Phase I done, Phase II-interior almost done, and now Phase III-drivetrain (454 LSX!)
#251
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 852
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From: Springfield, Oregon
Car: 85 Z28, 88 GTA, 68 Cutlass S
Engine: 305TPI X2 ;), Chevy 250
Transmission: T5, 700R4, powerslide >:(
Axle/Gears: posi, and posi w/discs :D.
#253
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Car: 1985 z-28
Engine: 350ci
Transmission: 700-r4
Neil: yeah the battery is where the spare tire was before. Also no need to run the parking lights through a hole, just run the wires out by the headlights and then drop below under the battery trays!
#255
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Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
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From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
Tommy Z-28, man you have given me an idea to consider! I like it!
Yeah, Mike as for the color, I went to the stealership to look at a vette with Lemans Blue and I saw a HHR w/ the Imperial Blue and side by side I liked the Imperial Blue over the Lemans Blue. So, that is what I am going with, John already picked up a gallon of it.
Yeah, Mike as for the color, I went to the stealership to look at a vette with Lemans Blue and I saw a HHR w/ the Imperial Blue and side by side I liked the Imperial Blue over the Lemans Blue. So, that is what I am going with, John already picked up a gallon of it.
#256
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 65
From: West Warwick RI, postal code: 02893
Car: Building LS3, T56 Z28
Engine: LS3
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: Moser/ 4.11
Hi, my name is Dennis and I have been following this thread for a bit now. That car is going to be amazing. Some time down the road that is exactly what I want to do. Just go nuts on a Camaro. I am currently a student stdying to be a mech engineer. As of now I am making my first crazy car. It is the poor mans vertion of your super car.
I would really like it if you would take a look at my cardomain site and let me know what you think. Thanks
1991 Chevrolet Camaro - Dennis's Chevrolet
I would really like it if you would take a look at my cardomain site and let me know what you think. Thanks
1991 Chevrolet Camaro - Dennis's Chevrolet
#257
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 129
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From: Auburn, Maine
Car: 1986 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
I dont know if thats what I think of when I hear a poor mans restoration....But they car is going to be amazing...what color are you painting it, when do you think it will be completed?
#258
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 65
From: West Warwick RI, postal code: 02893
Car: Building LS3, T56 Z28
Engine: LS3
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: Moser/ 4.11
Well I ment a poor mans dream of a "nuts" car. Like a cheap supercar is what I ment. His buildup must be in the 50K range. I am in the ballpark of about 1/2 that.
It is in the bodyshop right now. Its third week so far. Still needs about another 1 or 2. Getting painted Artic White. All over. Nothing flashy. I wanna keep it mellow.
The dual dumps are gonna be the first thing that goes. I am gonna switch to a 4" mufflex set up with extra mufflers. It is also going to get dynoed right after the paint is dry. I will let you know what is puts down the second I know.
It is in the bodyshop right now. Its third week so far. Still needs about another 1 or 2. Getting painted Artic White. All over. Nothing flashy. I wanna keep it mellow.
The dual dumps are gonna be the first thing that goes. I am gonna switch to a 4" mufflex set up with extra mufflers. It is also going to get dynoed right after the paint is dry. I will let you know what is puts down the second I know.
Last edited by dennisbernal91z; 11-01-2006 at 01:06 PM.
#260
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Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
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From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
Dennis, ahhh yeah your car is SICK!!! I just flew threw your pics and I am amazed....you put alot of time and $$$ into that car. Anyway, thank you for the nice comments about my car!!! Gotta get back to work.
#261
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 65
From: West Warwick RI, postal code: 02893
Car: Building LS3, T56 Z28
Engine: LS3
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: Moser/ 4.11
Thanks a ton. Means a lot coming from someone who is making my dream car.
The one thing that I like most is that I did it all myslef -building the motor and the bodywork. All with 0 automotive backaround. Just magazines and TGO!
Well enough about my project, lets see more pics of your monster!
The one thing that I like most is that I did it all myslef -building the motor and the bodywork. All with 0 automotive backaround. Just magazines and TGO!
Well enough about my project, lets see more pics of your monster!
#262
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 129
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From: Auburn, Maine
Car: 1986 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Dennis, That makes your car even more amazing, this is coming from someone in the same situation with no automotive experiance...and I dont know if I couple pull of what you have done...atleast not without some help!
#263
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Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
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From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
Yeah, I thought about doing the bodywork myself and .........the thought passed in a heart beat. I left that to the pro's! But, yeah I am amazed and my hat's off to you Dennis!
I am hoping to post some more pics soon, especially of the door switches. The STB is back at BMR getting powdercoated, the k-member from Hawk's/Spohn arrived this week (I ordered it in black powdercoat) and i'll check with Racecraft Perf. on the status of the LS2 418 cu.in. and see how there coming with it.
I am hoping to post some more pics soon, especially of the door switches. The STB is back at BMR getting powdercoated, the k-member from Hawk's/Spohn arrived this week (I ordered it in black powdercoat) and i'll check with Racecraft Perf. on the status of the LS2 418 cu.in. and see how there coming with it.
#265
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 615
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From: Philly, PA
Car: 91 RS, 95 Z28
Engine: 305 tbi, 350 lt1
Transmission: 4l60, 4l60e
Axle/Gears: monsterous 2.73s in both
#267
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
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From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
Honestly, at this point I don't want to know how much I have in this car! When it's all done i'll total it up and let you guys know.
#269
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 65
From: West Warwick RI, postal code: 02893
Car: Building LS3, T56 Z28
Engine: LS3
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: Moser/ 4.11
Neil. Thats exactly how I feel.
I thought I was going to have a nice rough estimate, but the more I think about it, the more wrong my estimates are. I have 98% of all my recipts too. I have never added them all up though.
Non-car people allways tell me "well if you wanna spend a lot of $, why not just go out and buy a corvette?"
I tell them they just don't get it, and we should talk about something else.
All I am possitive of, is that I have spent about 12,500 on my powertrain.
motor-tranny-clutch-DS-rear.
I would love to know the final price on a project like this too. Maybe slowly upgrade things to be more like your car, over the years...
I thought I was going to have a nice rough estimate, but the more I think about it, the more wrong my estimates are. I have 98% of all my recipts too. I have never added them all up though.
Non-car people allways tell me "well if you wanna spend a lot of $, why not just go out and buy a corvette?"
I tell them they just don't get it, and we should talk about something else.
All I am possitive of, is that I have spent about 12,500 on my powertrain.
motor-tranny-clutch-DS-rear.
I would love to know the final price on a project like this too. Maybe slowly upgrade things to be more like your car, over the years...
#270
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 615
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From: Philly, PA
Car: 91 RS, 95 Z28
Engine: 305 tbi, 350 lt1
Transmission: 4l60, 4l60e
Axle/Gears: monsterous 2.73s in both
550+ rwhp eh? *wipes away drool*
Tru. I've only put about 2 g's into my camaro, but I already get the 'Why?' from a couple people. I'll have to borrow your line and start telling them we should talke about something else .
Neil, your going to have one amazing, unique car when this is all done. Great work.
Neil, your going to have one amazing, unique car when this is all done. Great work.
#272
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 65
From: West Warwick RI, postal code: 02893
Car: Building LS3, T56 Z28
Engine: LS3
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: Moser/ 4.11
I am hoping to get those kinda #s rwhp someday. Maybe with a blower or something. My dream is to have 500 rwhp. For now it is what my motor can do only so I gotta find a way to squeeze another 100 outa someplace. Till them the N20 can help out. haha
What clutch/tranny is this project going to have?
(I hope my car is nice enough to be in shows someday. The second I get it back from the paintshop I am taking pics and calling super chevy and chevy high pro... Maybe I can get in the young guns section. Is 22 too old?)
What clutch/tranny is this project going to have?
(I hope my car is nice enough to be in shows someday. The second I get it back from the paintshop I am taking pics and calling super chevy and chevy high pro... Maybe I can get in the young guns section. Is 22 too old?)
#273
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Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
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From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
MaineIrocer86, I plan to drive it and show it! I figure ok, I am putting some cash in this car but I am also putting an efficient drivetrain in which can get me good driveability, reliability, gas mileage and respectable horsepower! Alot of people are shocked that I want to drive this car often, and I say why not? It will have the qualities I just mentioned plus alot more to make this ride comfortable and enjoyable! I can't remember if I mentioned my plans for the interior so I'll list them real quick:
Recaro Seats - full black leather with power and cold weather pkg. (Model = "Trend"). Leather inserts in the door panels and thinking of wrapping the headliner in black suede (got that idea from Titus on Rides with his Expedition, it looked sweet....I think I might feel like a pimp though and that might feel good, )
I will have a JL Audio W7 12" sub in the back (still am trying to think of a custom sub enclosure which is different than all the traditional ones we have all seen). Thinking of doing something angled with plexiglass on top to see the sub and also mount the amps on top, dunno yet? I already have the JL audio amps 500/1 and 300/4 and the sub, pulled it out of my other car which I sold.
Alpine or some equiv. head unit which has iPod, Blue Tooth and satellite radio capabilities. Oh, and of course going to add a 1,000 pounds of Dynamat to the car, especially on the inside of the firewall
A Valentine radar detector will be hardwired in. and for now that is all I have. Oh, I am also going to dye the 2002 camaro dash and center console a nice, deep black.
Oh, Dennis, I am debating on whether I should splurge for a G-Force T-56 (with custom gear ratios) or just get a reg. T-56 and as far as the clutch.....I don't know yet, I have heard great things about Centerforce. What do you think?
Recaro Seats - full black leather with power and cold weather pkg. (Model = "Trend"). Leather inserts in the door panels and thinking of wrapping the headliner in black suede (got that idea from Titus on Rides with his Expedition, it looked sweet....I think I might feel like a pimp though and that might feel good, )
I will have a JL Audio W7 12" sub in the back (still am trying to think of a custom sub enclosure which is different than all the traditional ones we have all seen). Thinking of doing something angled with plexiglass on top to see the sub and also mount the amps on top, dunno yet? I already have the JL audio amps 500/1 and 300/4 and the sub, pulled it out of my other car which I sold.
Alpine or some equiv. head unit which has iPod, Blue Tooth and satellite radio capabilities. Oh, and of course going to add a 1,000 pounds of Dynamat to the car, especially on the inside of the firewall
A Valentine radar detector will be hardwired in. and for now that is all I have. Oh, I am also going to dye the 2002 camaro dash and center console a nice, deep black.
Oh, Dennis, I am debating on whether I should splurge for a G-Force T-56 (with custom gear ratios) or just get a reg. T-56 and as far as the clutch.....I don't know yet, I have heard great things about Centerforce. What do you think?
Last edited by Neil; 11-02-2006 at 08:34 PM.
#274
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 852
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From: Springfield, Oregon
Car: 85 Z28, 88 GTA, 68 Cutlass S
Engine: 305TPI X2 ;), Chevy 250
Transmission: T5, 700R4, powerslide >:(
Axle/Gears: posi, and posi w/discs :D.
sounds like your interior will be very clean!
are you going with the 4th gen door panels?
ive also heard that you might be able to swap in the 4th gen plastic panels behind the doors with some mods, dont know how itd look though...
are you going with the 4th gen door panels?
ive also heard that you might be able to swap in the 4th gen plastic panels behind the doors with some mods, dont know how itd look though...
#275
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
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From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
Yeah, I am putting in 4th gen door panels from an '02 T/A. The dash and center console are from an '02 camaro.
#276
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iTrader: (1)
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,061
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From: St. Louis, MO
Car: '91 GTA
Engine: 402ci LS2
Transmission: faceplated T56
Axle/Gears: 9" w/ 4.11's
A centerforce clutch is not going to hold up to the power of a 418ci LSX motor... it might be ok for normal driving but if you want to race it at all or do alot of "spirited" driving its not gonna hold up. Ask me how I know
#278
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Auburn, Maine
Car: 1986 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Thats what I like to hear...personally I have never understood why some people built the cars then the most driving they do with them is on and off there trailors!
Your going to have a kick a** Car when your gone...i am more then jelous haha
Your going to have a kick a** Car when your gone...i am more then jelous haha
#279
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 65
From: West Warwick RI, postal code: 02893
Car: Building LS3, T56 Z28
Engine: LS3
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: Moser/ 4.11
I am running a SPEC stage 3. 6 kevlar pucks. Feels real smooth and is good for 650-700HP. (What my motor is supposed to make with the spray)
#281
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
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From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
No, not in the spray booth yet....hopefully by mid next week or by next Saturday. I just stopped by the shop and checked out the new greasable door hinges (from Andyz28.com) and the door popper switches which are almost finished! The door hinges (and John will probably comment on this) took between 7-8 hours for both doors! So, not an easy job. But, they do look like a solid product.
#282
Banned
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Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,212
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From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
I was kicking between the AndZ28 kit and Top Down Solutions kit. Only about a $10 difference. I've heard good things on the TDS kit, but this is the first report I've heard on the AndyZ28 kit.
#283
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,086
Likes: 0
Car: 2012 Corvette
Engine: LS3
Transmission: TR6060
I bought some kit off eBay for $13 from someone who sold his car. It was so bad the ground effect piece on the goor put gouges in the rocker panel on the driver side, the passenger was and still is fine so I kept the other bushing set and pin as a backup. Just recently there's a little light scraping (took off the clear coat of the new paint) at one of the two gouge marks but the door still feels snug, I think I need to adjust the piece on the door. I don't know who made this kit though.
#285
On Probation
iTrader: (9)
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,042
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From: So Cal
Car: 87 IROC-Z
Engine: LsX
Transmission: MN12 6speed
Axle/Gears: 3:42
i bought mine from classic industries... they worked great... i hated the saggin doors.. they look simple andwho ever creatd those is makin alot of money
#286
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iTrader: (12)
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,212
Likes: 10
From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
How was the Classic Industries kit, to install? 2 hr job like advertised or PIA? Classic has a good reputation, so I'd lean towards them than the other two I mentioned. Besides, theh price is, compared with the others.
#287
Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 156
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From: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Car: 87 camaro sc
Engine: 357 w/ cc qjet
Transmission: 700 r4
I bought from Andy and they were farily easy to install, but the doors were already off. if the doors were painted and installed it would take awhile
#288
On Probation
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Posts: 2,042
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From: So Cal
Car: 87 IROC-Z
Engine: LsX
Transmission: MN12 6speed
Axle/Gears: 3:42
i installed them before i got the car painted... it was a b!tch takin off the tap welds or whatever it was... but it was all good it lined up pretty good...took me more time to adjust the doors than installin them ..
#291
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 852
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From: Springfield, Oregon
Car: 85 Z28, 88 GTA, 68 Cutlass S
Engine: 305TPI X2 ;), Chevy 250
Transmission: T5, 700R4, powerslide >:(
Axle/Gears: posi, and posi w/discs :D.
that door popper looks perfect!
i saw a 55 nomad at a show that was somewhat full custom, and it had those style door "handles". anyway, the guy used a large chrome button that i thought was kind of tacky. i think this route is much smoother!
i saw a 55 nomad at a show that was somewhat full custom, and it had those style door "handles". anyway, the guy used a large chrome button that i thought was kind of tacky. i think this route is much smoother!
#292
Banned
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,212
Likes: 10
From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
I'm still a bit concerned about no key lock, or physical way to open thhe door. If thhe battery goes dead, you're stuck.
Been there before, with shaved handles. Same thing...Dead battery, no way to open the doors.
I like the idea, just think a key lock and physical handle could be added somewhere.
Of course, if this is for a shohw car, no worries. Not like you'd be stuck at Wal Mart or anythhing.
They look good thhoughh!
Been there before, with shaved handles. Same thing...Dead battery, no way to open the doors.
I like the idea, just think a key lock and physical handle could be added somewhere.
Of course, if this is for a shohw car, no worries. Not like you'd be stuck at Wal Mart or anythhing.
They look good thhoughh!
Last edited by Stephen; 11-06-2006 at 05:31 PM.
#294
Banned
iTrader: (12)
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Posts: 12,212
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From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Really? here has to be a manual way to open thhe doors then. Safety regulations require that.
On customized cars, it doesn't really matter. On OEM cars, it does.
On customized cars, it doesn't really matter. On OEM cars, it does.
#295
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iTrader: (1)
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Posts: 962
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From: Canada
Car: 1979 Malibu
Engine: Blown LSx
Transmission: T56 Magnum
Axle/Gears: 9"/wavetrac/35's/3.70
i already gave him a suggestion on that, to use chargin post on the back of the car, if the battery goes dead, you just charge it without having to have the hood open
#299
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Posts: 1,093
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From: western ny
Car: '82 formula clone, 95 saab 900se
Engine: 350 vortec'd tbi, 2.0L turbo
Transmission: 700r4, 5 spd
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 2.77 open
i would guess that the c6's probably have like a backup battery, or even an independant batteryfor just the doors. although on most new gm cars the lights come on automatically, and if you want them off you have to turn them off manually. but i think everything shuts off and you have no real worries of your battery dying. but yeah a manual backup would be a good idea unless he wants to install a second battery to run independantly for the doors.