stage20

iTrader: (3)

ben is killing this thread for me.

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

After owning the car for over 2 years and putting countless hours weekend after weekend for the past 7 months, I can officially say the car is ready to see the track. We finished up today by installing the springs and finishing the front suspension, installed the seat belts, vacuumed and cleaned the car. I can't wait to get the car out in the next week or two. I am grateful for all of the help I received from many individuals especially my father who taught me so much throughout the build.

I will post up some pictures tomorrow.

Can't wait to see what it will run!

357 Camaro

lol Stage20 I think ben is killin all the threads haha. He is jus trying to find information, but doing it in the wrong manner. Should search or make his own thread.

mw66nova

iTrader: (13)

i need a "like" button

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

As Promised here are some pictures from this past weekend.

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

Few more

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

Here you go.

357 Camaro

Good lookin car.

KWIK84

iTrader: (5)

Lookin good!!

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

Tomorrow is the day. We will be making some test runs at maple grove's grudge night and test and tune. We got the car aligned yesterday and make a few adjustments to the front suspension. I am anxious to see what it runs. With our current combo (10inch converter and mild cam) we are guessing 13's or low 14's. I will have the misses take some videos and pictures which I will post Saturday or Sunday.

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

Made 4 runs on the car tonight. First run was 14.00 with a 2.07 60ft. Second was a 13.98 with a 2.06 60ft. Third was a 13.90 with a 2.06 60ft. And the last pass was 13.98 with a 2.06 60ft. The car launched straight every time. I will post the videos and slips tomorrow or Sunday.

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

Slips

-=Z28=-

iTrader: (3)

Nice job man! Very cool!

(Where did Ben go? lol)

mw66nova

iTrader: (13)

looks like it ran about as good as you thought it would. it's always good when you go out and run the number you thought. the MPH says it'll go 13.6 or better. get that 60' in the 1.89ish range and it'll rip.

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

I think for the first time out with the car it was a big win. 4 runs within a tenth. Car left straight. We know where we can improve performance wise. And I know the more runs we make the better the car will get both on my part in terms of RT and in terms of performance of the trans engine and brakes. As of right now since the brakes are brand new I can only hold about 2k while staging.

One thing we are contemplating right now is where to put a 1" carb spacer on to pick up a little bit for super Chevy in 2 weeks or keep as is. I am leaning towards keeping as is so we can use the data from last night but we will see what happens.

357 Camaro

pretty good for a 305 ne way. I think matt would know exactly what you need to do to it to go faster with 305. I cant remember his set up but he was in the 12's I think.

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

We have some ideas such as an 8 inch converter and bigger cam but they are not currently in the budget. We will see how things go and whether this 305 will last or if we wanna make the investment in the 383. I am happy for now as long as the car runs consistent but time will tell.

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

Below are the links to a few of the runs we made.

Wolfster14

Very happy for you guys. The hard work paid off and now it time to have some fun. There will be plenty of time to make changes and try different things.
I enjoyed the post.
Chuck.

mw66nova

iTrader: (13)

i love seeing these threads come to fruition, instead of just dying after a few months of thrashing, then no results.

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

This past weekend my dad and I raced Super Chevy Show at Maple Grove Raceway. This was our 8th year running this event and my first competition with my car. This years Super Chevy featured very hot weather with temps in the mid 80's and low 90's with humidity upwards of 75%. The car count was down almost 200 cars from years past and has steadily declined since we started coming. Back in the late 2000's car counts were upwards of 700-800 cars bracket racing Last year there were approximately 600 cars that raced and this year the numbers were around 400-450. In years past many vendors brought displays, this year very few. Even the car show and flea market was dead.

The weekend was a big success for both my dad and I. I set a new personal best during the third round of time trials at 13.84 at almost 100mph. I struggled to find the tree as I red lighted 3 out of 4 time runs and red lighted first round. Car ran a 14.04, 13.96, and 13.84 in time trials. First round I dialed a 14.00 and ran a 14.01 but was -.036 red. I bought into the last chance race dialing a 14.00. I had a .036 light to his .045 but missed the dial running 14.17 to his 11.57 on a 11.42 dial. MOV was .05. I was happy with the car all in all and glad I found the tree on the last run.

My dad on the other hand went 5 rounds down to 12 cars in the non electronics bracket (same as my class). He ran consistent 9.60 and 9.70's I'm his 1980'chevy Mona with a 460 bbc. He was consistent on the tree all week recording a .001 in time trials and multiple .020's and .030's.

Looking forward to taking the car out after my busy tax season coming up.

357 Camaro

2 good looking cars. Glad you had fun I will not be able to make it back out this year most likely. Ended up hurting my self and had to have knee surgery.


I really like your dads car whats the combo in that 460?

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

He has a 460 bbc with brownfield aluminum heads with a jesel, eagle crank and srp pistons. I don't know the specs off the top of my head but it's got a power glide and ford 9 inch. I think the compression is 13:1 and in good fall weather in pa he will run low 9.40s to mid 9.30s. His motor is a tear at the top end going 147mph with 60ft times of 1.36 or 1.37. His 60fts this past weekend were about a tenth off due to the weather and shitty track prep

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

Today I did some testing at Island Dragway. Overall it was a good day with 3 more passes in the 13.9s. After the second run, I melted the shifter cable since it was too close to the end of the long tube headers. Luckily it was salvageable and we cut the outer plastic and taped the burned area with electrical tape and threw some zip ties on it to make sure it held. We weren't sure if it would stay together but it did and I made my first pass over 100mph with a 100.07.

After getting home, I analyzed all the data and out of the 12 runs we have on the car since we finished the build, 7 runs have been in the 13.9s.

I am slowly starting to find the tree. But still need a lot of seat time before I am consistently cutting good lights. Looking forward to getting out for another test and tune in the next month or so.

khulsebus

iTrader: (2)

Just an idea for you, this is what I did when I replaced the shifter cable that was too close to the header. I ordered some heat protective sleeve, cut it down the middle, wrapped it around the cable and zip tied it into place. I covered the cable from where it passes through the tunnel right up to the bracket that holds it to the side of the transmission, and then again from the bracket to where it covers the end. Obviously I couldn't fasten it down to the end of the cable that attaches to the shifter arm, that end was just left loose. So far it seems to have helped.

RobZac

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

As the season is winding down, I plan to take the car out for one more test and tune before the winter weather moves in. So far my Best ET is 13.84 and best MPH is 100.07. Overall I am very pleased with the combo and the consistency of the car.

But of course I want to run quicker. So I am currently working a deal on a used 8" converter (brand is ether Select Performance or ATI) with a 4500-5000 stall. If all goes right, I will install the new converter, add a 1" or 2" inch carb spacer and hit the track in a few weeks before we park the car for the winter.

Once winter rolls around, only changes I will make on the car will be to put a new set of slicks on it. Might also consider a smaller wheel and tire.

mw66nova

iTrader: (13)

i'm putting together a track day for some other 3rd gen enthusiasts at Cecil on the 31st of October if you want to come down!

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

It would be great to come down but I have prior commitments at home on the 31st.

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

I made a deal this morning on a used converter in excellent condition. It is a Turbo Action 8 inch converter with a 5300 stall. I will be picking it up early next week and putting it in next weekend.

With this converter, I am thinking the car will pick up anywhere from 3-5 tenths, leaning more towards 3-4. Any thoughts or guesses to how much i will pick up?

Going from TCI STreet/Strip 10inch 3000 stall converter to this Turbo Action 8 inch 5300 stall? Car weighs 2900 without me in it.

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

Yesterday we installed the new converter and the replacement shift cable that we burned the last time we had the car out. We also fabbed 2 aluminum spacers for the crossmember. Finally we washed the car and put it in the trailer for next Sunday's test and tune at island Dragway. Also put in an order with summit for a 1 inch carb spacer.

With the new converter I should be able to launch the car between 3000 and 3200 rpm which is a huge difference than the 2500 rpm with the other converter. We are anticipating picking up between 4-5 tenths with the converter and a tenth with the carb spacer. Our chassis builder who is a good friend thinks we will pick up a full second with the new converter. Can't wait to get the car out next weekend and find out.

Stock-3864

iTrader: (1)

I don't get on this forum very often, but was checking it out and I remembered this thread when it first started. Nice to see a camaro similar to mine. Mine also has a 305 and runs just a tad quicker. Good luck next year.

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

Sorry I have been MIA for the past month. I took the car out for a test and tune back in the beginning of November. Previous PB was a 13.82 at almost 100mph. I made 5 runs at the test and tune. First 2 were just with the new converter. Picked up 2 tenths and ran low 13.6's. After the second run I installed a 1" carb spacer and set a new PB of 13.42. I have a few videos that I will post as well as the slips.

Plans for this winter include installing a diaper which I purchased back in mid November and getting a new pair of slicks.

Already counting the days until the spring season starts...it's gonna be a long winter.

mw66nova

iTrader: (13)

a diaper?

DIGGLER

iTrader: (1)

lol extra safety never hurts, but its not everyday you see a diaper on a mid 13 sec. ride. congrats on the new best, improvements keep me going. (when i am actually going, that is)

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

I got the engine diaper more for when I put in the 383. Got a really good deal on it so I figured I would buy it now. The way I look at it, it's cheap insurance even with the 305 running mid 13's.

mw66nova

iTrader: (13)

cool. take pictures of the install. i should have one too.

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

Below is the link to one of the in-car videos from the last test and tune I ran back in early November as well as a video my fiancee took from the stands.

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

BeyondZ28_85

Have you made any progress on the car this winter? This is a great thread by the way. I have my own project 85 Z28 I've been working. It's interesting to see the different paths people take especially based on what they find. You probably have went the smarter route compared to myself in that you focused on everything outside of the power plant first to get it right and get some seat time so when you build a stout motor, the rest of the car is tested and close to complete. My first step was pulling the HO 305 that came with my car in favor of a stoutly built 408 (heres a link so I don't jack your thread talking about my car https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/engine-swap/728731-408-sbc-85-z28.html). I've got it running now, but need some wheels and tires and to install my new lug studs before I can take it out. As I read through what you've done, I couldn't help but think I'd love to see what my motor would do in your car. I guess I'll just have to keep saving and wrenching to get the rest of my car to where yours is. Awesome project and I can't wait to see what your car does with that 383 or whatever power plant you decide to step up to after that 305! Should hook and book. Happy wrenching.

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

I have not started on any winter upgrades yet. The 383 will have to wait another year because I am getting married in June. Only plans this winter are for a new pair of slicks and mount the engine diaper which should only take a day. The car is currently sitting in the trailer surrounded by 30" inches of snow. I hope to attend more races this year. Last year's goal was to get the car on the track and we decided to delay the 383 build just to get it out and see what it would do.

There is nothing wrong with the route you chose. I would have liked to have built the 383 last season but the cash wasn't there and had the 305 sitting around so I figured it would be better to have that motor in the car then no motor at all. Best of luck in your build!

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

Brought the car out of the trailer today to make my small additions for the season. Installed new stainless steel valve covers which are a huge difference from the edelbrock paper thin covers I had on before. I picked these up off of eBay for 65 bucks and pick up a good set of gaskets. We also installed the engine diaper. I got a deal on a universal one from jegs last month. Paid 80 bucks for it compared to a DRE. After install, the diaper sits directly against one of the header pipes. When I called jegs to make sure the material was high temp and fire resistant, I was told by a jegs technician that it is high temp and fire resistant material but it could melt due to sitting against one of the exhaust pipes.

Does anyone have any suggestions or experience with this? Our options are to return to jegs and buy a DRE or run it as is since the tech gave contradictory information. Any thoughts?

Wolfster14

I know you are on a tight budget. Could you wrap the headers ? That would still be cheaper than the DRE diaper, plus you would get the added bonus of cutting down the heat in the engine bay.
It might save you a set of plug wires as well some day.

mw66nova

iTrader: (13)

i don't understand needing a diaper on a 13 second car.

Beeman

That's why I bought a DRE diaper. If you go to DRE's site the engine in the pic with a diaper is what you get for a 3rd gen. My headers are so tight to the block I had to pry the headers a little to slide the diaper between the block and headers. The DRE also bolts to the heads instead of the headers and has horizontal straps to tighten the diaper to the pan. The silver protecting fabric has discolored a little from heat, but no burns or melts after hundreds of passes. Wrapping the headers will usually make the headers rust out as it holds moisture. i had my headers ceramic coated, well worth the money on a good set of headers.
A diaper is a good thing for all cars. Smart tracks have begun rewarding people that have diapers with increased payouts if you have one.

camaroracer21

iTrader: (1)

Is the DRE diaper for the 3rd gen a universal for any sized small block? I think buying a DRE diaper will be the best choice if it will fit my 305 and 383 that I plan to put together next winter. If I would need to get a new one for the 383 then I might as well just wrap the header for this year and make the investment next winter for the 383.

I decided on using a diaper for a few reasons:

1) it's cheap insurance. I don't know how long this motor will last as it has no bottom end work.
2) With limited experience on the track, this provides more safety for me and the guy racing in the other lane in the event the motor lets go.

I know it's only a mid 13 second car but I would rather spend the money to mitigate the potential risks.

AlkyIROC

Diaper clearance is the main reason I fabricated and installed a belly pan on my car. There is zero clearance between the starter and a header tube. I actually had to dent a tube so it wasn't touching one of the starter bolts. To remove the starter, I have to loosen off the header and unbolt at least one tube to get it out of the way. The header flange is cut and each tube goes on like putting a puzzle together.

With the thickness of the diaper, it also won't fit between the starter and the block.

Without using some other sort of header or having a set custom built specifically for my application, there's no way I could install a diaper on my car.

My header tubes are 2-1/4" in diameter which go into 4" slip on collectors. That's bigger than the exhaust pipes on most cars.

Beeman

You put a diaper on for all of the right reasons!
My motor is a stock block 350 with a Milodon 7qt pan. The diaper will fit all small blocks.

mw66nova

iTrader: (13)

i want to clarify that i think having one is smart, i just wanted to make sure it was a personal choice and not some track imposed rule.

Beeman

I'd rather see tracks reward for having a diaper instead of more rules. But.. racers tend to spend money on everything else but tend to ignore safety until it's too late.