Detroit Speed

As most of you may know, we experienced an unfortunate event with our original DSE 1988 Camaro at the track. After extensive inspection, the body was not fit for a rebuild. So now it sits in the woods. We have had many requests for updates on a new project, so we will be coming to you weekly with updates on DSE 1988 Camaro 2.0!

The new car will be fairly similar to the previous build with some updates and changes. The entire car will be "Equipped" with all of the production components we offer for 3rd gen vehicles. We started 2.0 with a fairly solid 1988 V6/auto car. Some updates over the previous car will be a de-stroked dry-sump LS7 rather than the wet-sump LS3 and the Ford 9" rear will feature our DSE C6 full floater axle kit.

At this point, the car has been stripped, blasted, and fabrication has begun. We have installed our DSE subframe connectors along with newly fabricated racing seat mounts. We have also installed our DSE 600 steering gear to frame (The frame was modified to allow for a 4th fastener).

We look forward to continuing these updates and we will be here for any questions that you may have!

Thanks,
Alex.

406TPI

iTrader: (1)

Woot! Awesome guys! I was hoping this was coming.

TEDSgrad

iTrader: (4)

Looks like fun!

Any plans for a drop spindle?

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Dig those subframe connectors.
Just wondering, any reason you didn't choose a 91-2 body which is a bit stiffer? Did you get any chassis twist data b4 you began?

Detroit Speed

We don't currently have anything planned for drop spindles at this time.

Detroit Speed

We preferred the '88 and we plan to stiffen the car up quite a bit using our connectors and a cage for example. We did not obtain and chassis twist data.

mrestrictrplate

iTrader: (2)

What makes the 91-92 cars stiffer? Are there more reinforcement bars or..?

scholtmj

iTrader: (3)

Very cool, I've been looking at the steering box for a while now. Looking forward to this re-build!

BOTTLEDZ28

iTrader: (9)

Its nice to see Detroit Speed venturing into the 3rd gen fbody market. May I ask what the heck happened to the first project?

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Structural adhesives in strategic locations. If you drive 2 cars back to back with and without it, you will def feel the difference from then on out.

Detroit Speed

There was an issue with the drive by wire causing the throttle to return too slow. There ended up not being enough vacuum for power assist braking and the car couldn't be stopped in time.

M G Brewer

You guys rock! I was the guy bothering you on YouTube about putting it on Thirdgen.org. I know it will pay off, your product is superior!

BADNBLK

iTrader: (11)

Great to see you guys on here... Alex?

So quick question. Why are the struts not available separate from your strut mounts? I have been making some phone calls lol

Detroit Speed

Thank you! We appreciate it and are glad to be here!

Detroit Speed

Thanks Brandon, and yes, it's Alex. As far as the JRi strut, the top mounting stud has a larger thread diameter than factory and the caster/camber plates is made to adapt to that. When you purchase the plates without the JRi strut, they come with an adapter sleeve to fit the factory, or factory style strut. If the plates have been purchased without the struts and you later decide to add the JRi option, we can work with you to make that happen. I hope that clears up your question.

BADNBLK

iTrader: (11)

That clears it up a bunch. As I knew you could get just the mounts, but didn't make sense on the why you couldn't get just the struts. I'm torn on what to do, as I love the way my current ones look visually. I know yours have some awesome performance features. Think I could get your mounts bare un-assembled so I could powdercoat and detail them to match my bay? I guess I can tell Big Mike to chill for a bit on bugging you guys about them haha

Detroit Speed

You're best bet would be to blast or scuff them to paint, we only sell them powdercoated in black.

racing28x

Any new products in the works?

Chopski

iTrader: (1)

I like the fuel pump access panel it came with. Yeesh.

Detroit Speed

Cutoff wheel and pry bar special.

Detroit Speed

At this moment there aren't any new products we plan on producing. This may change with time.

TEDSgrad

iTrader: (4)

OK...well...when lowering our cars, the front Roll Center goes in the dirt. We need to raise the fr RC, and slightly lower the rear RC (easier to do).
The second best solution would be an extended Ball Joint w/dust boot cover. The liability would not be very high on this part.

Please consider an extended Ball Joint w/dust boot as part of your optimum suspension plans for Third Gens.

Thanks,
Brian

BADNBLK

iTrader: (11)

I'll keep it in mind. Thanks bro.

Detroit Speed

Not a problem! Give us a call whenever you're ready!

91 zeee

Glad to see this thread! I will be following the build! Crazy thing is.....about a year ago I bought a '92 V-6/auto car to build into something. Just scored a LS7 short block last week. I already bought the DSE subframe connectors. Trying to decide how I wanted to build the car (I just finished my 91 383 TPI build and now want something LS powered).
This thread should help!

Detroit Speed

In usual DSE fashion, this'll be a road course/autocross monster! If you have any questions, we'd love to help you out.

Detroit Speed

Quick update...

The engine/transmission are mocked up in the car now (We had to modify the K-member to fit the oil pump). Front suspension has also been test fitted along with the Baer brakes that we were able to salvage from DSE '88 1.0. Now we are working to fit a new core support to the car while we await some more parts!

M G Brewer

I try so hard to talk myself into keeping my IROC stock since it's a decently packaged, all original car, but DSE makes me not care about "numbers matching" crap! lol

Detroit Speed

Give us a call, we can easily talk you out of keeping it original!

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Making me want to do some major upgrades to my ooooooold 89 bird build

BADNBLK

iTrader: (11)

Do it!!!!!

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

I need too, It was "restified" the 1st time almost 20yrs and over 100k miles ago.. Could use a lil freshen up.

Detroit Speed

Another update coming in...

Core support is in along with the hood latch. We've also began to mock up the transmission, Hooker blackheart LS swap headers, roll cage, and some other little odds and ends. It's starting to look more and more like a car each day!

BADNBLK

iTrader: (11)

Looking good. Those headers are pretty damn nice aren't they. Looks like you are using your own engine mounts? Is that the harness pass through on the firewall? Is that an in house piece?

Detroit Speed

They are great, and we will most likely be using Holley engine mounts, everything is still just mocked up for now. And we have the pass through pieces laser cut to bolt on a seals-it. It will be for the main engine harness.

BADNBLK

iTrader: (11)

I'm happy with the engine placement with the Holley mounts. I searched high and low for a nice looking pass through like that. Couldn't find anything over an 1" size. Finally found these millitary spec ones with 1.5" that I was able to squeeze my harness and all connectors through (sweating). I like how that is gonna look. I'm watching close here

Detroit Speed

We've been busy prepping for SEMA this week, so we don't have much of an update for you all. We'll be back next week!

scooter

iTrader: (11)

I want the shifter ring and the sheet you fabbed for the shifter opening


You already said no on FB :cry:

Detroit Speed

aaaaaaand......we're back. We mocked up a wheel with the fender on to see what step we must take next. We will most likely be doing some flaring to insure that there will be no rubbing. We also went ahead and mounted our Holley Dominator, Vintage Air unit, and wiper motor. We will have more to come next week...

scholtmj

iTrader: (3)

Is that a 10.5" wheel?

Detroit Speed

18x11 with a 315/30/18

dahuntin

What is the purpose of changing out the stock wiper motor and what wiper motor is that?

Detroit Speed

This is our Universal Wiper Unit. Since we will be building our own electrical harnesses for the car and it includes mainly motorsports-style wiring this is our best option. Also, a stock-style column will most likely not be used so that will eliminate the factory wiper switch.

Here is a link to our kit...

https://goo.gl/3t3quP

scholtmj

iTrader: (3)

So a square set up with 18x11s all around? I'd be interested in hearing about the modifications needed to make that work! Very cool project, thanks for sharing!

BADNBLK

iTrader: (11)

You guys sure got some great taste in wheel style choice... looks similar to someone I know. I built my wheels around a 295 front, and now with 295 being basically phased out in our 200tw requirements I'm really interested to see what you come up with up front. I assume you'll square it out back, or you gonna press for a 335?

Detroit Speed

We will be running the 18x11 and 315 setup squared. As far as modifications, the 315's will fit in the rear with some "persuasion" and the front will require fender flares. We will be flaring the entire car just for aesthetics.

Detroit Speed

Just a handful more, felt the need to show off the awesome T-56 cross member that our fabricator Andy came up with...

M G Brewer

I look forward to these updates daily!

scooter

iTrader: (11)

Too bad you're not making this work with the stock 3rd or 4th gen wiper switch. I think it would fill a niche for the LS swap guys that have clearance issues.

Is that a stamped one piece unit? or are the welds just ground down? Is that something you will be marketing?

And stop rubbing this in our collective faces, lol

Detroit Speed

The cross member is 100% handmade, all welds are ground down. There aren't any plans to bring it to market.