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Organized Drag Racing and AutocrossDrag racing and autocross discussions and questions. Techniques, tips, suggestions, and "what will I run?" questions.
In the fall of 2017 I started to build a tube chassis for the 1983 Camaro I purchased off Craigslist. I started with kit from Chassis Engineering that was owned by two other people who were in over there head once they started the project. They cut and tacked 5 tubes together and quit. I took over the project knowing there was some tubing was missing. I purchased some more raw materials and an SFI spec rule book. What follows is my build
Here we are today trying to figure out how to build the front of this car. The wheel base was 101 inches stock for an 83’ Camaro, which is the same as a Mustang Gt. I couldn’t leave it that way, so I figured out how to stretch the wheelbase to 105 1/2 inches and Increase the stability.
Thanks for the compliments, yeah it’s a lot of work for sure, but it’s coming together, I’m started building it to a 25.4b spec in 2017 so I have to change my rear motor mount braces to meet the 2018 c spec revisions.
I have a harwood front end that has a stretch in the front fenders, between the wheel well opening and the door seam. Plus moving the body in relationship to the chassis and putting the front axle a fraction forward of wheel well center , Gives me 105.5
I have a harwood front end that has a stretch in the front fenders, between the wheel well opening and the door seam. Plus moving the body in relationship to the chassis and putting the front axle a fraction forward of wheel well center , Gives me 105.5
You've obviously done your homework on this! It's looking awesome!
As much as I'd love one, it would be cheaper to buy someone elses tube chassis car (providing it has a current chassis cert), than it would be for me to build one. I did my own back half and full cage and that alone was a lot of work. A full tube chassis could cut around 500-1000 pounds off my car. Love to have around 2300 pound race weight.
It would be cheaper to buy a chassis car used, but I’m 6’4 and it’s hard to find anything that would be safe for my size. I enjoy working on the car when I have time. I looked at some used cars and they would require changing the cage and replacing worn out parts. It takes more time than money to do what I have done so far. We will see in the end if it’s worth it. Still have a lot to do.
Making progress, had to change tubing around rear transmission mount to satisfy spec changes and make some more foot room. Lower control arms and mounts done. Moving on to the rear.
Brackets came out really good and tied in rear tubing nicely Bought some new 4 link brackets, they were laser cut, but the holes were sloppy, so I made my own!!! Making progress, everything fits good This car is going to be a little heavy
Made some brackets from 1/4 inch plate Welded them to housing on a 2 degree angle Fabricated back brace from 1/8 Lazer says it’s centered . Wishbone in background Welded the brackets together first
Really hard to compare anything here to stock, but is the engine set back compared to factory placement? It looks to be completely (or nearly) behind the front axle centerline.
The front of the block is actually 1.5 inches ahead of the front axle centerline. However, the front axle centerline is moved 4 inches ahead for a 105 inch wheelbase. Compared to a friend’s third gen with a bbc and a stock transmission location , I’m about 1 to 1.5 inch closer to the windshield base.
03-26-2019, 11:07 AM
