06-04-10, 18:59 GMT+10#1
HAMOUD - HDT Calais Turbo LE - 10.1 @ 134mph
Photography and article by Charles / Yeti for www.calaisturbo.com.au (http://www.calaisturbo.com.au)
Being involved in the VL Turbo scene is different for everyone. Some people get involved because a family member or friend owns one. Others get involved because they love the scream of an open wastegate at 25psi or the ease of modification that the RB30ET motor provides combined with the classic aesthetics the VL body offers.
Hamoud got into the VL scene as a teenager, being lucky enough to own his first VL at the ripe age of 16 which was a naturally aspirated Green VL executive. It’s fair to say in the years since he has come a long way. Hamoud is now the proud owner of the HDT LE Calais you see below.
Having been involved in the VL scene for such a long time Hamoud has had his fair share of VL’s and this being his 16th is by far his finest.
The Alpine white Calais rolled out of the Holden factory straight into the hot hands of HDT. It is well documented that HDT was a falling star, nearing self destruction due to Brock’s obsession with the Polariser but even in the final stages of the company’s association with Holden they were still turning out cars that are icons in the modified car scene to this day.
Having been involved in VL’s for so long Hamoud decided to look into other aspects of the scene that interested him, namely the Jap scene. He owned a variety of cars ranging from Skylines to Honda S2000’s. When he eventually got his hands on a Nissan 180sx he wasn’t looking at getting back into a VL. After being left losing out after using a workshop that turned out to be less than reputable on his last VL he was over VL’s. The constant headgasket issues and his perceived lack of quality in VL workshops had made him lose his passion.
It wasn’t until he was offered the LE Calais you see here that the bug bit again. He was offered by the previous owner to swap for his 180SX for it and after careful consideration bit the bullet and decided to return to the scene. Hamoud has always wanted a 10 second VL Turbo and it was the blank canvas the HDT LE offered combined with one of the pioneers of the VL Turbo scene that allowed his goal to be achieved.
After having a lengthy chat to Allan from Rajab Racing and being convinced the workshop that has one of the quickest VL Turbo’s in the country were the guys to take his VL into the 10 second zone he dropped the car off to them and awaited them to work their magic.
Allan screwed together a fairly potent RB30ET consisting of Arais forged pistons and rings with ACL race bearings and utilising H-beam rods with a ground crank. The head received the mandatory port and polish and had one of Rajab Racing’s custom grind cam installed with heavy duty valve springs. A metal head gasket has been used which has so far withstood the abuse of over 300rwKw. ARP head studs keep the head and bottom end together. To keep the motor healthy a GT-R N1 oil pump has been used along with a modified sump.
The Go Fast bits on the RB30 are all business combining the standard manifold which has been ported to match the head on which now sits a modified GT35/40 matched to a Turbosmart 50mm progate external wastegate with larger comp wheel after the last front wheel was shattered at Calder park while the LE was racing.
A Rajab racing Plenum brings in the cold air from the Garrett Intercooler through 3 inch piping into an EL throttle body. To keep everything in order a Rajab Racing water pump was installed along with Rajab Racing adjustable cam gears. Keeping the spark going is an IC&E ignition system which is controlled by a Motec M4 Clubman ECU. To keep this potent set up fed an 044 pump feeds from the custom surge tank into a Rajab Racing fuel rail and 1000cc injectors. All those gases from the 35/40 escape through the custom 3 inch exhaust.
The engine bay has copped a bit of attention from 12volt customs who are building quite a name for themselves in the VL scene with their custom wiring which really enhances the engine bay. A Polished rocker cover and polished custom catch can adds some spark to the bay and really makes for a subtle package along with the polished strut tower caps.
As the saying goes, power is nothing without control and the control behind the engine in the LE is an R&S/Transmaster 2 speed powerglide rated at 1200hp. The glide utilises a TCE converter and is transbraked to ensure boost is there from the launch. All this is run through a TCI outlaw shifter in the custom 2 piece tail shaft.
All this power is transferred to the standard VL Borg Warner diff with 28 spline axles being turned by a mini spool which was done by Preston Automatics.
The wheels and tyres that Hamoud chooses to role on are the very classy AME modelarts which have been powder coated white and are wrapped in Nankangs.
Suspension wise Hamoud has gone for a very race orientated 90/10 shocks in the front with lowered King Springs in the rear. With all the power it would be silly to not upgrade the braking system which has been done with VT crossed drilled and slotted rotors utilising braided lines and bendix pads.
The interior is a fairly standard affair with the only major changes being the Outlaw shifter, some switches to control transbrake and accessories. A highlight is of course the factory sunroof which just adds to the complete package.
With the 9 second bracket well within sight, it shouldn't be too long before this LE is into the 9's. Who knows where it will end.
Hamoud wishes to thank:
Rajab Racing
R&S/Transmaster
Preston differentials
12Volt customs
Epping Towing
Some original photos have not been recovered yet.
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