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New Car Build, please advise


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Posted

I am an editor at an auto magazine and have a 3rd-gen Camaro that is being built to American Iron specs. I need any advice on possible powerplants, suspension setups, clutches, and other misc. info. I have read the AI rules, as well as the NASA CCR, just need to give the shop a bit more direction as to what they should do after a cage is installed.

 

ANY input is greatly appreciated.

Posted

One thing nice about these 3rd gens is that you don't have to spend as much money as the Mustang guys

 

Powerplant: The super easy combo to make power is a 350 with Vortec heads, a cam for whatever power you need to make vs. weight, and a Holley 600 cfm carb. Everything else is more money, but aluminum heads would be lighter. You don't need to go crazy there either, GM L98 Aluminum (TPI Corvette) heads ought to flow enough for the power level. At least, I hope so since that's what I'm using next season. A Canton oil pan would be a good investment to keep the oil where it needs to be.

 

Suspension setups: Go to http://www.frrax.com - That's the F-body Road Race/AutoX message board. Use the search function then read for hours. You'll read so much that your head will spin, then read some more.

 

You don't have to go spend money on aftermarket stuff for the front suspension unless your sole reason is to drop weight, and even then you'll probably be the guinea pig. No one makes any front suspension part that's tested or designed with track duty in mind. Some of the Spohn (http://www.spohn.net) stuff might handle it, but you'll be the first monkey into space on that one. BMR, PA Racing, and just about anyone mainstream for F-body suspensions makes junk (for our application, of course) that WILL break on track even with extra "road race" gussets. I'm sure it works for drag racing, but not here. Sorry if this is a downer, but it's my opinion.

 

Stick with the stock K-member and A-arms but have new bushings and ball joints put in the A-arms. Koni Yellow struts/shocks work fine to get you started.

 

As far as rear suspension, rod-end lower control arms and panhard bars are the norm, it seems. Search on frrax for "Jon A" and look for DIY LCA and PHB guides. You can make them for about $300 if you order aluminum tubing from Coleman Racing (circle track catalog) and get QA1 or Aurora rod ends from the closest dealer. Beyond that, search FRRAX to find any other info on torque arms or other setups.

 

Clutch: I'm still about 80HP short of AI, but I'm running an Autozone heavy duty clutch/PP and it works fine. A couple of AI guys I run with use Centerforce Dual Friction.

 

Brakes: Go read on http://www.thirdgen.org in the brakes section. I believe the guy who sells conversions is "ebmiller88". Ed is a good guy and has kind of been the pioneer (IMO) in non-aftermarket brake upgrades. He just came out with a cool 12.25" Wilwood setup that'll fit under GTA wheels if you don't want to spend the money for 17" wheels & tires.

 

Wheels: The easiest route is 16x8 GTA wheels at 16lb/each or you can go with factory GM cast 17x9 SS 5-spokes or SS 10-spokes @ 21lb/ea + 2" adapter. Skulte Performance (http://www.skulte.com) can get you setup with the 2" adapters to run the 4th gen wheels. Andris is a sponsor of FRRAX and a trusted vendor. C5 Z06 front wheels are 17x9.5 and lighter, but more expensive.

 

Cage: Get pictures of road race cages if you and the shop building the car aren't familiar with them. Many of the things commonly done for drag racing are illegal for road race cages (a bend in the back stays, for example). Better yet, use a shop that's well versed in track cars.

 

Well, I'm spent. Hurry up and get another F-body in AI, we need it!

 

PS- this is assuming American Iron, not AIX.

Posted
I am an editor at an auto magazine and have a 3rd-gen Camaro that is being built to American Iron specs. I need any advice on possible powerplants, suspension setups, clutches, and other misc. info. I have read the AI rules, as well as the NASA CCR, just need to give the shop a bit more direction as to what they should do after a cage is installed.

 

ANY input is greatly appreciated.

 

Dude, Which Magazine?

Nape is right on, Go 3rd gen and welcome to AI.

Posted

Dude, Which Magazine?

Nape is right on, Go 3rd gen and welcome to AI.

 

I'll let him say the magazine since I don't know if it's supposed to be a secret, but it's right up your "I bleed Chevy blue" alley

Posted

Dude, Which Magazine?

Nape is right on, Go 3rd gen and welcome to AI.

 

I'll let him say the magazine since I don't know if it's supposed to be a secret, but it's right up your "I bleed Chevy blue" alley

 

TJ/Dude,

Do you really think its Super Chevy?

That would be great for fellow Camaro Dudes to see Camaro's doing

something other than going down the 1/4 mile. I really dug reading

Matt Kings monthly write ups in Hot Rod.

 

BTW are you one of the chicken boys I met in Ohio?

Posted

I'm not one to spoil surprises, so maybe

 

BTW are you one of the chicken boys I met in Ohio?

 

Yep, I was there crewing for Bob, Brian, and Sidney. I would say to bring extra wire for the coup next year, but I'm not sure if I'll make the minimum # of races before the Championships.

 

Posted

This sounds like great news... some road racing coverage in a chevy rag!!! Very glad to hear it.

Posted

Mr. Editor,

 

Team 309 runs (3) 3rd Gen Firebirds. Bob Denton #67 has over 70 races in his '87. My car, #64, has always been a race car and has near 100 races in the logbooks. It was built to ASedan specs by Jon Ward (Built the Jerry Titus cars for Trans/Am). We have been "schooling" Nape on how to build a 3rd gen and so far he's listening!

 

You're welcome to contact me off line for more info about our cars.

 

Welcome to American Iron,

 

Sidney Franklin

AI #64 1989 Firebird Formula

[email protected]

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