Field Report: Was this rebuild a mistake?
About this episode
David from GT Auto Garage discusses the significant rebuild of the MCA Hammerhead, now known as Tanuki, focusing on the switch from an SR20 VE Turbo engine to a VR38 for enhanced reliability and power. The conversation covers the technical aspects of the engine, including its capacity, turbo setup, and the MoTeC electronics package for torque management. David shares insights on the car's performance improvements, weight balance, and the challenges of transitioning to full slick tires for racing. The episode highlights the pressure of maintaining the car's legacy while achieving new lap records.
Engine swap, aero repackage, electronic overhaul and a switch to slicks are some of the major changes the legendary Hammerhead has seen during its transformation into what is an essentially new build in many respects, Tanuki.
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David Lenthall of GT Auto Garage discusses the 4.1L VR38DETT engine swap, which sees the venerable 900hp (approx) SR20VET retired in favour of more power (1080hp at 25 PSI) with less stress, but at the cost of some extra weight, 4% more of which is now over the front axle.
The Autronic ECU was replaced with a suite of MoTeC electronics largely due to the preference of owner Wayne Lee and those now running the car, including MoTeCs torque management options via their GPR package.
Also replaced is the iconic aero package with Andrew Brilliant AMB Aero engineering an infinity wing package for the car in part to update it and in part to help further establish it as something different.
With the help of tyre rule changes allowing slicks, Pro driver Tim Slade has Tanuki now down to 1:20.4560 with more in the tank after a wheel failure took them out of the competition for this year.
For some more insight into the history of this car, previous drivers include Shane Van Gisbergen, Earl Bamber, Warren Luff & Andre Heimgartner, with Tim Slade winning the Pro Class back to back in 2016 and 2017 among stiff competition.
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