12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
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Car: 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
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Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
Thanks man!
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Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
Okay here is one way I could go - based on the ideas and opinions I already have gotten I thought I'd ask the question.
Have access to a 3500 rpm stall converter for the 700R4 - yes, I know it's high RPM, but it's SUPER CHEAP.
Find a set of 3:73s out of a S10
Run the 28s I "horse-trade/buy" from ArticWhite.....
Or find taller slicks - can't see much taller fitting inside the wells without surgery and not gonna hack this car.
Would most likely torch the barrel in the 700 or hit hard enough I would bust the 10-bolt.
Right now it's the cheapest combo I've got cooking and budget is THE KEY to the 12.99 Challenge.
OPINIONS - FEEDBACK....go!
Have access to a 3500 rpm stall converter for the 700R4 - yes, I know it's high RPM, but it's SUPER CHEAP.
Find a set of 3:73s out of a S10
Run the 28s I "horse-trade/buy" from ArticWhite.....
Or find taller slicks - can't see much taller fitting inside the wells without surgery and not gonna hack this car.
Would most likely torch the barrel in the 700 or hit hard enough I would bust the 10-bolt.
Right now it's the cheapest combo I've got cooking and budget is THE KEY to the 12.99 Challenge.
OPINIONS - FEEDBACK....go!
#103
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Car: 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
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VIDEO UPDATE: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
VIDEO: Watch the Cars Illustrated 12.99/$1,299 Challenge as the crew takes on 1320ft of blacktop with only a $1,299 budget.
Come watch the quest, join in and take part all at
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Car: 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
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Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
FINALLY got two seconds to work on the Cars Illustrated 12.99/$1,299 Challenge Chevrolet Camaro Z28...took a few to cutout, work over and fit the replacement panel for the tweaker hole in the trunk.
Now just some final adjustments, a little RTV and screws - done. Should have it up and running by the weekend, but Mike and I also have lots to do with the RAM 3.0 Diesel and testing at the track...but rest assured, I'm on it as much as I can be....
Now just some final adjustments, a little RTV and screws - done. Should have it up and running by the weekend, but Mike and I also have lots to do with the RAM 3.0 Diesel and testing at the track...but rest assured, I'm on it as much as I can be....
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Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
im not up on my tpi's all that well, but i know what works for cheap.
slicks- 26" et street should work fine, but i might consider trying a m/t radial. 255/50/16. i've been 1.53 with 26" et streets in a manual trans 4th gen. the stock 10 bolt will probably live with the auto, i would shoot for a 3.42-3.73 gear. we ran a friends 3.42 10 bolt 4th gen rear down to a 1.44ish 60' and it never did break.
nitrous- put together a cheap wet plate kit or fogger nozzle in front of the tb. work your way up to a 150 shot.
headers- if possible, stick a set on there for cheap, and run a single bullet back there just before the rearend.
weight- take as much out as possible.
trans/converter- if they dont slip, i would consider running everything stock. i know a stockish ls1 car with 2.73s and on the bottle can zip through the 1/8 in 2nd gear at 99mph. and it works great.
slicks- 26" et street should work fine, but i might consider trying a m/t radial. 255/50/16. i've been 1.53 with 26" et streets in a manual trans 4th gen. the stock 10 bolt will probably live with the auto, i would shoot for a 3.42-3.73 gear. we ran a friends 3.42 10 bolt 4th gen rear down to a 1.44ish 60' and it never did break.
nitrous- put together a cheap wet plate kit or fogger nozzle in front of the tb. work your way up to a 150 shot.
headers- if possible, stick a set on there for cheap, and run a single bullet back there just before the rearend.
weight- take as much out as possible.
trans/converter- if they dont slip, i would consider running everything stock. i know a stockish ls1 car with 2.73s and on the bottle can zip through the 1/8 in 2nd gear at 99mph. and it works great.
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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
Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
Nice thread Dennis! Surprised I just now found it! Good luck and holler if you need anything
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Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
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Car: 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
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Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
Make sure to check these links to see what I grabbed on my Intagram page...it was funny, sad and exciting all on the same day.
When did the interior of the 3rd-Gen Camaro shrink...of did I become a giant?
This is NOT GOOD, but if you can believe it...it proved to not be as bad as we thought.
And here is why....it LIVES!
Don't tell me how - don't tell me why, but that little 350 in the Z28 decided to run and run good. Praise to the strength of the small-block-chevy!
When did the interior of the 3rd-Gen Camaro shrink...of did I become a giant?
This is NOT GOOD, but if you can believe it...it proved to not be as bad as we thought.
And here is why....it LIVES!
Don't tell me how - don't tell me why, but that little 350 in the Z28 decided to run and run good. Praise to the strength of the small-block-chevy!
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Car: 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
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Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
Got to a couple things to day that are not all that exciting.
In my searches for free stuff, I found a yard sale with with some hood and decklid struts - guy did not even know what they were for and I offered to help him clean his mess up....always go to yard sales when people have all but called it a day and BAMBO - free struts.
And now the Z28 will not try to kill me....
..plus the decklid is not fitted and closing minus that broken power latch, I just did some re-engineering of the latch and it closes perfect, but with out the power latch part....who need that anyways.
In my searches for free stuff, I found a yard sale with with some hood and decklid struts - guy did not even know what they were for and I offered to help him clean his mess up....always go to yard sales when people have all but called it a day and BAMBO - free struts.
And now the Z28 will not try to kill me....
..plus the decklid is not fitted and closing minus that broken power latch, I just did some re-engineering of the latch and it closes perfect, but with out the power latch part....who need that anyways.
#111
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Car: 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
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Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
Let's go over the checklist of tasks completed on the Cars Illustrated 12.99/$1,299 Challenge 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 tonight.
A: Fuel Tank/Delivery System/Fuel Filter/Pump & Guage - Done.
B: Rear Panhard Bar/Support Bar/Sway Bar and End-Links - Done.
C: Swapped out the Oil-Filter - I was under there so why not.
Now onto the injectors and pressure regulator...but we ran out of time this evening so had to hang it up for the night.
But don't worry we will be back at soon.
A: Fuel Tank/Delivery System/Fuel Filter/Pump & Guage - Done.
B: Rear Panhard Bar/Support Bar/Sway Bar and End-Links - Done.
C: Swapped out the Oil-Filter - I was under there so why not.
Now onto the injectors and pressure regulator...but we ran out of time this evening so had to hang it up for the night.
But don't worry we will be back at soon.
#112
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Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
And now the fun begins…
As if Tony Defeo, myself and the whole Cars Illustrated staff are not busy enough with our 12.99 Challenge cars….heck, why not add to the pile?
Say hello to the Cars Illustrated project 1967 Chevrolet Camaro….no, we don’t have a cool name for it...and yes, I know the wing windows are out of it, so is just about everything else.
It started life as a pretty basic car, straight six, automatic transmission, power steering and brakes and that’s about it…and also why it’s the perfect Camaro for us to get our hands on.
So what’s the plan?
Well, we thought about several ideas….maybe a tribute car ala “Old Reliable” maybe turn in into something Tony would have been driving in ‘78 complete with side pipes, air jackers and a mural?
Nope….as you most likely already guessed it, it’s going to be the nastiest, meanest grudge racer we can assemble with the best parts we can get our hands on.
No, it’s not going to be high-tech, no it’s not going to challenge Lutz or Larson for the fastest street can in ‘Merica….it’s just simple going to be the Camaro most of us living in the real world would and could build if they set out on their own journey to build a real car for the real street.
Like the motto goes…street - race - life.
NOTE: A huge tanks you to Pilot Transport for getting the new Cars Illustrated Project Camaro from one coast to the other…. thanks guys. Make sure and check out their website http://www.pilottransport.com/ for information on how to get your ride where it needs to be anytime, anywhere.
As if Tony Defeo, myself and the whole Cars Illustrated staff are not busy enough with our 12.99 Challenge cars….heck, why not add to the pile?
Say hello to the Cars Illustrated project 1967 Chevrolet Camaro….no, we don’t have a cool name for it...and yes, I know the wing windows are out of it, so is just about everything else.
It started life as a pretty basic car, straight six, automatic transmission, power steering and brakes and that’s about it…and also why it’s the perfect Camaro for us to get our hands on.
So what’s the plan?
Well, we thought about several ideas….maybe a tribute car ala “Old Reliable” maybe turn in into something Tony would have been driving in ‘78 complete with side pipes, air jackers and a mural?
Nope….as you most likely already guessed it, it’s going to be the nastiest, meanest grudge racer we can assemble with the best parts we can get our hands on.
No, it’s not going to be high-tech, no it’s not going to challenge Lutz or Larson for the fastest street can in ‘Merica….it’s just simple going to be the Camaro most of us living in the real world would and could build if they set out on their own journey to build a real car for the real street.
Like the motto goes…street - race - life.
NOTE: A huge tanks you to Pilot Transport for getting the new Cars Illustrated Project Camaro from one coast to the other…. thanks guys. Make sure and check out their website http://www.pilottransport.com/ for information on how to get your ride where it needs to be anytime, anywhere.
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Car: 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
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UPDATE VIA - Cars Illustrated News Feed on the 12.99 Z28
Oh TPI how I hate you … let me count the ways.
Okay, I really don’t hate Chevrolet’s Tuned Port Injection, but let me tell you it would be nice to not be messing around with fuel delivery problems and instead be wondering how to cut time off baseline time slips and headed to a 12.99 second ET.
READ THE WHOLE STORY HERE - NOTE: Thanks for all that this forum has done for the 3rd-Gen world and what I've learned and found as reference.
Okay, I really don’t hate Chevrolet’s Tuned Port Injection, but let me tell you it would be nice to not be messing around with fuel delivery problems and instead be wondering how to cut time off baseline time slips and headed to a 12.99 second ET.
READ THE WHOLE STORY HERE - NOTE: Thanks for all that this forum has done for the 3rd-Gen world and what I've learned and found as reference.
#114
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Car: 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
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Just when you think you’re in the clear...here comes the storm.
Before I jump forward let’s take today step-by-step. If you have been keeping up with the Cars Illustrated 12.99/$1,299 Challenge, then you already know that I’ve been battling fuel delivery problems from the get-go.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE LATEST UPDATE OCT 15th
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Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
Should have gone with a carb & intake. ... then you wouldn't be fighting the TPI
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Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 305ci
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Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
I think you are underestimating your car just a little lol.
My 185000 mile 91 z28 305 tpi ran a 12.54 last month and I believe she is capable of 12.49. Stock 700r4, gutted air lid, long tube headers(hedmann), exhaust with no cats, smog delete, hand ported plenum and runners(free), 4.10 gears(pulled from an s10 at a junk yard) and a 125 shot. On 27" slicks and skinnies
I usually only race 1/8 mile with a best time of 7.83 and best 60' 1.64. The 12.54 pass had a 1.71 60' and 7.9 1/8 mile.
I would recommend something just short of 4.10s. My 700r runs out of gear about 100 feet before the finish line and as stated before the 700r won't shift into overdrive at WOT.
My 185000 mile 91 z28 305 tpi ran a 12.54 last month and I believe she is capable of 12.49. Stock 700r4, gutted air lid, long tube headers(hedmann), exhaust with no cats, smog delete, hand ported plenum and runners(free), 4.10 gears(pulled from an s10 at a junk yard) and a 125 shot. On 27" slicks and skinnies
I usually only race 1/8 mile with a best time of 7.83 and best 60' 1.64. The 12.54 pass had a 1.71 60' and 7.9 1/8 mile.
I would recommend something just short of 4.10s. My 700r runs out of gear about 100 feet before the finish line and as stated before the 700r won't shift into overdrive at WOT.
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Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
I think you are underestimating your car just a little lol.
My 185000 mile 91 z28 305 tpi ran a 12.54 last month and I believe she is capable of 12.49. Stock 700r4, gutted air lid, long tube headers(hedmann), exhaust with no cats, smog delete, hand ported plenum and runners(free), 4.10 gears(pulled from an s10 at a junk yard) and a 125 shot. On 27" slicks and skinnies
I usually only race 1/8 mile with a best time of 7.83 and best 60' 1.64. The 12.54 pass had a 1.71 60' and 7.9 1/8 mile.
I would recommend something just short of 4.10s. My 700r runs out of gear about 100 feet before the finish line and as stated before the 700r won't shift into overdrive at WOT.
My 185000 mile 91 z28 305 tpi ran a 12.54 last month and I believe she is capable of 12.49. Stock 700r4, gutted air lid, long tube headers(hedmann), exhaust with no cats, smog delete, hand ported plenum and runners(free), 4.10 gears(pulled from an s10 at a junk yard) and a 125 shot. On 27" slicks and skinnies
I usually only race 1/8 mile with a best time of 7.83 and best 60' 1.64. The 12.54 pass had a 1.71 60' and 7.9 1/8 mile.
I would recommend something just short of 4.10s. My 700r runs out of gear about 100 feet before the finish line and as stated before the 700r won't shift into overdrive at WOT.
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Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
I have. I'm sure it will pick up 1/4 mile and drivability but not sure about 1/8 mile time. Also pretty cool picking the tires up
Wouldn't mind doing it but was a pain swapping in the 4.10s so don't feel like doing it again. I'm still running the 7.5 rear so if they happen to break I will most likely go to 3.73
Wouldn't mind doing it but was a pain swapping in the 4.10s so don't feel like doing it again. I'm still running the 7.5 rear so if they happen to break I will most likely go to 3.73
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Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
sub-
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Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
GCrites80s, You're right. ... but it don't cost an arm & leg to tune a carb ( no computer or software to buy) & jets are cheaper than injectors & sensors.
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Car: 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: 421 SBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: 4.56
12.99 Car AND MORE....
1st the good new about the 12.99 Z28...
This is where we were at until today...
FML Level One: The lower part of the TPI manifold is deteriorated or corroded to the point of either it being bad or that or the gaskets being faulty. Not something we want to be true, however it would not be the worst thing that could happen. Even though it would be work added to get to 12.99, a used bottom intake plate off of a TPI unit and/or the gaskets are not going to kill the remaining budget.
FML Level Two: We pull the intake and then find that we need to pull the heads and have either bad head gaskets, bad heads, or even worse a cracked water jacket in the block. Yes, at this time you can all put your hands together and pray that it’s “level one”. Or, you might be laughing and cueing up your Monday morning quarterback jersey to tell us what we’re surely doing wrong in your professional opinion.
But lucky for us it WAS the gaskets and the car is almost back together...
But while I was trying to get the 12.99 Z28 back together AND the 1967 Camaro project drawn out...I did this.
the video we made on the 2016 CAMARO.
This is where we were at until today...
FML Level One: The lower part of the TPI manifold is deteriorated or corroded to the point of either it being bad or that or the gaskets being faulty. Not something we want to be true, however it would not be the worst thing that could happen. Even though it would be work added to get to 12.99, a used bottom intake plate off of a TPI unit and/or the gaskets are not going to kill the remaining budget.
FML Level Two: We pull the intake and then find that we need to pull the heads and have either bad head gaskets, bad heads, or even worse a cracked water jacket in the block. Yes, at this time you can all put your hands together and pray that it’s “level one”. Or, you might be laughing and cueing up your Monday morning quarterback jersey to tell us what we’re surely doing wrong in your professional opinion.
But lucky for us it WAS the gaskets and the car is almost back together...
But while I was trying to get the 12.99 Z28 back together AND the 1967 Camaro project drawn out...I did this.
#125
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Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
Hey there everyone in 3rd-Gen world...I've been slacking HARD on updates on the 12.99 build and here is the latest and greatest news....by the way THANKS so MUCH for putting in all your feedback.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY UPDATE
As the story says...I'm not giving up.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY UPDATE
As the story says...I'm not giving up.
Last edited by CarGuyDennis; 12-09-2015 at 08:57 PM.
#126
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Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
Have a possible solution...anyone have a SUPER cheap set of VORTEC head they want to sell?
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Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
Comb the junk yard again. ... eBay, racing junk, even some of the cheaper engine reman companies.
Good luck
Good luck
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Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
Okay,
Here is where I'm at...have access to the SDPC lower manifold. What heads should I be looking for? There is so much chatter about this head or that head I want to ask of someone out there that has this combo currently - what is the right choice to be looking for?
Thanks Dennis
Here is where I'm at...have access to the SDPC lower manifold. What heads should I be looking for? There is so much chatter about this head or that head I want to ask of someone out there that has this combo currently - what is the right choice to be looking for?
Thanks Dennis
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Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
Ported 113 vette heads work pretty good and can be found pretty cheap. Vortec's would be a great choice too, but only if the manifold is for Vortec heads.
#130
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12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge Update 12/21
I’m gonna rip the heads off, fix that 350, strip as much weight off as I can, rig up some cheap NOS system and spray Mike and myself right into the history books of Cars Illustrated - read the latest update here - http://www.carsillustrated.com/fired-up-and-its-time-to-stand-on-the-gas-by-dennis-pittsenbarger/
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Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
Fired up and it’s time to stand on the gas.
This time of year does not do me any favors on time to sort things out at the shop. Christmas shopping, holiday family gathering, entertaining a 10yr old on winter break and trying to keep up with the business side of this roller coaster have all been things to keep me from finishing the 12.99 Challenge Camaro Z28. That and at this point what is almost certainly a bad head gasket.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST
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12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28 - You’re cracking me up…
When and where does persistence and determination loose the battle to broken parts?
That’s about where I am right now…see we knew it was a water problem and we knew – or better hoped that it was the head gaskets and after being fired up by the onslaught of internet warriors and “why didn’t you do this or that” crowd I again put my head down and tore the top end off the 350 sitting inside our attempt at the 12.99 Challenge.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL UPDATE
That’s about where I am right now…see we knew it was a water problem and we knew – or better hoped that it was the head gaskets and after being fired up by the onslaught of internet warriors and “why didn’t you do this or that” crowd I again put my head down and tore the top end off the 350 sitting inside our attempt at the 12.99 Challenge.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL UPDATE
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Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
Sorry about your luck.
Ya know that it's next to impossible to diagnose an engine without hearing & see it in person. Most of us where trying to help with idea's, as to where to look & what to look for, etc. ..
Ya know that it's next to impossible to diagnose an engine without hearing & see it in person. Most of us where trying to help with idea's, as to where to look & what to look for, etc. ..
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Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: 4.56
12.99/$1,299 Update – One man’s junk is another man’s treasure….
If you have been keeping up with my 12.99 adventure then you already know that I’m staring directly into the face of a severely damaged L98 block that up until the last few days has been the candidate of some welding and wishing for a sprinkle of hope.
Check out the whole story here - PLUS I've even made a 3rd-Gen section on the forum so all my 3rd-gen friends can come play on the CI forum too.
#135
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Car: 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: 421 SBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: 4.56
Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
Out with the OLD - In with the NEW or at least with all we need. No, the Terminator EFI is not going in the '91 Z28, just back to the basics and thought it would be funny to see the two systems sitting together.
Spent some time this week tearing down the L98 out of the '91 Z28 - if you thought that huge hole in the top end of the block was bad - look at the monster blowout on the drivers side about to open up.
Fixing my $5 dollar headers...among other things going on at the shop today - now back in front of the nerd-box doing the office/CI chores
#136
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Car: 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: 421 SBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: 4.56
THE LATEST NEWS: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
And it is not good....
So I've not visited this forum for a while - just because I've been very busy with life, family ect. but but it's time to bring this up to speed.
So here it is by the numbers...
1. Total fail on the $1299 - just got to deep and could not build a "junk" car so I started down another path that would be more along the lines of low 11's for under $5,000 - "Last" 12.99 for $1,299 story - CLICK HERE but rest assured I'm already looking for another car to attack this challenge...
2. Got pretty close to getting this car sorted out and what happens...this, this is what happens and like so many engines, they start running better than ever right before the blow...this one is no different.
Was just driving around, taking the wife for a spin - laid down the hammer on the freeway and at somewhere around 6500rpm things went "pop and snap" and that is all she wrote.
BUT the good part if I've already got a 5.3LS to start working on and that will be another story.
So I've not visited this forum for a while - just because I've been very busy with life, family ect. but but it's time to bring this up to speed.
So here it is by the numbers...
1. Total fail on the $1299 - just got to deep and could not build a "junk" car so I started down another path that would be more along the lines of low 11's for under $5,000 - "Last" 12.99 for $1,299 story - CLICK HERE but rest assured I'm already looking for another car to attack this challenge...
2. Got pretty close to getting this car sorted out and what happens...this, this is what happens and like so many engines, they start running better than ever right before the blow...this one is no different.
Was just driving around, taking the wife for a spin - laid down the hammer on the freeway and at somewhere around 6500rpm things went "pop and snap" and that is all she wrote.
BUT the good part if I've already got a 5.3LS to start working on and that will be another story.
#137
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Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: 12.99 Cars Illustrated Challenge/1991 Z28
I have seen some bad luck in my day but this takes the cake!
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