Well,

I am really ticked at you guys. All the talk on this board about Stage 4, Stage 4GT, etc... has just cost me alot of money! I was considering going with the Stage 4 and after talking to a few different people had decided to go Stage 4GT. Well then I started thinking what the heck might as well just go all the way! Stage 5 here we come!

I drove my car from Michigan to Philadelphia yesterday and dropped the car off at PES. I met Colin, Tony the owner and Jeremy the head technician. I also had the luck of seeing and riding in the first Stage 5 car the development car which also happens to belong to a local customer.

WOW, unbelievable! I know Tony would have scared the crap out of most people with the little test track drive we took, but I have been racing for years so I just appreciated the way that car goes, turns and stops!

Ask Ken (KPV) what he thought of his ride in the Stage 5!!! I also got to met Ken (KPV), thanks for hooking up with Colin and I Ken it was a pleasure to meet you! Ken's car is absolutely beautiful, I love what you have done to that thing!

Anyhow, one week from today I will be flying back to PA to drive my new Stage 5 Red Beast home to Michigan! I can't wait! PES, Colin, Tony and Jeremy are all first class and I was impressed with everything I learned while I was there. I spent a couple hours there asking questions, looking at there different parts, etc...

I don't think you can go wrong with Todd at EVO or Colin and Tony at PES. I have no experience with Stephen at Imagine Auto but I think the same holds true for him.

Thanks to all for making my bank account much smaller!

 

Great... hopefully the Stage 5 will FINALLY be ready for our little shindig with Chad...

Now you have a taste of what Wilber and I have experienced for over a year...

 

Buddy,
It was great to meet you as well. It is always great to put a name to a face. I trust your trip back was good. It was certainly shorter!! LOL
I will try and free up some time to visit with you over at PES when you get back into town. Give me a heads up when the time gets closer.
BTW, thanks for the car compliments. I just have to get that damn spoiler redone.
I sent Colin an email about the PSS-9's and was waiting to hear back from him. Maybe you can jog his memory when you talk to him again.
Best,,
Ken

 

What kind of power is that Stage 5 going to make anyway?

 

I think it is 700hp. Buddy?

 

Congrats Buddy!! Can't wait to hear some reviews!!

 

I can just see it now, mash the pedal and the car gets airborne, Buddy maybe you should install a parachute just in case Let us know how all the power feels.

-Lou

 

Stage 5 has dyno'd just shy of 700 hp like 696 and around 700 ft lb's of torque. PES is still playing around with the airflow and they fully expect to dyno over 700 hp. From the ride I took in the Stage 5 development car there is no doubt about the power it is kind of a surreal experience under acceleratiion!

Once I get the car back I will have a 720 mile shake down run back to Michigan and I will report on the Stage 5. I am also putting in the upgraded sachs clutch and light flywheel, stainless steel braided brake lines, pagid street/race brake pads and Brembo brake fluid. I am also trying to get the PSS9's installed.(currently on back order).

That should drain the bank account sufficiently until next spring when I can do some exterior mods.

Your addicted friend in speed!

 

Congrats Buddy! Im sure you're going to have a serious beast!!

Btw...what is the predicted life expectancy of a GIAC 700HP 996TT? I know it's still to early to determine since stage V was just released, but considering that the car is running on stock internals, is the 996TT engine really that strong and capable of withstanding that kind of power? Assuming the car is maintained properly (from regular oil changes, proper cool down, etc.) and driven agressively (700HP...you better be using that power as often as you can! LOL!), is 50K miles asking too much?

 

The stock motor in the 996 turbo is based on the racing GT1. It is a totally different motor than what is in a standard 996. I believe this motor can get to around 800 hp before you need to start changing internal componets. If I get 50,000 miles on it I will be happy and then if I blow something up we can start changing internals and shoot for 900 hp!

 

Now that is a thinking man. I love that solution, maybe I should just blow my engine up and try to go for the 900 now

-Lou

 

My mechanic thinks my car should last anywhere from 60-80K before a top end rebuild.

At that point, I'm thinking about punching out to a 3.8...