Phase I done, Phase II-interior almost done, and now Phase III-drivetrain (454 LSX!)
COTM Editor
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,098
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From: WINDSOR, CO
Car: 91 Z28, 87 SC, 90 IROC, 92 RS
Engine: LS1, 305 TPI, L98, NADA
Transmission: T56, 700r4's, and NADA
Axle/Gears: 3.89, 3.42, 3.23, NADA
Looks amazing! I am so very impressed and cannot wait to see what PHASE II has to offer for our viewing pleasure! Make sure to get that cardomain going, so everyone can see all these pics on one quick page.
I smell Popular Hot Rodding magazine cover - GMachine 3rd Gen!!!!!!
I smell Popular Hot Rodding magazine cover - GMachine 3rd Gen!!!!!!
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
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Posts: 4,627
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From: Houston Area
Car: Faster
Engine: Than
Transmission: You!
Looks like it's been sitting outside in the rain!! Wash that thing and get it inside!! I'd almost be willing to push mine outside to store your's inside!
BUT........not quite...
Looks killer! Call me on Friday and we'll figure out a time to meet up at my shop on Saturday.
BUT........not quite...

Looks killer! Call me on Friday and we'll figure out a time to meet up at my shop on Saturday.
Supreme Member

Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,779
Likes: 2
From: any clime or place...
Car: 1987 Camaro SC, 1999 Z28
Engine: GMPP 350HO, LS1
Transmission: Built 700r4/EDGE 3200, T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Eaton 7.625, 3.42 Zexel Torsen
most amazing 3rd gen i've ever seen, just amazing.
I think anyone on these boards would sell their own grandmas' house just to have something half that sweet.
...sure has been a treat watching it come along! Thanks! Gonna say "I told you so" when I see your hard work in a dozen magazines.
I think anyone on these boards would sell their own grandmas' house just to have something half that sweet.
...sure has been a treat watching it come along! Thanks! Gonna say "I told you so" when I see your hard work in a dozen magazines.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8
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From: Warren, OH
Car: 89' rs
Engine: the akward silence causing 2.8
Transmission: 5 speed or lack thereof
i came in the game pretty late but i just spent five hours reading 653 comments, and i'm thourally impressed with the style and creativity you put into this project. im a feind for customs and i love the way you performed a reformation of your vehicle that doesent fight for attention but still demands it
bravo sir, bravo
bravo sir, bravo
Wow Neil! Looks like the positive response is overwhelming! Very cool! I certainly never thought it would be this big of a post on the 3gen site! Congratulations on a great concept! Thanks for letting us build your dream for you!!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 892
Likes: 1
From: Ottawa
Car: 91Z
Engine: 355/afr/sr/lpe219
Transmission: built 700R
I really am impressed with the way those tires are tucked in!! GOOD JOB GUY'S!!! I have one question though, is the hatch closed in the pics?? It just looks a bit off?
Went back and looked again, I think it might just be the picture.
Went back and looked again, I think it might just be the picture.
Senior Member
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 656
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From: Nashville, TN
Car: 91 Z28
Engine: Lt1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.70 auburn pro 9"
Well you really didnt disapoint!! DAMN that thing is sexy! I know its been said but those rear fenders couldnt be any more perfect. I dont think ive ever seen a 295 or 315 tire fit as well as your 335's!!! that rear shot is pure sex, I love seein those fat tires back there tucked in perfectly!! Im a subscriber to Hot Rod, Chevy High preformace and GMHTP with any luck you will get it in at least two of those! Good work guys!
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 762
Likes: 5
From: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Car: Trans Am
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
That's awesome, absolutely awesome.
I'd like to see a pic one day of your car and Kandied91z's car nose to nose in the same shot. I mean your blue and his red would just make the pic "pop" with insane thirdgen color.
Great work Neil and John.
I'd like to see a pic one day of your car and Kandied91z's car nose to nose in the same shot. I mean your blue and his red would just make the pic "pop" with insane thirdgen color.
Great work Neil and John.
Supreme Member
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Posts: 1,093
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From: western ny
Car: '82 formula clone, 95 saab 900se
Engine: 350 vortec'd tbi, 2.0L turbo
Transmission: 700r4, 5 spd
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 2.77 open
i sent an email to an editor at the gm high tech performance magazine's website mentioning the progress of your build on this thread, hopefully they'll check it out and you'll hear from them.
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,498
Likes: 90
From: West Warwick RI, postal code: 02893
Car: Building LS3, T56 Z28
Engine: LS3
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: Moser/ 4.11
Neil: really looks great. I can't believe how well they tuck. My car is still at the dyno shop, but should be done within the next couple of weeks and I will keep working at getting mine to tuck at tight as yours (imposible) but I will shoot for it.
Can't wait to see the interior. Great work as usuall.
Are you doing your interior yourself? Or is it another shop?
The more I see your car, the more I see that my car is the Poor man's dream vertion of it, haha.
Can't wait to see the interior. Great work as usuall.
Are you doing your interior yourself? Or is it another shop?
The more I see your car, the more I see that my car is the Poor man's dream vertion of it, haha.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
I can't thank you enough, so THANKS AGAIN for all the compliments!
Johnnyboy, thanks for doing that! Getting this car in a magazine would be pretty cool!
As for the interior work, I will be doing it. I like to do as much of the work as possible because it's what I like to do. The body work I left to the pro's, since my skills aren't anywhere close to these guys.
I agree, a pic with kandied91z's car and mine would be pretty cool, I have always like that guy's car!
and John aka Vintage Rest. thanks for being patient with me and building such a sick car!
Johnnyboy, thanks for doing that! Getting this car in a magazine would be pretty cool!
As for the interior work, I will be doing it. I like to do as much of the work as possible because it's what I like to do. The body work I left to the pro's, since my skills aren't anywhere close to these guys.
I agree, a pic with kandied91z's car and mine would be pretty cool, I have always like that guy's car!
and John aka Vintage Rest. thanks for being patient with me and building such a sick car!
Banned
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,212
Likes: 13
From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Something tells me GMHTP is flooded with emails regarding this car. I shot an email off to GMHTP almost a month ago, just after the intial paint was on the car, and the first run of test fit wheels!Yeah, GMHTP certainly knows about Neil's car...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
Supreme Member
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Posts: 1,093
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From: western ny
Car: '82 formula clone, 95 saab 900se
Engine: 350 vortec'd tbi, 2.0L turbo
Transmission: 700r4, 5 spd
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 2.77 open
let's get everyone to mention the car to them
if they don't look then they're not checking their mail
if they don't look then they're not checking their mail
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Car: 2008 Chevy Equinox Sport
Engine: V6 - 263 hp
Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
Axle/Gears: Factory
The Brother
Hey there is nothing STOCK about about stockcar. I may not know alot about cars but I've seen alot of coverage on TV. Fox, their coverage is excellent.
Nonetheless the car looks bad ***. I can't believe that it is the same car that I drove home for him after he bought it. Driving home in the rain leaking like a sieve. Or how about the time you were broken down on 59 and bitching about not having a cell phone as Houston's finest rolled right by. Yes this car has seen alot including leaving a trail of parts down the drag strip in Baytown.
I do have serious concerns about these guys seeing you in person. You know there are many predators out there on the internet and you really can't trust these people are who they say they are. They are probably 18 or 19 year old girls posing as car enthusiasts.
Also I don't know if anyone has asked yet but... how much did this cost?
I look forward to the finished product and driving it like this....
http://www.break.com/index/humvee_dr...i_traffic.html
Sweet job body shop guys.
Nonetheless the car looks bad ***. I can't believe that it is the same car that I drove home for him after he bought it. Driving home in the rain leaking like a sieve. Or how about the time you were broken down on 59 and bitching about not having a cell phone as Houston's finest rolled right by. Yes this car has seen alot including leaving a trail of parts down the drag strip in Baytown.
I do have serious concerns about these guys seeing you in person. You know there are many predators out there on the internet and you really can't trust these people are who they say they are. They are probably 18 or 19 year old girls posing as car enthusiasts.
Also I don't know if anyone has asked yet but... how much did this cost?
I look forward to the finished product and driving it like this....
http://www.break.com/index/humvee_dr...i_traffic.html
Sweet job body shop guys.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
I saw my car yesterday and it looks sweet in person. I actually could have gone with 1/4" less backspacing, but I wanted to play it safe, nevetheless, the wheels tuck very well. I am happy with the wheels and fitment, so slowly but surely I will begin to take pics of the interior and post my progress of that build up!!! I am wondering if I should start a new thread for Phase II or if I should just start the interior build up in this thread? What do you guys think?
Neil's bro: nice post, well done and maybe I should get a hummer one of these days.
Neil's bro: nice post, well done and maybe I should get a hummer one of these days.
Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
From: Calgary AB.
Car: 85 Camaro iroc
Engine: 305ci HO
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 852
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, Oregon
Car: 85 Z28, 88 GTA, 68 Cutlass S
Engine: 305TPI X2 ;), Chevy 250
Transmission: T5, 700R4, powerslide >:(
Axle/Gears: posi, and posi w/discs :D.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Lovelock
Car: 91 camaro RS
Engine: Lo3
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2.73s I think
the stuff you have done to this car rivals most of what chevy highperformance publishes. I mean damn. "You wanna be a pimp but you say your ride aint fly?" "pimp my ride!"
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Car: 2008 Chevy Equinox Sport
Engine: V6 - 263 hp
Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
Axle/Gears: Factory
My services
Speaking of magazines....
I would like to offer my services in screening the young ladies that will be sprawled across your fenders in these numerous magazines. I am pretty busy right now but I can make the time.
I would like to offer my services in screening the young ladies that will be sprawled across your fenders in these numerous magazines. I am pretty busy right now but I can make the time.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,627
Likes: 5
From: Houston Area
Car: Faster
Engine: Than
Transmission: You!
Hey NeilsBro - Your neighbor is pretty sexy (the one walking the dog the last time is was there). Lift some weights and take down her big boyfriend!!
Mike
Mike
Banned
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,212
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From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Ya'll said you changed the rear BS by .25". What it plus or minus? 7.25" or 7.75"?
I found some 7" BS wheels I want, but not sure if they will fit without touching the body, inside or out, or the trailing arms. The trailing arms wouldn't be a real big deal though. Not sure if the first obstruction would be the body or the arms.
I found some 7" BS wheels I want, but not sure if they will fit without touching the body, inside or out, or the trailing arms. The trailing arms wouldn't be a real big deal though. Not sure if the first obstruction would be the body or the arms.
Last edited by Stephen; Jan 31, 2007 at 01:48 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
Ya'll said you changed the rear BS by .25". What it plus or minus? 7.25" or 7.75"?
I found some 7" BS wheels I want, but not sure if they will fit without touching the body, inside or out, or the trailing arms. The trailing arms wouldn't be a real big deal though. Not sure if the first obstruction would be the body or the arms.
I found some 7" BS wheels I want, but not sure if they will fit without touching the body, inside or out, or the trailing arms. The trailing arms wouldn't be a real big deal though. Not sure if the first obstruction would be the body or the arms.
Banned
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,212
Likes: 13
From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Thanks! It's a 16" x 10" crosslace style wheel, and I'm having a helluva time finding street tires that will fit. If I was just looking for road race compund "slicks", the tires would be easier to get that would fit a 10" wheel.
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,421
Likes: 24
From: Stavanger area, Norway
Car: 86 IROC Convt
Engine: 305TPI
Transmission: TH700R4
Ok, someone slap me for missing this thread!All I can say is Holy Cr@p! This is going to be a fantastic looking car! A great collection of tasteful, yet unusal custom mods set of with a gorgeous color and wheel combo. Awesome work you all!
BTW, sweet with all the detail pics.

Ken
Neil, be sure that people know that you didn't necessarily HAVE to do the additional back spacing. The previous offset would have worked just fine, we were just being extra cautious to make sure we had the wheels tucked by anyone's definition! and I think it was pretty much success 100%! I'll make sure we get some pics of the car loaded up in the trailer in route to Dallas!
Last edited by Vintage Rest; Jan 31, 2007 at 07:15 PM. Reason: missed a word
Banned
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From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Without any body or trailing arm mods, what looks like the most BS you could fit in there, and the widest tire?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
Supreme Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 0
From: Maui, Hawaii
Car: 1984 Trans Am
Engine: broken 385sbc
Transmission: G-Force rebuilt T-5
Axle/Gears: Currie 9" Ford 4.30:1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
COTM Editor
iTrader: (11)
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,098
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From: WINDSOR, CO
Car: 91 Z28, 87 SC, 90 IROC, 92 RS
Engine: LS1, 305 TPI, L98, NADA
Transmission: T56, 700r4's, and NADA
Axle/Gears: 3.89, 3.42, 3.23, NADA
I bet shagwells tires hang out the sides, unlike Neils that are tucked. I have yet to see a set of Zr1s 17x11 that don't hang out. I am planning on getting some 295 g-force drag radials for my 18x10s, but I don't remember the back spacing specs for the wheels.
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From: Houston Area
Car: Faster
Engine: Than
Transmission: You!
Neil tucked 315's in the back before he had the quarters widened (back when the car was white). He just did a little inner fender massaging and notched his lower control arms.
Banned
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,212
Likes: 13
From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Cool. But, I can't find a 16" street tire wider than 255 anyways, without going to the technically street legal, but mighht as well be slicks or road course compound tires.
And I already found a set of 16" x 10" crosslace looking wheels...
And I already found a set of 16" x 10" crosslace looking wheels...
COTM Editor
iTrader: (11)
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,098
Likes: 13
From: WINDSOR, CO
Car: 91 Z28, 87 SC, 90 IROC, 92 RS
Engine: LS1, 305 TPI, L98, NADA
Transmission: T56, 700r4's, and NADA
Axle/Gears: 3.89, 3.42, 3.23, NADA

The back end of Neils car could not tuck those... unless this pic is prior to any inner fender, or lca modification.
Supreme Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,196
Likes: 6
From: Illinois
Car: '91 Z28 & '90 RS Vert & '89 RS
Engine: 5.7L & none & 2.8L (soon to be LSX)
Transmission: yes
Axle/Gears: One's with teeeeefs
Neil, have you gone thru yet and figured out exactly how much wider the back end is now at the widest point on the wheel wells, vs. stock? It looks like you would completely tuck those old 315's now......
Last edited by 911rsq; Feb 3, 2007 at 01:02 AM. Reason: ..
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
Yeah, lol, those pics were with the 1.25" spacer in the back and I had just notched the lower control arms and still needed to do some cutting in the wheel well area. A week or so later, I switched to the 1/8" spacer with the same ZR1's and the wheels were tucked. I have some pics that I can scan in to show.
COTM Editor
iTrader: (11)
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,098
Likes: 13
From: WINDSOR, CO
Car: 91 Z28, 87 SC, 90 IROC, 92 RS
Engine: LS1, 305 TPI, L98, NADA
Transmission: T56, 700r4's, and NADA
Axle/Gears: 3.89, 3.42, 3.23, NADA
Ah, I see now. You should post pics with the zr1s tucked, cause every other car that I have seen with them can get them even with the fender, but that is it. I'm sure other people that have 17x11 zr1s would like to see them as well.
Banned
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,212
Likes: 13
From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Neil...
Are you running the 3rd gen rear, or a 4th gen rear? A local guy here has a 4th gen rear, with the stock 3rd gen rear wheels, and they pretty much fit flush.
Are you running the 3rd gen rear, or a 4th gen rear? A local guy here has a 4th gen rear, with the stock 3rd gen rear wheels, and they pretty much fit flush.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
----------
Also, I forgot to mention that in that pic you posted I was running 2.25" spacers in the front (the front wheels also were sticking out). When I put the 1/8" spacers in the rear, I put the 1.25" spacers in the front and that made the front wheels tuck very well as well! The reason I was able to do that was because I did the C5 brake conversion in the front and that pushed the hub and rotor mounting surface further out (I forget by exactly how much).
Last edited by Neil; Feb 3, 2007 at 05:47 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
I will have to measure, but I think my car is now 3-4" wider across the rear. Yeah those 315's would have definitely tucked, they did before as well (see previous posts).
Neil is just about right on with the widening at the widest point, somewhere between 1.75 and 2 in each side if I remember that correctly, might be a little over 2 in at the widest.
Be on the lookout for Neil's latest revelation on this INSANE engine!
IT WILL BLOW YOU AWAY OR MY NAME ISN'T ORVILLE REDENBACKER!
Be on the lookout for Neil's latest revelation on this INSANE engine!
IT WILL BLOW YOU AWAY OR MY NAME ISN'T ORVILLE REDENBACKER!







