Out of the four cars I have featured so far for this month's builds theme, Peter's PS13 would have to be my personal favourite. Since the car was purchased and the build process began it has been kept very low key. For many people in Brisbane this will be the very first time they've seen photos of this car. I was over the moon when Pete agreed on doing an article.
After a little chat with Pete, we got down to business. Unlocking the garage to find this outrageously low RocketBunny kitted PS13.
Whilst I did my thing, Pete did his. For each feature I've shot for builds month, I've individually spoken to the owners and asked for them to work on the car as if I'm not there so I'm not holding anyone back. Here Peter has disassembled the front bumper to re-allign the front quarter panel to allow the passenger door to open and close without rubbing.
Not long after that problem had been diagnosed. We began to take a look around the car.
The first day Pete picked up the car it caught on fire due to a small leak in the engine bay. The evidence still remains.
In saying that, the SR20DET looks immaculate. Repainted bay, hidden loom and shiny, polished piping all comes together perfectly. The purpose of this s-chassis is to have a reliable 2.0L motor with a healthy 200KW at the rear wheels (268BHP)
As Pete is a fan of the older styling of s-chassis the car is sat on a full set of 15x10J -26 Longchamp XR4's wrapped in 195/55/R15 giving a suitable amount of stretch.
Moving down to the rear of the car there RocketBunny parts everywhere. Out of all the body kits made for PS13's Peter has never come across anything that has fitted to the chassis more precisely than this.
As the afternoon approached we began to attach the body kit and roll it onto the street for some statics. Little did we know we were going to disassemble the kit five minutes later.
As the car still doesn't run, we had to push it out of the garage …
Onto the rough, unlevelled driveway. The car got about 1 meter before the front tow hooks engraved themselves into the bitumen. As a result of it being stuck there was no other option but to remove the front wheel…
…and wind up the front coilovers to clear the bitumen.
Finally clearing the road, the car was stuck once again. As it was only Peter and I, myself not being the biggest of stature, I called for backup.
In the time we were waiting for two rescuers I spent the time observing the interior. Pete is a Hot Rod fanatic, he actually prefers them over imports which is a huge surprise. Both the steering wheel and shifter are from Mooneyes.
Check out the boss kit on the steering wheel!
After Seamus and Nick arrived we eventually got the car onto the street. Attaching the bodykit and lowering the coilovers back down it was time to get some photos. It worked out quite well timing wise. The light was ever so even, I really wish this time of the day lasts longer than it does.
Once the puzzle had been put together all four of us stood back and were quite impressed. The XR4's incorporate the shape of the car so well.
Here you can really visualise how well the bodykit does fit up to the chassis. One thing I love about the RocketBunny kit is the rear ducktail spoiler. It's such a perfect touch.
The time it took getting the car out of the shed was all worth it in the end. Since the day Pete bought the car it hasn't moved outside so this was not only my first glimpse at the car put together but Pete's also. Did I mention the car was going to be street driven? I have my fingers crossed for Pete that the car lasts a while with our strict enforcement, it really looks tough parked on the curb.
I'm sure if he pulls a face similar to this the Police will let him off with a warning!
From the rear it has a Nascar style look to it with the boxy rear bumper and the sharp boot spoiler, it will look awesome when it's all painted one colour.
There is still some work to do on the car such as: modify the rear cradle to sit higher, install half cage and finish the oil cooler. Peter is also waiting on a few more engine accessories before it's rolling again.
Once again I'd like to thank Peter for allowing me to write a story on the car. I am hanging out for a lot of cars to be finished, but this one I really can't! I'll be sure to hit Pete up for a full feature on the PS13 when it is 100% complete.
Peter would like to thank Brett Mattinglay, Shane Bingham and Erin Sykes.
-Casey Dhnaram.