The Eagle has landed

[jmimac351]

I just picked up my GT-RA car this weekend from Greenville, SC. Chassis #25, car #1. Australian motor with some of the frame mods done. Based on a few laps around the neighborhood, the car seems pretty solid except for squeeling idler pulley. I'm going through the car this week and trying to get to Gainesville, FL to shake it down a bit. I'm sure I'll be getting into the motor before too long...

Here are a few pictures in case you guys don't know what these cars look like:

[Blue Streak 21]

Welcome to the club. Looks like you got a good car. How many hours on the chassis, and motor?
There are many great posts on this site on what to inspect and check out. For my car the alignment and ride height are two biggies. Get that set up correctly and the car should handle pretty well from the get go. A good general nut-n-bolt tightening was also a good thing to do. I think I took about 60 hours to go thru the car before it's maiden track day. But I had more time since I picked up my car in December, and track days weren't happening....
Enjoy the car. You'll have many great times in it!

[jmimac351]

Hi Jerry. I've been reading through a lot of things already and it's been very helpful. The car has 430 hours on it. Not sure how accurate that is. The motor doesn't smoke, the tranny shifts easy, and the brakes feel solid - so we're off to a good start. The car does look like it's sitting a little crooked so I do need to check the ride height. I built my Factory Five so this thing looks like a piece of cake to work on. And I've owned my '92 mustang since new so I'm trying to remember all of the tricks I used to know. It needs some TLC for it to be as nice as I'd like it to be. Right now I'm debating about which way I want to go with the motor as I know for sure I want more power.

[Squerly]

Originally Posted by jmimac351

Based on a few laps around the neighborhood, the car seems pretty solid...

I'm betting that your garage is the new "kid magnet" of the neighborhood.

Welcome to the forum. Looks like a nice car, you've got some really fun days ahead of you.

[panoz302]

Nice Car, welcome to the Panoz ranks, you'll have alot of fun going over the car. Lots of garage time and a beer or two. The explorer motor should be strong, looking fwd to some more info. from builds, and upgrades. Taking mine to Homestead this weekend PCA/Pboc. Fourth day at the track, get some better tires on it, BBS will sell u new wheels for 500 a set, reset the camber, caster, check the rake and ride height, spindles, rotor hats, suspension bolts.etc. Good luck.

[jmimac351]

Originally Posted by Squerly

I'm betting that your garage is the new "kid magnet" of the neighborhood.

Welcome to the forum. Looks like a nice car, you've got some really fun days ahead of you.

Given how many cars I have in and out of my garage I'm fairly certain my neighbors think I have a mental illness - and they'd be right.

By the way, I am in the Orlando area. I plan on heading down to Sebring often and I'd like to get down to Homestead and even Moroso. I've had my cobra roadster on Sebring and expect this will be a lot more fun.

[David Eastman]

I guess you think your #1 now. Good looking car. Call me if you need any help.

See you at the track

David

[Squerly]

Originally Posted by David Eastman

I guess you think your #1 now.

Yeah, I wonder about someone who shows up at the track with #1 on his car. Personally, I couldn't take the pressure...

[Gatorac]

Originally Posted by David Eastman

I guess you think your #1 now. Good looking car. Call me if you need any help.

See you at the track

David

The #1 on his car means he'll be the first car behind me...

[jmimac351]

It's either a number or a finger, depending on the circumstances.

[jmimac351]

Originally Posted by David Eastman

I guess you think your #1 now. Good looking car. Call me if you need any help.

See you at the track

David

Thanks David. You'll see me around for sure. Not sure if you know Bob Gassie but he is picking up a car on Thursday in Greenville. (Bob was at Roebling in March) Another cobra guy, David Wiedman, came over this past weekend and is "thinking" about one. My parents live in Statham, GA and I'd like to get up there to Road Atlanta sometime.

Jim

[Gatorac]

Road Atlanta with Chin in November. That's the plan. Barber in September. Sebring May 3-4. Don't be a pussy now. Get that car on the track.

Any surprises, now that you've had it a few days?

[jmimac351]

Originally Posted by Gatorac

Road Atlanta with Chin in November. That's the plan. Barber in September. Sebring May 3-4. Don't be a pussy now. Get that car on the track.

Any surprises, now that you've had it a few days?

I haven't found much of anything yet and it's making me nervous. Besides the fuel can being rusty and part of the harness running underneath the bellhousing so it will get caught on something... The radiator shows it being manufactured a year ago (Griffin) and installed in August (log book) along with seals in the axle and a new power steering pump. And I've only driven it around the neighborhood but already wish it had more power.

[David Eastman]

Jim,
It's not a show car nut and bolt the thing ,fix any issues that would sideline you at the track. Sign up for Chins Road Atlanta deal ( 13 solo spots left) and drive it. You don't need more HP you need to drive the thing. Think of it as a realy big Miata. No HP will make you a better driver.

Have A Great Day

David

[jmimac351]

Originally Posted by David Eastman

Jim,
It's not a show car nut and bolt the thing ,fix any issues that would sideline you at the track. Sign up for Chins Road Atlanta deal ( 13 solo spots left) and drive it. You don't need more HP you need to drive the thing. Think of it as a realy big Miata. No HP will make you a better driver.

Have A Great Day

David

David, I was kidding about the Cessna and your sage advice is well taken. But since I'm not a communist, I'm going to add a little hp before it's too late...