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If you have a Players Challenge Car, please post here. (RPO- A4U, 1LE or R7U)
History / OriginalityGot a question about 1982-1992 Camaro or Firebird history? Have a question about original parts, options, RPO codes, when something was available, or how to document your car? Those questions, answers, and much more!
Re: If you have a Players Challenge Car, please post here. (RPO- A4U, 1LE or R7U)
Since buying the Players TransAm I’ve spent countless hours and dollars getting it up back running. It hasn’t turned a wheel under its own power in well over a decade. It was well worth the effort. I ended up swapping the engine from an 88 Iroc (LB9) and still have the numbers matching block. Runs awesome!
I am however listing the car for sale to a good home. You can find it in the classifieds section on this site.
Re: If you have a Players Challenge Car, please post here. (RPO- A4U, 1LE or R7U)
Anyone familiar with Players engine block codes? I picked up an ‘89 yesterday but was told the engine was replaced. The paint markings are present and the block has no VIN. Code is V0708PW1 if I’m reading it right (it’s filthy and I haven’t pressure washed it yet). Is there a chance the PW stands for warranty? Thanks
Re: If you have a Players Challenge Car, please post here. (RPO- A4U, 1LE or R7U)
Originally Posted by pmand
Anyone familiar with Players engine block codes? I picked up an ‘89 yesterday but was told the engine was replaced. The paint markings are present and the block has no VIN. Code is V0708PW1 if I’m reading it right (it’s filthy and I haven’t pressure washed it yet). Is there a chance the PW stands for warranty? Thanks
My 1989 R7U had the original engine. V0111ATB
V- Flint Engine Plant
01 Jan
11- 11th day
ATB - 1989 305 LB9
Not sure about PW1. I can’t find that suffix code anywhere.
Re: If you have a Players Challenge Car, please post here. (RPO- A4U, 1LE or R7U)
Originally Posted by 67restoproj
My 1989 R7U had the original engine. V0111ATB
V- Flint Engine Plant
01 Jan
11- 11th day
ATB - 1989 305 LB9
Not sure about PW1. I can’t find that suffix code anywhere.
Thanks Pat. I cleaned it up a bit today and found its likely V0708PN1 (or I)? Seems odd and a few replies have suggested it doesn't come up anywhere.
Re: If you have a Players Challenge Car, please post here. (RPO- A4U, 1LE or R7U)
Use a mirror to check back driver's side of block. See what casting number is there. Should be a 5.0L indication as well. No VIN usually means service replacement block. So the Engine code may not match any listing since it didn't come in a particular car/truck.
Re: If you have a Players Challenge Car, please post here. (RPO- A4U, 1LE or R7U)
Originally Posted by Mark_ZZ3
Use a mirror to check back driver's side of block. See what casting number is there. Should be a 5.0L indication as well. No VIN usually means service replacement block. So the Engine code may not match any listing since it didn't come in a particular car/truck.
Mark.
Thanks Mark. At least the block is consistent. The rear has no VIN either. Although the suffix doesn’t show up anywhere anymore the guys at GM agreed with your suggestion of a replacement! Maybe someday it’ll show up.
Re: If you have a Players Challenge Car, please post here. (RPO- A4U, 1LE or R7U)
Originally Posted by pmand
Thanks Mark. At least the block is consistent. The rear has no VIN either. Although the suffix doesn’t show up anywhere anymore the guys at GM agreed with your suggestion of a replacement! Maybe someday it’ll show up.
No VIN is usually replacement. I have a 1979 4 bolt block I am working with ... no VIN and stamp just says K0103 1979 .... no codes, no nothing. Casting on back is odd too ... no date code. No hour clock. So it was a GM block. My guess yours is/was something like that.
Re: If you have a Players Challenge Car, please post here. (RPO- A4U, 1LE or R7U)
Originally Posted by pmand
Thanks Mark. At least the block is consistent. The rear has no VIN either. Although the suffix doesn’t show up anywhere anymore the guys at GM agreed with your suggestion of a replacement! Maybe someday it’ll show up.
So please tell us a little bit about your new purchase.
Re: If you have a Players Challenge Car, please post here. (RPO- A4U, 1LE or R7U)
The car was found in a field nearby - less than 1/2 hour actually. I’ve probably driven by it thousands of times easily, few weeks back I just happened to spot it, sounds like it was pulled out to be sold. The owner told me his dad had 10-15 thirdgens at one time and over 100 vehicles and crushed them all years ago. I was interested as a parts car until I found out what it was. Car is in rough shape but complete minus cage. He said it was the fastest iroc around (after I figured out the car and found the race chip I know why lol).
Initially I was going to rebuild it as it’s a better start than my 88 was, but now I’ve already found another so I’m trying to sell. If it doesn’t sell I may start on it once I’m finished mine. Ideally Id like to find someone who is interested in restoring it, had lots of interest for parts but seems wrong. Once the snows gone I’ll fix the fuel pump and rip it!
At first I thought it might be Ernie Romanov (who never raced after provisionals). However now that I’ve talked to a couple of the racers from Stony Plain it may be one of the Dowlers cars. I’ve got lots of interest in tracking down its origin so I hope to tie it up soon and get some pictures,
Re: If you have a Players Challenge Car, please post here. (RPO- A4U, 1LE or R7U)
And a new car found in the dust of storage ... a 1991 Player Challenge Trans Am ... 1 of 9 built in 1990. Raced two seasons in the series. Then some street miles, and back on the track in full race trim. The plan is either A. put back to street spec as it was racing in 1991 or B. Keep it as it is for vintage racing (but not sure how much you can modify for a vintage race).
Re: If you have a Players Challenge Car, please post here. (RPO- A4U, 1LE or R7U)
Originally Posted by pmand
The car was found in a field nearby - less than 1/2 hour actually. I’ve probably driven by it thousands of times easily, few weeks back I just happened to spot it, sounds like it was pulled out to be sold. The owner told me his dad had 10-15 thirdgens at one time and over 100 vehicles and crushed them all years ago. I was interested as a parts car until I found out what it was. Car is in rough shape but complete minus cage. He said it was the fastest iroc around (after I figured out the car and found the race chip I know why lol).
Initially I was going to rebuild it as it’s a better start than my 88 was, but now I’ve already found another so I’m trying to sell. If it doesn’t sell I may start on it once I’m finished mine. Ideally Id like to find someone who is interested in restoring it, had lots of interest for parts but seems wrong. Once the snows gone I’ll fix the fuel pump and rip it!
At first I thought it might be Ernie Romanov (who never raced after provisionals). However now that I’ve talked to a couple of the racers from Stony Plain it may be one of the Dowlers cars. I’ve got lots of interest in tracking down its origin so I hope to tie it up soon and get some pictures,
Re: If you have a Players Challenge Car, please post here. (RPO- A4U, 1LE or R7U)
Originally Posted by 67restoproj
yes! Really good!!
Great pick up. Top left is ‘88 (I have only ever found one - good match for your Morris car). Then ‘89-90 is rainbow, red and white is ‘86. The GM Motorsports I was told was for GM only and not available to the teams. Only missing a couple to complete the set!
Re: If you have a Players Challenge Car, please post here. (RPO- A4U, 1LE or R7U)
So... I put off painting the car for a bit to get a cage installed. I am fortunate enough to have the car's original crew chief close by and willing to help - he had two stipulations 1) He wasn't building a cage in a recently painted car 2) He be allowed to re-create the cage as he originally built it. I obliged! I was without the car for 2 months and between he and his helped they counted over 150 hours... I couldn't be happier. It's an exact copy of the 1988 cage, built on the same bender and using the same mounting locations. At 73 years old he is still very capable of amazing work. I've already started pulling it to paint the car and have the cage coated.His cage was unique as he refused to cut the dash unlike some of the larger team cages = a lot more work to get the bends right...
Last edited by pmand; 11-03-2020 at 08:03 PM.
Reason: Pictures
Re: If you have a Players Challenge Car, please post here. (RPO- A4U, 1LE or R7U)
So this original Davenport cage followed me home today, it’s still unconfirmed but it may be the original cage from my #88 Tony Morris Camaro . It’s all complete. Drivers door bar is missing in photo but I have it. Small win!!
Re: If you have a Players Challenge Car, please post here. (RPO- A4U, 1LE or R7U)
This 1989 eastern players R7u car was stored in a semi trailer just north west of Calgary Alberta in a small town for the last 18 years. Original cage , prom and is probably the heaviest documented cars I’ve seen.
Re: If you have a Players Challenge Car, please post here. (RPO- A4U, 1LE or R7U)
Originally Posted by Mark_ZZ3
(cross posting this here)
I am very happy to be able to provide some pictures of some ultra rare GM race only f-body parts. Below are pictures of a racing exhaust system built for the 87-92 Player's Challenge series races in Canada. This exhaust system was available over the parts counter to racing teams and was required to be installed on the race cars.
The system is "bolt on" in the sense it replaces the main crossover (notice the lack of the dual cat N10 setup). The side pipes install in place under the door sill area and exit just infront of the rear wheels.
The chrome extensions are 1970 Chevelle SS parts that have tabs welded on the inside with threaded holes to allow for an aluminum cap to be put on. The design allowed for driving the car to the track with closed exhaust, and then upcap the exhaust for the race.
While the HP gain was minimal, the exhaust was really for the fans. In 1986, they had only a passenger side exit. By 87, then added the driver's side for true exhaust so they could assault the fans on both sides of the track.
This exhaust system is BRAND NEW, NEVER INSTALLED. Still has the tags and part numbers intact. It was an unbelievable find and a part of history. I'll be blueprinting the setup and taking better pictures as time permits.
I could not wait to post up some picts. Early Christmas!
Enjoy.
Mark.
Here are the pipes unassembled. 3 parts made up the package.
Here they are loosely assembled.
Here is a close up of the side pipe. There are some strange bends to get out and under the door.
These are amazing pics of a super rare exhaust. Did you say your “blueprinting” these meaning your making exact same exhausts for sale? If so I would be interested!
Re: If you have a Players Challenge Car, please post here. (RPO- A4U, 1LE or R7U)
U[QUOTE=Mark Transam;6452882]I was at Westwood in August '88 and took a bunch of pictures during the Players race. I found these of your car. Hope they help.
[/QUOTE
nice photos Mark. The Esso protect car is owned by Paul from Alberta. The previous post is the #88 Flag car
Re: If you have a Players Challenge Car, please post here. (RPO- A4U, 1LE or R7U)
Originally Posted by okfoz
I guess that makes sense... I wondered if that was the case.
Part of the car inspections were to have all the equipment in, as well to adhere to corner weights, ride heights, sway bar size and so forth. In later seasons they allowed teams to remove the hood insulation, as well as not be registered for street duty. Around 1990 or so in order to keep costs down. In 86 teams were encouraged to drive them on the street and to and from the race track ... which also required a $5000 bond to prevent "stunting" on the street.
It was weird to install the rear seat with a rear rollbar. It's snug.
Re: If you have a Players Challenge Car, please post here. (RPO- A4U, 1LE or R7U)
One of 53 1987 A4u Players Challenge Series cars. Was sponsored by Datastern and Wolf Chev Olds and raced one season by George Aron out of Calgary Alberta. Should be a fun project
Last edited by 67restoproj; 01-16-2022 at 08:17 AM.
Re: If you have a Players Challenge Car, please post here. (RPO- A4U, 1LE or R7U)
Originally Posted by 67restoproj
One of 53 1987 A4u Players Challenge Series cars. Was sponsored by Datastern and Wolf Chev Olds and raced one season by George Aron out of Calgary Alberta. Should be a fun project
I like the original paint still on the car from 1987! Hard to believe it survived all the years.
Re: If you have a Players Challenge Car, please post here. (RPO- A4U, 1LE or R7U)
so it looks like I have one of these fancy race-bred Camaro's. Mine is an 87 that I bought minus motor and trans. I had no idea that it was a special car until the owner of BMR let me know that the car was different when their battery relocation kit wouldn't fit. I will post up the pertinent info here soon. I have had the car since 2005 and it has been a project ever since. I am pretty close to having it running and driving. And yes, I have gone the way of road race setup as far as suspension and bracing. No cage yet. But maybe down the road.
07-02-2019, 09:53 PM
