“I have wanted to build a BTCC/JTCC touring-style car for some time now, and the latest addition to project Rodney was the icing on the cake!”
Ever since I was a wee boy, I have loved touring car racing. There’s something about the ultra-fast, uber-slammed hyper-sedans that get me going — big NA grunt, centre-lock wheels, and those gorgeous rear wing elements. Which, brings me to this article. Yes, finally, my BTCC/JTCC-style wing has landed, has been painted, and fitted.
I searched all around New Zealand for a wing like this, and it was evident that it was not something I was going to find. After broadening my search overseas, I found a business in Australia who specialises in fibreglass aero and wings. I could have purchased a more exotic carbon-fibre piece out of Europe somewhere, but hey, Project Rodney is meant to be a budget project after all…
After a few emails back and forward, I placed my order for the fibreglass unit you see before you now. It arrived from Australia in a matter of days, so I sent it off to my local painter to be colour-matched to the Altezza paint code and waited a week before I could install it.
Surprisingly, it was really easy to install onto the Altezza boot. The Fibreglass Factory installed steel plates into the wing stays with tapped M8 bolt holes. I simply drilled holes in my boot, installed some soft black foam tape for it to sit on, and bolted it down. Instantly, the look of the car changed dramatically. However, it was evident the rear end ride height was way too high to pull the look off.
After 30 minutes with the C-spanners, the Cusco coilovers were lowered down 15mm in the rear, giving a much more even look. Wowee, I was excited. So excited, that I grabbed the camera, a pal, and a lens so I could take some finished shots.
This Altezza has been an incredibly satisfying project. It has been easy, parts have been a breeze to find, and best of all; it’s fun! Last week I managed to score an HKS F-Con ECU too, so it may have a few more kW within the next year. The question though; turbo or naturally aspirated? I am in two minds. I do miss boost.
The noises, the torque, and the driveability on the street. I have, however, had dreams of ITBs and ginormous headers with an angry cam setup. Unfortunately, this is not the ideal setup for the street. And, currently, it’s my daily driver. Comment your thoughts below, if you have some — I would love another opinion.
Come September 28, I will be fanging my way around Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park at the North Shore Toyota Parts annual track day. Before then I need to change the fluids, install my Cusco front sway bar, Laile Beatrush shifter bush, and fit my Laile Beatrush aluminium undertray. More updates then!