User:Rwelch81215/Sandbox

Pro-touring is a form of car modifications that centers on improving the quality of older cars to that of newer models. The cars most used for this are GM muscle cars like Camaros and Chevelles from the late 60s and early 70s. Many others cars have been used including Ford Mustang and various other Chrysler models. The improvements done to the vehicle are mainly for performance and driver comfort but also to improve the appearance of the car. Build quality varies between builders and also depends on the aftermarket support for a particular model and year car. This variance between cars allows for each builder to tailor the car to their specific wants and develop unique designs.

The Build Process
The build usually begins with a car of poor quality having much rust and missing or broken parts. Builders then strip down the car to determine what is reusable and what is scrap. It is during this stage that many builders lose interest in the project due to the extent of damage or are discouraged by the amount of work required before the car is ready for modifications. Once the body is repaired the next step is usually but not always suspension repair or modification. Depending on make, model, and year a wide variety of aftermarket suspension parts are available from individual components to complete front end kits. Also included in the suspension rebuild are the vehicles brakes and tires which play a major role in improved handling and stability. Once the body and suspension are dealt with the builder may then decide to pick the engine and transmission for the car. Engine selection is a major step in the build process because it shapes the car's purpose and personality. Almost any engine can be used but a large number of builders prefer to use GM's current line of V8s known as the LS series. With all the repairs and modifications mostly complete the next step and final step would be the paint and interior. Paint usually precedes interior for an easier process but may be completed in any order. The interior is an area of vast improvement over the original with many aftermarket and custom options available. the improvements usually done to the interior is the addition a air conditioning system and improved gauges.

Body Work
the body of a pro-touring car can be factory original or modifided to improve the apperance. Vehicles with improved powertrains but a factory apperance are sometimes refered to as sleepers. modifications may include deletion of trim, addition of emblems, adding parts from different model years, blending seams, and many other options. the body work also includes repairing damaged or rusted out sections through the use of new sheet metal or body filler.

Suspension
The suspension is what make the car a pro-touring build because the car must handle as well as a modern vehicle. A major upgarde can be made to all suspension systems by replacing old and worn out parts with new parts but pro-touring goes further than that. A pro-touring car has a completely new suspension and in most cases use many aftermarket componets. The car may also have a new braking and steering systems that may inculde disc brakes and rack and pinion steering. The wheels and tires also play a large part in improving handleing by increasing grip and allowing brake caliper clearance.