"I told Keen: 'I don't care if the motor grenades, just make one lap.' If he could've made just one clean lap, we would've easily been able to take home everybody that was out there."
It was not to be. Caloudas attributes the car's inauspicious debut to trying to do too much, too soon. "We bought a car and, within four weeks, put it together-every bit of suspension, a new clutch. The new center differential meant the transmission had to come completely apart. All-new anti-roll bars, bushings, new wheels, and new rotors. We actually pulled the motor and resealed it because it had some oil leaks."
But GSC isn't losing any sleep over being shot down at the shootout. It now has an eye towards the pro ranks, specifically the Speed GT series. Getting there is a long road, but Caloudas thinks he's got the driver in Keen. He's certainly got the car. Since its debut, the Evo has received a full cage, Lexan windows throughout the rear, and a built motor with GSC's rods and crankshaft, CP pistons and rings, and Clevite 77 bearings. Compression is up to 9.3 from the stock 8.8, in an effort to keep boost lower and make more torque, but still be able to wind it out to 9500rpm. The revamped the cylinder head contains GSC prototype cams.
The AMS 3076 turbo remains, while injectors have been upgraded to RC Engineering 880cc/min units. "I really like that kit for a road race car," says Caloudas. "Full boost is achieved right before 4000rpm. We ported a larger compressor cover and use that, which allows us to hold boost out further into the rpm band." GSC did all the piping on the Turbo XS intercooler. The result is 501wheel-hp and 496 lb-ft of torque.
GSC's Evo runs on custom-made 18x10-inch CCW wheels with 285/30/18 Hoosier R6 tires, its stance inspired by another GSC favorite, the legendary Ruf Yellowbird Porsche. "There are no rubbing issues in the front," Caloudas explains. "We run half-inch spacers in front to space the track out even further. The rear fenders needed to be rolled, which we did before the shootout-with a baseball bat. It got a little ugly."
Ultimately, GSC is not only going for a bit of redress for its debut at the shootout, but also some legitimate American road racing success. And to be the US answer to that other fast-ass Evo. "We're setting the car up for Speed World Challenge GT," says Caloudas. "We have a promising future in racing. And if they can do it," he says, casting a glance across the Pacific, "we know we can."
GSC Motorsports Evo VIII
Engine
Engine Code: 4G63
Type: 1997cc in-line four, iron block, aluminum head, turbocharged and intercooled
Internal Modifications: GSC rods and crankshaft, Clevite 77 bearings, CP pistons and rings, ARP L19 head studs, ported cylinder head, GSC cams (S3)
External Modifications: AMS 3076 turbo (w/0.63 hotside), Turbo XS Evo VIII intercooler, GSC intercooler piping, TiAl wastegate, HKS Racing 2 blow-off valve, AMS fuel rail, RC Engineering 880cc/min injectors, Walbro 255lph fuel pump, HKS DLI ignition, Forge coolant tank, Forge power steering reservoir tank, ARC oil catch can, PWR radiator, Samco radiator hoses, GSC mini battery tray
Engine Management Modifications: AEM EMS unit with UEGO wideband, Forge UNOS manual boost controller
Drivetrain
Layout: Transverse front engine, all-wheel drive
Drivetrain Modifications: Carbonetics twin-plate carbon clutch, Carbonetics front and rear 1.5-way LSD, GSC center differential, built transmission by TRE, B&M short shifter, custom raised shifter
Suspension
Front: Moton Club Sport shocks, Hyper Coil 5 springs (900lb/in), KSport upperpillow ball mounts w/camber plates, GSC anti-roll bar and strut tower bar
Rear: Moton Club Sport shocks, Hyper Coil 5 springs (1050lb/in), KSport upper pillow ball mounts, GSC anti-roll bar, RS trunk brace, Ralliart lower A-arm brace, KSport air jacks
Brakes
Front: Girodisc 12.6-in. two-piece rotors, Girodisc titanium backing plates, Pagid Black pads, StopTech stainless steel brake lines, Forge brake cooling ducts, Super Blue brake fluid
Rear: Girodisc two-piece 11.8-in. rotors, Girodisc titanium backing plates, Pagid Black pads, StopTech stainless steel brake lines, Super Blue brake fluid
External
Wheels: 18x10 CCW (Complete Custom Wheel) Corsair w/custom 6.5-in. offset, 13mm front spacers, 9mm rear spacers, ARP wheel studs
Tires: 285/30R18 Hoosier R6
Body: Autovation front splitter, Seibon carbon fiber hood, Seibon carbon fiber trunk lid, Carbing undertray, JDM Evo VII rear bumper, APR GTC300 wing w/3-in. extension, Evo VII taillights, ARP carbon Vortex Generator, Chockets GPSport front bumper
Interior: Sparco Circuit Pro seat, Momo Porsche Cup steering wheel, KSport quick-release hub, Defi boost, oil pressure, and water temp gauges