Corey_68

I may have to check this out next time I'm in Fort Worth for a meeting.


http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/...e/1689546.html

Paul L

That car (and the associated story) goes back a LONG ways. I can't remember if anyone ever got it running properly.

The13Bats

I cant recall where but I followed that build early on, it was such a joke of a build as I recall the guy with the $$$ wasn't at all car savvy but was rather ego driven, it was often spewed how this would be the ultimate custom corvette "ever". "fail".
I stopped watching the build about the time they were trying to hide the blower under a stupid tall L-88 scoop,
I stopped watching the build because it got lame, some cat can and does toss too much at a build with no direction, just for bragging rights. too many cars on this very forum are 100% nicer.
And yes, last I heard it wasn't even a driver.

Alan 71

Hi,
If you google 'Project Insane Asylum' you'll see a couple of videos.
I think it's interesting that the Hemmings ad pictures show 141 miles on the odometer.
Regards,
Alan

Corey_68

Well most high end builds are ego and challenge driven this one is no different. I don't share the same tastes in some members modifications here, but I do respect the time and effort they put into thier vision.

To each thier own

The13Bats

You know I support all the builds, even the ones some deem tacky, however the build is one thing, builders additude another.
I respect time, work, effort, I do not respect ego junkies who cant stop bragging about themselves or their builds be the build low dollar or high dollar, same thing for me, the build is ruined if it is just bragging rights...

Gordonm

Just because it has a lot of money in the build does not mean it is a desired car at all. I remember the build well and it came to a grinding halt and never did get running correctly. Pretty much the 131 miles is on/ off the trailer. 1350 HP maybe but it does not idle or run well at all. This is a trailer queen at best. I'm for sure not buying it, even if it was 1/4 that price.

The13Bats

This build started as a guy thumping his chest about building the ultimate custom corvette ever and it was the biggest corvette project fail I have ever seen....the only winner the fellow he paid to build it.

Shark Racer

It's kind of funny to look at it now. It was a "crazy" build then, now it probably would be much easier to build that kind of power with a way less complicated build.

Some of the details are neat. I wonder where / how he did the tach. Maybe an aftermarket setup with original styles stencils added back in?

Mick71

Didn't anyone notice the difference in the tire to wheelwell distance between the front and rear when they were building it? That was the first thing I saw.

Other than that, I like it.

AirBusPilot

I don't see $260,000 in this build. Though I have little doubt the original owner paid someone that much money to build it.

zwede

I saw the car in person years ago. I was surprised that the body work was pretty bad. Wavy panels and visible sanding scratches.

The13Bats

I recall the fellow who owned it was in the build thread, he would say what he wanted and people would chime in all kinds of better ways or at least just ways that would work well and be a bit cheaper, he would come back with "his" way that would cost ten times normal and boast about the fees, so yeah, I could have seen more than 260K invested.
I am not all that shocked that in person it is less than one would expect for the $$$ invested, one has to remember that owner wasnt car savvy, the shop, who knows but people on here have done way better for way, way less...

Corey_68

The build appeared to be an open tab, so figure @ $100/hr (likely more) for total build including R&D for blower setup, dyno tuning, paint/body, and ever expensive parts list....its not out of the realm of possibility. Considering I don't think he turned wrench and shop doing everything on the build I can see it... not saying it's worth it however.

The13Bats

Assuming partly from the low miles it's had for years, that the engine still isnt "right" that you cant go drive it around, then does any hp brags even count at all?

Gordonm

I love this part. Someone made off with a boat load of cash for virtually a useless car. It has never run right. I'd like to see the dyno sheet for that.

Paul L

Was he not a computer programmer with lots of cash before the market crash of ~2000? It never ran properly and I doubt it does today. But you know, I give the fellow credit for a chasing a dream. What I never understood was what he expected at the far end. That is not the kind of car you can cruise in. Heck, my 195hp L-48 does better than that.

SeattleC5

It seems if someone were willing to bite the bullet and get over the sunk cost in this car, they could get rid of that horribly mismatched motor, put a nice big block crate engine in it, put a normal hood on it, and it might make a decent custom cruiser, for about $30k.

Gordonm

Here is a little about Steve (Merlin522) from a while ago. Yes he worked at Microsoft.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ming-home.html

gdh

I had talked with Steve just after his first test drive. He is a fairly big guy and had trouble fitting in it and left him with an awkward knee bent driving position. His first test drive scared the crap out of him as he nearly lost control rifht from launch. They never got to the heart of the over heating problem as well as other issues. I just found the build process interesting to follow as a what not to do.