JK Labs also designed and installed hardware and software engineered to interface the Denon DCT-Z1 with the DEQX signal processor. This studio unit allows the user to control full-band impulse response as well as room and media correction. It also features linear phase crossovers and a specially calibrated microphone for system setup. The custom software allows the two units to talk to each other, allowing the processor to manipulate the signal based on the volume and track being played. JK Labs further upgraded the DEQX by ripping out all the copper wires for higher-quality, more conductive silver wire; replacing all the capacitors, resistors and operational amps with higher-quality, low-tolerance parts, which ensures optimized operation; and switching the 110-volt power supply with a 12-volt unit. JK Labs also designed and installed a dedicated subwoofer channel, creating yet another custom piece of electronica in an off-the-shelf box.
From there the signal is shipped via IXOS pure silver IX-3 interlinks and IXOS pure silver 75-ohm digital coax cable through the ceiling. Most of the electronics are mounted to the ceiling, freeing up the dash to become a work of simplistic art. The design redirects SQ judges' eyes away from reading brand names so their ears can focus instead on the sound of the car.
Custom PowerUnderneath the fiberglass rear window, a 1" tube-steel amprack was specially designed to mount the four 90cm-long Genesis amplifiers and facilitate the custom liquid cooling system. Each amp's heatsink was modified at the factory with a female NPT fitting on each end. The cooling system then pumps liquid through polyethylene tubing and through the aluminum heatsinks. Who says water and electricity don't mix?!
Genesis built each amplifier specifically for this car, leaving out all the unnecessary processors, crossovers, filters and even gain structures so that the basic, raw amplifier remains. The amps were set to unity gain, to provide peak output at a 2-volt input, with a significantly high signal-to-noise ratio. As with the processor, all the internal components were replaced with higher-quality, low-tolerance parts, ensuring optimized operation. All the connections to the amplifiers, both input and output, were soldered directly to the boards using silver solder.
Hybrid SpeakersIn July 2005, Buwalda co-founded Hybrid Audio Technologies, so naturally all the speakers are from Hybrid Audio. The front stage is a Legatia L63 3-way component set consisting of an 8" midbass, 3" midrange and a 19mm tweeter. The midbass drivers are prototypes mounted in an infinite-baffle configuration. The kick panels feature 8" Legatia subwoofer. A significant amount of work was done to make sure the 8" diameter, 4" deep woofer fit in the panel while maintaining a flush kick panel; as a matter of fact, the new kicks are shallower than the original factory panels. The Legatia L3 mid and L1 tweeter are both located in the firewall\cowl area. Buwalda was a little hesitant to give out any additional information as to alignment, positioning or even crossover points. "There needs to be some mystery in every great SQ car," he states. "Plus having speakers hidden behind non-removable grilles allows the SQ judges to use only their ears, and not [their] eyes." Buwalda did say, however, "We have taken this car about as far as one can take a car to mechanical optimization of the listening space."
To finish out the system, a CarBot computer was installed to control every electronic aspect of the vehicle. There is no key or starter button; as a matter of fact, there are no buttons anywhere as every system is controlled via the 3-D software program written specifically for this car. Want to roll down the window? Simply touch the 3-D model of the car on the screen and drag the window. The glass in the door follows suit. The system even goes so far as to maintain a wireless network and web server, allowing laptop or PSP control of the vehicle.
Scott Buwalda, co-installer Brett Nelker and members of Team Hybrids have created such a masterpiece that topping it will be a feat of immeasurable proportions. Three years in the making, and still not quite finished, this hybrid of technology, brute force and serene style will soon set the show circuit ablaze when it rolls into town. Be sure to check out www.buwaldahybrids.com for a show schedule - this is one you DO NOT want to miss.
TechExteriorBodywork includes custom-formed fenders fashioned from half S14 and half S15 fenders, shaved door handles and fuel door, and the Vertex S14 body kit. To ensure that this car would be unlike any other, every unibody seam and unused hole was welded up to achieve a smooth, flowing look. "It was a complete project, a massive undertaking, but the result was well worth it: a completely smooth and straight engine compartment," Scott Buwalda says.
InteriorThe entire interior is a complete fabrication. The Sparco seats are about the only part Buwalda didn't build.