Our Customers' Cars
As we only sell the finest quality, most hardcore parts on the planet, many of our customers tend to have extremely innovative, extremely well engineered project cars which they fit our parts to.
Below you can find some examples of our customer's cars and cars using the products we sell.
As you can see below, we ship our products all over the world, and our parts end up on some very interesting and innovative vehicles indeed.
University Of Sydney 2009 Formula SAE FSAE Race Car
The Formula SAE team is part of the School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering at the University of Sydney and is one of Australia's premier Engineering schools.
The University's FSAE page reads ...
http://www.aeromech.usyd.edu.au/sae/aboutFSAE.php reads ...
"Formula SAE is a student engineering competition where teams design, construct and race a small open-wheeled racing car intended for use in weekend autocross competitions.
All research, design and manufacture must be completed within a period of 12 months to prepare for the annual event held by the Society of Automotive Engineers Australasia.
The three-day event scores teams on their design, costing and marketing skills as well as dynamic events of skid pad, acceleration, autocross and endurance."
The Sydney University 2008 FSAE Racecar at the Sydney International Motor Show
We met the University's Formula SAE Team at last years' Sydney International Motor Show, where they put on a very professional display of their 2008 car (shown above).
The Works Bell Paddle Shifter NEO Universal, Works Bell Rapfix Racing Quick Release and Momo Steering Wheel in the University of Sydney's 2009 Formula SAE Racecar
We were very impressed with the knowledge, dedication and enthusiasm of the team, so we organised sponsorship of the team by Works Bell, who provided a Works Bell Paddle Shifter NEO Universal and Works Bell Rapfix Racing Quick Release to the team for their new 2009 racecar.
The Rapfix Racing Quick Release
The Rapfix Racing Quick release is designed for competition cars where the quick release is welded to the steering column shaft.
The Rapfix Racing Quick Release is engineered and precision manufactured in Works Bell's state of the art production facilities in Nagano Japan, by highly skilled fabricators and engineers.
Close up of the patented ball locking system in the detachable Works Bell Rapfix Racing Quick Release - click the photo to enlarge
Unlike splined quick releases which use splines that you have to line up, the Works Bell Rapfix Racing quick release uses Works Bell's patented ball locking system as seen on the world reknowned Rapfix II quick release. There are no splines to line up !
So instead of needing to line up splines to re-attach the steering wheel, you just slide the steering wheel onto the steering column with the wheel turned to any angle of rotation and spin the wheel, and the quick release will then lock when the correct angle of rotation is reached.
Additionally, when the steering wheel is removed from the steering column, the Rapfix Racing locks open automatically, so there is no need to pull on the release collar when re-attaching the steering wheel. You just slide it back on, spin it til it locks automatically, and go.
Works Bell have become an SFI Participating Manufacturer in the SFI Spec 42.1 (Steering Wheel Quick Disconnect/Release Program) and the Works Bell Rapfix Racing Quick Release has passed the SFI tests.
SFI safety standards are recognised by the world's leading motorsport series, including NASCAR (US National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing), IRL (Indy Racing League), FIA Drag Racing (Federation Internationale de I'Automobile Drag Racing), NHRA (US National Hot Rod Association), ANDRA (Australian National Drag Racing Association), CAMS (Confederation of Australian Motor Sport), IKF (International Kart Federation), MSNZ (Motorsport New Zealand), NASA (National Auto Sport Association), PCA (Porsche Club of America), SAE CDS (SAE Collegiate Design Series Intl.), SCCA (Sports Car Club of America), WKA (World Karting Association) and many others, so the Works Bell Rapfix Racing Quick Release can be used on everything from drag cars to formula racing cars like Formula Ford, Nascars, and even Indy Racing League cars.
Click here for more info on the Works Bell Rapfix Racing Quick Release ...
http://www.tunersgroup.com/Online_Store/Works_Bell_Rapfix_Racing_Steering_Wheel_Quick_Release.html
The Works Bell Paddle Shifter NEO Universal
The Works Bell Paddle Shifter NEO Universal is a product that has been released by Works Bell specifically to meet the requirements of The Tuners Group's racing customers.
It consists of the heart of the Works Bell Paddle Shifter Kits as seen on vehicles like the R35 GT-R, Porsche 996, BMW E46 & E90, 350Z, RX-8, and other high end semi-sequential Japanese vehicles.
Works Bell in Japan reacted to demand from The Tuners Group's racing customers, and in November 2008 released the Works Bell Paddle Shifter NEO Universal - a universal paddle shifter ideal for custom installs on racing cars and road cars alike.
Click here for more info on the Works Bell Paddle Shifter NEO Universal ...
http://www.tunersgroup.com/Online_Store/Works_Bell_Paddle_Shifter_NEO_Universal.html
Building The Formula SAE Racecar
Rear view of the paddle shifter, quick release and steering wheel, with custom alloy bracket for the paddle shifter made by the students
The 2009 car is powered by an Aprilia motorcyle engine, and one of the students developed a highly innovative sequential shifting system to handle the gearshifts, via the Works Bell Paddle Shifter NEO Universal.
With a power rating of 45kW (60.3 hp) but a weight of just 193 kg, the car has a power to weight ratio of 3.2 kg per hp, and a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.67 seconds.
The shifter system is hydraulic, with hoses supplied by Stauff and pumps supplied by Hypac.
The system is more responsive than the previous pneumatic system implemented, providing a faster, more reliable and easily controllable gear shifting.
Launch from line has been very successful, and easy paddle shifting provides quick up and down shifts with automatic actuation of the clutch.
There is also a neutral button that can engage neutral from any gear. Edward McMillan, Mechatronics engineer, was responsible for the design and implementation of this system.
On the skidpan, it pulled a massive 2G's, which is a testament to the highly skillful design of the cars suspension devised by the students.
Other sponsors of the team include such industry stalwarts as Boeing, Bilstein Suspension, Loctite, and Works Bell of course.
A special thank you to the University of Sydney's:
- FSAE co-ordinator Andrei Lozzi
- Team Leader Jared Holmes
- Team Managers Stephanie Fulton and Robert Muir and
- Eloise Matheson (Junior for Steering and Suspension, who co-ordinated sponsorship arrangements with us during the year)
... for your complete professionalism and hospitality, both during the year and at the official launch of the car.
Links to products available from The Tuners Group seen on this car:
created on 2010-01-08 by adamr.
Shieldcoat Evo IX
The latest car to be featured in our customer cars gallery is this Australian Mitsubishi Evo IX.
It's a fine example of a car that has been built with great attention to detail and high quality parts from manufacturers like Works Bell, ARC, Tomei, Trust, and Defi.
Works Bell Rapfix GTC Hybrid Tilting Quick Release and Personal Steering Wheel - Available from The Tuners Group
The interior features a Works Bell Tilting Rapfix GTC Hybrid Quick Release, Works Bell Short Boss and Personal Fitti E3 Corsa steering wheel, all available from The Tuners Group. Contact Us if you want the same parts for your car.
Works Bell Rapfix GTC Hybrid Tilting Quick Release - Available from The Tuners Group
The Works Bell Tilting Rapfix GTC Hybrid Quick Release allows the steering wheel to tilt up out of the way for simple driver entry and exit and features a glove friendly release handle.
Beautiful interior detailing is also a feature of this car, particularly the alloy work in the rear of the interior and the beautifully designed and built roll cage.
The engine bay is filled with a host of ARC goodness including a range of ARC Titan titanium parts, including the ARC Ti Sparkplug Cover, ARC Ti Polished Heat Shield, ARC Ti Radiator Cover, ARC Air Box, ARC Titan Intercooler Intake Pipe and ARC Titan front strut brace, which are all available from The Tuners Group.
ARC Airbox - All the ARC products on this car are available from The Tuners Group
This car is a perfect example of a quality build that is timeless and will still look great many years from now. A huge congratulations to the owner of this car for his planning, attention to detail and commitment to high quality parts.
ARC Titan Titanium Shift Knob (available from The Tuners Group)
Links to products available from The Tuners Group seen on this car or mentioned in this article:
- Works Bell Tilting Rapfix GTC Hybrid Quick Release
- Works Bell Short Boss
- Personal Fitti E3 Corsa Steering Wheel
- ARC Titan Satin Finish Titanium Round Shift Knob
- HKS EVC 6
- ARC Ti Sparkplug Cover
- ARC Ti Polished Heat Shield
- ARC Ti Radiator Cover
- ARC Air Box
- ARC Titan Intercooler Intake Pipe
- ARC Titan front strut brace
Photo Gallery
Click here to view a photo gallery of more photos of this car ...
http://www.tunersgroup.com/lightboxes/Shieldcoat_Evo/index.html
What does Shieldcoat do ?
If you noticed the Shieldcoat logos on the car and wondered who they are and what they do ...
Since 1996 Shieldcoat has been manufacturing a range of premium quality, innovative protective coatings for all interior and exterior substrates including, metal, tile and fibro roofs, concrete driveways, garage floors and pathways as well as renders and textures.
Shieldcoat is Australian owned and operated. All products are produced locally using only the finest raw materials sourced from Australia. All it's products are developed to be extremely user friendly and to withstand Australia's harsh climate for many many years. Most products come with a 10 year guarantee.
Shieldcoat has always aimed to be at the leading edge of technology in order to stay ahead of the competition. They specialise in water based acrylic technology and have developed a water based, environmentally friendly alternative to many of the products previously only ever available in a solvent base. Their quality and expertise has also been recognised by some of the largest companies in Australia, meaning they now manufacture products for the likes of PPG, CSR and Boral Roofing.
Some of their most unique products include a heat reflective roof coating called Thermobond HRC that reduces interior temperatures by stopping the transfer of heat through the substrate it is applied to, a range of heat reflective renders and textures called Thermotex and a very hard wearing water based sealer for concrete driveways, garages, factory floors, workshop floors and pathways called Floorshield. For information on these products and many more, visit http://www.shieldcoat.com.au or call them on 07 3274 6911.
created on 2009-12-17 by adamr.
Australian Nissan Skyline R35 GT-R
The newest car to be featured in our customer cars gallery is this incredible Nissan R35 GT-R.
This car is one of the first R35's in Australia to receive serious modifications.
While many R35 GT-R owners have been worried about modifying their cars, our hats are off to the owner of this car, who has jumped right into modifying his R35 with gusto !
In terms of body modifications, the car has carbon fibre intakes, bonnet, raised rear wing, bootlid, vents and parcel shelf.
Engine wise, as well as the carbon intakes, the car sports dual ARC intercoolers, fed by upgraded turbochargers. The Australian built turbos use IHI cores but with ball bearings to help with faster spool up.
Fuel is delivered by 800cc injectors.
To keep the car cool, the car runs a rear differential cooler, transmission cooler pan, and a front mounted transmission cooler. The car also runs a high volume oil pan, which allows the GT-R to hold 7 litres of engine oil.
To get all the power to the ground, the car runs a very special transmission, hand assembled and blueprinted with a bunch of strengthened internals, and engineered to handle 700 hp continuous.
In the cockpit, the car sports a range of Works Bell goodness.
The steering wheel is attached to a Paddle Shifter assembly developed and manufactured by Works Bell. This Paddle Shifter turns with the steering wheel.
Click here for more information about the Works Bell Paddle Shifter NEO.
Behind the Paddle Shifter sits a black Works Bell Rapfix II Quick Release.
The Works Bell Rapfix II Quick Release is fitted with the bright yellow version of the Works Bell Flipper For Rapfix II Quick Release (For JAF & N1 Racing Regulations).
The entire steering wheel / quick release / paddle shifter assembly is attached to the steering column with a Works Bell Short Steering Wheel Boss Kit Hub For Nissan Skyline GT-R R35.
This car has recently been updated with it's new competition livery, and a set of Tecnocraft carbon fibre seats.
This car still has some very serious modifications yet to come - stay tuned for updates.
Links to products available from The Tuners Group seen on this car or mentioned in this article:
- Works Bell Paddle Shifter NEO
- Works Bell Rapfix II Quick Release
- Works Bell Flipper For Rapfix II Quick Release - Yellow Version For JAF & N1 Racing Regulations
- Works Bell Short Steering Wheel Boss Kit Hub For Nissan Skyline GT-R R35
- ARC Nissan R35 GT-R Intercooler
Photo Gallery
Click here to view a photo gallery of more photos of this car.
created on 2009-09-21 by adamr.
Synth19 Ginash George Honda Acura NSX
This NSX is a perfect example of an NSX done right.
This car is owned by US based modifier Ginash George. Ginash's previous project car was an incredible 2003 Nissan 350Z project car which was featured in Turbo Magazine, in an article on tunerzine.com and in this article on thespeedlounge.com.
So it's very clear that when it comes to modifying Japanese cars the right way. Ginash definitely knows how to build a car right.
Ginash's new project is this incredible NSX which he is detailing the build of on the Synth19 Blog.
Tying in with the beautiful Imola Orange Pearl paintwork, Ginash has fitted a Team Orange Collaboration Version Works Bell Rapfix II Quick Release and Team Orange Works Bell Steering Wheel.
The car also has had a number of modifications made to it, including a very rare stainless steel and titanium exhaust system, and an ultra rare Zanardi edition NSX shift knob (from the limited edition of 50 Zanardi NSX's sold in the United States), with a unique mesh shift boot complete with carbon fiber trim from the JDM spec 2002 NA2 NSX-R.
Congratulations to Ginash on an incredible build, and we look forward to seeing what's next for his incredible NSX.
Click here to view a photo gallery of more photos of this car.
Links to products available from The Tuners Group seen on this car:
- Works Bell Team Orange Collaboration Version Rapfix II Quick Release
- Works Bell Team Orange Steering Wheel
created on 2009-05-18 by adamr.
Monster Supra
Owned by one of our customers in the UK is this mindblowing Toyota Supra, one of the most powerful Supras on the planet. The owner of the car advises it has an astonishing 1,500 hp.
No expense was spared on the car and the interior is just as impressive. The rear seats have been removed to make way for nitrous bottles and battery mount. You won't find any monster stereos here - this car is all about power.
This car runs a Works Bell Rapfix II steering wheel quick release and Works Bell short steering boss.
Links to the products from The Tuners Group used on this car:
- Works Bell Rapfix II steering wheel quick release
- Works Bell Short Boss for Supra
Click here to view a photo gallery of more photos of this car.
created on 2009-03-17 by adamr.
European WRX Rally Car
This car is a very special WRX owned by one of The Tuners Group's customers, a rally team based in Europe.
The car uses a 6 speed manual WRX transmission, but the transmission has been converted to full sequential via a custom sequential shift mechanism mounted to the manual gearbox.
A Works Bell Paddle Shifter NEO controls the sequential transmission in this European Subaru WRX rally car
A Works Bell Paddle Shifter NEO Universal has been installed to control the custom sequential shift mechanism, which allows the driver to shift in full sequential sequential mode without his hands needing to leave the steering wheel to change gears.
The paddle shifter is mounted via a Works Bell short boss.
This car also runs a Shift-I Shift Light System, supplied by The Tuners Group.
Planned modifications for this winter include:
- Cosworth EJ20 long-block engine swap
- PPG or KAPS Transmissions group N Dog-gearbox
The car is full of all kinds of innovative solutions ...
A battery from a BMW motorcycle is used to save weight, and the car uses parts from a number of the world's finest manufacturers, including Cosworth, Cusco, Brembo, JUN Automotive, and Recaro.
This car is sure to be one to watch this season in Europe.
Links to the products from The Tuners Group used on this car:
Click here to view a photo gallery of more photos of this car.
created on 2009-03-17 by adamr.
The South African built Revo off road racer
The South African built Revo is a perfect example of true innovation at it's finest.
It was built by one of our customers, Achim Bergmann of Thompson Racing, for the Motorite Racing team.
To quote from carsinaction.net ... "So what is revolutionary about the Revo? Simple, it is the first serious attempt at four-wheel drive Class A Special Vehicle. Power comes from an American built 500hp 6-litre engine and is delivered to all four BF Goodrich tyres via a 6-speed gearbox."
The car is of a space frame construction with a fiberglass body. Tubing is 4130 cro-moly and uses a LS2 6l V8 engine coupled to a Sadev SC90 six speed sequential.
Shocks are American Radflo with secondary pistons in the coil-overs and an external bypass shock per corner. Wheel travel 300mm all round.
The Works Bell Paddle Shifter NEO Universal used to control the sequential transmission in the Revo. Due the extreme dust and moisture conditions in Dakar Rally style off road racing, a custom dust and moisture seal was fitted.
A Works Bell Paddle Shifter NEO Universal is used to trigger up and down shifts controlled by a Motec M800.
A custom made dust seal was used to seal the paddle shifter from the extreme dust and moisture conditions encountered in off road racing (see photo above - click the photo to enlarge).
Up shift cuts ignition and pneumatically selects gear, down shift activates a pneumatic clutch, blips throttle and selects gear.. works very well.
The Revo weighs 1600kg (regulations) and has a wheelbase and track of 2990mm and 2100mm respectively.
Update August 19 2009: The Revo, piloted by Evan Hutchison and Achim Bergmann has just won the South African Absa Off Road Championship for special vehicles - an incredible feat in it's first season of racing.
Click here for an article about their win on the saoffroadracing.co.za site.
Links to the products from The Tuners Group used on this car:
CarsInAction.net have an article about the Revo with photos of it in action on their website at
http://www.carsinaction.net/ViewArticle.asp?art=1618
Click here to view a photo gallery of more photos of this car.
created on 2009-03-17 by adamr.
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