Superformance Coupe User manual


Superformance Coupe
Owner’s Manual
Operational Guide
Warranty
First Edition
November 19, 2004

Page i
Authorized Dealer
Model Superformance Coupe
Chassis Number: SPC_______________________________
Color: ___________________________________
Stripes: ___________________________________
Purchased by: ___________________________________
Purchase Date: ___________________________________

Page ii
Superformance® Coupe
Owners Manual, Operational Guide, and Warranty
Copyright © 2003-2004 by Superformance International Inc.
Superformance® is a registered trademark of Superformance
International Inc.
Compiled by Brett Jackson, Hi-Tech Automotive, Port Elizabeth,
South Africa.
Edited by Mike Stenhouse, Second Strike, the Superformance
Owners Group, Davidson, North Carolina.
Published by Superformance International Inc., Newport News,
Virginia.
Printed in USA
November 19, 2004

Page iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of Figures .................................................................. vii
Additional Information to Be Provided............................ ix
Specifications..................................................................... 1
General Specifications .....................................................................1
Chassis...................................................................................................1
Body.......................................................................................................2
Front suspension ....................................................................................2
Rear suspension .....................................................................................2
Steering..................................................................................................2
Pedal box................................................................................................2
Brakes ....................................................................................................2
Cooling...................................................................................................2
Exhaust system.......................................................................................4
Interior................................................................................................4
Mechanical Components..................................................................4
Engine....................................................................................................4
Transmission..........................................................................................5
Differential.............................................................................................5
Wheels and Tires....................................................................................6
Dimensions........................................................................................6
Operation............................................................................ 7
Instrumentation.................................................................................7
Speedometer...........................................................................................7
Tachometer ............................................................................................7
Oil Temperature Gauge..........................................................................8
Water Temperature Gauge.....................................................................8
Oil Pressure Gauge ................................................................................9
Fuel Gauge.............................................................................................9
Volt Meter..............................................................................................9
Fuel pressure gauge..............................................................................10
Controls and Switches ...................................................................11
Ignition Switch.....................................................................................11
Turn Signal Indicator / Hi Beam Stalk.................................................11
Horn.....................................................................................................12
Dash Dimmer Switch...........................................................................12
Hazard Light Switch ............................................................................12
Climate Control Air Flow Directional .................................................13
Air Flow Source...................................................................................13
Air Conditioning..................................................................................13
Temperature Control............................................................................13
Start Switch..........................................................................................13

Page iv
Fuel Pump Toggle Switch....................................................................13
Windshield Wiper Rotary Switch ........................................................14
De-Mist Toggle Switch........................................................................14
Windshield Washer Toggle Switch......................................................14
Headlight Toggle Switch .....................................................................14
Spot Light Toggle Switch ....................................................................14
Number Toggle Switch........................................................................15
Radiator Fan Override Toggle Switch .................................................15
Engine Compartment / Exhaust Fan Toggle Switch............................15
Interior Light Switch............................................................................15
Adjustable Air Vents............................................................................16
Removable Cover for Radio Fitment...................................................16
Side Windows......................................................................................16
Door Release Buttons...........................................................................16
Manual Door Operation.......................................................................17
Remote Immobilizer ............................................................................18
DC Power Accessory Ports..................................................................18
Hand Brake ..........................................................................................18
Gear Lever ...........................................................................................19
Warning Lights / Buzzers...............................................................19
Indicator Repeater................................................................................19
Ignition / Alternator Warning Light.....................................................20
Low Coolant Warning Light................................................................20
Hi Beam Pilot Light.............................................................................20
Low Brake Fluid Warning Buzzer.......................................................20
Fuel Inertia Switch...............................................................................20
Storage.............................................................................................21
Glove Compartment.............................................................................21
General Stowage Compartments..........................................................22
Windshield Washer Bottle ...................................................................23
Jack Compartment ...............................................................................24
Start Procedure...............................................................................25
Running In Procedure ....................................................................26
Engine..................................................................................................26
Tires.....................................................................................................26
Brakes ..................................................................................................26
Vehicle Entry, Access and Refueling............................................26
Doors....................................................................................................26
Keys.....................................................................................................27
Hood.....................................................................................................28
Trunk....................................................................................................29
Refueling..............................................................................................30
Seats.....................................................................................................31
Seat Belts .............................................................................................32
Side Exhaust Pipe Caution...................................................................32

Page v
Maintenance ..................................................................... 33
Battery..............................................................................................33
Battery..................................................................................................33
Main Power Cut Off Switch.................................................................33
Wheels and Tires.............................................................................34
Emergency Jacking Points - Front .......................................................36
Emergency Jacking Points - Rear ........................................................37
Tire Pressures.......................................................................................39
Towing..............................................................................................40
Alignment Specifications...............................................................42
Recommended Settings........................................................................42
Achieving the Settings - Front .............................................................43
Understanding Your Graph..................................................................44
Achieving the Settings - Rear ..............................................................45
Understanding Your Graph – (Dynamic Toe)......................................48
Routine Check Up and Service......................................................50
Recommended Fluids...........................................................................50
Engine Oil............................................................................................50
Transmission........................................................................................50
Differential...........................................................................................51
Brake Fluid ..........................................................................................51
Clutch Fluid .........................................................................................51
Fuel Octane Requirement.....................................................................52
Brake Fluid Warning Buzzer ...............................................................52
Coolant Header Tank...........................................................................52
Power Steering Fluid............................................................................53
Filling Engine Oil ................................................................................53
Oil Usage Notes...................................................................................54
Typical Engine Service Parts...............................................................54
Recommended Weekly Checks............................................................56
Recommended Daily Checks...............................................................56
Exterior Cleaning ............................................................................57
By Hand...............................................................................................57
Power Wash (Not Recommended).......................................................57
Automatic Car Wash (Not Recommended) .........................................57
Interior Cleaning..............................................................................57
Plastics / Alcantara / Leather / Carpets ................................................57
Electrical........................................................................... 58
Bulbs ................................................................................................58
Bulb Specification Table......................................................................58
Bulb Replacement................................................................................58
Headlight / Indicator – Front................................................................58
Spot Lights – Front ..............................................................................61
Rear Lights...........................................................................................63

Page vi
Rear Number Plate Light .....................................................................63
Fuse Box Tray Location and Components...................................65
Fuse Cluster # 1 ...................................................................................65
Relays...................................................................................................66
Fuses ....................................................................................................66
Immobilizer..........................................................................................67
Fuse Cluster # 2 ...................................................................................67
Relays...................................................................................................69
Fuses ....................................................................................................69
Wiring Harness Diagrams ..............................................................70
Dash Harness Map...............................................................................71
Cluster DH1.........................................................................................72
Clusters DH2 +DH3.............................................................................73
Clusters DH4, DH5, DH6, DH7 + DH8...............................................74
Clusters DH9, DH10, DH11 + DH12 ..................................................75
Clusters DH13, DH14 + DH15............................................................76
Clusters DH16, DH17, DH18 + DH19 ................................................77
Clusters DH20.1 to DH20.6 (switch panel) .........................................78
Clusters DH20.7 to DH20.13 (switch panel) .......................................79
Clusters DH20.14 to DH20.16 (switch panel) + DH21 .......................80
DH 20 Earth route + MSD ignition connections..................................81
Clusters DH22 + DH23........................................................................82
Clusters DH23 + DH24........................................................................83
Harness connectors ..............................................................................84
Harness connector’s cont. ....................................................................85
Front Harness Map...............................................................................86
Harness Wire Color, Thickness and Function......................................87
Express Conditional Warranties, Inspection and Repairs
........................................................................................... 88
Miscellaneous Terms and Conditions............................ 92
Glossary............................................................................ 93
Notes................................................................................. 96

Page vii
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Superformance Coupe.....................................................................1
Figure 2 Superformance Chassis, Front View...............................................3
Figure 3 Superformance Chassis, Rear View................................................3
Figure 4 Speedometer and tachometer..........................................................7
Figure 5 Gauges ............................................................................................8
Figure 6 Fuel pressure gauge ......................................................................10
Figure 7 Controls and switches...................................................................11
Figure 8 Controls and switches...................................................................12
Figure 9 Interior light switch.......................................................................15
Figure 10 Adjustable air vents ......................................................................16
Figure 11 Door release button driver’s side..................................................17
Figure 12 Door release button passenger’s side and DC power....................17
Figure 13 Manual operation door lever.........................................................17
Figure 14 Remote immobilizer .....................................................................18
Figure 15 Hand brake and gear lever ............................................................18
Figure 16 Gear lever knob.............................................................................19
Figure 17 Warning lights and buzzers...........................................................19
Figure 18 Fuel inertia switch location...........................................................20
Figure 19 Fuel inertia switch.........................................................................20
Figure 20 Glove compartment.......................................................................21
Figure 21 Cup holders...................................................................................21
Figure 22 General stowage compartments....................................................22
Figure 23 Inside the stowage compartment...................................................22
Figure 24 Washer bottle compartment..........................................................23
Figure 25 Washer bottle reservoir.................................................................23
Figure 26 Scissor jack compartment.............................................................24
Figure 27 Scissor jack, handle and hammer..................................................24
Figure 28 Keys..............................................................................................27
Figure 29 Hood latch.....................................................................................28
Figure 30 Trunk lock.....................................................................................29
Figure 31 Le Mans vintage competition style gas filler................................30
Figure 32 Locking type gas cap ....................................................................30
Figure 33 Seat adjust, seat belt and lumbar...................................................31
Figure 34 Battery location and main power cut off switch ...........................33
Figure 35 Removing left side wheels............................................................34
Figure 36 Removing right side wheels..........................................................34
Figure 37 Hood raised, jack point for LH front suspension..........................36
Figure 38 Scissor jack locating slid into position under left hand
lower control arm..........................................................................36
Figure 39 Scissor jack locating point for right hand front suspension..........37
Figure 40 Hood raised, jack slid into position under right hand
lower control arm..........................................................................37
Figure 41 Scissor jack locating point for left hand rear suspension..............38
Figure 42 Scissor jack locating point for right hand rear suspension............38

Page viii
Figure 43 Drive pin holes in rim center ........................................................38
Figure 44 Drive pins on hub center...............................................................39
Figure 45 Towing eye and mounting bolt.....................................................40
Figure 46 Front tow hook mount points........................................................41
Figure 47 Rear tow hooks mount points .......................................................41
Figure 48 Front wheel toe vs. wheel movement............................................44
Figure 49 Setting rear static toe.....................................................................46
Figure 50 Rear wheel toe vs. wheel travel ....................................................47
Figure 51 Rear wheel toe ..............................................................................49
Figure 52 Fluid reservoirs.............................................................................51
Figure 53 Power steering fluid reservoir.......................................................53
Figure 54 Engine oil dip stick. A/C ports......................................................54
Figure 55 Remove fastening screw...............................................................59
Figure 56 Remove plastic cover....................................................................59
Figure 57 Indicator cover..............................................................................59
Figure 58 Indicator bulb................................................................................59
Figure 59 Plastic access cover.......................................................................60
Figure 60 Loosen screw through hole...........................................................60
Figure 61 Remove surround..........................................................................60
Figure 62 Remove lens fastening screw........................................................60
Figure 63 Unplug the light............................................................................61
Figure 64 Compress spring clip and remove bulb.........................................61
Figure 65 Spot light cover.............................................................................61
Figure 66 Plastic spot light shroud................................................................61
Figure 67 Remove fastening ring..................................................................62
Figure 68 Unplug white wire ........................................................................62
Figure 69 Loosen screw ................................................................................62
Figure 70 Replace bulb and wire...................................................................62
Figure 71 Remove chrome rim......................................................................63
Figure 72 Remove indicator lens ..................................................................63
Figure 73 Removal of number plate lamp cover...........................................64
Figure 74 Hinged tray housing fuses.............................................................65
Figure 75 Cluster 1 Relays and fuses under the dash....................................66
Figure 76 Radiator fan plug left hand ...........................................................67
Figure 77 Radiator fan plug right hand.........................................................67
Figure 78 Radiator cowl and fans .................................................................68
Figure 79 Cowl fastener O-ring ....................................................................68
Figure 80 Plastic cover over fuses in engine bay..........................................68
Figure 81 Cluster 2 Relays and fuses in the engine bay................................69

Page ix
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED
The Coupe Owner’s Manual provides places to write information
that is specific to your car.
To be provided by owner and/or Superformance dealer
Vehicle and owner information........................................................i
Keys...............................................................................................27
To be provided by engine builder/installer
Minimum, maximum, break-in engine speeds................................7
Oil temperature................................................................................8
Water temperature........................................................................... 8
Oil pressure .....................................................................................9
Fuel pressure .................................................................................10
Engine oil ...................................................................................... 50
Transmission fluid......................................................................... 50
Differential fluid............................................................................ 51
Fuel octane requirement................................................................52
V-belt size .....................................................................................55
Spark plugs....................................................................................55

Page x

Page 1
SPECIFICATIONS
General Specifications
Congratulations on your purchase of a Superformance®component
vehicle! With proper care and maintenance your Superformance
should supply you with years of pleasure and enjoyment. Prior to
operation please familiarize yourself with the information
contained in this book.
[Figure 1 - Superformance Coupe]
The vehicle is supplied by Superformance as a complete and fully
equipped rolling chassis less engine and transmission. Please check
with the installer of your engine and transmission for break-in
details and specifications for your engine and transmission and
record the information in the space provided in this manual.
Superformance makes running engineering changes as
requirements are identified. The specifications herein are typical
for cars in current production at the time of compilation of this
manual. Specifications for individual cars may vary.
Chassis
Jig-Welded tubular steel space frame.

Page 2
Body
Composite construction with superior aerodynamics. Hand laid
fiberglass panels with Vinyl ester resin. All mounting points plated
prior to lamination. Forward hinging doors and hood double
skinned for added re-enforcement.
Front suspension
Fully independent suspension using unequal length A-arm design,
adjustable coil springs over telescopic shock absorbers and anti roll
bar.
Rear suspension
Fully independent suspension using unequal length A-arm design,
with a toe control link, adjustable coil springs over telescopic
shock absorbers and anti roll bar.
Steering
Power assisted Rack and pinion with 2.5 turns lock to lock giving a
turning circle of 42ft. Ratio 16.1:1.
Pedal box
Floor mounted pedals. Pedals integrated into the space frame
chassis. Pedal pads adjustable. Accelerator pedal height can be
adjusted.
Brakes
Vacuum boosted system. PBR 2 pot floating calipers front, 1 pot
floating calipers rear with vented discs:
FRONT – 12.8” x 1.25”
REAR – 12” x 1”
Cooling
Latest technology high performance aluminum core radiator with
built-in oil cooler. Two thermostatically-controlled electric fans.

Page 3
[Figure 2 – Superformance Chassis, Front View]
[Figure 3 – Superformance Chassis, Rear View]

Page 4
Exhaust system
Fabricated headers bolt onto original side pipe design but with
gases continuing back into rear mounted exhaust pipes protruding
through lower rear of the body.
Interior
The cockpit is trimmed in top quality automotive carpeting, leather
and Alcantara materials. The cockpit also houses a 4-point roll bar,
a black padded roof liner, 3 point retractable seat belts (See seat
belt operation on page 32), an original style 14” Motolita steering
wheel and an interior light on the roof lining behind the
windshield.
Mechanical Components
Engine
The Superformance Coupe has been designed to use:
•A Ford 351 Windsor block or aftermarket equivalent with
standard 9.5 inch deck height
•Cylinder heads with exhaust ports in the stock location and
with shape and dimensions consistent with AFR 185 cylinder
heads
•A single four barrel with a dual-plane intake manifold
These specifications are dictated respectively by:
•Space within the engine compartment
•Exhaust header design and frame clearance
•Hood clearance
Within these constraints, the owner has a wide choice of 351W
based engines from 351 to 427 cubic inches with up to 600
horsepower or more from a number of engine builders.

Page 5
Transmission
The Superformance Coupe is designed to use the Tremec T-56
6-speed manual gearbox from TTC (Transmission Technologies
Corporation).
The following speeds are the maximum calculated speeds based on
recommended tire size, T-56 gear ratios, 3.46 final drive, and a
6000 rpm redline. The actual speeds attainable in the higher gears
depend on the engine selected.
Gear Ratio mph/1000 rpm Max speed in gears
1 2.97 8.2 49 mph (6000 rpm)
2 2.07 12.0 71 mph (6000 rpm)
3 1.43 17.1 102 mph (6000 rpm)
4 1.00 24.4 146 mph (6000 rpm)
5 0.80 30.5 183 mph (6000 rpm)
6 0.62 39.4 236 mph (6000 rpm)
CAUTION: Because the Coupe has low drag, speeds in excess of
200 mph may be possible with engines of 500 or more horsepower.
Speeds higher than legal highway speeds should only be attempted
by experienced drivers with proper safety equipment on closed
courses designed for such speeds.
NOTE: REVERSE GEAR LOCK OUT SWITCH
The clutch pedal AND the brake pedal MUST be depressed before
reverse gear can be engaged. The depressing of the brake pedal
activates an electronic mechanism on the gearbox which allows
reverse gear to be engaged.
For your safety, the Tremec employs a neutral safety switch that
will only allow the engine to be cranked and started while neutral
is selected.
Differential
BTR Hydratrac (3.46:1 ratio) limited slip differential designed for
independent rear suspension is fitted as standard equipment.

Page 6
Wheels and Tires
Front Wheels.....................Aluminum 18" x 8” peg drive knock off
Rear Wheels ....................Aluminum 18” x 10” peg drive knock off
Design Tire Sizes
Front..................................................................................255/45-18
Rear ...................................................................................285/50-18
Optional Tire Sizes
Front..................................................................................255/40-18
Rear ...................................................................................295/45-18
NOTE: Be sure to obtain a speed rating consistent with the speeds
you expect to drive. A minimum of a Z rating is recommended.
Dimensions
Curb weight..........................................................................3066 lbs
Weight distribution front/rear............................................ 49%/51%
Wheelbase:...................................................................................93"
Length: .......................................................................................175"
Height...........................................................................................49"
Width.........................................................................................73.5"
Track front:................................................................................56.5"
Track rear:.................................................................................58.5"
Ground clearance: .....................................................................6.25"
Fuel tank:..................................................... 21 gallon stainless steel
Curb weight and weight distribution are typical for a 351W engine
with an iron block and aluminum heads and a T-56 transmission.

Page 7
OPERATION
Instrumentation
Full instrumentation, gauges and warning lights are provided with
the Superformance rolling chassis. The gauges and warning lights
must be correctly hooked up during the engine and transmission
installation to function properly. The gauge and warning light
readings are dependant on engine and transmission specifications
and installation procedures. The following information is therefore
provided as general guidelines only. The actual gauge readings
should be determined by the owner and written in the spaces
provided.
[Figure 4 - Speedometer and tachometer]
Speedometer
The speedometer (1) indicates the speed of the car in miles per
hour.
Tachometer
The tachometer (2) indicates the engine speed in revolutions per
minute. Your engine provider should specify the minimum and
maximum engine speeds for the engine you have selected.
Minimum engine speed: _____ rpm
Maximum engine speed, break in: _____ rpm for _____ miles
Maximum engine speed: _____ rpm
Steering
wheel
position
1 Speedometer 2 Tachometer

Page 8
[Figure 5 - Gauges]
Oil Temperature Gauge
The oil temperature gauge (3) indicates the engine oil temperature
in degrees Fahrenheit. The oil temperature during normal driving
should be approximately the same as the water temperature. It will
be somewhat lower until the engine fully warms up and during
cold weather. It will be higher during high speed driving. If the
oil temperature exceeds the maximum during high speed driving,
additional oil cooling capacity may be required.
Normal oil temperature: __________ degrees Fahrenheit
Maximum oil temperature: __________ degrees Fahrenheit
Water Temperature Gauge
The water temperature gauge (4) indicates the engine water
temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. The normal operating
temperature depends on the thermostat installed. Your engine
provider should specify the normal water temperature.
Normal water temperature: __________ degrees Fahrenheit
If the water temperature exceeds 230 degrees Fahrenheit, the
engine should be shut down and allowed to cool before
3
5 67
4
IMMOBILIZER
LED