for comparison.

I'm always worried about dirt and rubber getting inside the gussets lol maybe I should have some mesh discs laser cut with jaffster in the center, the jaffster has to be good for 7.001% i'm sure. :)

Its Amada 4x4, pretty nice little machine only does upto .25" steel but its very good with the thin stuff.

I ran FEA on the gusset plates with and with out the inserts in Pro-Mechanica to determine if they would do anything for stiffness because i knew people would ask.

Even with the flares they add 7%, hmm. Where was the force being applied?

The spec wheel size...

I dont have the full details on whats coming...

It's a spec wheel and tire TBA (brand and size.) As is the suspension kit until the rules are released, eh? :D

Jon

Glad to see some spec3 builds! Cant wait for the series to get started.

-Serge

I just ran some FEA, and without gussets, the X is 5x stronger. However, with the gussets, they are very similar, although you are now relying on the gussets for the majority of the rigidity, and they can/will fatigue at some point, although we're talking such small beans here, its not a big deal. But of course it will start to deform and yield before the bend, as it has extra material to absorb the load and deform. With the "X" it needs to compress a tube until it buckles, or bends...and again with gussets on all sides, we're talking some serious loads required.

Looks really nice though, I like seeing curves in cages...hence all the trouble I am going through for the Apillar design I want. probably only marginally "better," but it has that extra wow cool factor :) but it is 100% function, as it allows for higher torsional rigidity and more room for egress.

yeah.....uh.....the official rules are not out yet....but, i can tell you that spec parts have been decided....with potential for additional spec parts (upper strut bar, etc.).....and i can not confirm or deny the suspension pieces ben referenced - but, if those are the parts for the series, I'll be very happy. Chris Cobetto, Barry Battle, Jon Felton and I tested the heck of the SPEC3 prototype (a 4 door) and all of the mention parts were rather impressive.

the tire size will not be open....

rules will be out very, very soon. all the sponsors and manufacturers are currently in the process of getting new numbers in their systems.

the SPEC3 car you in this thread is actually mine. and i have to say, ben and travis have been amazing to work with on this project. they far exceeded my expectations and as you can see by the end product, this does not look like their first BMW project. the photos are nice, but to see the cage in person is even more impressive - it really shows the passion and perfection that goes into their work.

i'd seriously recommend ben and travis to anyone building any cage in any car. they are very reasonably priced considering what you get. ben also makes some killer custom suspension bolt on goodies and super lightweight wheel spacers.

as for the SPEC3 series - i think it is going to be a great series if it attracts the same types of drivers and sponsors that SPEC E30 did. the SPEC E30 series is awesome - great cars, great drivers, good sportsmanship and great competition. while i am rambling......i've heard some people groan that SPEC3 will take away from SPEC E30 and that it will hurt the SPEC E30 series. not at all. not even close. SPEC E30 will remain as strong as ever - and for good reason. SPEC3 will be a success as well - but not at the expense of any other existing series.

i've heard some people groan that SPEC3 will take away from SPEC E30 and that it will hurt the SPEC E30 series. not at all. not even close. SPEC E30 will remain as strong as ever - and for good reason. SPEC3 will be a success as well - but not at the expense of any other existing series.

I agree 100%. Having driven both the Spec3 prototype and the "winningest" Spec E30 in the country (Cobetto's) at VIR recently, I can tell you that the cars do feel pretty different. They are variations on a theme, or if you prefer, they are like icecream (doesn't matter what flavor, they're all delicious, and some people will like one more than another.) Stupid analogy I know, but it's true. I don't think (m)any Spec E30 people will be jumping ship. I think Spec3 will just give current and future racers another place to play... and I can't wait to be a part of it! :cool

No donor car yet - but at least I know who's building my cage (see pics above),

Jon

I just ran some FEA, and without gussets, the X is 5x stronger. However, with the gussets, they are very similar, although you are now relying on the gussets for the majority of the rigidity, and they can/will fatigue at some point, although we're talking such small beans here, its not a big deal. But of course it will start to deform and yield before the bend, as it has extra material to absorb the load and deform. With the "X" it needs to compress a tube until it buckles, or bends...and again with gussets on all sides, we're talking some serious loads required.

Looks really nice though, I like seeing curves in cages...hence all the trouble I am going through for the Apillar design I want. probably only marginally "better," but it has that extra wow cool factor :) but it is 100% function, as it allows for higher torsional rigidity and more room for egress.

The bend approach does not work without gussets. the weld and stress distribution is over to small of an area to make it effective, if you aren't going to gusset X is the way to go. BUT, if you are going to gusset one of the reasons i like the bends w/ gusset combo is you have two continuous pieces of tubing running to the main hoop and to the rear stays. In my mind the deformation of the sheet metal gusset is a far superior mode of failure, In an big impact the gussets will absorb much more energy then a buckling tube will.

The size of the gussets makes them very strong and they wont see loads any where close to a detrimental fatigue level with normal track use,

the tire size will not be open....

between the title sponsor of the sanctioning body and the spec'ed wheel size, the tire size/manufacturer shouldn't be too huge a jump of imagination.

Nice build... we have our Spec3 donor in white ready for the rules to be released... PAGING Mr. Cobetto!!!! :)

awsome fit and finish, some of the best ive seen on the forums, and the welds look good too. I really like the door bars.

Is it me or is anyone else having problems loading the pics?

I saw the car this past weekend at VIR and it looks great. The cage, as mentioned, is really a work of art. This seems like a really great opportunity to begin wheel to wheel racing at a reasonable cost and a great alternative to Spec e30. I am anxious to read about the rules when they are released. I imagine that the most up to date and reliable information regarding the rules and progrssion of the beginning of Spec 3 can be followed here, and on NASA forums. Is there anywhere else with good information on the subject? Best of luck with the build.

I saw the car this past weekend at VIR and it looks great. The cage, as mentioned, is really a work of art. This seems like a really great opportunity to begin wheel to wheel racing at a reasonable cost and a great alternative to Spec e30. I am anxious to read about the rules when they are released. I imagine that the most up to date and reliable information regarding the rules and progrssion of the beginning of Spec 3 can be followed here, and on NASA forums. Is there anywhere else with good information on the subject? Best of luck with the build.

This project thread is a pretty good way to keep track of the SPEC3 development we will be posting updates about the cars and series progress in here.

:)

awsome fit and finish, some of the best ive seen on the forums, and the welds look good too. I really like the door bars.
+1 to this. One of the nicest cage fabrications I've seen detailed on Bimmerforums. Top freakin notch! :cool

edit: Count me as another one that's dying to see the NASA SPEC3 rules released. :)

This project thread is a pretty good way to keep track of the SPEC3 development we will be posting updates about the cars and series progress in here.

:)

+1 to this. One of the nicest cage fabrications I've seen detailed on Bimmerforums. Top freakin notch! :cool

edit: Count me as another one that's dying to see the NASA SPEC3 rules released. :)

Thanks, it means alot. I poured a ton of hours and effort into this thing. Also got it turned around in under a month for a new platform. Sleep is way over rated

Looks good. Rear shock towers...did you recoat all that cleaned metal with something? Rust-o-rama if you didnt, no?

Looks good. Rear shock towers...did you recoat all that cleaned metal with something? Rust-o-rama if you didnt, no?

Cars going to paint in the next week to clear the cage and paint the base plates. The rear towers are fully seam welded so there is no where for moisture to get to the inside but we did protect the interior.

Even with the flares they add 7%, hmm. Where was the force being applied?

I started with a very basic fea with a flat sheet with a flared hole in the center, i supported one of the edges on the opposite side i added a point load to one of the corners. The deflection was 7% less with the insert, ie the sheet was stiffened

One cool thing I saw on my friends Turner built car was a sheet metal gusset with a tube tieing the 2 flare holes together on the inside of the gusset, it's pretty trick looking. I wonder how much stiffness that adds.

One cool thing I saw on my friends Turner built car was a sheet metal gusset with a tube tieing the 2 flare holes together on the inside of the gusset, it's pretty trick looking. I wonder how much stiffness that adds.

yep, I have seen that method before. I dont think that much would be gained by utilizing that method with where my holes are but its something that is in my mind for down the road. It would be very useful if you wanted to space the two sides of the gussets farther apart.

Its for aesthetics mostly, it will not add much rigidity to the gusset...unless you are protecting it from sideload/bending. The real strength of the gusset is creating a triangle in the joint, a truss. The sheet metal is used to create the "bend" which emulates what a tube would do. That edge is VERY strong, even very very thin sheet metal is very rigid in this form.

An example is to take a peice of paper, roll it up, and see how many books you can put on it. Similarly when you bend the sheet between the two points, its creating a solid support to keep the side loads from the tube in order (like if you were to try to rip the joint apart).

Strength to weight, its a fantastic solution.

Saw this car at VIR last weekend, looked real sharp! As others have said, the cage looks even better in person with that polished look.

Any reason why you guys left the sound deadening material in the car?

Saw this car at VIR last weekend, looked real sharp! As others have said, the cage looks even better in person with that polished look.

Any reason why you guys left the sound deadening material in the car?

Only reason is we finished welding it on friday and drove it to the track on saturday. The rest will be removed in due time, we just made the cage a priority.

If anyone is having problems viewing the photos they can get a directory here

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/

Just looked thru all the pics, great notches and fitment. The welding looks really nice too.

I'll be adding alot to my current cage soon and plan on tig welding it. Hope mine looks as good as yours...!

I noticed no torch mounted control, I don't have one anyway. In the past I have just gotten creative with the pedal control placment/actuation. I have put it inbetween my legs before and sqeezed....work okay for some positions. Also are you using a gas lense?

Any tips?

beautiful work. please only clear the cage :)!

Just looked thru all the pics, great notches and fitment. The welding looks really nice too.

I'll be adding alot to my current cage soon and plan on tig welding it. Hope mine looks as good as yours...!

I noticed no torch mounted control, I don't have one anyway. In the past I have just gotten creative with the pedal control placment/actuation. I have put it inbetween my legs before and sqeezed....work okay for some positions. Also are you using a gas lense?

Any tips?

We used mostly a water cooled weldcraft torch when pedal control became difficult an extra set of feet were brought in for pedal control.

that may be the case in regions where spec e30 is already strong, but I can guarantee that it will slow down the growth of spec e30 in other regions. I know because I'm trying to grow one, and people are considering both.
bruce

I agree 100%. Having driven both the Spec3 prototype and the "winningest" Spec E30 in the country (Cobetto's) at VIR recently, I can tell you that the cars do feel pretty different. They are variations on a theme, or if you prefer, they are like icecream (doesn't matter what flavor, they're all delicious, and some people will like one more than another.) Stupid analogy I know, but it's true. I don't think (m)any Spec E30 people will be jumping ship. I think Spec3 will just give current and future racers another place to play... and I can't wait to be a part of it! :cool

No donor car yet - but at least I know who's building my cage (see pics above),

Jon

that may be the case in regions where spec e30 is already strong, but I can guarantee that it will slow down the growth of spec e30 in other regions. I know because I'm trying to grow one, and people are considering both.
bruce
Unfortunately this Spec3 class may just be an evolution of the SpecE30 class and may steal a few SpecE30 guys that were "on the fence". The E36 has some significant advantages over the E30, but I do think there is a place for both. In Texas there's essentially zero SpecE30 racing going on so Spec3 won't steal frm any current SpecE30 classes...

I just wish they'd publish the Spec3 rules so we could start building a car! :buttrock

what offset are those? standard E30 M3 wheels?

what offset are those? standard E30 M3 wheels?


pretty sure they are et20 from a 5 series. the 4 door spec3 has the m3 wheels and they are et30

I just wish they'd publish the Spec3 rules so we could start building a car! :buttrock

Seconded.

My car is sitting in pieces in my garage waiting to see these rules before I pick a direction and start rebuilding it. I liked what the BMW CCA did with the SpecE36 rules where they released a draft without any of the spec parts in it. Even without the specifics, it gave a decent idea of the level of prep they were aiming for and what bits you needed to keep around in order to comply with the rules.

I can appreciate that lining up suppliers takes time, but every month that I wait my wife finds more things that we 'need' and the parts budget gets smaller. If I don't get started soon I'm going to have to sell my car to pay for all the crappy Ikea closet organizer stuff my wife is bugging me for. For the love of god, don't make me trade my BMW for Swedish furniture!

- Bret

Thirded. I'm waiting for the rules to be released before I pick up a car, which means I'm missing seat time until they decide to release the rules.

Seconded.

My car is sitting in pieces in my garage waiting to see these rules before I pick a direction and start rebuilding it. I liked what the BMW CCA did with the SpecE36 rules where they released a draft without any of the spec parts in it. Even without the specifics, it gave a decent idea of the level of prep they were aiming for and what bits you needed to keep around in order to comply with the rules.

I can appreciate that lining up suppliers takes time, but every month that I wait my wife finds more things that we 'need' and the parts budget gets smaller. If I don't get started soon I'm going to have to sell my car to pay for all the crappy Ikea closet organizer stuff my wife is bugging me for. For the love of god, don't make me trade my BMW for Swedish furniture!

- Bret

Thirded. I'm waiting for the rules to be released before I pick up a car, which means I'm missing seat time until they decide to release the rules.


When did you get out of the Mazdas?? :confused


What's up amigo - haven't seen you in years!! Since before VA Tech, back in the owning an RX-7 days!

PM sent so as to not derail the thread :P.

Update: many parts are going on this car in the next week, to prepare it for testing on 5/17-18. Spec suspension, brakes, and some other goodies. Stay tuned for details (and pics hopefully.)

Jon

So, you guys are trying multiple parts and running the fully built racecar on multiple weekends before specing all the components for the series?

Kinda makes sense.

Maybe you can disguise the 318 with a body kit?

So, you guys are trying multiple parts and running the fully built racecar on multiple weekends before specing all the components for the series?

Kinda makes sense.

I'm pretty sure that process has already taken place:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=994087

From what I hear, the car is fun to drive and the components match up pretty well.

@ VIR

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/track2.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3/images/track4.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3track/images/spec3_IMG_9642.jpg

http://kitty.cirtexhosting.com/~kaplecom/images/spec3track/images/spec3_IMG_9692.jpg

Do these pictures have the Spec 3 15x7 sized wheels and tires on? They're basketweave so I'd imagine so. The wheel/tire combo ends up being 1.1 inches shorter diameter than the Spec E36 so it looks a little shrimpy under the fenders but should make some compensation for the stock 3.15 diff. The tires are only 4.4% shorter and the diff is 20% longer though so I'm not sure how much. Curious though... Car looks nice!

Yep. This is effectively Spec3 chassis #2, and essentially a coupe version of the prototype (sedan.) Literally the parts going on it are the Spec3 parts described in the link Bryan posted, except tires (it will be on old RA1's for now, not new R888's.)

Its tentative race debut will be Hyperfest @ Summit-Main, June 21-22.

Jon

Yes those are the spec wheels/tires in the pics but this car was on stock suspension at the time so the fender gap is exaggerated. :D

Here is the prototype (formerly black, now white, '94 sedan) at the correct height: http://www.get-fast.net/gallery/feb08vir/feb08vir013.jpg

I have better pics... somewhere,

Jon

Ben, your shit is so :drool:

WOW!!
I love it. I don't care if the loads this, the stress that, that's a functional piece of art. I wish you were closer so you could build my cage.
Or if you guys are prepping cars I would buy one from you ready to race or almost ready (suspension, cage) and I'll take care of the rest.

WOW!!
I love it. I don't care if the loads this, the stress that, that's a functional piece of art. I wish you were closer so you could build my cage.
Or if you guys are prepping cars I would buy one from you ready to race or almost ready (suspension, cage) and I'll take care of the rest.

Thanks!

I could definitely delivery a turn key race car to your specs if you are interested, I know people in the Va area that have shipped their cars in the past to California to get the quality that they want. I don't think they will need to send the car cross country to get the attention to detail that they want.

If you are interested shoot me a PM with some of the specifics.

The car competed at its debut race @ summit point during hyperfest 2008. It took first in the spec3 class.... out of 1 :lol3

As it currently sits, it is in full race trim. It has the spec suspension, exhaust, headlight intake, brake pads, etc..

A link to the gallery and some direct linked pics

http://www.kaplhenke.com/images/spec_hyperfest08/

http://www.kaplhenke.com/images/spec_hyperfest08/images/hyperfest-012.jpg

http://www.kaplhenke.com/images/spec_hyperfest08/images/hyperfest-030.jpg


http://www.kaplhenke.com/images/spec_hyperfest08/images/hyperfest-048.jpg


http://www.kaplhenke.com/images/spec_hyperfest08/images/hyperfest-047.jpg

Nice! Looks like fun.

Any info on the spec exhaust? What's the squared-off U looking thing under the exhaust in the picture where you are about to lap all the 944s?

Any word on when the rules are coming out? I really need to know about the heater core and wire harness mod allowables!

Sooo....how did she run? Were you out there passing 944's and E30's or the other way around? ;)
Thanks for posting the pics. matt325 touched on a couple questions I'm curious about as well. Also, was this car running the fan delete kit?

Nice! Looks like fun.

Any info on the spec exhaust? What's the squared-off U looking thing under the exhaust in the picture where you are about to lap all the 944s?

Any word on when the rules are coming out? I really need to know about the heater core and wire harness mod allowables!

Heater core can be removed IF YOUR CAGE RUNS THROUGH THE DASH, which is where it should. The rules related to this are not 100%, but for now, please stick to the above language. This is very similar to the rules that will given the modification of the drivers door, most likely only allowed if Nascar bars are used.

What do you want to do with the wiring harness?

What do you want to do with the wiring harness?

Strip out all the wires that are no longer needed.

A lot of weight can come out by getting rid of radio, speaker, A/C, OBC, sunroof, etc. wiring harnesses.

The wiring harness is being pulled out of the cabin to get the cage in. I really don't want to put it all back in except what is minimally required.

We stripped out all the extra wires in our car, I hope its legal.

The spec exhaust is produced by a manufacturer in Richmond, VA he is supposed to have them in stock. Maybe james can post the contact info.

Its a lightweight race style exhaust.

We did change our car to use an E-fan

I am pretty sure that the heatercore delete is legal

Spec3 exhaust contact is Richard @ Mitchum Enterprises, 804-379-1239.

Three more of this car in action @ Hyperfest, courtesy Jim Rathbun / Euroimage:

http://www.get-fast.net/e36/242_spec3_1.jpg

http://www.get-fast.net/e36/242_spec3_2.jpg

http://www.get-fast.net/e36/242_spec3_3.jpg