SL500 Build Update: A Hub Of Activity

02 Feb SL500 Build Update: A Hub Of Activity

You think a little snow is going to keep us away? Hard work knows no meteorological slowdowns.

For the longest time, we were stuck on the SL build, waiting for the Vibrant mufflers to arrive so we could finish the rear section of the SL’s exhaust. Well, that wait is over; the mufflers arrived yesterday, and Craig went to work on fitting the two mufflers into the exhaust system. Again, we’re not going for crazy overt loudness with this project (as we did with, say, the X5), but given the inherent aggressive tone in Craig + Tom’s exhausts, the sound shouldn’t suffer a single bit with these mufflers attached. Here are some pictures of the exhaust build:

Also, we finished another suspension-related goodie for the SL. We know exactly which wheels we’re putting on the SL, but since the wheels’ bolt pattern is different from the SL’s, something had to change. We’re not the biggest fan of redrilling wheels (there’s usually a better way, especially when it comes down to altering the connection point between the wheel and the car), so we went with another route; instead of changing the wheels to limited success, why don’t we change the car itself?

Well, that’s what we did. Our new hub adapters move the SL’s lug pattern to one that matches the wheels we intend on using for the vehicle. Here’s some pictures of Eastway’s final product, which AJ designed:

Since the exhaust is almost finished, things are once again moving quickly on the SL. There’s plenty left to be done, but things are proceeding. Currently, the control arms have been sandblasted and are patiently awaiting powdercoating. Stay tuned for more information on this build as it happens!