ChrisCamaro86

Hello everyone. I own a 1986 Camaro. This was my first car I got back in highschool. It has a 305ci with a 4-barrel carb, 700R4 Tranny, and the one wheel wonder rear diff. I have worked on the car ever since it started to break. Instead of buying OEM overpriced parts, I just researched and bought aftermarket parts which IMO were better than the OEM. Since then, after graduating college I bought a 2005 Subaru STi that overtook the mods. I also have a 2002 Subaru WRX that is the daily driver. The Camaro is in need of major TLC and attention. Heres a quick mod list that I can remember off the top of my head.

-Bilstein HD Gas Shocks and Struts
-New radiator
-New Jasper 305ci engine
-New headliner
-Edlebrock Performer High RPM intakes
-GT Grant Steering wheel
-Edlebrock Elite Series air filter unit
-GM Water Pump
-K&N Air Filter (13"x4")
-FlowMaster 3-inch from the cat-back exhaust system [With Stainless Steel Exhaust Pipes]
-Custom Cold Air Induction
-Infinty 4x6 Front Speakers
-B&M MegaShifter
-B&M Shift Kit
-New 700R4 Tranny with Corvette interals
-2000 Racing Stall Convertor
-MSD 6-AL Ignition Box
-MSD Heli-core Ignition Wires
-Bosch Platinum Fusion 4 spark plugs
-HEI Performance Distributor
-Dual Auto Meter Pod
-Full setup of Auto Meter Phantom Gauges
-Edlebrock 795cfm Electronic Coke Carburetor
-Pioneer 6x9 4-way Rear Speakers
-MTX 1501D Digital Amp (1500 watts rms)
-2 12" AudioBahn Flamed Subwoofers
-1 Farad Digital Capacitor
-ANL Distribution Box (with digital readout)
-Fully wired with 0 gauge Monster Cable
-6 Disc Alpine MP3 Changer
-Alpine Cva-1004 In-dash 6.5" Tv & Am/Fm tuner
-Edlebrock Tubular Exhaust Headers
-17"x9.5" Centerline Rims
-245/40/17R Cooper Cobra ZHP Tires (Z rated at 168mph+)
-5% Tinted Rear Window
-Hotchkis Panhard Bar and Lower Control Arms
-Stainless Steel Brake Corp (SSBC) [Twin Piston (Force Twin) Aluminum Brake Calipers]
-SSBC Slotted Front Rotors with Zinc finish
-Custom Stainless Steel braided brake hoses

I am slowly starting to get back into fixing her up and getting her back to new again. She needs body work, since the rear fender flares are rusting. Any suggestions or ideas will be greatly appreciated. I do plan on swapping out the drivetrain in the future for a 383ci stroker, T56 tranny, and 3.73 rear posi gears.

ChrisCamaro86

Heres a pic back in 2005 of my Camaro with my 2005 Subaru STi (when the STi was stock!).

ChrisCamaro86

Here are some pics from when these parts were installed:

ChrisCamaro86

BTW, here are my girls
(1986 Camaro, 2002 Subaru WRX, 2005 Subaru STi). You already know about the Camaro. The WRX is the daily driver and is Stg2, there have been updates on the wheels and headlights, its a great daily driver. The STi is at 450WHP and 500WTQ with meth injection, this is the car I take to the circuits and I am still not even close to being done with her!

robguitargod1

iTrader: (4)

Oh man, where'd you get that auto meter stock gauge cluster?!?! Looks awesome and I'd love one for myself!

ChrisCamaro86

That gauge cluster is all custom in the stock locations. I believe they sell an entire kit with it already installed, ready to go.

robguitargod1

iTrader: (4)

Cool. Great looking car too. Here's some of mine including the MSD install, electric fan install, SFC (sub frame connector) install, battery relocation. Welcome to TGO!



Electric fan install


battery relocation:


door hinge repair


MSD

robguitargod1

iTrader: (4)

SFC's


Some suggestions for your car. E3 plugs seem to be the best and have been proven to add a good amount of power for only a plug swap.

I'm planning the T56 swap too, so keep in touch for help/suggestions

Where ya from?

The door hinge repair is awesome so don't be afraid to rip those doors off and put greasable pins in there!

SFC's are a must! At least 1 pair!

ChrisCamaro86

Stupid work computer won't let me see the pics, will have to check them out when I get hom.

Too bad since I already put in the Bosch Platinum Fusion plugs (4 tip). I was running Autolite Racing plugs, funny thing when I removed them. 3 out of 8 totally came apart! The spark plug tip where it connects into the spark plug wire, that piece came apart from the entire spark plug, and I had 3 of these! Thank God I put in new spark plugs, she started up WAY better, and actually idled normal, not like before when it felt she had cams (prob not running on all 8 cylinders).

I am from NJ. As for the door hinges, yeah driver's side is IN NEED! I can literally pick the door up and down! Crappy thing is that both door skins are rusted on the bottom now. I need to totally replace both doors and I need the replacements to come with the electric windows, still hard to find a good set .

How hard is it to put those greaseable pins?

I looked at SFC back in the day, def will be on the list once I make one . For now I need to get the body/doors back to 100%, fix the leaking T-Tops, redo the ENTIRE interior (New carpet, seats, roll cage, harnesses, etc). Then focus on the new engine, tranny and rear diff.

In the near future I def need to get a catback exhaust (Flowmaster). Its funny since I ALREADY installed Edlebrock y-pipe, with a brand new Flowmaster muffler and custom piping about more than 6 years ago. AND NOW the muffler connections are rotted, and the y-pipe is rotted to crap. I have the replacement Edlebrok y-pipe which I will personally spray with heat protectant spray, wrap it with exhaust wrap, then spray the wrap ontop! Still looking to buy the Flowmaster catback exhaust, sucks that its $385~!

Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated!!! I actually felt like selling her a couple of months ago, but couldn't have the heart, its just hard to since its my first car, memories, too much you know? After I saw some videos of a couple of Camaros with turbo setups I was like I AM KEEPING HER! Always loved the Grand National, thinking maybe a turbo'ed 383 stroker would be a wicked setup, matched with a T56 tranny and a 3.73 rear, she would do just fine at the track and on the circuits. My main goal is to get this Camaro as fast and handle like my STi did before the STi got the entire new turbo setup and suspension. Looks like I have a long way to go.

BTW, coming from an engineering aspect, WHO THE HELL hired the retard that came up with the GREAT idea of having the exhaust manifold come directly IN FRONT of the spark plugs?! Took me FOREVER to get the spark plugs out, dumbest thing I have seen so far on my Camaro. There are more but this is by FAR the dumbest design.

1Aauto

Welcome to the site.

ChrisCamaro86

^Thanks!

ChrisCamaro86

robguitargod1 - Is that 2" cowl induction hood?

chevysquid

iTrader: (7)

Nice car, I have an 86 too. I like the phantom gauges in the dash. Gonna go look thru summits sight now and see what I can dig up. Did they bolt right in or did you have to do some modifying?

ChrisCamaro86

It did require some modification to get them in, but it was basically pretty simple, just had to do all the wiring.

defaced

iTrader: (6)

Very nice cars man. LOVE the STi. Always been a fan of those. I used to be pretty big into imports but got out as soon as I got a hold of my Formula. Used to have a 98 Civic hatch with a b20 non-vtec and a bunch of other stuff. Before that I had a 97 Eclipse GSX that was all stock. My hatch would run circles around the GSX.

I hear you on the spark plug deal. You should look into some headers though. The spark plugs will be much easier to get to with headers. Although, I do believe that I had to remove a couple of mine with a wrench instead of the socket just because there wasn't enough room between one of the header tubes and the plug.

You got any vids of the STi running? Would love to see that thing running around.

ChrisCamaro86

I actually have headers! Edlebrock Tubular ones.

Heres the video channel, you will see my STi in there (Black), not the silver one.
http://www.youtube.com/user/Chris05STi1982?view=videos

MONSTERk

Sick cars bro! I am gonna get a STi someday. They are sick cars. What mods do you got on that thing?

ChrisCamaro86

On the STi I have a TON of mods, way way too much to list. In short, she has entirely new upgraded Fuel System, Turbo, header/up-pipe, full turbo back, roll cage, front mount intercooler, 850cc injectors, external wastegate, meth injection system, and runs full boost at 3600-3800 at 24.7 PSI. Thats just tip of the iceberg on all the parts I have installed. I can't wait to get my Camaro built up like the STi is.

89RsPower!

if you we're serious about that carb you overcarbed the hell out of an otherwise stock 305.. must be a dog off the line..

ChrisCamaro86

The carb is calibrated to work just fine, it adds a little more on the top end. The 305 LG4 is dog to begin with, we have tried different carbs that were smaller and had the same results. I plan on reusing this carb on my future engine.

MONSTERk

Oh, awesome.

ChrisCamaro86

Alright, yesterday while waiting for the rest of the family to come over for Easter. I charged the battery and started up my Camaro. Man did I love to hear her rumble again! Drove her down my street and was in love all over again. I am on a mission to get her fixed up so I can get her inspected and start driving her. Here are some things I need to get done first:

The wonderful exhaust system is ROTTED! Yeah, here we go. I have Edlebrock headers, and their y-pipe is rotted to crap. I already go the replacement part for the y-pipe. I am thinking of getting the Flowmaster Catback (Part#: 389-17233). I want to run catless, would I have to make an additional custom pipe to fill that gap or does that catback fill it? Is it basically: Headers - Y-Pipe - Cat Section - Catback right?


ALSO

I have a 700R4 on my 1986 Camaro. I want to do a complete flush of the fluids, and while I am at it, replace the pan with a new one and change out the filter as well. Here is my plan:

TCI Auto Aluminum Transmission Pan (Part#: 378010)
TCI Auto Racing Filter and Pan Gaskets (Part#: 378500)
B&M Trick Shift Transmission Fluid (Part#: 80286 DexronIII/Mercon)

Are those the correct tranny pan and filters for my 700R4? My tranny is rebuilt with aftermarket internals and shift kit, etc. Also is this the correct fluid as well? If so, how many qts do I need for the 700R4? Please let me know, I want to start driving my Camaro again!

robguitargod1

iTrader: (4)

6 months late, but I believe it's a 3" fiberglass hood.

MickieMowse

I had a question for you guys, I just got my first 3rd gen (its a 1986 sport coupe as well) I want to modify mine a LITTLE bit and wanted to know if I could use the valance/front spoiler chin and the bumper cover from the RS/IROC/Z28 models of the same gen and put it on my 86 SC. I totally dig my car and am not willing to part with it but I've always preferred the later 80's front style. Is this possible? If so, what would I need to do to get that goin?

robguitargod1

iTrader: (4)

Your '86 should already have the later style front end. changed in '85.

MickieMowse

It doesn't, I can tell because instead of the solid panel on the bumper cover it has the 3 holes like the berlinetta style. Also of note is that the chin spoiler/valance isn't as low as the rs/iroc/z28 models where it sits completely level with the sides/back. Instead, on mine there is that little bump and the chin is shorter than the other models.
I'll post an example I found on google...

See the bump underneath and higher chin where its not level with the rest of the bottom of the sides and back?

If what youre saying is true, then mine must be earlier than an '86; but Ive seen other 86 SCs on the forums with the same styling that werent berlinettas

ChrisCamaro86

Ordered my Flowmaster exhaust, B&M Tranny Pan and the TCI Filter/Gasket kit. Should come in today, pics to come later!!

86Z

iTrader: (4)

i remember when my 86 looked like that, then mod's took over

Mikiemowse you can add the ground effects...

ChrisCamaro86

Got all the parts I ordered the other day!!! Just installed on Tuesday the B&M Tranny Pan, TCI Tranny Filter w/ gasket, and the Royal Purple ATF Synthetic Tranny Fluid. So far it is running great! Tranny shifts about the same, but might need some time to sink in, since I only ran it down the street and back. Install was pretty easy, I drove the Camaro on my Race Ramps and started cranking away at the tranny bolts. The bolts weren't as tight as I thought, actually somewhat past finger tight I would say. I also have to note how STUPID it is that the stock tranny pan doesn't have a drain plug, what a complete FAIL on the engineering portion of that part. Also, they should of dimpled or made it a bit easier to get the 2 bolts towards the back of the pan. That tranny crossmember gets in the way, simple bend in the crossmember would allow your socket through would be simple enough! After the pan was off it was pretty clean in there (the tranny), fluids were a little black and then turned red once the filter was taken out. I used about 5 3/4 QTs of the Royal Purple ATF. I am going to check it again when I start the car up and drive it down the street. Next up is the Flowmaster catback with the new Edlebrock y-pipe. Then I am stopping by a shop to get the cat portion welded up, then inspection!!! BTW, no one sells the cat delete portion for our cars right? You need to just get a muffler shop to fab up that 25" section thats missing between the y-pipe and catback?

Heres a quick pic of the new B&M Tranny pan after I installed it that night:

ChrisCamaro86

Update for Cammy!

I was doing an oil change on my Subaru WRX and figured why not get that POS rusted exhaust off the Camaro. So I backed her up onto my RaceRamps and pulled out some tools and my Dewalt disk grinder/cutter. With a 4 1/2" cutting disk on there I started on taking that exhaust off my car! Exhaust hangers were unbolted and after it was all over I had this on my garage floor:



Mind you this was on my car since what 2002-2003? Yeah RUSTED! Had about 4lbs of rust on the floor. I saved the exhaust tips for some future garage art. Next up, I am going to get the Edlebrock Y-pipe and Flowmaster catback installed, then drive it over to the shop to get the cat pipe portion fab'ed up, tune the carb, then inspect and drive her on a daily basis!

ChrisCamaro86

Update on Cammy:

Edlebrock Y-pipe and Flowmaster exhaust is all installed. Wow does it sound mean now, so much cleaner and has a nice rumble vs before when it was "open" rusted exhaust with fumes coming into the cabin. After the exhaust was all fixed, I noticed my brakes weren't up to par. Later found out that the left rear cylinder for the brake was in PIECES and my rear brake lines were rusted and leaking. Got all new rear lines and redid the left rear drum (right rear drum was re done before). Now I really have brakes, I was only braking with the front brakes from the last time I drove that car.

So I figured alright, everything is "fixed", time to get her inspected at the shop. Head over there and 3 times she dies on me. Temps were about 205'ish, so she wasn't running as cool as I would like. Fans were def on. After 5-10mins sitting on the side of the road she starts right back up? Later after googling the problem I found out that the ignition control module or coil pick up shortens out when it starts to go bad and therefore overheats and kills the ignition. She finally got inspected. The next day I check the fluids in the radiator and its all clear with some yellow clumpy crap????? Figures since I didn't drive her for a year and she sat outside with the usual start up and drive up and down the street. Soooo I just recently did a coolant flush myself, all this clumpy yellow crap came out of the radiator. I also found that the lower hose had some wear and was "thin" so I replaced that, refilled it up with 50/50 coolant/antifreeze and threw in Redline water wetter, installed a new 160 degree thermostat, and put on a new vented radiator cap. She didn't get to 210 again at idle with the hood close, stayed at most at 180. But I need to really drive her on the streets to see if she does the ignition problem again. I already have a brand new MSD Street Series distributor ready for install, eventually I will install that. Man she gets jealous when she is not being mod'ed that she starts breaking things so she gets attention lol.

chevydrvr

iTrader: (1)

You have the correct front end. He means that the 82-84 camaro sport coupe and Berlinettas had larger slots in the bumper cover. Yours are thinner slots which is correct. That was the bumper from 85-87

86Z

iTrader: (4)

i'm really interested in your dash gauges, i do not like the aftermarket panels, how did you get the aftermarket gauges with the stock front panel? do you have any more pics of the gauge install?

ChrisCamaro86

^Everything you see is all custom. Basically bought every single gauge seperately, then custom fit them in their spots. I can take more pics if you would like, anything specific?

UPDATE:

Camaro is sounding great! Really sounds like a true muscle car now, with a nice DEEP and Devilish sounding idle thanks to the Flowmaster exhaust and the entire exhaust actually not leaking anymore! Transmission shifts great thanks to the new fluids and filter. Cooling is great again, put a new thermostat (160) and new fluids 50/50 coolant/antifreeze mix, she doesn't go over 180 degrees. Now the only problem I have is after she is running/idling for about 30-40 mins in the heat (never over heating or going over 180 degrees) she just shuts off. I searched around and found out that the ignition control module in the distributor is on its way out and eventually overheats and shortens itself out. After about 5-10 mins she will start up, so basically she will shut off then won't start until 5-10 mins cool. Any ideas or do I basically have it covered? I bought a brand new MSD Distrubtor, just need to install it. Any tips on installing it on my 305 LG4 carb'ed engine? Let me know, thanks!!

RAIDER-RS

Did you use the factory sending units for the gauges.I love your set up I might have to copy it!

FireInMe17

I had a similar problem, but it was the short harness to the ignition control module that went bad on mine, that too when hot would short itself out.

I ended up replacing the ignition control module too, but now it runs great! Goodluck getting your Camaro back on the road, its so nice to finally get her back on the road, I know, when my ignition went out, the dealer had it for about 3 1/2 weeks....

ChrisCamaro86

It was done long ago, but I believe I used any sensors that the Autometer gauges came with and/or used the factory sensors!

ChrisCamaro86

^So was it both a short and the ignition control module? Can you do me a favor and take a picture of the wire that had the short so I can check mine. Thanks!

86NiteRider

iTrader: (10)

haha....wait until you do the window motors. That is in the #1 slot for dumb design.

Also I would of went for the MSD 8.5mm RED wire set. Not only do they provide better spark for your car than the 8.0's but they would look better with the red MSD cap you got.

Andy Fanshawe

iTrader: (1)

Can't believe someone else has an 86 SC! Not many left. Especially here in the UK.

You're doing a fantastic job though.
Here's mine:









See http://www.lowcamaro.com for full details.

Keep yours alive

Andy.

ChrisCamaro86

Damn, nice setup! Can I send you mine so you can fix up the rusting rear quarter panels and just have it painted a nice deep gloss black?!

ChrisCamaro86

Update on Cammy:

After my Yellow Top Optima battery died out, I got it replaced for free under warranty. I also installed a quick disconnect so I can disconnect the power while I am away. Started her up, got to 210 and I noticed it wasn't cooling. Me being stupid, forgot to re-hook up the power wires for the fans (sensor went so I hardwired it). Well I noticed that the left end tank off the radiator was pissing away radiator fluid. So now I need a new radiator. Questions:

Anyone know any reviews/info on the Summit Racing Natural AL radiator that is a direct fit for our cars? Its around $250 plus shipping.

Is there a way I can install a Hayden fan switch system to bypass the sensor that is off the engine so the car will turn the fans on itself than me running my bypass and switch?

Also this is a MAJOR pain I am dealing with. Other than needing to install a new water pump, after 30-40 mins of the car running/warmed up it will shut off. I have replaced the Ignition Control Module and it actually ran worse. The one I have in the MSD HEI Distributor before was a GM module, but now no other ICM work? Also, I get no spark after it shuts off unless I wait for 5-10 mins. I have the MSD 6AL Ignition system installed, some mechanics think its the MSD ignition system shortening out and killing the spark. I didn't have a chance to test one of the plugs if it had spark or not when it shuts off. Any suggestions/ideas?? I really want to get her back on the road. Thanks!

1SICK90RS

any idea where i can get a front bumper like this?



Does your vehicle have Vats?

ZZ3 Z28

I have heard that some spark plugs are susceptible to this when exposed to anti-sieze getting on the plug unknowingly when inserting the plug into the cylinder. It is believed that the anti-sieze is some how shorting out the plug. Care should be taken that anti-sieze should always only be put on the threads and not any where else on the spark plug.