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We’re building an AMG GTS for Gridlife streetmod and Global Time Attack street class and I figured it would be great to start a thread to update everyone on the build process and results! I’ve been running a very heavily modified B7 S4 in time attack for around 4 years now and I can’t wait to see what this platform is capable of on track.
The class that the car is being built for is still a street based class meaning that there’s quite a few build restrictions to keep things competitive and road relevant. Some examples of this would be requiring all cars to have valid registration, stock interior components retained other than those taken out for safety equipment as well as everything in the back half, front splitters no more than 5 inches from the furthest point of the bumper, and rear wings no higher than roof height and no wider than the mirrors. There’s quite a few more restrictions and loopholes in the rules but that’s a general idea of them.
Currently on the list of things to install before the season starts are KW Competition 2-Way coilovers, Verkline Tubular Subframe APR GTC 500 wing, front splitter, rear diffuser, a Studio RSR Chromoly Rear cage, new wheels, and harnesses. Personally I’m very excited to try out the Verkline Subframe on track as well as the KW Competion coilovers. I’ll be posting about the installation of the subrame sometime next week too!
Have you considered the Tikt/bilstein suspension components ? They sell Links and steering bushings/kits that a number of guys are running here in addition to the brake ducts.
Have you considered the Tikt/bilstein suspension components ? They sell Links and steering bushings/kits that a number of guys are running here in addition to the brake ducts.
I’ll definitely have to check them out! I forgot to mention it but brake ducts are definitely on the list I’ve heard that the GTS can get some fade on track, it just isn’t high on the priority list since in time attack it’s really all about setting the fastest lap on the first couple laps in the session and after that, there’s usually too much heat in the tires to get absolutely everything out of the car.
that's rad. is that the OE Edition 1 splitter on the car in the pics? if so, I didn't realize that it stuck out quite a bit further than the non-Edition 1 splitter.
that's rad. is that the OE Edition 1 splitter on the car in the pics? if so, I didn't realize that it stuck out quite a bit further than the non-Edition 1 splitter.
Yeah it’s OEM, I was pretty shocked by how far it sticks out compared to the regular non edition one splitter. It’s actually going to help a ton with getting more front downforce with how the rules are set up since we can extend the front splitter 5 inches from the OE edition one splitter!
Sorry you got the RSR cage.
Not to bring drama to your thread but those are garbage IMO. I see they are still using the inadequate mounting brackets and it looks like yours fits poorly as mine did. When installed, my cage was wedged in hard and pressed very tight against the roof. Also with the position of the horizontal bar on the main hoop it will put the harness belts at a very awkward angle.
Also, pretty sure that my cage wasn't CrMo even though I ordered it as such. Anyways my RSR cage is now resting peacefully in a scrap yard.
Very excited with your build otherwise. I have big plans for my PRO too. Just wrestling with the decision to keep it or go full dedicated track car.
Last edited by canucklehead; Dec 30, 2021 at 09:53 AM.
Sorry you got the RSR cage.
Not to bring drama to your thread but those are garbage IMO. I see they are still using the inadequate mounting brackets and it looks like yours fits poorly as mine did. When installed, my cage was wedged in hard and pressed very tight against the roof. Also with the position of the horizontal bar on the main hoop it will put the harness belts at a very awkward angle.
Also, pretty sure that my cage wasn't CrMo even though I ordered it as such. Anyways my RSR cage is now resting peacefully in a scrap yard.
Very excited with your build otherwise. I have big plans for my PRO too. Just wrestling with the decision to keep it or go full dedicated track car.
I didn’t really have any sort of problem with the fitment of it and the quality seemed really good for the most part. I can see what you’re saying about the harness position but I don’t think that’s going to be much of an issue. The rear mounting brackets only having one bolt was the point that was questionable for me so we might modify that to be a bit better eventually.
Next on the install list is the Verkline tubular front subframe! They’re one of the of sponsors of this build and we’ll be running this part at COTA in February so I’ll definitely give some feedback on how it effects the car’s performance. It saves about 40% from the weight of the OEM subframe which that alone is very beneficial but I’m also interested to see how much it improves the rigidity.
Did you modify anything inside of the trunk for the wing? That will put quite a bit of force on that rear hatch.
No not yet, the GT4 cars have a trunk mounted setup too, although this will likely make more downforce than that wing, but we’re going to be testing it out at COTA next month. It feels solid though
No not yet, the GT4 cars have a trunk mounted setup too, although this will likely make more downforce than that wing, but we’re going to be testing it out at COTA next month. It feels solid though
I would think you could take a look at the GT Black Series if a local dealer to you has one, because of the massive downforce that rear wing is capable of, inside the hatch they have basically “support structures”, little bump stop appendage type design that keeps the hatch itself from being able to push down and distort / damage too much.
I would think you could take a look at the GT Black Series if a local dealer to you has one, because of the massive downforce that rear wing is capable of, inside the hatch they have basically “support structures”, little bump stop appendage type design that keeps the hatch itself from being able to push down and distort / damage too much.
I was able to take a peak at the BS at my dealership and I took some pictures of the supports. I plan on making something for my car.
I would think you could take a look at the GT Black Series if a local dealer to you has one, because of the massive downforce that rear wing is capable of, inside the hatch they have basically “support structures”, little bump stop appendage type design that keeps the hatch itself from being able to push down and distort / damage too much.
That’s a really good idea actually, I’ll have to check one out for sure.
Looking forward to the build. I to have a RSR cage in my GTS. I didn't have any issues with fitment and it looks great. Not to mention the cage paired with coils makes this thing handle unbelievable. d
Last edited by thechancellor; Jan 27, 2022 at 02:40 PM.
Haven’t posted here as much as I should have lately but recently got back from COTA racing with Super Lap Battle. It was my first time on track with this car and my first time driving COTA so I really didn’t have a whole lot of expectations going into the weekend other than learning the car and figuring out what areas need development. Before the event we installed a custom APR front splitter, APR Carbon Fiber GTR pro fender vents with professional awesome carbon splitter diffusers and a custom air dam.
Other than a wing, splitter, and Verkline subframe, the car was completely stock for this event. The only other changes were Pagid racing brake pads and Yokohama 200tw A052 tires, 285 rear and 265 front.
The car exceeded all of my expectations in its current form and I was able to get a 2:23.428, seconds faster than my initial lap time goal going into the weekend.
The main takeaway from this weekend is that this car does not need nearly as much development as I was expecting to start getting wins with it. I couldn’t be happier with how it performed and with the KW Competition coilovers on the way, sway bars, more power, race alignment, and some slight weight reduction I know it will be able to fight at the front this season, and without a doubt it will be able to lap in the teens around COTA next year.
It’s been a bit since my last post and we’re roughly 2 and a half weeks out from the next event! The car has revived quite a few updates as well. Now we are sitting at 625 whp thanks to Eurocharged, got the new livery on the car, gave the car a racing alignment, and we’re currently installing KW Competition 2A EXR coilovers!
Appreciate you sharing the journey. I hope to learn a lot from your experience. Ive had good success bumping the tire diameter to 305 rear and 275 front, with AR1 tires. Does your class allow AR1s? They respond well the the weight of the GT through 20min sessions.
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