The clean and simple theme carries into the interior where a majority of the parts have been custom fabricated. This includes the dash, the seat mounts, and turbo timer pod. The largest interior fabrication, and certainly the largest headache, was the 10-point cage. Dave from Trimble Performance helped with this one-off, and the challenge they had was getting the cage into the car without compromising too much interior space. The A-pillars on the cage consist of 14 individual bends, proving to be the toughest bit of fabrication on this project. A healthy list of high-end I.C.E. components once weighed this beast down, but has been replaced with the old tuner stand by: basic CD system with door and rear speakers. It’s probably worth noting this DSMran the quarter mile clocking 10.4 seconds @ 144mph—with functioning heater, lights, wipers, windows, sunroof, etc.
The mandate for the suspension was optimal traction. And the JIC suspension was the clear choice. All the stock bushings were removed, which proved to be a painful yet worthwhile process in the end, and replaced with urethane bushings. The wheels are 18" OZ Racing-Supraleggra, wrapped in 245/45/18 BF Goodrich, front and rear. "Putting that much power down on 18" tires, and thanks to BF Goodrich, I was able to find a street tire that could harness over 730whp" Ron explains, "and the Willwood brake setup is incredible…this car can turn and break with some of the best sports cars out there." The front brake assembly includes Willwood 4 pistion calipers with 13" rotors. The rear fitted with 12" AEM rotors. Establishing a 9-second pass on these 18" street tires, Ron’s next move is to throw on some slicks to produce even faster time slips (in addition to upgrading the turbo, fuel system, and increasing the boost).
So whether you’re getting a nose job, a new 9-5 job, or a custom paint job, do what makes you happy man. The old adage, ‘if you don’t like it, do it yourself’ certainly rings true for Ron and his incredible ’97 Talon. Unsatisfied with the parts available, or lack there of, he set out and created his own. From a simple turbo timer pod to a rear differential, he invested the time and energy into something others would never even consider. But hey, whatever makes you happy.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Details
1997 Eagle Talon
Engine
4G63T (2.3L Stroker)
Engine Modifications
1st Gen 4G63 Engine Swap with 2.3L stroker, JE pistons, Pauter Rods, 4G64 crank, ACL bearings, balance shaft removal, ARP Main Studs with Girdle, Custom head studs, ARP flywheel bolts, Supertech Dual Valve springs, Titanium retainers, and 1mm S/S Intake valves, and 1mm enconel exhaust valves, AEM cam gears, 1600cc Inj, JM Fabrications intake manifold, Revolution Motorsports stage 5 head, Custom solid motor mounts, custom 3” aluminum intercooler piping, Custom 4” down pipe and exhaust, custom intercooler, B&M oil cooler, coil on plug conversion, alternator relocation, GSC custom cams, 75mm Throttle body, Aeromotive fuel pump, filters, and FPR, custom engine wiring harness
Engine Management
AEM ECU, AEM CDI 2, 8 Autometer gauges, FJO wideband
Drivetrain Modifications
5 speed Dogbox Gearset (John Shepard Racing), Twin carbon/carbon clutch, Driveshaft shop driveshaft and rear axle upgrade, and transfer case upgrade
Numbers
10.4@144Mph (on 18’s and 3250Lbs)
726AWHP on low boost
Suspension Modifications
JIC coilovers, urethane bushings all around, front and rear strut tower braces
Wheel, Tires, Brakes
Willwood 4 pistons calipers and 13” front rotors, AEM 12” rear rotors, and pads, 18” OZ Supraleggra 18”, BF Goodrich 245/45/18’s front and rear
Interior Modifications
Sparco FIA race seats, and steering wheel, custom dash with 8 Autometer gauges, custom 8 point Chromalloy cage, with 5 point harness, Alpine CD player, and speakers, custom turbo timer pod on steering column
Exterior
VIS carbon fiber hood and hatch, M3 style mirrors, custom metallic grey paint with matching roof and rear center tail section, and moldings and wiper shaved, custom air vent in front bumper
Current Sponsors
Revolution Motorsports
BF Goodrich
Supertech Performance Engine Valves and Components
JNZ Tuning
Comp Turbo
Shepard Racing/Transmissions
VP Racing Fuels
Class 1 Extreme (Body Shop)
GSC Power-Division
By Amee Reehal
Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!