Updates added at bottom...

This is mine and my dad's second ground up rebuild project. What started as a simple plan to build a quick Camaro to play with engine combos in has spiraled wildly out of control into what you see in the following pictures. Here's a few specs and pics, you can find a ton more at http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/

Chassis
Solid aluminum bushings
Weld in Competition Engineering SFCs
12 Point Cage - 1 3/4" ERW
Engine Set Back ~1 Inch/Moroso Solid Mounts
Rear Frame Rails Welded to Body
2" Square Tubing Transmission Crossmember
Fabricated Sheet Metal Wheel Tubs

Rear Suspension
Stock Car Products Nascar Style Truck Trailing Arms
Mono Ball Bushings, Custom Coilover Mounts
QA1 12-way Adjustable Coilovers
Fabricated Panhard Bar/Shock Crossmember and Mounts
Possibly a Fabricated sway bar (if needed)

Front Suspension
SPC Adjustable UCAs - Rod End Mounts
UCA Mounts Reworked
Reinforced Stock Lower Arms
QA1 Bolt-In Adjustable Coilovers
Hotchkis Sway Bar

Body/Tires/Wheels
Harwood 3" Fiberglass Hood
All trim and emblems removed/filled
Clear Plexiglass Headlight/Blinker Covers
Cragar Soft 8 - 17x8 / 4 1/2" BS front, 17x9 / 5" BS rear
Sumitomo HTR Z - 245/45 front, 275/40 rear

Engine
377 (destroked 400)
Scat Lightweight Crank
Renegade CNC Ported heads
Mahle lightweight pistons
H-Beam Rods
Just over 11:1
Comp Solid Roller
Steel Roller Rockers w/ Stud Girdles
Professional Products Hurricane Intake
Holley or Proform 850
Dr. Gas Oval Exhaust Tubing/X-Pipe/SpinTechs

Driveline
Tremec TKO600
Lakewood Bellhousing
Fidanza 13 lb. Aluminum Flywheel
SPEC Clutch
9 Inch Ford rear
Nodular case/Spool/4.11

Interior
Sheet Metal Dash/Auto Meter Ultra Lites
Fabricated Shifter w/ Hurst Knob
Factory Plastics in the back
Thin Carpet On Floor
Headliner of Some Sort

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/beginning/images/camaroweb1.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/beginning/images/camaroweb3.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/beginning/images/camaroweb11.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/beginning/images/camaroweb19.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/beginning/images/camaroweb42.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/beginning/images/camaroweb63a.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/beginning/images/camaroweb69.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/beginning/images/camaroweb112.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/beginning/images/camaroweb153.jpg

I've been following your build for a long time...you have an awsome ride. I can't wait to see the finished product and have someone take a pic of the permanent grin that will be on your face the first time you take that thing through a series of hard turns...will ya?

Can't wait to see this finished, sweet!

Awsome!!

me likey

Very nice!

Oooohhhh Aaahhhhhh!!! I like it!!!! You are taking the path I would have taken if I had the $$$.

Keep the pics coming.

that car is going to b sweet when it's done

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/camaro3/normal_camaroweb112.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/camaroweb153.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_l_2073e24c51e6208c33541041a6473a70%7E0.jpg[/QUOTE]

WOW!!!! that looks sweet! Work of art!!

Jimmy likey!! Nice werk!

Looks fun!;) Good pics of your progress!

Da Gonna Be Eh Baaaaaaaaaad Car

Hey SR79 you found your way over here from AR huh? ;)

Looking good as always!

Thanks for the comments guys, hopefully there will be some real progress over the next few weeks. Should be able to get some paint on the bottom side and firewall next weekend, and possibly get the motor fired during the week (there will be video).

We got the exhaust built Sunday, I think it came out alright considering there's just not a place to tuck it up in the car with the trailing arm crossmember and everything.

And hey L88, I've been here for a while just don't post a whole lot, lol. Did a lot of lurking in the suspension section while we were sitting dumbfounded trying to decide what to do.

And, some exhaust pictars. I think it might be a little loud...

3" Pypes X-Pipe kit
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_DSC00292.JPG

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_DSC00294.JPG

SpinTech low profile mufflers with oval exits, slash cut tips will be added later.
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_DSC00298.JPG

Yes, those are zip ties as temporary mounts, lol
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_DSC00296.JPG

And, like everything else, the joy was short lived. Back out it comes :whine:
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_DSC00302.JPG

Pulled the motor and trans back out, a bit of mud to smooth out the firewall and it'll be ready for some paint.
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_DSC00304.JPG

coming along real nice!

PAINT! Well, primer...either way, it's much better looking than bare metal.

We're gonna discuss our options tomorrow. The original plan was to shoot the bottom side, underhood, and interior ourselves, then get our paint experts to work over the outside in the next month or so.

But..now we're thinking we may just shoot the whole car like this and get it going, then head into the paint booth next fall for some shine after we get the suspension dialed in and all the bugs worked out.

Anyway, more pictures will come after this weekend, but here's a couple..progress is so nice :eek:

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/l_c768fe5bc832e6c165aedeb29a448644.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/l_de1314e5ec0f7cef2d6e679ba93c87b8.jpg

nice

That thing is completely kick ass.

Awesome work!
I really like the Frame work and that Exhaust is going to be killer!

Thanks for the compliments as always, got a few more pictures and more definite plans figured out this weekend...

We're going to go ahead and prime the whole car, and probably just shoot it with satin black trim paint until we're comfortable enough with it to finish it out. I'm completely schizophrenic about colors, so God only knows what I'll like by the time we're ready.

The motor is all together, we should be able to get it fired in the next few weeks, and hopefully have all the major bodywork done and paint on it in 3-4 weeks. Then it's back on the ground for assembly...which makes me giddy like a small child.

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/l_8c52dd2ed513cf8e3a90095039fd833c.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/l_1656d9da585b3b1b59ca8698d4250811.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/l_93969ea04fa38e16e524dbadfe1692a9.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/l_ef3341b0125b3a1268f3142f4f2027f2.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/l_30e8e1996e098b0f3efa6f09ede2e505.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/l_c98e1190057204e517e5a3179ba591fe.jpg

And, 1Fast79, on the subject of exhaust I think we're going to need a holder on one of the cage bars for a box of these :confused:

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/abcsafetyglasses_1993_20051897

Very Cool..

Must be nice having a Bridgeport at your disposal.. I'm jealous;):p

that is looking simply awesome!

your frame work looks great. =)

And, 1Fast79, on the subject of exhaust I think we're going to need a holder on one of the cage bars for a box of these :confused:

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/abcsafetyglasses_1993_20051897

Hahaha Im going to be using quite a few of those myself soon, Im installing some cut outs so I can run open exhuast at the track and maybe around town a little :) .
Loud = FUN

Must be nice having a Bridgeport at your disposal.. I'm jealous;):p

Yeah...growing up in a machine shop has distorted my view of the world. It's kind of bad when you whine about having to follow the measurements on the table because the digital readout quit working...:shy:

And thanks again, guys, hopefully the next couple months will see some serious progress. I'm definitely ready for it to back on the ground.

Working in a machine shop definitely has its fringe benefits. Looks good as always. Got the engine specs handy?

The doors, fenders and decklid are at our body man's shop, hopefully we'll be able to get the rest of the car out there in the next couple weeks.

So, best weekend I've had in a LONG time, no contest. We got it off the rotisserie Friday night and got all the suspension back under it (again...), then got the engine fired up Saturday afternoon. Soooo ready to get it all together.

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/l_018cc605d3e0cb2e7fb2c4ffcd474a40.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/l_d5dc1e12acbc286dfe3515dded6e51f2.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/l_73cb27cca46b0522851786cd8385c34a.jpg


Annnnnnnnd now the really fun part...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=5SjBPpYD2ts
http://youtube.com/watch?v=brRvqOAIL1o

I absolutely love how it sounds, and it's actually quieter than I was afraid it would be.

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/l_d4b77d05150d8cefc1901086edf1a1ce.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/l_8a55a109510041834bfc0dfc380458b7.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/l_474b8521b963f20e139ae859259d761d.jpg

And woody, I don't have the cam specs but it's a little over 11:1, with something like a .590/.615 solid Comp roller. Really needs more compression but we'll be running it on pump gas a lot of the time.

Man that is sweet!! I love the sound of it too!,

get that puppy installed and drive it!!!

That sounded sweet!...SBC Music!!! man, that should make a rocket out of that car...

Couple more videos, all I had was my phone so they're not so spectacular. First two were with a 650 Edelbrock, we got the 850 Holley rebuilt and dialed in, it sounds a lot healthier. After these pulled it off the stand, hopefully we'll get the clutch ordered soon and be able to get all the drivetrain together.

Gonna go ahead and start running brake and fuel lines while we wait for our body man to get some space opened up, may get it running before we take it out there...in which case, there will be window/door/front clipless hoonage before it's put on the trailer :D

http://youtube.com/watch?v=dtUZYvheO2k - with the mufflers

http://youtube.com/watch?v=TascFpKlapg - without, can't really tell much about it, it is god-awful loud, though :eek:

Front suspension is under it for the last time, all painted, Grade 8's in all the slots and all new steering hardware.
http://a498.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/50/l_f2754b810dbdd82f09af072e45d917d9.jpg

http://a992.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/22/l_ae725df0bbfecaabec6d958cffd085d7.jpg

...And safety wired
http://a164.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/106/l_108a7874086637ac692b6d1ee26b017b.jpg

Pussed out, just going with a flat panel for the dash to start out with. My sheet metal skills aren't up to doing what I really wanted, but this will do for now.
http://a968.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/91/l_717dcb4bf0341122a5254a35e6077caf.jpg

Man !!!!dude!!! WOW!!! MAN!!! WOW!!!DANG!!!

Very Nice man. :D


To fix that loud problem, do what I am doing.. TURBO!! :evil

You're running the exact same wheels and tires I was thinking about running for a few years now. Nice.

To fix that loud problem, do what I am doing.. TURBO!! :evil

Oh, if only, maybe someday. I think we'll have at least a few seasons getting the suspension figured out, we don't need to the extra variable of tuning a turbo just yet :confused:

70RS, they seem to be pretty popular around here, can't beat them for the price. I'm hoarding all my spare change for something lighter and wider in the future, though. Looking pretty hard at these..

http://www.etwheels.com/ac/images/LT-3-17X8.jpg

Someday..:screwup:

More progress every week..

Dash is in, still a little work to get it finalized.
http://a748.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/96/l_b3e6af358c301aa52c1b121972a257d3.jpg

Steering column in final form, just gotta weld the disconnect coupler on.
http://a679.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/105/l_6b0ac5f9e9b8ee6cd6337ccb650e005e.jpg

http://a723.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/116/l_94616f55f4bbf13ff4929f7a2f33e70a.jpg

http://a274.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/67/l_26dde26ca1ce6ae436494317a7e89dd9.jpg

Front brake lines made
http://a126.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/94/l_02694de937af839b1e7bb1e6446d39f5.jpg

http://a753.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/89/l_9692fadf848de61d7c749872665b3570.jpg

And, master cylinder reservoirs mounted, fillers will stick up through a panel for level check/filling
http://a106.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/69/l_67110fed40ca0963efa60ae9ec1fcab9.jpg

http://a562.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/99/l_9b62633191459372943dce2c991e09e9.jpg

Been a while since I updated this, made a bit more progress..

Suspension Techniques sway bar is on
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3454.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3465.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3466.jpg

Shiny new toy in the dash, should be fun to play with
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3475.jpg

KRC Pulleys on the front, Centerforce clutch and Fidanza aluminum flywheel on the back, almost ready to go in.
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3476.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3484.jpg

That car is serious!!!!!!!!!

Sweet. Any more info on the swaybar? What size & how much?

Awesome progress!!!

I am suitably impressed..

Thanks for the comments, guys, it's slowly getting there.

Sweet. Any more info on the swaybar? What size & how much?

We ordered it from Summit, it's an 1 1/4" and was only $129 (!!!). Not sure how it compares performance wise to the others, but at that price we're definitely going to try it out. Here's the Summit page. (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=STQ%2D50250&N=700+4294908216+4294908198+4294925054+115&autoview=sku) Stiffened it up substantially. Before, I could stand on the rocker and pull on the cage and bottom it out, now I can only squat it half an inch or so.

We ordered it from Summit, it's an 1 1/4" and was only $129 (!!!). Not sure how it compares performance wise to the others, but at that price we're definitely going to try it out. Here's the Summit page. (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=STQ%2D50250&N=700+4294908216+4294908198+4294925054+115&autoview=sku) Stiffened it up substantially. Before, I could stand on the rocker and pull on the cage and bottom it out, now I can only squat it half an inch or so.
Thanks for the link.

Yup!, you have been busy....looking good.

WOW!! :eek: you have made a lot of progress! Can't wait to see the end result videos.

lemme know how you like the RacePak LDX... I want one in a big way:D

K5 - I'll definitely post about our experiences with it, it's really killing me just looking at it and not being able to be figuring it out yet, lol.

Had another good weekend in the shop..

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3492.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3496.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3497.jpg

It fits!
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3501.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3511.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3512.jpg

They'll be shooting the trim and areas around the glass Tuesday night, it should be getting glass and then heading heading to the painters' in the next 2 weeks or so..
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3524.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3528.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3529.jpg

Love this car. Your photography is very nice too. What are you using for a camera?

Thanks, I'm using a Rebel XT with the 18-55 kit lens. I also have the 50 f/1.8, which is a lot sharper, but it doesn't work so well in the shop. I just started shooting again the past couple weeks, I'm finally getting the feel for it again.

Thanks, I'm using a Rebel XT with the 18-55 kit lens. I also have the 50 f/1.8, which is a lot sharper, but it doesn't work so well in the shop. I just started shooting again the past couple weeks, I'm finally getting the feel for it again.
I just picked up a Canon S5 IS with some filters. It's not an SLR, but it's got a lot of manual features to do similar shots to yours. I should take advantage of it!

Those are super nice cameras for the money, I worked with a guy that took some amazing shots with one. Made me feel dumb for having the SLR and not being able to do any better with it than I was at the time :screwup:

Got some more done the past few weekends - glass is in, brakes and clutch are ready to bleed, exhaust and headers are ready to be final welded and painted, and it should be going to the painters' weekend after next, pending the completion of the Volkswagen they were shooting this weekend. Inching forward ever so slowly :lol:

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3536.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3537.jpg

Knocked 6 pounds off this beast..not nearly as much as I was hoping for, but every bit counts
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3549.jpg

We'll be adding an aluminum skirt off the rocker that will clean up the look of all this..
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3555.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3565.jpg

nice going!

it coming out great

check out my project some time

It's gone...

..we hauled it away Thursday night..should be getting some shininess laid down in the next few weeks. They've already worked over the doors, decklid, and one fender. Same guys/shop that did my truck.

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3675.JPG

Shop feels REALLY empty without it in there..
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3678.JPG

It's new home for the next month or so..the land of much Mopar-ness
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3681.JPG

Ready for some paint -
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3682.JPG

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3685.JPG

Now's when patience would be a good thing to have :confused:

Best wishes while it's in paint jail....

That looks like some awesome work done on your car. Best of luck with paint.

Pretty cool, nice journal you have going! :)

So, they uhh..they don't waste much time. My dad snapped this when he took the hood, nose and bumper out there tonight :D

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/primer.JPG

..cue evil laughter. Hopefully get to see some orange soon.

That window almost looks flush mounted like the Burt Reynolds Bandit.

Your car is SWEET!!

I'm watching the progress in awe!!

Great work and pics!!

w00t! they are moving right along....would be cool to see some color in a few days;)

Minor update for the week, Dad went and helped them get everything sanded tonight, and it should be getting color in the jambs and such tomorrow, pictures will follow after I get back up there over the weekend.

Our original plan was GM's Sunset orange metallic, but after seeing the formula (~70% clear) we decided to go with Chrysler Salsa Red to cut down on paint cost (I know, I know..:screwup:), which is similar but more red with some pearl so it will flip flop in different lights. It also happens to be the one paint color on earth I can't find a decent picture of.. I'm really anxious to see what it's going to look like.

I'm really anxious to see what it's going to look like.

me too... post-up when ya get a chance

Man, I should get off my arse and DUIT like you do:eek: cruisin right along...

Nice build, can't believe I missed this one. I will be watching for the color!!! Nice job!

Oh man...I came in here hoping to see .....color!!!!


OK...keep us updated, and snap some pics.....

Oh man...I came in here hoping to see .....color!!!!

I gotta build a little suspense first :cool:

We'll be going out to help them get it sanded Saturday, there will be 4 of us on it so it should go pretty quick.

And thanks for the compliments guys, it's been a little over 3 years to get to this point, my only goal when we started was to take less time than my truck did (just over 4 years) and we..might..just make it :confused:

Fairly productive weekend...

http://acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3775.jpg

thats the only pic?? thats not funny looks great.

thats the only pic?? thats not funny looks great.


Yes we need more!!!:D

Cool color!.....

Here's a few more from the weekend

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3738.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3735.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3765.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3768.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3769.jpg

I can't wait to get it out in the sun, it's got some pearl in it that makes it do a lot of crazy stuff. We should have it home by the end of the week, then just have to do the wiring and plumbing.

looks great!! can't wait to see it cut, buffed and reassembled.:) :cool:

now ya talking....looks good!

Thanks guys..yet more fun, we brought it home tonight..

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3776.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3781.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3787.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3790.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3796.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3799.jpg

Slightly giddy.. Now all that's left to do is..everything :screwup:

For monetary reasons (we'd rather be fast than pretty) he didn't buff on it as much as he wanted to, we told him from the start it's a racecar and didn't need to be absolute show car quality, I think we struck a good balance. Now on to the next goal - loud noises and tire smoke.

mikey waaaant... want bad.. lol
it's lookin' frikkin great man... keep postin';)

Amazing. U R the Man!!!

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3796.jpg


Oh wow! That color is really great!

But, I'm a little concerned, could you please put in a roll bar :) ???

Great looking ride...

Man, it looks like it came out great!...I bet it feels even better seeing it in your own garage, than it did over in the painter's booth.....OK, now on to the loud noises and tire smoke;)

that color is kick a$$! Love the ride height too.

Amazing. U R the Man!!!

Definitely can't take credit for how it looks, we've got kickass paint and body guys.

And yeah, John, having it back in our shop feels really good, just one step closer. Absolutely can not wait to take it up the road for the first time :cool:

That car is killer.

Sweeeeeeeet. I like it.

A bit more progress this weekend, and of course some more pic whorage, we got the radiator, rear bumper, and windshield trim put on, also made a little headway on bleeding the stupid clutch..:screwup:

Rolled it out and did my best to clean up after the sanding and painting, still got a lot of detailing to do
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3831.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3816.jpg

Hopefully the rad will be enough to keep it cool in the Texas heat..
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3835.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3838.jpg

Does this angle make my butt look big..?
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3844.jpg

Something looks finished! Holy crap..
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3848.jpg

Looks sick, did u powder coat the window trim?

whore away with the pics.. lol;)
gonna be a hell of a car when done

With the car painted that nice the soft8's look like pepboys specials,and i feel that it brings down the great look of the car, but a mans car is his own and do as you please. proceed with the pics.

Killer looking ride,You really need to post up more pic's!!

Beautiful...keep the pics coming.

Looks sick, did u powder coat the window trim?

ya that is the best mat black finish that i have seen on trim looks great. and didnt see what that color is called would look great with a CF hood :)

Thanks again, guys, I'll probably be posting new stuff weekly as progress continues.

3Slo5 - there are definitely other wheels out there that I'd love to have, but they were by far the best bang for the buck 17s. Plus they have a bit of a Nascar look that works well with the suspension and other stock car inspired bits of the car.

The trim is actually just roughed up with 320 and spray canned with trim black, I can't remember the brand of the paint at the moment, but it's good stuff. We did the dash and inside of the fenders with it as well.

And since I'm already sitting here, a couple more from the weekend..

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3824.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3829.jpg

REAL photographers put their finger in the shot..or that might be my elbow..? :screwup:
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3849.jpg

Weekly progress pics.. It FINALLY has a functional clutch, after 3 weekends of fighting to get the MC bled. Also got some little stuff done and started on the headache known as wiring..

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3852.jpg

This plate is hinged, two bolts and it drops down giving easy access to everything and keeping it out of the way the rest of the time. Digital 6 will also be a fun toy, timing retard, rev limiter, and two-step at our fingertips :cool:
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3858.jpg

Got the rear trim on, too..two parts look finished!
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_3854.jpg

I bet you are itchin' to fire it up and make a quick buzz around the neighborhood;)

as always... nice! keep the pics coming:)

I bet you are itchin' to fire it up and make a quick buzz around the neighborhood;)

You have no idea..I wanted to do it before we took it to paint, logic behind it being that it would make it easier to load on the trailer (that has a winch on it :shy:). Bare metal, no front clip or doors and lots of tire smoke..just didn't work out, though, lol.

You have no idea..I wanted to do it before we took it to paint, logic behind it being that it would make it easier to load on the trailer (that has a winch on it :shy:). Bare metal, no front clip or doors and lots of tire smoke..just didn't work out, though, lol.

we both need a schmokey fix bad.. lol:crazy:

Bit o' progress. Just getting all the little stuff sorted out now, wiring is coming along, fuel line started, just needs to be routed to the front, and got the fan and shroud all figured out.

Built...
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4397.jpg

Painted and back in...
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4405.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4418.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4413.jpg

Horn button!
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4401.jpg

One of the reservoirs has a crack in it, apparently, after having it out and back in twice and pretty much ruining the paint in the floorboard and on the shop floor, a new one is on its way
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4408.jpg

Your Camera is very nice!!

That fan shroud looks good! Your car looks so professional!

You like the racepak? I couldnt see myself getting one becasue it cant be good when you want to make a quick glance at your vitals.

Interesting fuel feed setup. It looks like the pump is higher than the output on the tank? I've been trying to figure out a good route for mine if I convert to an elec pump.

Where did you get the sheetmetal dash panel from? I've been looking for someone local but haven't had much luck.

10 to 1 he made it himself.

10 to 1 he made it himself.

Partially correct, there's a few guys we do motors for that run modifieds and they build all their own bodies, so we had them bend us a piece for it.

And thanks for the comment, we've tried to keep everything looking clean, and I'm happy with how everything is coming together overall..just not quickly enough, lol.

As far as the Racepak, I'm interested in how hard it will be to read, you sit fairly close to it and from the pictures it looks like the numbers are all fairly large, so I'm not too worried. Plus we'll have an external shift light and it has warning lights built in, if/when things go awry.

And woody, the pump is a bit higher (I think the camera angle exaggerates it some) than the bottom of the tank, but there really isn't anywhere else to put it back there. I think I've seen someone else here with nearly the same placement, I might have imagined it, though.

And thanks for the comment, we've tried to keep everything looking clean, and I'm happy with how everything is coming together overall..just not quickly enough, lol.

As far as the Racepak, I'm interested in how hard it will be to read, you sit fairly close to it and from the pictures it looks like the numbers are all fairly large, so I'm not too worried. Plus we'll have an external shift light and it has warning lights built in, if/when things go awry.



IN one year your car has progressed faster then mine has in 5 years!! People do not even know I have done anything to it!!

the problem with the Racepak is that your brain does not register numbers as quickly as a sweeping needle. But if you are good at listening to the engine then it doesnt matter!! HAHAHA!!
I still think the racepak looks awesome!!!!

Itching..badly..getting close on the wiring and fuel system. Dash is in, just gotta get the battery tray and shutoff mounted, and temp and O2 bungs put in the headers and get them painted and the rest of the exhaust final welded.

Our painter also got the nose and mirrors painted, so everything is orange that needs to be. Now the challenge is to keep it out of harm's way til time to mount it....

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4486.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4488.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4491.jpg

Routing this was great fun, way too much stuff under this damn thing.
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4494.jpg

Gotta love black fittings :cool:
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4500.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4503.jpg

Hopefully, all of this will be resting under the hood next weekend...
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4515.jpg

the "office" is lookin' good;) :crazy:

your car is one nice ride. i bet that first drive is going to be mind blowing. what brand is those fittings? i was going to buy black too, i already have 20feet of braided aeroquip -8an hose. i just need some black fittings to hook to my holley 950hp carb, fuel pump and fuel tank and all i found to use was summit brand.

your car is one nice ride. i bet that first drive is going to be mind blowing. what brand is those fittings? i was going to buy black too, i already have 20feet of braided aeroquip -8an hose. i just need some black fittings to hook to my holley 950hp carb, fuel pump and fuel tank and all i found to use was summit brand.
FWIW I used the Summit brand black fittings on mine and I like 'em. Inexpensive too.
http://media.motortopia.com/files/141/album_engine/48cb4fc21ab8e/tn_full_IMG_1248.jpg

They are Big End Performance, a house brand at one of the warehouses we buy from. Probably come out of the the same factory as Earl's or Aeroquip stuff, but much cheaper.

I'm definitely like the black fittings. I think I would have picked a liquid-filled pressure gauge if I were putting the gauge right there near the engine.

Looonnng weekend. We worked till around 11 Friday night, 7 Saturday night, and 8 tonight, and finally got to fire it. Still have to wire the alternator, fan, and RacePak, but we're getting really close to laying down some rubber.

Didn't have my good camera with me so I've only got a crappy cell phone vid, it's not quite as loud as it makes it seem. I was pretty surprised at how quiet (relatively) it is inside the car.

VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9O-OLAQGZU

Getting everything buttoned up under the hood
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4539.jpg

Power steering reservoir and hoses - return line is a temporary, it will run down along the frame like the others
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4541.jpg

Cables, cables, cables
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4544.jpg

Got all the switches on the dash labeled
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4547.jpg

And now it's time to catch up on some sleep, I believe :confused:

Just in time for the snow to fly!

Guess you dont have to worry about that in TX though...

looking good man!!!:cool:
chance of flurries here tonight:screwup:

Just in time for the snow to fly!

Guess you dont have to worry about that in TX though...

Haha, not quite, this weekend was the first we've seen anything below 60 as the high, and it's back up to 75 today.

Still watching....and drooling...

Simply fantastic project!

Haha, not quite, this weekend was the first we've seen anything below 60 as the high, and it's back up to 75 today.

yeah.. yeah.. rub it in..
calling for snow here tonight:eek:

yeah.. yeah.. rub it in..
calling for snow here tonight:eek:
Can I rub it in Mikey;) 82.7 here today...:p

Now back to the build,

I would like to see a pic where the custom dash meets the cowl and how you attached it there.

I don't really have a good picture of it, but here's the best one I could find (4.5 GB of pics and I can never find one when I need it :shy: ).

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4480.jpg

We used 1/4" allens into threaded clips slipped over the original part of the dash, and used some leftover door weatherstrip from the 63 to cover up the edge and cut down on vibration. It will probably get some more attention later, overall I'm not completely happy with how it looks.

I love the color! I don't know how I've missed this thread until now , but I'm glad I found it.

I don't really have a good picture of it, but here's the best one I could find (4.5 GB of pics and I can never find one when I need it :shy: ).

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4480.jpg

We used 1/4" allens into threaded clips slipped over the original part of the dash, and used some leftover door weatherstrip from the 63 to cover up the edge and cut down on vibration. It will probably get some more attention later, overall I'm not completely happy with how it looks.
Thanks,
Thats about what I figgured I would do too. Maybee a few more allens and clips are in order to get rid of the waves?

I hear ya with the pics. I have thousands to sift through and it can be a pain locating the one yer looking for sometimes...lol

That might work, but we're using pretty much all of the places big enough for the clips. I was also thinking about making spacers to go under them, maybe even just a stack of washers, which was our original plan. Right now they're just tightened against the rubber so it's kinda hard to keep them all even.

That seat looks exactly like the set I have in my Beretta. If so I'm gonna warn you they fade like crazy and don't hold up very well.

http://media.motortopia.com/files/141/album_under_construction/44c2f071d61d8/tn_full_z_020.jpg

Woody, for what we paid for the seats I don't have real high expectations, lol, they will get the job done, though.

More progress this weekend, got the dash sorted out, everything is functioning on it; all the rear lights are functional, just have to get the front lights hooked up and the nose on. Then a bit of front end set up and and squaring up the rear and it will be ready to hit the road... (!!!!!)

Couple new videos with much better audio -
A look at the dash with it running - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EXYjg7raHA
Running, taken outside the car - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A67f8ncgjaw

Racepak, I'm liking it a lot already..
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4557.jpg

Belts are in, just have to do the mount for the crotch belt on the passenger side
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4566.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4567.jpg

A few artsy shots, haven't had any in a while
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4579.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4581.jpg

Back off the stands for a bit, gotta raise the front springs..again..but god I love this look..
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4588.jpg

Taillights! Didn't think to turn them on..d'oh
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4595.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4596.jpg

Invisihood
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4606.jpg

This might present a problem..
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4611.jpg

Hoping to take it up the road and back next weekend...that would make for an extremely happy thanksgiving.

Man that is one sweet ride!! The racepack in the video looks pretty cool!!

Absolutely amazing man

drool

...this HAS to be one of OR the nicest 2nd Gen on this site !!

<insert drool here>

Awesome job !! Thanks for sharing the pics of the build !! :bowtie:

I'm liking the RacePak as well... looking real good man!!

Thanks again for the comments guys. Minor update for the week..

After the turkey wore off Thursday I decided to go bust some knuckles and raise the front up. It should be able to get out of the shop without dragging now..maybe.. Also got the battery disconnect finalized, just have to pull it back out to scotch brite the stainless and paint the knob.

Also got to move it under its own power, that put a pretty big smile on my face. Clutch feels really nice, should behave pretty well on the street. Next weekend we'll get everything aligned and hopefully take it for a spin, then get the nose put on and wired.

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4615.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4616.jpg

Still needs some pretty serious detailing on the taillights, we've had bigger fish to fry, though
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4619.jpg

I want to see the car with its nose on :) looks great

i saw in one of your posts that you had a rebel XT and the 18-55 kit lens. well, i have the XTi with the same lens, but mine does not fisheye as much as that. LOL. those are some great shots, it helps to have an awesome camera too.

photography- the best way to document memories.

i saw in one of your posts that you had a rebel XT and the 18-55 kit lens. well, i have the XTi with the same lens, but mine does not fisheye as much as that. LOL. those are some great shots, it helps to have an awesome camera too.

photography- the best way to document memories.
Looking at this thread I always get the feeling I should have taken the next step to an SLR instead of my Canon S5 IS.

i saw in one of your posts that you had a rebel XT and the 18-55 kit lens. well, i have the XTi with the same lens, but mine does not fisheye as much as that. LOL. those are some great shots, it helps to have an awesome camera too.

I started with the 18-55, using it at 18 pretty much all the time in the shop, so I got a Sigma 10-20 a while back. I've been using it pretty much full time since. It's light years ahead of the kit lens all around.

Woody - one of the best things I've read regarding photography went something like 'it's not all the camera, the squishy bit behind it has more to do with it than anything'. The S5's can do some amazing stuff.

Woody - one of the best things I've read regarding photography went something like 'it's not all the camera, the squishy bit behind it has more to do with it than anything'. The S5's can do some amazing stuff.


LOL squishy bit....

It don't hurt having a good subject and nice setting..

Keep on duin it!

Not sure if its been asked before, or if you are willing to release such information... But whats the name of that paint?

Woody - one of the best things I've read regarding photography went something like 'it's not all the camera, the squishy bit behind it has more to do with it than anything'. The S5's can do some amazing stuff.

I just got a book on digital photography and my S5 will do a lot of it, but it does have its constraints. A bigger lens really would be nice. I think this book will help though.

Do you do much with additional lighting or no?

But whats the name of that paint?

It's Chrysler Salsa Red, original plan was GM's Sunset Orange but the mix on this was much more economical.

Woody - I haven't done much with external lighting past using drop lights in the interior and stuff, I'm going to be getting an external flash soon and start learning to work with it, probably get/build some studio-esque lighting eventually.

Well, I'm a very happy boy after today...

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4653.jpg

Still got a few things to hang on the front and carpet to put in, but it's right where we were hoping, with 53/47 distribution. With the frame we build for the nose it shouldn't add much than 20 or 30 pounds to the front. Also made some stands for our dollies to make aligning everything easier.

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4658.jpg

Would have gotten started on hanging the nose, but we had to take off to look at an enclosed trailer. Not bad for a few hours work.

Did you by any chance weigh it when it was stock? I've always wondered what the late 2nd gens weigh in stock form.

Oh BTW, I looked up salsa red and eh it looks nothing like yours. For some reasone to me yours looks a lot darker. More to the burgundy area. Was there something special done to yours before spraying it? I have no knowledge about paint at all that's why i ask.

It didn't have a motor or transmission when we got it, so we didn't. The title shows the weight as 3700, I think. The info section on the 79's on here has it at 3,612.

As for the paint, there may be different versions of it through different model years, I'm not sure. It has a lot of pearl and metallic that makes it take on completely different looks in different lights. Under the fluorescents its more red, but it gets orange in the sun, brown when it's overcast.

Yes i love it!!! lol. The paint is sick honestly man it looks great. If i don't sell my camaro and get a new one i might end up stealing your paint job...

This is a great looking project. We're anxious for images of the nose attached!

Should be pretty zippy @ 3074#....looking good.

Hey man what did you make that dash out of and how did you bend it and what not i'm trying to come up with something like you made

Nice work man, very nice

Tyler - it's aluminum sheet, bent with a metal break. We know some guys who circle track race and build their own bodies so we had them bend it up for us.

Olstyle - thank you, I've been watching your build as well, you've done some amazing work...in a LOT less time than we have :confused: Wish I had the time and willpower to work as much as you have, I'm looking forward to seeing it come together.

T'was a good Sunday..got the nose on and pulled it outside, pretty good feeling. After we pulled it back in we decided to turn it around so it actually got to touch the road (and I fought off the temptation to take it down the street since we still haven't aligned everything..).

New video..I think it's getting louder as it gets broken in...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aq7qZq5VGf8

It Fits!
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4662.jpg

Well, almost...damn aftermarket fenders. I managed to get it lined up, after an hour or so of work. Not overly happy with the gaps on everything but it's not bad for a glass hood and a mismatched set of fenders.
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4663.jpg

Raised it up a bit more in the front, needs a shorter spring to bring the rear down a touch and I'll be happy
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4674.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4686.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4692.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4696.jpg

A bit lighter than the original bumper..just don't lean on it..
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4704.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4712.jpg

looks and sounds great!!
dunno if I could resist a "quick ride around the block" though.. lol:innocent:

That thing sounds sick!
You might want to make your ramp a little longer so you don't keep scraping bottom. I love the color also!
http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/whacky084.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

looks and sounds great!!
dunno if I could resist a "quick ride around the block" though.. lol:innocent:I know what you mean.......the temptation would be very hard to resist.

Oooooh. Got a chubby. Sounds great man!

That sounds killer!! I hope to work out some electrical gremlin's and fire mine up this week.

Those videos are awesome!!!

The car is looking killer
Keep up the good work

I want to cry, that car is just awesome, i'm jealous. Did you say that was a dodge color, salsa? I had a neon that color but it sure didn't look that good! Are those cragar soft 8 wheels? What size, and BS, and tires? I'm looking into a set just not sure on sizes and what not.

I have a friend who just did the same x-pipe, Muffler, and exit in front of the rear wheels... And it scrapes every bump. Have you had any probs like that with yours? Cause im thinking of doing it as well...

Andy - yes, it's Chrysler Salsa Red. Can't remember the specs on the wheels right off, all that info is on my website, the link's in my sig.

Phil - it does hang really low, it rubs getting out of our shop, but the car sits pretty low overall. It's also 3" which is a pretty big pipe, 2.5 would leave a little more wiggle room.


Well, Christmas was fun, 4 straight 6+ hour days in the shop, we got it insulated, windowed, headlighted and blinkered, and front and rear aligned, and finally took it down the road Sunday afternoon (before the first of the year, I knew we could do it!! :confused: )

Video (that I'm lazy to edit) - couple hard hits of the throttle in there, just stick with it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9eFJx9Q0oc

We had ordered Hushmat for it..then decided against it due to both the price and the weight..
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4781.jpg

Went to Lowe's and got this, $16 for a big roll, weighs next to nothing
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4782.jpg

And used velcro to lay it down so we can pull it out if needed
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4797.jpg

Also did a little resto work on the original door panels.

Started with this..here's why we don't smoke, kids
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4800.jpg

Cleaned..
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4801.jpg

And dyed..
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4796.jpg

Gave it eyes..gotta do a little more work on the headlight trim rings before they can go on
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4787.jpg

And tackled the window hurdle (luckily they will only go back in one way)
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4815.jpg

Registration, insurance, and some carpet and we're ready to go. Now to get everything broken in..

Awsome news!....I know that first drive was a blast!

Wow its coming along nicely. Sounds great!!!

What are you gunna do for engine break-in procedures?

I would've left some tire on the road! Can you remove that grin off your face yet?

The car just keeps getting better and better. Great job!
Is that sound deadening material working well? I just might do that on mine.

Phil - break in on the engine will just be taking it easy on it for a little while longer, we're running regular Valvoline racing oil in it right now, switching to a synthetic after it gets some miles on it.

David - it was tempting, but it ran through the clutch pretty easily the few times we got on it hard from a stop so that will have to wait till it's got some more time on it. Putting the hammer down in second was an eye opening experience, though, 5k comes extremely quickly.

Marshall - for sound deadening, I don't think it will work as well as Dynamat or Hushmat, but it did quiet it down quite a bit on the inside over what it was with everything bare. For the price difference, I would definitely think it would be worth a shot if you're on a tight budget.

i watched all your vids on youtube. LOL. i love those spintechs, im almost certain im getting those now, either them or magnaflows. i have heard that the spintechs are closer in sound to SLP loudmouths, which sound awesome on mustangs.

hows interior resonance?

Marshall - for sound deadening, I don't think it will work as well as Dynamat or Hushmat, but it did quiet it down quite a bit on the inside over what it was with everything bare. For the price difference, I would definitely think it would be worth a shot if you're on a tight budget.

Yes if you are on a budget it is definitely better then anything at teh price. But nothing beats Damplifier and damplifier pro, no contest.

damplifier Pro is amazing stuff, it controls the temperature in the car better then the competition, sound and resonance!!!

hows interior resonance?

Honestly, with the side dumps it's flat out obnoxious inside. The video from the inside does not do it justice in the least. I think with tailpipes and full sound deadener it would be tolerable, but you would still definitely know they were there with a healthy motor.

I was curious what you did to coat your trim...

Can't tell if it's powder or paint.

thanks for the info SR79 and KJZ28

I was curious what you did to coat your trim...

It is spray paint, Trim Black made by SEM. Fantastic stuff, even we can use it and make it look good :confused: We scotch brited it, shot it with black primer, and then two coats of the trim black.

It is spray paint, Trim Black made by SEM. Fantastic stuff, even we can use it and make it look good :confused: We scotch brited it, shot it with black primer, and then two coats of the trim black.


Looks awesome. I like everything about this car. done very tasteful.

Love your car man. The specs,color and exhaust note are awesome!

Thanks guys, finally got some real payoff this weekend, we got to drive it into town for the first time. Got it inspected so we're all legal now, just have to behave to keep from attracting too much attention, lol.

Drove it to work at the shop Saturday morning, then we put around 25 miles on it afterwards. I traded off with dad on a trip down one of the good twisty roads heading out of town and was very pleasantly surprised. Even with the shocks all the way soft it feels very solid through the turns. He jumped on it pretty good, probably 3/4 throttle, from a roll through first and second. Broke loose in first, shifted at around 7k, then broke loose again as he rolled back into the throttle around 3,000 in 2nd...while I held the hell on in the passenger seat :crazy:

Also seems that Right-foot oversteer will be plentiful when desired :cool: Running in 4th gear, probably 40 or so mph through a turn, felt it slide the rear end out a bit easing up to probably half throttle (Dad's turn to hold onto the bars in the passenger seat). The 4.11s work really well with the TKO, but I think we may replace the .64 overdrive with the .82 gear eventually, and drop down to a 3.73 in the rear. It runs 1st - 4th really quickly, then it's a significant drop in RPM to fifth - turns around 2200 at 70.

Only problems we really had got resolved this morning, the alternator wasn't charging due to a bad ground, and a wire had come loose on the speedo sender. All in all I was VERY pleased with the car for all that we've blindly re-engineered on it. I'll get videos next time, it slipped my mind to bring the camera with me.

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/106_0027.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/106_0025.jpg

Headlight trim, check...Ugly license plate? CHECK!
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4846.jpg

Shifter boot installed so we don't choke on exhaust
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4851.jpg

And hood pins in (yeah, drilling the holes was oh so fun..)
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4847.jpg

Also, I'm in the market for some stock seat belts to go in it, putting on 5 points every time you're in and out is pretty annoying, so if anyone has some they don't need, preferably black, let me know!

Sweeeeeeeeeet. Congrats man.

That is one sexy-azzed car man.
Excuse me while I go clean up.. lol:screwup:

That is one sexy-azzed car man.

Yeah, except for the color. :crazy:

When do you plan on dropping the ass end down some more?

I know that drive was very rewarding....great project!

how bout an in-car video... i want to hear those spintechs from inside.

Great car,glad to see it on the road!! Just use the lap belt,swing the rest out of the way. GREAT CAR !!!

Video (that I'm lazy to edit) - couple hard hits of the throttle in there, just stick with it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9eFJx9Q0oc

Sounds great. I know you will enjoy it. I'm kinda liking the no rear spoiler also. Congrats.

Thanks again for the comments, guys, the last two weekends have definitely made all the time, frustration, and minor disagreements :p completely worth it.

79z28 - I got a video this weekend, but I didn't get a chance to grab it off the camera, I'll get it and hopefully a few more this weekend if the weather cooperates. With the side dumps it is pretty loud inside, but it's fitting of the car as a whole, I think..

Masparks - I've thought about that, but since the car had shoulder belts originally I think I could get a ticket for it...and, the longer I think about it, for the sake of my limbs and brain bucket, with all the tubing that's in there I think I'm alright with being strapped in solid, anyway...


So, little update from the weekend - Saturday we drove it into town, ran some errands, and showed it off a bit, then Sunday I made a loop through some small towns, put right at 60 miles on it down nice little windy highways. Best drive I've had in quite a while, never gave any trouble, other than a slight headache from the exhaust note at 55 mph.

I'm completely amazed at how tame it is on the street, I never imagined with the suspension work and engine that it would be anywhere near as pleasant to drive as it is. We bumped all 4 shocks up 3 clicks and it feels fantastic. The ride is very similar to my mom's Solstice, firm but forgiving over bumps. I really could have stayed in it all day, no problem at all, which I never dreamed would be possible.

It will run any speed you want below 3k rpm, and if you want to really move once you pass that it's like unleashing the hounds. Exhaust gets a completely different tone and it's time to shift before you even realize what's going on. I haven't had balls enough to get into it hard many times, but it will definitely open your eyes.

We got some stuff fixed on the trailer, so once the budget can stand buying some slicks and skinnies we'll be heading to the drag strip. I'm beyond ready to see what it will run (and see how well I can sling some gears :confused: )

Best drive I've had in quite a while, never gave any trouble, other than a slight headache from the exhaust note at 155 mph.

fixed it for ya.

Hahaha, don't know that it will get to that speed with the gearing right now..it does find 90 very quickly in 4th, though :eek:

Sounds like a job well done.

Mine tops out at 245mph at redline in 6th - theoretically... haha

Yeah, ours would be at 218 at 7500 in 5th, something tells me the little 377 might run out of mmph somewhere short of that number, though, lol.

It will be going to the Texas mile in Goliad someday to find out..someday..

LOL...mine in 6th gear would theoretically run 247 mph provide the lil tuned port motor would pull all the way to 6250 without running out of umph....LOL

Got some pics and a short video from the last two weekends. Dad did it's first 4500 rpm 2-step line-lock burnout Saturday morning (and I forgot to get pics, d'oh).

I built a camera mount that attaches to the seat belt bar, but there is too much vibration (go figure..) for the camcorder to write to the hard drive, so here's a somewhat shakey handheld video at 55 mph -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHPxa_AVbmM

There's a pretty loud whine from the rear end, it sounds worse than it really is, but we'll be looking the gears over when we switch it out for the posi and 3.73's. I'll get some 1st-3rd gear vids soon, it's way too fun, I've been nowhere near full throttle yet and the poor tires just don't stand a chance. Drag radials of some sort will replace the Sumitomos when the time comes.

And the obligatory pic whorage -

View from the camera mount
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4884.jpg

Fun with shutter speed
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4896.jpg

One of the (surprisingly) few issues we've found so far, slack in the steering shaft. This drilled and tapped solid stock should resolve it
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4935.jpg

Some shots of the underside, still pretty clean, I need to do some detail painting, though.
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4954.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4961.jpg

TXDOT's custom clearancing job on the exhaust. It hasn't been as bad about bottoming out as I thought it would be, though..
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4965.jpg

173 miles and nothing major so far, makes me a pretty happy boy :bowtie:
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4972.jpg

Bit of an update, still haven't managed to get decent video of it, but I did get to drive it in the rain for the first time. Found the 7200 rev limiter a few times, too, just obliterates the tires through first and second with ease, very addictive.

Just rolled over 400 miles this weekend. Picked up some Summit 15x10s, ET Drags will be ordered this week, as well. We should be able to hit the track weekend after next if all goes well, then the real fun begins :cool:

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5093.jpg

Oh yeah..that's what inner fenders are for..
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5097.jpg

Kirkey SFI 45.1 padding installed
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5100.jpg

Overflow tank in, we should be all legal under the hood now
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5105.jpg

Ditched the hairpins we had for these, much easier to get on and off
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5106.jpg

Hopefully they will be powdercoated black before they go on, depends on the finances but I'm really not fond of the polish
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5111.jpg

I'm diggin' on it man. need video though.. lol:rolleyes:

cool pic:)
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_4896.jpg

Nice!!!

K5 - I will get the camera mounted up this weekend and get one, I think it will actually write to the sd card..hopefully.

Guy - thanks, yours is coming together great, I've been watching in amazement like always :D

Also, forgot a couple..the recall on the Racepak is pretty fun..it is SCREAMING at 7k. With the windows up it is painful, I've got to get some carpet in there. Need to adjust the shocks up a little, I think, it gets some wheel hop while spinning toward the top of 2nd..

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5093A.JPG

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5093B.JPG

K5 - I will get the camera mounted up this weekend and get one, I think it will actually write to the sd card..hopefully.

Guy - thanks, yours is coming together great, I've been watching in amazement like always :D

Also, forgot a couple..the recall on the Racepak is pretty fun..it is SCREAMING at 7k. With the windows up it is painful, I've got to get some carpet in there. Need to adjust the shocks up a little, I think, it gets some wheel hop while spinning toward the top of 2nd..

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5093A.JPG

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5093B.JPG
Thanks

so are you liking the racepak?
the more I see the more I want one:innocent:

I love all the features of it, the recalls and having everything there in front at the touch of a button is great. I've gotten used to keeping tabs on everything with it pretty well, just badly badly badly needs a shift light. I basically just put the tach on the number display and grab the next gear when I see the 7 come up, which is probably not the most consistent method, lol.

But yeah, overall, between the gadget factor, clean look, and all the potential for expansion with it, I am very satisfied.

I've had one of these for a while - http://www.raptorperformance.com/

Small, easy to setup and place, and work very well.

I've had one of these for a while - http://www.raptorperformance.com/

Small, easy to setup and place, and work very well.

I like that, nice and compact. My Beretta may just get one of those.

I like that, nice and compact. My Beretta may just get one of those.

Mine is in my A/C vent on my daily/autocrosser. No one sees it until it lights up.

great looking car

I drool everytime this thread gets updated.

I drool everytime this thread gets updated.

Kinda like how we're waiting on your TPI install completion.:)

Kinda like how we're waiting on your TPI install completion.:)

His is waaay more shiny than anything on mine :crazy:


Talked to my dad earlier, slicks came in today and the skinnies for the front are on order, and all will be black before they go on. Our powdercoater was apparently rather amused at turning shiny new wheels black. I'm sooooo ready for track time..

I'm sooooo ready for track time..

And so are we!

F*ck shiny. haha

It's on for next weekend..pics and video will be taken

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5093C.JPG

Got the trailer and car cleaned up this afternoon, we'll find out how slow it is next Sunday :screwup:

So, how about a game? We figure it to be around 500 hp, 5speed, 4.11 spool, ~3200 lbs with the driver and leaving on a 2step. What do you think it will run in the 1/8th, assuming we can throw a gear half decent?

^^ schweet vids to follow.. lol:D

Just guessing from the looks of it. I'd say 1,000 mph in the corner!!! :cool:

Wow, you have done a lot of amazing work. Sounds great. But with all hte suspension upgrades/mods why did you use stock tie rod sleeves?

His is waaay more shiny than anything on mine :crazy:


That is soooooo not true.....LOL

Your car has alot of very nice race oriented pieces that have been assembled into a great runner!

Wow, you have done a lot of amazing work. Sounds great. But with all hte suspension upgrades/mods why did you use stock tie rod sleeves?

That's on the list of stuff to change out, they will go before it gets any serious cornering time put on it. We're more than likely going to go to rod ends and shuffle some things around to get better geometry on everything, it's got some serious toe-in issues when unloaded right now.

So..I'm having hosting issues, apologies for the obnoxious yellow images in all my previous posts. Hopefully I'll be able to get it resolved soon...

Anyway, we took it to the track yesterday. First couple passes were a little scary, Dad made the first one. The thing snatches the tires about 4 inches off the ground and goes hard right, and does the same thing to me on my first pass, sending me across into the 60' block.. So we went back to trailer and did some hardcore head scratching, finally decided it was just that we weren't getting the tires hot enough. 3rd pass back to Dad, it leaves straight but he misses 2nd.

I jumped back in for the fourth pass, it launched straight, I short shifted it in every gear, and pulled out a 7.50. I was slightly happy :cool: Ended up making 10 passes, with a best of 7.26 without using the 2 step, and it's still got a lot in it. Should be good for 7.0's once everything is lined out between the car and the driver..not bad for full street trim, on pump gas, and being a wheel and tire change away from autocross ready :bowtie:

Only got video of two passes, neither of which was good, I'm working on getting them uploaded now.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/3324132287_048726e8fc.jpg

Best ET, actually trapped 96.5 on another pass
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3324969902_b693822c4a.jpg

Back home in one piece, which is all I was really hoping for from the start
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3577/3324970006_833601fe39.jpg

Video links will be up after I finish fighting with this god-forsaken camera..

Wow, that 60' is damn good. Very nice.

Should be able to get it into the mid 1.50s hopefully, I think I was only getting it to around 4500 or so off the line. I wasn't using the two-step/line-loc because where it's at on the shifter makes it hard to get off of it. I want a 7.0 in street trim, then we'll ditch the PS pump & alternator, sway bar, and passenger seat, throw some 100 octane in it and see what it'll do.

Finally got the camera to cooperate, got the first pass, and then two other ones. I had a 7.47, 50, and 59 to go with the 26. Extremely addictive...:confused:

Dad - first pass
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y42iYW7QUew

Me - my third, didn't get all the way off the clutch pedal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG5VLImnqco

Dad - good view of the launch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K9HWSKDSdc

We got new rear springs put on this weekend, went from 185s to 200s, and also went two inches shorter, so we now need smaller body shocks :screwup:

I think it looks better, once we get the shorter shocks it should work better too. Also getting 450's for the front to raise it up a bit, then I'll be completely happy. And maybe it won't drag as much..

Also got a video, about half throttle I guess, from a roll in first through about 6k in 4th. Gotta work on my mount, though, has a little vibration issue..to say the least..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqF1huy41fc

Looks way orange in these, I think it's the filter I used in Lightroom..another 1/2 to 3/4" of height on the front and it'll be good
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3579/3358020899_3871cabc82_o.jpg

Compared to this..not much different but enough..
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3639/3361373052_e93ac6238d_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3663/3358838054_39bc5a3389_o.jpg

Also got the shift light working, we had it in before the track day but had some wiring issues
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3634/3358838210_e8b78a346e_o.jpg

Just like a woman..shoes stashed everywhere..
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3547/3358021233_99834a9b17_o.jpg

ok, i really need to know what the wheels are that u got on it in the last pics, i want those. what size, pattern and where u get them from. thx in advance and that car looks bad!!(in a good way)

Sounds great in the vid!!!

ok, i really need to know what the wheels are that u got on it in the last pics, i want those. what size, pattern and where u get them from. thx in advance and that car looks bad!!(in a good way)

Thanks. They're Cragar Soft 8s - 17x8 / 4 1/2" BS front, 17x9 / 5" BS rear. Pretty popular around here :confused: Summit and Jeg's keep them, I'm pretty sure, they're uber-cheap, around $60 each.

And thanks, Guy, should be hearing rumbles from yours before too long, too?

Oh.. I almost forgot..if all goes well we should be packing up and heading north this September..
http://img3.image.hotrod.com/f/dragweek/15242936/hrdp_0902_hp+2009_hot_rod_drag_week+.jpg

And thanks, Guy, should be hearing rumbles from yours before too long, too?
Man I hope so :) Moneys gettin tighter, but I'm doin what I can :confused:

Hey....your track day didn't turn out too bad at all! Looks very promising.

cool vid! sounds like she rips!:crazy:

is the camera mount on the cross-bar?

Kick ass project. You and your dad are going to have tons of fun. The car sounds perfect! I wish I could run proper exhaust on mine but the local auto-x clubs require 92db max whch is gonna be hard to do.

is the camera mount on the cross-bar?

Yeah, I stole an idea I found on a 3rd gen forum. Muffler clamp on the bar, bent a piece of sheet into a 90 and opened up holes in it for hose clamps, then used the top section out of an old tripod. I need to beef up the angle piece, and possibly add a diagonal to it, the car really doesn't shake that bad :screwup:

John - I was quite happy with the track day, except that I didn't get video of any of the good passes, lol. It's got a 7.0 or possibly a 6 in it next trip, I think.

Zed - Yeah, I don't think ours would have a prayer of staying under that much past idle.. I haven't done much research on the clubs around here, but that's in the plans for farther down the road. I've been thinking I should probably get out to a few races with my Scion or my mom's Solstice before bringing out the hellspawn, lol.

Yeah, I stole an idea I found on a 3rd gen forum. Muffler clamp on the bar, bent a piece of sheet into a 90 and opened up holes in it for hose clamps, then used the top section out of an old tripod. I need to beef up the angle piece, and possibly add a diagonal to it, the car really doesn't shake that bad :screwup:
I've got a set up we made to mount a video camera to the roll cage in one of my stock cars to record races. Worked out pretty good. I'll find it after work tomorrow and post some pics to give ya an idea.

wow that vid is awesome, this car is gonna be the inspiration behind mine. lol

Here is a few pics of the video camera mount we made for my stock car a few years back. Took me awhile to find it, forgot what box it was in lol.
I know your not suppose to drill holes in the roll cage, but that is how we mounted it.
It took really good video, I have some races on tape but no way to post them :(

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj44/olstyle_photos/002/DSCF9110.jpg
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj44/olstyle_photos/002/DSCF9117.jpg
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj44/olstyle_photos/002/DSCF9121.jpg

Very cool..good food for thought. I'm going to try to brace mine up some, but I may have to go to something like that to isolate the vibration. Even at idle it blurs the picture.

Is the black piece under the base rubber? And what did you use for the rubber on the bolts? Kind of looks like the boots off Accel spark plug wires..

way cool for sharing man... I was thinking about welding a tab to the cross-bar that I could attach a mount. been thinking on this one a while with no inspiration... but yours looks good:cool:

Very cool..good food for thought. I'm going to try to brace mine up some, but I may have to go to something like that to isolate the vibration. Even at idle it blurs the picture.

Is the black piece under the base rubber? And what did you use for the rubber on the bolts? Kind of looks like the boots off Accel spark plug wires..
Yes that is a piece of solid rubber, I don't remember what is on the bolts but it is stronger then plug wire boots. Some kind of soft n pliable rubber.
With that solid piece of rubber between the plates ya could adjust the pitch of the camera up or down with the 4 bolts.
Here is a pic of the rubber piece that is on the bolts.

Wish I could post one of the race vids I got.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj44/olstyle_photos/002/DSCF9123.jpg

way cool for sharing man... I was thinking about welding a tab to the cross-bar that I could attach a mount. been thinking on this one a while with no inspiration... but yours looks good:cool:
No prob on the sharing ;)
Always willing to help people out.

Wish I could post one of the race vids I got.



upload it to photobucket.. they do video also.:)

upload it to photobucket.. they do video also.:)
I know, but it is on a vhs tape.

I know, but it is on a vhs tape.

I don't think they do VHS man... lol

I don't think they do VHS man... lol
Maybe I'll look into putting it on dvd, then the puter, then photobucket?

Took a buddy for a ride last weekend, determined that I need higher speed rated windshield trim..

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5241.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5242.jpg

Ended up putting a crack in the damn glass trying to get the side piece off, not a happy Sunday..

Hood pins are finally, well, finalized, just need to get some springs under them
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5244.jpg

And here's a shot of my shaketastic camera mount, complete with early 1980's vintage JCPenney tripod!
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5245.jpg

I replaced all the clips on the window trim, it seems to have a little more staying power, now. Had an eventful Saturday night with it, thought I had screwed up bad..

So we changed the front springs, new ones are 100 lbs/in heavier, but have a lot more travel than the old ones did. Decided to play with the brakes some, got some heat in them and put the pedal down hard. Front end dives down, there's a HORRIBLE sound from the front of the car that I would swear was a weld breaking, and it doesn't seem to regain any ride height in the front. First thought that comes to my mind is that an upper control arm mount broke, but it turns out that it dove hard enough to bottom out on the bellhousing..

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/ABCD0018.jpg

All this was shoved between the trans and oil pan, pretty lucky nothing punctured the pan..
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/ABCD0019.jpg

Taking it back to the track Friday night, I want a 6 reeaally bad. Should have decent air, so I think it's capable. Bumping it up to 6500 on the launch, we'll find out if there's any weak parts in the driveline.

I would say ya got lucky.. and you have had your 1 warning. Might wanna find a way to restrict the front susp travel... :eek:

Glad ya didn't rip the pan out or crack the bell...:)

I replaced all the clips on the window trim, it seems to have a little more staying power, now. Had an eventful Saturday night with it, thought I had screwed up bad..

So we changed the front springs, new ones are 100 lbs/in heavier, but have a lot more travel than the old ones did. Decided to play with the brakes some, got some heat in them and put the pedal down hard. Front end dives down, there's a HORRIBLE sound from the front of the car that I would swear was a weld breaking, and it doesn't seem to regain any ride height in the front. First thought that comes to my mind is that an upper control arm mount broke, but it turns out that it dove hard enough to bottom out on the bellhousing..

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/ABCD0018.jpg



All this was shoved between the trans and oil pan, pretty lucky nothing punctured the pan..
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/ABCD0019.jpg

Taking it back to the track Friday night, I want a 6 reeaally bad. Should have decent air, so I think it's capable. Bumping it up to 6500 on the launch, we'll find out if there's any weak parts in the driveline :mrgreen:

Real lucky with the oil pan, glad it didn't get hurt.
Wow. 6500 at launch.................I'm no drag racer but that sounds kinda high to me :eek:

Might wanna find a way to restrict the front susp travel... :eek:

Yeah, Sunday we ran the springs up another inch. They had settled nearly an inch over a week, and another 1/4 on that drive. If they keep going QA1 will be getting a phone call, this is pretty much the same thing the others did, and it's getting old pretty quick.

And Guy, we had it at 5500 the first trip, and with the tires hot it had plenty of grip, so we'll see if helps or hurts the 60'. It will be an eye opening experience side stepping the clutch at that RPM either way, though :cool:

It will be an eye opening experience side stepping the clutch at that RPM either way, though :cool:

Yessir!! Get video:crazy:

Well, that was a letdown..made one pass and the clutch was slipping, then dad took it up, dropped the clutch for the burnout and the tires never moved, sparks dropping under the car. Ugh..

SPEC clutch will be on the way soon, a little more money into the hole :screwup:

Well, that was a letdown..made one pass and the clutch was slipping, then dad took it up, dropped the clutch for the burnout and the tires never moved, sparks dropping under the car. Ugh..

SPEC clutch will be on the way soon, a little more money into the hole :screwup:
That stinks :( sorry to hear that. Sparks from under the car................do ya know what happened yet?

It was off the clutch, it's still drivable, just not enough for 10.5s and a sticky track. Gonna check with spec and mcleod and see what they recommend.

It's always bad when you dump the clutch and it doesnt move. I have nothing but good things to say about SPEC... their 3+ held stronger than my rear end! I just bought my Beretta clutch from them as well.

Let the anti-progress begin!

We got out in the shop after work Saturday, had it ready to pull in about 2 hours, which I don't think is too bad at all. Pulled it out this morning (managed to pull the plug out of the trans and dump Royal Purple Synchromax all over me), came out pretty easily. Figured out that the setup guide for our hydraulic throwout bearing was a little off, and it most likely, well, hopefully, was slipping because it was preloaded quite a bit. Should be ready to go back in weekend after next, just gotta get the clutch situation lined out.

Also pulled the pan to fix a little leak at the back and survey everything.

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5290.jpg

About 2 and half hours in
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5299.jpg

Something's missing here..I need to jump in there and clean up that overspray on the frame.
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5300.jpg

Looks normal enough..
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5304.jpg

..d'oh
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5313.jpg

Yeah, that's been a little warm..
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5316.jpg

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5331.jpg

Buttoned back up, waiting for some more thrashing
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5337.jpg

Looks good.
Preload on a hydraulic throwout bearing is definitly not good.

Yeah, Howe's recommendation was for it to be touching or slightly preloaded..and after 500 street miles and 11 passes, it had around .125 of preload :screwup:

Live and learn, it's going back with free play to account for wear. We're going to look at the master cylinder too, see if we can get more travel with less pedal movement, and hopefully make it a little friendlier for speed shifts.

Clutch has arrived, everything should be in order to get the motor back in this weekend. We found a local company that builds pressure plates for circle track and drag cars, and got a nice price, so we're giving it a shot.

In the meantime, I started another expensive and highly addictive habit yesterday -

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs024.snc1/3098_662673689690_23902038_38742270_6381835_n.jpg

Went to my first autocross, and had an absolute blast. I came in 6th out of 9 in Novice, I think I placed the highest out of the first timers. Didn't hit anything and didn't get lost on the course, and managed to pick up time every run so I was happy with the day.

Need to get a LOT more seat time before I even think about taking the Camaro, though..:screwup:

A Scion! WTF?!?! haha

I've always wanted to try an autocross but never done it yet.

Hey hey hey, no hating on my Scion, lol. Reliable basic transportation..and it's still pretty fun to tear around in every day.

You should definitely do it, I'm already counting the days till the next one.

So, it's been forever since I updated this, been fairly put out with things over the last month or so. We got the new clutch in and set up, everything went back in super smoothly, then figured out one of the hoses on the throwout bearing was hitting the pressure plate, along with several other annoyances along the way. But it's finally back healthy and ready for the track.

We have essentially 90 days until Drag Week, so we are locked in on the setup provided this clutch stands up to it. We'll be making as many passes as possible over the next month or so to fully test everything, probably drive it to the track a few times just to get some practice with that.

Switched to a Steeda Tri-Ax shifter, and Hurst pistol grip to help with ripping it back and forth. I'm still kind of indifferent on the handle, we'll see how it works at the track.
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5348.jpg

And got the upper grill in a while back, still need to figure out something for the bottom
http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/IMG_5349.jpg

Also picked up a new toy last week..the lakes are really high so I needed something new to play with this summer, lol. Rode 465 miles over the weekend, it was quite nice.
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v4410/221/53/23902038/n23902038_38951205_3076998.jpg

Sweet man! I cant wait to see some more slips on it.

I'm just hoping I can get my car on the road this week and the clutch broken in. I have a drag meet on the 18 and a dyno appt on the 19... with suspension, exhaust & exterior lighting to install still.. as well as interior. And I haven't fired the engine yet!

90 days would be luxury... haha

Interior isn't a necessity Woody, lol. Sounds like it's going to be a busy couple of weeks.

So..Friday night didn't go quite as planned..

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/clutch2.JPG

All I can say is thank you Lakewood for building a damn good bellhousing, it has a few good dents in it but doesn't look like there's any cracks. Appears that the pressure plate came apart, and in the process destroyed our aluminum flywheel as well.

I'd made two passes, neither one anything to brag about, managed an 8.2something on the first with it stumbling off the line. Then, 3rd pass, it stumbled again, I ran it pretty deep into first, grab second and somewhere between 6500 and 7000 rpm there's a pretty loud pop, it lays over and then it sounded like a bunch of gravel rolling around in the center of the car. Looks like for now we're going to get a new flywheel, and throw the Centerforce back in it with a new disc for now. It should be enough with the preload set right. Drag Week is looking kind of bleak if we don't get it all straightened out in the next month or so, though.

These pictures will be headed to the guy that built the clutch tomorrow, we'll see what he does for us. He claimed they build them for high power drag cars all the time, I'm thinking that might have been a bit of a stretch..

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/clutch1.JPG

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/clutch3.JPG

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/clutch5.JPG

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/clutch6.JPG

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/clutch7.JPG

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/clutch8.JPG

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/clutch9.JPG

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/clutch10.JPG

http://www.acmeautopartsonline.com/camaro/images/clutch11.JPG

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! that is crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ouch. Hopefully your clutch guy will stand behind it.

Holy Hell man!!! whopper of a clutch explosion.
Yeah, I would say mr clutch builder has some 'splainin' to do:eek:

OMG, I have never seen anything like that.
Makes me glad I put a Lakewood bellhousing on mine just in case.

Wow....good thing you had that bell....looks like it saved your car and your legs/feet.