COMING: The Rally Beast

[Joe_Black]

The TOD never once failed me during 2+ years of rallycross, and the professionally rallied VX's used a panel to push-button select preset torque splits using the OEM TOD unit. So it's got a proven competition history.

[Joe_Black]

You have to remember with the VX's TOD you're always in 4X4 with no less than a 85/15 torque split. Rear-wheel slip of any kind will progressively apply more torque up to the full 50/50 split based on accelleration and slip. Only the TOD Axiom and Trooper have the ability to go into 2WD, the VX is full-time 4X4.

It might do you some good to get out in a field or open snowy area and throw the VX around so you can get a good "feel" for the system, then you can have a better idea of what it'll do in the conditions you're currently uncomfortable with.

[Ldub]

Sorry to pile on the thread jack Joe, but I have to agree with ZEUS.
In snow/ slippery conditions of any kind, the VX understeers horribly.
I even scared the crap outta myself a while back by overcooking an on ramp so badly, that when it came time to merge...well, lets just say, I'm glad the guy that swerved/braked to miss me had HIS poop in a group.
Maybe we should split this off to another thread?

[Joe_Black]

Yeah, maybe a "Snow Opinions" thread. LOL!

Being a native Floridian I can't say much about snow, but have pushed it very hard in slippy stuff from slimy clay to hurricane fueled deluges and had nothing but appreciation for the VX's handling traits.

Than again, my primary background is sports cars and motorcycles not 4X4 vehicles. My definition of "handling" is probably very different than y'all's!

[Joe_Black]

Finally got around to stripping most of the front sheet metal that doesn't require cutting and also got all of the interior out except the upper dash and mastic-type insulation. Here are a few pics if you've never seen a naked VX...

[Joe_Black]

VX nakedness...

[Joe_Black]

Loaded on the trailer for a trip to Atlanta for roll cage, more weight reduction, removal of all sheet metal ahead of firewall and fabrication of dual-turbo manifolds and intercooler plumbing.

Couple pics of where the factory mounting point is for the hydraulic clutch and the little perforated knock-out in the insulation pad under the carpet next to the brake pedal. Yup, everything's already there for a 5-speed!

Here's the best part of stripping down an '01: The climate control! That's right folks, I'll have the only '99 IronMan with climate control. w00t!

[nfpgasmask]

Looks sweet Joe, let me know if you ever want to trade your tailgate or your hood. I bought my ebony with a dent on the tailgate and a dent on the hood. I'm not sure what you are planning on doing with the body when you are all done, but if you have any spare parts, please keep me in mind!

Looks like a fun proj!

Good luck,

Bart

[BD-VX99]

Joe,

Did you finnish putting the climate control in the 99? Any pictures or details about the install

[MZ-N10]

any chance of a guide for a climate control/manual tranny swap?

[Triathlete]

Nice to see a stripped down version of the front end. Now I can see what I might need to cut when I (some day) do my SAS up front since I will be pushing the front end out a bit to lengthen the wheel base and clear bigger tires!

[Joe_Black]

Joe,

Did you finnish putting the climate control in the 99? Any pictures or details about the install

Not yet, I just did all this a couple days ago!

[Thmstec]

I know this is a really old thread, but any updates? Like climate on the 99, or what happened to this rally vehicross? Sounded like it was gonna be really sweet

[johnnyapollo]

Joe's taken some time off his many projects to focus on the building of his new house. I do believe this is near the top of his list when he resumes (post-building).

-- John

[Joe_Black]

As John states I'm busy laying block since I've undertaken the entire process of building myself. I'll post up the last photos of gutting the interior when a chance as it may be good reference for others looking to get the dash out, but for now we just moved the Ebony to "project row" where it will be on hold until I have more time...