New member from Michigan

[BB69]

Hello, my name is Ken. I am one of the founders of 3 Balls Racing. We host open track days in the Midwest. My current vehicle of choice is a 69 Corvette, but I hope to replace that this summer with a car I am building from the ground up. This will be a mid-engine, tube frame car using C5 Corvette suspension and drivetrain. Here are some pics:

Original concept:

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f25/grulich69/CAD%20Pics/Layout2.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f25/grulich69/CAD%20Pics/NewChassisAssy3.jpg

Actual build pics:

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f25/grulich69/Build%20Pics/24.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f25/grulich69/Build%20Pics/PICT0052.jpg

[epic]

Killer project. Welcome to the site - hopefully you'll stick around and help us grow!

[Scooter70]

Can't wait to see this beast move under its own power. Hopefully it will spend more time on the course than on jackstands while at the track (unlike Ken's other cars which may actually be cursed). ;)

[RrCoX22]

will be interesting how your gonna fit that drivetrain in there being a mid-engine car... looks like it will be a badass ride no doubt... guess we should add a projects section?

[BB69]

Matt,
You have to admit, the Vette has spent an amazing amount of time on track lately. You missed the event at Calabogie where it made it through a solid 1.5 days with only a few miscues (valve cover vent fell off and was promptly run over). But yes, this car should be able to stay on track for long periods of time. That is one of the main reasons to build something like this.

RrCoX22,
As for fitting the drivetrain in, it's a bit tricky because I am trying to reduce the wheelbase as much as possible. Right now, it's coming in around 115". To do that, I had to go with an electric water pump; it's going to be a while recovering from the surgery to remove and sell a kidney. When that electric pump goes, I might have to park the car. Other than the length, everything fits without issue. I am waiting on a fuel cell, and that is the last item that needs to find a home.

I did a lot of finish welding this past weekend. I should be able to put the drivetrain in the chassis within the next week or so. After that, I just have to start putting things where they go/fit and connecting the dots.

Ken

[RrCoX22]

so what's the progress on this setup... want to make it's own thread and keep us posted? ...really interested to see how this turns out :thumbsup:

[BB69]

You are the second person to ask about an update today. I am currently uploading some more pics to Photobucket so I can post something. I will start a new thread here. The good news is that the lack of progress was due to our first track day of the year. I hope to make a lot more progress this weekend.

Look for a new thread.
Ken

PS. Thanks for the interest.