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Chris Marion rebuilt and revalved the KW Motorsports 3-way adjustable dampers in anticipation of much more downforce than what was previously planned for. The linear potentiometer is part of the extensive data logging system. It was decided to keep the lower steel section of the damper due to the anticipated downforce. Eric had to be convinced that the additional weight was worthwhile.
The fuel system, dry sump and oil cooling system were all plumbed with XRP HS-79 smooth bore PTFE superlight hose instead of the usual braided steel. This saved plenty of weight throughout the car. Tyler designed the dry sump pan with integral motor mounts. The motor mounts sit on saddle plates and uses 6 welded HPS T-bolt clamps that clamp the motor mounts to the tubular subframe. Overall this was a pretty trick design that Tyler and Gary came up with that allows the engine and gearbox to slide in and out of the chassis.
In order to not disrupt air flow for the aero with any more ducts than necessary, a C&R water to oil oil cooler was used. Providing air flow for a traditional air to air oil cooler could cause a loss of downforce.
The night before, Katsu had just rebuilt the factory BNR32 center differential in the transfer case using additional clutch plates versus the factory unit. In order to save every ounce possible, Eric called out for aluminum to be used for the exhaust system past the downpipe for both the turbine and wastegate discharge. Due to aluminum’s high thermal conductivity, a lot of DCI Performance Gold Flex tape had to be used to reflect heat. The downpipe and wastegate tubes are wrapped in DCI’s extreme duty Header Wrap Si that is good for 1090°C. A Driveshaft Shop aluminum driveshaft is used that was modified by Powertrain Industries to fit. A CFRP drive shaft would have been lighter still, but aluminum is the better choice when considering cost vs. weight savings. The Team America car will probably be one of the lightest AWD unibody BNR32 race cars ever built even without the use of super exotic parts.
The plumbed and fully dressed engine is being pressure tested before starting for the first time. The header tank looking thing is both a swirl tank and header tank all in one. There are passages and bleed holes inside the tank.
Eric pressure tested the water and oil systems. After fixing a few leaks (no new car is leak free), it is now full of fluids and running. Royal Purple break in oil will be used for the break in process. The car is ready for final assembly at long last!
