Speedtec builds a 2nd Gen Firebird!

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Our customer Dustin is a video game digital artist by trade and spends his time at work creating dark creatures and characters to do battle with. It's no wonder when he decided to build a pro touring car to battle the cones he chose an early second gen '73 Firebird, and he wanted it black, ...all black.

Making my job easy, Dustin already created his own rendering for us to work from. In this case we're doing the majority of the heavy work and he'll be finishing the car himself at home. Starting with a car that came from another shop "paint ready", after a deep inspection we all decided the best bet was to start over from scratch to ensure the end result will be as impressive as the magic Dustin creates at work. Follow along as we build this bad 'Bird!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/08/6tz6cFw-1.jpg

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Here's what we started with. Up next: minitubs, trans tunnel mods, and media blasting the whole car.

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[slimjim]

I love that Render, I've seen it popping up for a while

[Ben@SpeedTech]

It is pretty cool! I was hoping to learn 3-D modeling in school but graduated just before the school I went to implemented it. Despite telling me that's the first car he's done to that level of refinement, as you can see Dustin knows his stuff. I believe the car will turn out very similar to the rendering.

[mert.celet]

S u b s c r i b e d ! ! !

[YAMATHUMP]

This is gonna be one sweet bird.... subscribed

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Prior to media blasting we wanted to get a little bit of sheetmetal in order. Fat tires are the requirement here so the back end got a fresh minitub.

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[Ben@SpeedTech]

As an option available with our ExtReme subframes and suspensions we now offer this cool pre-fab tunnel cover to clear T56s. It's easy to install and makes for a nice clean upgrade. On the underside we typically seam seal and box line to finish it off.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/08/LGq7GgB-1.jpg

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Next up- media blasting.

[Twentyover]

Don't mind showing i'm stupid-

What does 'box line' mean?

[killer69]

Don't mind showing i'm stupid-

What does 'box line' mean?

you know Box line!!

lol like in truck bed liner, linex ect
it is really the best product we have found to coat the bottom side with, it is durable requires minimal prep an looks good

[Twentyover]

you know Box line!!

lol like in truck bed liner, linex ect
it is really the best product we have found to coat the bottom side with, it is durable requires minimal prep an looks good



Ohhh. THAT box line....

:)

[Ben@SpeedTech]

After the sheetmetal mods were completed we epoxy primed it, then hit the underside and trunk with bed liner. At this point it's starting to look like a real car in progress again.

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[76TA]

You laid bed liner prior to mocking up exhaust and brake/fuel line?

[killer69]

You laid bed liner prior to mocking up exhaust and brake/fuel line?

yes, then it is done. no disassembly again after the exhaust is done. I know some might say "But But" so in the interest of the final cost we will do this step to move the process along. there is no down side to it if that is what your implying or asking.
it saves installing the rear end and sub frame engine trans only to have to remove it all and reinstall after the coating. this in turn saves the customer $$$$$$$

[D94]

Looks awesome. Funny thing, I'm doing my 73 as well and I just finished the bedliner myself last weekend. Looking forward to your build.143588

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Lol! Twins! Looking great D94!

[tterbo]

If this thing comes out even close to that rendering it's going to be awesome! Will definitely be following this one...

[yellow1098Greg]

Subscribed!!

[cornfedbill]

Nice looking ride. I am eager to see it done.

I love these Firebirds.

[USAZR1]

That rendering looks mean!

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Moving on to the front suspension install...

Here's a comparison of old and busted up and new and ready to rock and roll. Upgrading to the ExtReme subframe gives this car the best street/ autoX geometry available, ExtReme AFX spindles, splined sway bar, more clearance for 315mm tires, Sweet rack and pinion steering, and autoX valved coilovers. Narrowed frame rails yield 30+ deg of steering angle so Dustin can handle all track situations and quickly grabbing that last close parking space at the grocery store. The goodies don't stop there, this car features Ron Sutton enhanced set of StopTech 6 piston 14" brakes, specifically designed for mutli-purpose use like Dustin's sweet Firebird.

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[454bug]

Sweet project! That is a nice front clip! So, you can get a 315mm tire with a stock front fender? VERY cool! :cheers:

[Kenova]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/08/6tz6cFw-1.jpg

:drool:
I want one!

Ken

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Sweet project! That is a nice front clip! So, you can get a 315mm tire with a stock front fender? VERY cool! :cheers:

Yes inside the stock outer fender. The inner wheels tubs have to be widened slightly to get the full 30+ degrees steering angle at full lock but that's to be expected, GM didn't shape them for anything even remotely like this. We've even fit 335s on the front of 2nd gens!

[Ben@SpeedTech]

... and this is why we do this!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/y1UzzKg-1.jpg

[Ben@SpeedTech]

As you can see in the rendering, Dustin is a 3D artist, and sometimes 3D car renderings show amazing finishes that may not be that realistic. Well, we liked the way Dustin created his car's 3D surface so we did our best to match it. ;) First shots of the mile deep paint...

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[Ben@SpeedTech]

Dustin's Firebird has the looks and backing that up it needed a reliable streetable and comfortable engine that could lay it down when the go pedal was pushed hard. As with many builds we do at our shop we installed the ultra reliable 525 hp LS3 GM crate engine. For this much smooth running power with a warranty this engine is a fantastic value.

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[Ben@SpeedTech]

This is where we're at with the build at this point. We have just a few more small things to do to it and then it's going back home to him. Dustin's a get his hands dirty true motorhead and had us take care of what he couldn't so that he could take it from there and wrap up the build in his garage at home. As he gets things assembled and all dialed in we'll follow up with the final pics. It all has turned out so nice and we're glad we've had the chance to help Dustin build his dream car. Stay tuned for more!

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[70Uglybird]

That is a thing of beauty. This was all done in this August?

[berdunord]

awesome ! love it

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Thanks fellas. This project started in April, but it really picked up speed in late July through August.

[1968CamaroSS_Sam]

Looks real good Ben. You guys really do some great work.

[cpd004]

How about some updates?

[SRD art]

:headbang:

[Ben@SpeedTech]

At this point we're done with our portion. Dustin will be here soon to take it back home where he will continue the updates. Like you we've got our popcorn and easy chair ready to go!

[cornfedbill]

Cool project. I hope Dustin posts photos of the completed car.

[4mul8ion]

Wow! Great car.

[67SSDan]

Sick, sick, sick. Love it!

Dan

[D94]

That looks awesome! I'm doing this at home on my own so it might take a little longer than you guys, great job! I would really like to get someone to rendering for me so I could have a guideline to stick to. Millions of things go through my head all day on this build, need to stick to a plan or I'll never get done!

[cdoggy81]

Nice!!! Looking forward to watching this one get finished!

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Thanks everyone for the compliments!

[SMDLS1]

What brand wheels?

[qnitro]

Can I get pics of the tranny mounting and the motor to firewall distance?? I have your front and rear suspension and want to make sure mine looks right :)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/512B6CAA9DF8407FAA43B806E9D894CB_zps4auj-1.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/qnitro/media/1970%20Z28/512B6CAA-9DF8-407F-AA43-B806E9D894CB_zps4auj4bck.jpg.html)
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[wyattroa]

Can I get pics of the tranny mounting and the motor to firewall distance?? I have your front and rear suspension and want to make sure mine looks right :)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/512B6CAA9DF8407FAA43B806E9D894CB_zps4auj-1.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/qnitro/media/1970%20Z28/512B6CAA-9DF8-407F-AA43-B806E9D894CB_zps4auj4bck.jpg.html)
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/D4813BDFD73245DD8ED419BD8C39764A_zpsurga-1.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/qnitro/media/1970%20Z28/D4813BDF-D732-45DD-8ED4-19BD8C39764A_zpsurgauve0.jpg.html)

Do you have any side shots of your car?

[tterbo]

... and this is why we do this!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/y1UzzKg-1.jpg

That is awesome!

[cpd004]

Mine sits farther back then what I've seen in another 2nd gen with this subframe. I had the room and didn't see why it needed to be so far forward. My car isn't finished, but so far I don't foresee any clearance issues.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Kevin- Nice Camaro build!

Here are a few, sorry the lighting wasn't the best. With the adjustability in the mounts everything could slide back maybe another 1/2-3/4". If you need anything specific that you don't see here I can get it. If you have any questions on the install and set up feel free to give us a call.

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[jlcustomz]

Looking cool there, but only a 315w front tire. :poke:

Seriously though , I get tired of so many people wanting fat tires, but trying to do them without understanding the concept of you have to pay to play. Something so much cooler than stock takes work.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

True story. I recently put 315s all around on my G body with a GM frame and all Speedtech suspension. It definitely wasn't a simple bolt on.

Aside from the incredible geometry and handling capability, one main design of the ExtReme chassis and subframes was to fit 315s up front on all models. To do this took some engineering and mods to the inner fenderwells. The bonus is on 2nd gen F bodies with the right wheel offset you can even tuck 335s under the front outer fenders!

[qnitro]

Perfect... Im swapping out the oil pan tomorrow.. that is exactly what I needed.. You guys have been awesome t work with!

[qnitro]

Awesome.. this is exactly what I needed.. so the Holley pans 302-1,2and 3 don't fit.. :)
Ordered the mast pan, luckily I have time till March goodguys



Kevin- Nice Camaro build!

Here are a few, sorry the lighting wasn't the best. With the adjustability in the mounts everything could slide back maybe another 1/2-3/4". If you need anything specific that you don't see here I can get it. If you have any questions on the install and set up feel free to give us a call.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/JDTiFXs-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/eWa1EUi-1.jpg

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[cdoggy81]

None of the Holley pans will work???

[qnitro]

Nope.. none of them, I went with the Mast pan.. I love the Speedtech pan, but I wanted the Cast look to match the rest of my crap on the motor..The Mast pan fit perfect.. My windage tray was tiny after all the cutting and clearing because of the Stroker crank.


None of the Holley pans will work???

[ddavisart]

Hey guys, the owner here :). Car made it back from Speedtech safely and into my garage. They did a killer job on it! Really impressed by their work. Still alot left to do, but its getting there. Will try to take some pictures around it this weekend, but for now here's a shot after it got unloaded.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/safensound-1.jpg

[Ben@SpeedTech]

That's a wicked shot! Love the lighting, and that car is pretty sexy too. ;)

We will all be waiting anxiously for updates, and hope to see it hitting the streets and track in 2018!

[cornfedbill]

That is a totally wicked stance. I am eager to see how your Firebird turns out in the end.

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Awesome, glad you're on here! Looking forward to seeing it done. Drooled over the pic that Speedtech posted on Facebook last week.

[qnitro]

Hey guys, the owner here :). Car made it back from Speedtech safely and into my garage. They did a killer job on it! Really impressed by their work. Still alot left to do, but its getting there. Will try to take some pictures around it this weekend, but for now here's a shot after it got unloaded.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/safensound-1.jpg

That is bad ass...

[ddavisart]

Thanks guys! Finally got a chance to take some pictures around the car yesterday. Those guys at Speedtech know a thing or two ;)

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[cdoggy81]

Nice!!!!

[ddavisart]

I've been slacking on the updates lately so here's a pic dump of some of the recent progress I made on the car.

-Routed,bent,flared cunifer 3/16 line for the rear brake hardlines and routed it to the front.

-Installed Digitail led panels into the tailights to upgrade the old lighting back there

-Relocated the LS coilpacks off the valvecovers down lower for a cleaner look

-Made some custom length spark plug wires to rearch the relocated coils

-Added some Second Skin soundeadening to the floor of the cabin.

-Converted the original automatic pedal setup over to Manual

-Mounted Ron Davis Radiator. Looks great

-Mounted Tilton clutch master

-Installed Wilwood brake master

-Installed Russell rear caliper braided brake lines

-Installed Wilwood brake proportioning valve for biasing brakes fr/rr

-Installed levers to steering column

-Installed NRG quick release on steering wheel

-Installed MOMO steering wheel

-installed trim/lenses on tail, parking, and sidemarker lights


I need to finish running some hardlines from from the front calipers to the master/proportioning valve, than moving onto the fuel system



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/parking-1.jpg
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[cpd004]

Is the top mounting plate for the radiator their design or yours? Looks great.

[ddavisart]

Is the top mounting plate for the radiator their design or yours? Looks great.

That is their design. I originally had an issue with the way the radiator was fitting and they worked with me the whole way to get the issue resolved. A great team out there at Ron Davis, really happy how it all worked out.

[JayinMI]

What accessory drive/AC Compressor is that? I like how the lines tuck in close to it.
Gorgeous car.

Jay

[ddavisart]

What accessory drive/AC Compressor is that? I like how the lines tuck in close to it.
Gorgeous car.

Jay

Hey Jay, I'm running the Drive Junky Kit. They include a Sanden compressor w/their custom cover on it.

[cpd004]

That is their design. I originally had an issue with the way the radiator was fitting and they worked with me the whole way to get the issue resolved. A great team out there at Ron Davis, really happy how it all worked out.

Got ya...a lot of these aftermarket radiator manufacturers offer a radiator that's supposed to be a bolt in deal, but it usually does not. They leave it up to the consumer to find a suitable and complete mounting solution.

[qnitro]

I just finished mine.. I love the car in Black..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/A356FED48D2B46498DE13BBC434A7D81_zpsm3rr-1.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/qnitro/media/71%20formula/A356FED4-8D2B-4649-8DE1-3BBC434A7D81_zpsm3rrhbfs.jpg.html)

[qnitro]

Also, whos radiator hold down is that?? have a link??

[ddavisart]

I just finished mine.. I love the car in Black..

Nice! Looks great in white. Probably much easier to keep clean! All this black is going to give me a handful down the road, but I'm a sucker for black cars. The radiator bracket was included with my Ron Davis Radiator. They did a great job on the whole thing.

[Buryingthesun]

Just looks so rad in black

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Awesome progress! Keep it coming!

[cpd004]

I'm nearing the point of plug wires. The rear drivers side has me scratching my head. It appears as though you've relocated the coils lower. I really don't want to do that but I haven't found a plug wire that looks like it will work back there. My wires are nearly new and I'd rather not buy all new ones if I don't have to. Do you have a pic of where your coils are?

[70CougarXr7]

Wow ,sweet ride !!
love the dark look.

[cpd004]

Never mind....I just saw that they are by the sway bar tube.

[ddavisart]

Never mind....I just saw that they are by the sway bar tube.

Sorry just seeing this. Looks like you figured it out. I had mounted mine on the sway bar tube and made some custom length plug wires to run to them. A wrist injury has stalled my progress the past few months and looks like surgery is in my future :(. Going to try to keep moving on it with some of the easier stuff that I can 1 hand. I had a carbon fiber driveshaft made that should arrive tomorrow for the car :yeah:

[killer69]

I'm nearing the point of plug wires. The rear drivers side has me scratching my head. It appears as though you've relocated the coils lower. I really don't want to do that but I haven't found a plug wire that looks like it will work back there. My wires are nearly new and I'd rather not buy all new ones if I don't have to. Do you have a pic of where your coils are?

Yes the design of that header tube requires 1 longer plug wire i think we have used a truck replacement wire in the past that is a couple inches longer when on building custom wires.

- - - Updated - - -

Car is looking GREAT Dustin!!

[70Uglybird]

Did I miss it? What is the brake setup?

[81sleepinOLDS]

Hoe my god, this car is beautiful. Great job everyone involved!

[ddavisart]

Thanks guys, happy with the way everything is turning out.

Hey 70Uglybird, I'm running C6 Z06 Stoptech calipers/rotors on a wilwood master/valve.

[ddavisart]

Also managed to find some time to get the driveshaft installed today. Had a carbon fiber one made by the Driveshaft Shop. Pics make the fitment look tight, but the fit was perfect with plenty of clearance. Nice part from those guys


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/06/driveshaftshop-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/06/driveshaftshop2-1.jpg
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[Ben@SpeedTech]

Nice!! Sorry to hear about the injury, good luck with that!

[ddavisart]

Thanks Ben! I'm rockin a cast at the moment but its all good. Still trying to chip away at this.

Here's a shot from test fitting the Recaros in the car. They fit perfect and feel great!

Also got the dash base in, vintage air ducts ran, and started routing the electrical/hooking up sensors.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/seats_fit1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/ecu-1.jpg

[Bugzilla]

I have those same seats in my daily driver. Absolutely love them! You made a good choice.

[ddavisart]

I have those same seats in my daily driver. Absolutely love them! You made a good choice.

Awesome! Great to hear. They felt great when testing them. Does yours have the seat heaters in them? I picked these up used but in Mint condition locally. They have heaters inside I was thinking about wiring up.

[Bugzilla]

Nope, no heaters in mine. Honestly, they never seem to get hot in the summer or cold in the winter.

Just be warned, with the bottom side bolsters being so tall, they tend to get you right up the butt when getting in or out. Got to be a bit creative getting in or out of them haha.

[ddavisart]

Just be warned, with the bottom side bolsters being so tall, they tend to get you right up the butt when getting in or out. Got to be a bit creative getting in or out of them haha.

HAHA, I can definitely see that happening!

Well cast finally came off. My wrist is at about 50% strength but nice to have that thing out of the way. Was able to get a glass place to stop by and set the front/back glass on the car to help keep the dust out of it with some black moldings. Also installed a pretty slick wiper system from Raingear. Not sure how much rain the car will see but figured might as well update that while i'm in there. A few pics to keep the thread up to date.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/glass-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/glass2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/raingear-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/raingear2-1.jpg

[ddavisart]

Still chipping away whenever I'm lucky enough to find some free time. Wrist is back to feeling good which is great.

Got the new side glass in and put in a power window system from Nu Relic. Derusted the original window rails inside the door and shot a little clear on them before installing since the kit just included the regulator and switches. Also got some door sills and door vents in from Eddie Motorsports that look great. Stuck the door locks in also and will be installing a classic keyless entry setup hopefully soon so I dont end up scratching up the black paint. Some pics from the past couple of weeks.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/vent-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/sill-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/key-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/sideglass-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/sideglass2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/sideglass3-1.jpg

[opnwide]

I like it! If I ever retire to Mexico, I'm building a Firebird like this one. (no way would I take my 50th aniv.)

[syborg tt]

What an incredible build and great ideas.

Ps I'm glad your wrist is getting better.

[TBART70]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[ddavisart]

Thanks guys, Here's a little something i've been working on. Needed some sort of gauge panel for the gauges I had made and didn't really see much on the market I liked. Ended up making a template from the original one and cnc-ing a custom one from it out of aluminum. Turned out great. Will take some more pics once Its fully in the car with the gauges installed but here you go for now.

160691

[Alponcho]

That’s a cool gauge panel. Any interest in making another one?

[ddavisart]

That’s a cool gauge panel. Any interest in making another one?

Thanks! This one i made to compensate for different gauge sizes, new vintage indicator panel, raingear wiper system, and a few other tweaks. If its worth my time, I wouldn't mind doing another :) .

[cpd004]

Nice! Can't wait to see it with the gauges in.

[Ripper]

nice project and nice panel!

Care to share that cad-file? I have the same problem fitting a dash into mine and starting with those outer contours would really be help a lot!

[syborg tt]

Dustin I love the dash can't wait to see it with gauges.

[ddavisart]

Thanks guys, I actually ended up having a thin carbon fiber insert cut by protech composites off my template to give the gauge panel a little more flare. I think it should work out great in the car. Here's a pic with it together ready to drop in.

161526

[Josh@Ridetech]

Thanks guys, I actually ended up having a thin carbon fiber insert cut by protech composites off my template to give the gauge panel a little more flare. I think it should work out great in the car. Here's a pic with it together ready to drop in.

161526

Very nice. That's going to look great in the car.

[FLYNAVY53]

very cool build...looking forward to seeing the rest of it come together!

[Senek67RS]

@Dustin. I see it says Pacifica on your profile, is that Pacifica, CA?

[ddavisart]

Thanks guys!


@Dustin. I see it says Pacifica on your profile, is that Pacifica, CA?

Hey Senek, it sure is :) . You out in this area also?

[Senek67RS]

Thanks guys!



Hey Senek, it sure is :) . You out in this area also?

Yes, I live in San Mateo and my wife’s family lives in Pacifica. I actually lived there for a while in my early 20’s right off of Manor.

[ddavisart]

Yes, I live in San Mateo and my wife’s family lives in Pacifica. I actually lived there for a while in my early 20’s right off of Manor.

Awesome, small world. I still like to surf when i'm not working on cars so Ive always stuck near the coastside out here. If you ever catch a black 73 formula cruising around the area than you know who it is :yeah: . Hoping to get it on the road towards the end of April for Dream Machines in Half Moon Bay.

[Senek67RS]

Awesome, small world. I still like to surf when i'm not working on cars so Ive always stuck near the coastside out here. If you ever catch a black 73 formula cruising around the area than you know who it is :yeah: . Hoping to get it on the road towards the end of April for Dream Machines in Half Moon Bay.


Car looks great and you don’t look far off from getting it on the road. I’m in the middle of a build right now and it’s just going to body with the hopes of completing by middle of June.

[cpd004]

How's the car coming along?

[7firebird1]

Very nice build!!

[firebirdfever]

has anybody done it. Would the supercharger clear it

[sublime1996525]

@ddavisart Dustin! Any updates on this build?? I’d loved to see any progress you’ve made. There is so much awesomeness in this T/A!!

[PT Pontiac]

Would love to see the finished build.
It’s so close then nothing

[cpd004]

And if it is done, how does it actually drive and perform? Any issues or bugs?

[dhutton]

The owner has not been here for over a year and Ben left Speedtech years ago. In fact Blake has left Speedtech and sold to QA1….

[TMo68]

Any idea if QA1 will be rebranding the Speedtech products or are the keeping them separate?