The odometer reading showing a grand total of 74 miles.
The AMS World Challenge GT-R build began with a brand new R35 GT-R delivered direct from the dealer.
Since weight reduction is an important factor to performance in the World Challenge GT Series, the vehicle was thrown on the scales to measure stock weight with all fluids and an empty fuel tank... 3908lbs.
No time was wasted. The interior was thoroughly stripped in order to begin the cage and chassis fabrication process.
The entire driveline was removed in order to build the transmission for the abuse it would receive throughout competition.
Every component was stripped to analyze for ways to improve them. From aero, to weight all the way to cooling. Every corner was touched.
Sections of sheet metal were removed for weight reduction and to make room for control systems.
Justin Wylde, head of the World Challenge construction project hard at work prepping for the cage and new fuel cell.
A template was made of the new fuel cell to optimize space and weight distribution. World challenge races are long so the factory cell simply did not have the capacity needed.
Recaro Hans supported seat about to be test-fitted in its new home.
A new steering column was made to shed some more weight off the car. 7lbs in total was saved just from this particular component.
The cage is starting to come together. Safety and chassis enhancement need to work hand in hand with a proper cage.
Justin making more progress on the cage assembly / fabrication.
Clean, strong and perfect welds as always at AMS.
The cage was dropped for easier access. Justin welding in one of MANY tight spots during this build.
Eric Jones (foreground) and Danny Machowiak (background) removing the stock engine to begin work on the power areas of the build.
When Eric Jones strips an engine bay he doesn't leave anything left!
AMS Alpha 9 turbo's installed on the new World challenge Engine. The series calls for boost limitations but even so these should add a good increase in HP.
After all upgraded engine components have been added, the motor is now installed back into the car along with some cooling enhancements.
Wheel to wheel racing adds a dynamic to cage building not seen in other series. Side impact protection has to be thoroughly addressed.
Well thought out and fabricated driver door bars courtesy of Justin.
Justin welding up side support plates for the cage.
The interior is starting to come together.
Monkey bars anyone?
The new fuel cell is test fitted in the car. The factory saddle style cell was a great piece and in order to maintain improved volume and weight distribution that same design was adopted into the design of our new cell.
Improved suspension components are a must in this project. Adjustable control arms were added in lieu of the factory stationary units.
New suspension components installed along with the fuel cell taking more shape.
Custom fabricated Seat brackets by AMS for the Recaro carbon kevlar seat.
The new steering column and wheel installed complete with collapsable column for safety enhancement.
Here we see the beginnings of rear wing fabrication.
The new carbon fiber trunk lid is installed so that wing mount fabrication can begin.
Custom wing uprights are made to mount not only to the carbon fiber trunk but the body as well. This helps maintain rigidity and optimizes the effect of the wing at speed.
A very complete and well thought out fuel cell cover is made for the world challenge GT-R. This is necessary to prevent fuel from spilling into the cockpit in the event of a fuel cell rupture.
This new fuel cell cover acts as a firewall for the drive.
Everything in the GT-R is tight. Our WC project is no different. even the fuel cell had to be fabricated to allow for space constraints due to the custom exhaust.
A custom transmission cooler was made allowing for clean air to be routed to a secondary cooling system.
Engine cooling is a critical part to with the GT-R. For this reason a custom large volume radiator was made for this project right here at AMS.
Gussetting of the cage ties the chassis and cage together to provide our customer an extremely stable platform.
With the cage and fuel cell work complete the interior of the car is painted to match the exterior.
Complex? Yes! Safe? VERY!!
The cage and fuel cell came out incredible. The final product is some of our best work yet.
More fortification with roof gusseting being added.
Setting up the placement for the new fuel door.
The Mocal fluid pump is added to the new AMS trans cooling system.
Thermal tape is added to the underbody of the car to keep cabin temps down and the driver cool.
New AMS 90mm Alpha downpipes are added to the project.
Only the best JRZ coilovers were sourced for this project.
The AMS 90mm Resonated midpipe is added to the exhaust system. Every exhaust component was also thermal coated again to keep temps down under the car and in the cabin.
Lexan venturi NACA ducts are installed. These will carry air to the new trans cooler.
The factory gas door is turned into a quick and efficient battery charging station.
The Motec digital dash and custom mounting plate are installed in the car.
World challenge required cameras to be installed in the car. Here Eric Jones installs the roof camera.
The new engine is installed and wrapped up. The intercooler pipes are safety wired to prevent a pipe coming off on track.
The fuel cell complete with new fill neck. All painted up and looking perfect.
Here you can see the two lines from the venturi NACA ducts that feed the trans cooler below the car.
Ready for racing! The picture really inspires the need to drive this car!!
Shift light, digital dash, battery cutoff, fire supression..buttons and lights galore!!!
The extremely accessible and easy to use fire supression system control panel. Juuuuust in case.
Here you can see the two trans cooler ducts as they enter the chassis and terminate at the trans cooler below the car.
Forgeline wheels installed with test tires ready for some shakedown track testing.
AMS renowned tuner, Chris Black is about to work his magic on the World Challenge GT-R. Here it sits awaiting its first run on our Mustang Dyno.
The true form of our AMS-built World Challenge GT-R can now bee seen with the front fascia, carbon fiber splitter and ventilated hood attached.
Here we have a shot showing the aggressive yet fully functional wing design.
The men behind the build. From left to right AMS president Martin Musial. Chassis and suspension expert Justin Wylde and Head technician on the project Eric Jones.
-AMS Performance
Photos by Rich Karbowiak and Brian Young
