91camarosRS

iTrader: (5)

those tires are massive!

and BIG MODS you are making me not wanna paint my car blue(its red now)
and making me wanna put a lexan spoiler like yours on it

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RX8X5AJao6Y

Not my car, but a pretty sweet ride.

I H8 WWD

iTrader: (5)

^ A favorite on here. Love the exhaust tone this camaro gives off.

S!MON

Here is mine...got it down to 2980lbs with 1/4 of fuel and without me (of course ;-). Pushing 380 HP and 370 ft-lbs (engine)..with some more fine tuning it should see 400 but at the moment it is ok as it is. Get the power @6000rpm, heads are ready for more..if i would change the cam and rev to 7000rpm I think ther is much more potential in the engine...but blabla...read the next text blog ;-)



Usually it's my drifter car:



I'm always fighting with myself if I should develope it more into a time attack car (reducing more weight, get some more power etc.) but I think a radical time attack car should be close to 2200lbs and that is out of range with a f-body...there are other cars out there ;-)

Nevertheless..you can eat up a lot of modern cars with an 20+ year old car
Greetings from Germany,

Simon

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

Dude I forgot all about your car... that thing is friggin SWEEET.

Imagine how much lighter you could get it with an LS1... That 350 appears to be set up very well though, not sure you'd see a real performance increase for the money spent, but still... just saying there's even more potential for weight loss there, and most people who run LS1's cant even get to that kind of weight. Very impressive.

S!MON

What I could do:
-complete fiberglass front clip (very big effort, pricey and dangerous when drifting (if you get off the track...stock stuff is much more flexible)
-fiberglass doors...car is track only so it would be ok...but still pricey and complicated
-fabricating a complete new front axle (tubular stuff, changing steering to f.e. 4th gen parts, crossmember etc.)
-rear window out of lexan
-removing rear underbumper support (not sure if it makes sense because of the weight bias)
-get some lighter rims for grip driving (20lbs advantage possible...unsprung!)
-replace most of the roof with carbon fibre

I think that is all what is left to save weight without starting cutting the car at the firewall ;-)

So I think there really is potential for 150-200lbs but only with big effort and much $$$. And I still have no cage and chassis strengthening in there...so most of the weight saving would be neutralized...

We will see how I decide until I paint my car..and if it will stay a drifter only...because then it could stay as it is.

/edit: not to mention my thoughts about aerodynamic stuff ;-)

Trans-Am 435

Here is mine, 82 Trans Am
it used to be my daily driver, 'till it went into storage about 5 years ago.
I built it in the mid 90's as it is still today.
even if it doesnt look like at first sight, there is a ton of work and fabrication in it, all done with just my own two hands.
there is a lot of extra structure as well as subframes in the body, custom tubular k-member with rack and pinion (my own design), modified 12" rear end, Carrera coilovers all around (long bevore they went QA!) Herb Adams sway bars front and rear, as well as Porsche brakes with Performance friction race pads, 275/315 tires on 17" wheels.
engine is a 434 sbc, based on a production 400 block, AFR220 fully ported heads, comp solid roller cam, 1000cfm Demon, backed by a modified Mc Leod street twin and a T56, to name just a few items.
it should be good for 650+ hp @7200.
the car is in full street trimm, full interior, stereo pw etc. just no ac and no cage.
3460lb as raced.

it went 5th overall on this years time attack at Anneau du Rhin (France) with no practice and not properly tuned, beating all the Evo's, Impreza's Porsche's Nissan's and so on, even one of three modified Caterhams....

will do some upgrades, tuning and practise and try to do better next year.

greetings from Germany

KMK454

From the pictures, it looks like ground clearance isn't an issue, though, especially on a smooth road course. About the only thing I could see is maybe bottoming out if the course has a dip, or difficulty entering the trailer. It's definitely a cool look, and I bet it sounds mean if you pass a car on the left! One of my favorite cars on the board!

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

I just drove BIG MODS car for about an hour last weekend. Trust me, the side exit exhaust is not as 'cool' for street use as it may look in the pictures. It looks cool, and sounds awesome at WOT. Otherwise it is deafening at all other speeds. On track with a helmet on it's not that bad, taking the car to McDonalds requires ear plugs LOL.

Choppycam

wow! Vraiment incroyable!

Choppycam

Awesome! lexan and LS engine are good option for you

BIG_MODS

iTrader: (9)

Another pic of my car:


It is at about 2830 lbs dry right now and will be getting an LS1 and a lighter clutch (-20 lbs) this winter. So it should be easily under 2750 dry. I still have fully intact doors and the factory bumpers, and a massive cage. Please don’t clutter this thread up with questions of how I got there, this is not a weight reduction thread.

DAVECS1

iTrader: (2)

Your car is absolutely my most favorite Thirdgen ever!

Al Weyman

How about some incar video from a race I did at the weekend, its a new series to start next year called the Historic V8 Challenge, I was meant to take my 2nd gen but not ready so I took 3rd gen. Got messed up on the opening lap which cost me a class trophy and the damned valve cover was pumping out oil again despite new high performance gaskets, how do you get those things to seal?

Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrZonjiyF4Y

Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlF9Fzar5Zk

Guess how much that white FIA Cobra I nearly hit is worth????

I H8 WWD

iTrader: (5)

Unsure if this was sarcasm or not, lol. But what I did was bolt them down center out, and ever so slightly tightened them, zero leaks. It seems they may be too tight on your end. I used Fel-Pro Rubber Gaskets. Every leak I have had has been because of over tightening. Torqued to specs is a must. At least on these cars I'm finding out. Good luck, watching video's now.

Edit: Loved the video's, SimplisticBeing is me on YouTube.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

he had it on the grand haven to detroit leg of the power tour, did you see it? I saw your car in the hotel parking lot where we stayed the one night. My wife thought I was sick when I instantly recognized the car and have never met you LOL...

Anyway here I am at Gingerman this summer sporting BIG MODS wheels and tires LOL (I now have my own) Photo was shot by John Ulaszek of GMHTP.



Here are shots in my driveway after race day

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

Do you have any more pictures of it? An online album maybe? Your car gets me excited in ways I didnt even know was possible for a car...

Also, I'd be very curious to see a thread on your weight reduction exploits if you have the time or the willingness to share. Beautiful car.

Pablo

iTrader: (1)

YES! Looks killer. Did you do the 18"s? I imagine so since they are so tucked up front.

I am thinking about getting some stepped outer shells for mine so I can bring them in more.

How far behind Madarash were you time wise ignoring the cone?

BIG_MODS

iTrader: (9)

LMAO! Good photography helps a lot, too.

For pictures try and wonder aimlessly in here: http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o33/StanIROCZ I likely have 1000 pictures in there. Most of my posts are in www.FRRAX.com I also have a website www.f-bodysport.com that is not up to date. This is the best summary thread: http://www.motownmuscle.com/forums/s...ight=Road+Race

I’ll see if I can pull together a weight reduction thread. Been spending all my free time looking up LSX stuff.

The car will be at SEMA next week if you happen to be there you can have a look.

Al Weyman

I am interested how you have done the Lexan screens front and rear.

BIG_MODS

iTrader: (9)

Al,
Look on pages 4-6 here: http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/index.p...ic=11940&st=60

Al Weyman

Cheers, I'll have a look tomorrow as for some reason I cannot log in from home but can at the shop!

ThirdGenF-Bomb

OMM NOMM NOMM NOMM!!!

Haha sorry all for that rudeness, I do try to eat with my mouth closed but was having a hard time with my jaw on the floor

Absolutely love the pics and ideas that are in this thread and still currently dream (doesn't cost anything, yet ;] ) of one day rebuilding my 85 T/A as a road car. Ran the track the day I bought her out at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA and although it was miles from impressive it was a rush none the less. You gentlemen (and ladies if there are a few) keep me inspired to hold on to a piece of automotive history even after countless frustrations

So to all of you on TGO I applaude you for your effort and hard work

Austin

DAVECS1

iTrader: (2)

[QUOTE=1MeanZ;5076678]he had it on the grand haven to detroit leg of the power tour, did you see it? I saw your car in the hotel parking lot where we stayed the one night. My wife thought I was sick when I instantly recognized the car and have never met you LOL...

Anyway here I am at Gingerman this summer sporting BIG MODS wheels and tires LOL (I now have my own) Photo was shot by John Ulaszek of GMHTP.

QUOTE]

No I desperately wanted to see, it but we got stuck inthe worlds largest traffic jam coming into Muskegon. We we in traffic for like 5-6 hours. With a six puck race clutch that was less than ideal :-) Then my goofyness got the best of me and I cracked the cutouts and launced the car against my buddies CTSV. Let just say vette brakes are good and i learned my lesson and I am sorry to the motorcycle guy I made soil his pants.

After that the car started to high idle and nothing would fix it. What a day. I got to Muskegon about 530-600 rolled out of the car and rubbed my leg forever. Tried to fix the car to no avail and just gatherd a crowd cause I was revving my motor dumped at the cutouts. SHut her down had some soddies went to bed. Woke up the next morning jiggled some wires turned up my ignition box and all was good .

So the short answer was if I was in my right mind I would of hooked up but I was a little scattered brained that day. It is really cool someone recognized my car. Not the caliber of Big Mods, but I am working on it:-)

S!MON

Hey Stan,

even if my car is close to yours in terms of modifications (white/golden Camaro drifter/road racer above), I'm really fascinated about your craftsmanship. Everything seems to be done to perfection with no compromises. Hope to get some of that skills transfered to mine

Keep up the good work and have tons of fun with your car!
Greetings,

Simon

...ok, I know...no weight reduction thread...but what's the meaning of dry weight for you? Only zero gas or no fluids at all (Engine/Tranny/Diff-Oil, Water)? Because even now without cage yours is a lot lighter than mine...not to mention your aiming weight after the LS-swap...

BIG_MODS

iTrader: (9)

Thanks S!MON!

I meant no gas, but the rest of the other fluids. It scaled at 2890 with ~9 gallons of fuel. Fuel is 7lbs/gal, so remove 63 lbs and it is ~2830.

Bradlyj8Z28

iTrader: (2)

wow, doing my first autocross this month, cant wait to post pics.

BIG_MODS

iTrader: (9)

BTW S!MON, I love seeing the American V8 in Europe laying the smack down to the snooty Porsche's, BMW etc!

Your car seems like mine was 3 years ago before the cage etc,,, similar weight and power. The last couple years is where mine got crazy.

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

To be fair that Camaro is probably less common over there than the Porsches and BMW's are here. I'm not sure that notion has quite the impact there as it does seeing it here, as it may be somewhat exotic in it's own right... but being stuck stateside Im not sure. Either way I dont think they ever got the low-income, barely intelligent caucasian stereotype over there like they did here either.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

Hey I resemble that remark!

slow305

iTrader: (2)

I have 17X11s. I was about 2 seconds in raw time total behind Mark. Looking at my video, I made a few mistakes on my fastest runs. Not that I'm fast enough to catch him mistake- and cone-free anyway. Being within a half second of the "fast" guys is usually a win for me.

Pat

Trans-Am 435

Hey Stan,
i'm just curious about the decoupled torque arm.
I read about it in Herb Adams Chassis Engineering book and it makes sense, but you are the first one i ran acros, with this kind of setup in use.
does it realy make that kind of major difference?
are there any negative side effects along with?


btw. i went away from the traditional panhard bar several years ago, to something i think dragracers call tracklocator.
its like the panhard moved down to the level of the control arms, the axle mount is next to the left controlarm axle mounting point, the frame mount is right next to the right controlarm frame mount.
so if looking from below, the controlarms and locator create a big Z!
it keeps the axle perfectly centered under almost any road conditions.
car feels much more stable than with the panhard, but you'll need more rear swaybar to compensate for the lowered roll center

Al Weyman

I have read a bit about the de-coupled set up and wished it had been about when I bought Spohn Racing set up as that still has its downfalls although better than standard.
There is plenty of info on www.frrax.com road race site. You have to sign up and wait to be accepted though and its more a race site than a general purpose site on the 3rd gen.

DAVECS1

iTrader: (2)

I ended up going with Spohns stock replacement arm as it does not change the IC like his conventional setup. My only complaint is it ways as muc as a Toyota, even in 4340 chromoly. Probably for the best as the 9" and the Stage 3 SPEC clutch can get a bit rowdy if you loose your concentration. On my car under hard braking beginning the turn on a tight corner I do not get the feeling of a snap around coming on like I used too. I ended up makeing my own crossmember to unload the stock mounting point from the transmission.

burns_2k

I think in Germany they drive Opel Mantas instead.

http://www.loria.fr/~vigneron/Bookma...ade/manta.html

I had one before my Camaro, covering all the bases.

Al Weyman

Hey Burns I am taking my 3rd Gen to a charity event at Snetterton in the UK on Saturday where people pay for a ride in one of the cars. If you or anyone want a ride in the only 3rd gen UK race car come over, you would have to pay the fee though but its for a worthy cause, the Ronald MacDonald accomadation for parents with sick kids charity.

carlos64030

iTrader: (1)

I went to SEMA a few weeks ago and saw this there:

Al Weyman

Nice

91camarosRS

iTrader: (5)

you do know that is big_mods car right?

carlos64030

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, I realized it was yesterday after I posted it and flipping through previous pages and seeing it.

SwisherMane

Not only is this the nastiest camaro I've ever laid eyes upon, it is also a really awesome photo. Is there an ls1 in it yet?

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

Are you road race guys running factory blocks? What needs to be done to make an engine happy when it runs at sustained 2500-6000 RPM ranges at full load? Beyond a dry sump oil system... and maybe a roller cam... what needs to be done?

DAVECS1

iTrader: (2)

No need for a drysump, a good trap door oilpan does just fine with a crank scraper.

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

Why the crank scraper? Seems like that would limit oiling to the cam, which might not always be a great idea.

I guess instead of a dry sump, I meant something along these lines:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CTR-24-046/

FryeDaddy

iTrader: (1)

Love the liscense plate lol! is it under the car?

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

Even a properly assembled stock engine will survive road race use. The big things that kill RR engines is over-revving, oil starvation during high G cornering and overheating the coolant and or the oil. Lots of guys run a baffled oil pan with trap doors, I'm runnin a Canton 7qt pan. Another good idea that is a MUST if you have a stock pan is an accusump, basically it is a pressurized oil canister that pushes oil into the engine if the pressure drops during a corner. The next challenge is keeping it all cool. A good quality water pump, properly sized radiator is a must and most guys end up running an oil cooler too. An oil cooler is on my list to do this winter. My stock radiator is holding up to the job so far but I've removed the AC condenser and sealed up ALL of the gaps around the radiator so no air can get around it. I've also got an Accel 300+ ignition with a rev limiter set at 6500. If you limit the RPM down to something sane and keep the beast oiled and cooled even stock motors will be fine.



yah this is an older pic from when I lived in Ohio, where front plates are required. Thank God Indiana does not require them, I hate front plates...

DAVECS1

iTrader: (2)

The scraper in the pan keeps you from aerating the oil.

87350IROC

iTrader: (2)

Agreed on all points.

A stock replacement radiator has been working fine for me on the road course even with the AC condenser in place.

Slayerx666

Ugh I want to make a spoiler like on big_mods car. Beautiful.

JBgotM

Well, i might as well post ours up as well. We saved a firebird from going to the scrapyard and are running chumpcar with it.