WR3 Build Blog - USA

[smhammen]

Still a few weeks out from collecting my V-Storm kit but I started a blog to show the activity that's been going on. Hope you enjoy it!

http://www.xsconcepts.com/

-Steve

[b33fy]

Looking good already Steve, should be a total flying machine with that engine. All the best with the build.

Mike

[golftdibrad]

Sweet. I like the name, must be from the gulf coast. :D

[smhammen]

My kit arrived safely and without any issues going through customs. I will try to keep the build blog up to date with my progress, hope you enjoy it.

-Steve
Detroit,MI

http://www.xsconcepts.com/

[ViperJustin]

Nice to see one on this side of the pond. Can't wait to see how this build develops.

[Karlo]

Great winter project. Do you have a heated garage?

[golftdibrad]

sweet. where are you in the usa?

[smhammen]

I'm located about 20 miles north of Detroit,MI. Hey Karlo, yeah in Michigan we have the cold of winter to deal with, fortunately I have a furnace in the garage keeping it a toasty 65.
-Steve

[STi 5]

Hey Steve, congrats on the purchase, when I rotate back home I had planned on going up to visit RCR to look at the SL-R and talk to Fran. Since you are not too far away would you mind if I came and checked out your V-Storm? It won't be for several months, but this kit is kinda peaking my interest since I have already owned two STi's and am familiar with the engine (gotta love that boxer rumble). Looks like you are making great progress, keep up the good work and the updates, some of us have to live vicariously through you for awhile till we get our own projects.

Aaron

[smhammen]

Thanks Aaron! I'm shooting to have it on the road by spring, so yes you should definitely plan on stopping by to see the V-Storm, hopefully go for a ride. Fran is a real nice guy, and RCR is only about 25 minutes from me.
-Steve

[Arct1k]

Which seats are those?

[smhammen]

The seat and pads were supplied by Simon at SDR. Black pad with blue piping.

[jeremy]

Steve

Looks good. Loving the powder coat finish! What colour is that? I prefer it to mine (I am building a WR3 in the UK, about 20 mins from Mike!).

Where about's in Michigan? I lived in Royal Oak for a year in 2008

Jeremy

[smhammen]

Hey Jeremy, Thanks and it's great to hear from another V-Storm builder! I live in Shelby Township, I'm only 10-15 miles from Royal Oak. I hope you made it to the Woodward Dream Cruise during your stay, it's quite the site if you're into cars.

The powder was purchased from:
Prismatic Powders, http://www.prismaticpowders.com/
Cosmic Gray
PMB1756/metalic


-Steve

[jeremy]

Thanks Steve

I did get to the Dream Cruise - you're right, it's quite the sight!

[smhammen]

The V-Storm build is coming along nicely. Decided to start on the fiberglass body panels since I was waiting for some other parts and tools anyway. In a day I managed to get the side and front panels all fitted...hope the rear sections go as smoothly.
www.xsconcepts.com (http://www.xsconcepts.com)

-Steve
Detroit, MI

[Karlo]

Looks like your moving fast. Have it running / Driving by Spring?

[b33fy]

Looking good Steve, liking the blue.

[smhammen]

Yes I'm shooting for spring/early summer. I'm working at a decent pace but by no means over doing it.

[G Matt]

Hi Steve,

You are setting the bar quite high for VStorm builds. What year car was you engine from? Any special modifications needed for it to fit? When you were in England doing test drives, what versions were you able to try?

Best regards,

Matt

[ViperJustin]

The blue looks like Ford Mustang Grabber Blue. Excellent color combo with the silver frame.

[smhammen]

Colors....ah yes, this is the fun part but always difficult as there are endless options and combinations. Thanks Matt, I guess I am not only trying to set the bar but represent SDR and show the potential of this kit. The V-Storm kit is very good quality and has tons of potential....but as you guys know, the final product is only as good as the time and effort put into building it.

[smhammen]

Some corrections:

Engine.....The engine I had built was a 2004 STI Shortblock with WRX heads and intake. The trans is from a late 90's WRX. The V-Storm was designed for this so the fit was perfect. I understand Subaru has not changed the engine blocks for quite some time so you can use a wide range of Subaru models and years.
While in England I went for a test drive in Simon's car, which correct me if I am wrong Simon, was a 2.0L with somewhere around 200hp. His car was very quick and exceeded my expectations. He typically only has one fully built car at any given time so this was the only option to try out while I was there. So why did I go bigger? Well the easy answer is, "Why not?". But really I wanted a newly built engine so as you know, while you're in there, might as well dial it up a bit. The engine builder puts it right around 300hp..... estimating 250-275hp to the wheels. I'll post my numbers after I get it on a dyno this summer.

[b33fy]

The builds looking good Steve, just to add to the engine options, in the UK the 2.0 litre is the most common version up until 2005 when the capacity was changed to 2.5 litres, so the early 2.5's must be unique to the states. Whilst waiting for the final parts I've decided to build up another engine. Won't bore you with the details but hoping for a similar figure to yourself maybe a touch more, though the limiting factor is the gearbox which in standard configuration tend to disintegrate with anything over 350bhp. With over 300bhp it should be the worlds best and scariest ride!! :eek::eek::eek: Bring it on :D

Keep plugging away and posting, its great to see progress.:thumb2:

All the best, Mike.