My new job and our newest project car creation...

[Steve1968LS2]

I'm now, officially, the new Technical Editor for Camaro Performers magazine. PHR was fun, but I'm looking forward to the challenge of growing the book. Soon it will be 12 issues, but the best part is that you can now get a subscription.

I will also be writing for Super Chevy and I have three installments on the Fairlane left for PHR.

So, you guys with Camaros be sure to submit for the "Hometown" section. I will also be starting an Under Construction type section.

Thanks to the artistic skills of Ben Hermance we now have a plan for our next project car.. Project Track Rat.

Still working out the details but it will be more affordable Pro-Touring car. Not a dirt cheap car, but a fun and practical car that will most likely have a budget cap, including the car, of $40k. For reference that's barely more than my Fairlane build. No mini-tubs, factory subframe, etc.

Project Track Rat:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://picsorban.com/view.php?pic=trackratlowres.jpg)

The car will be painted in a satin blue and the front panels will be CF. Hey, gotta have some style. All trim will be done in some sort of flat/satin look. Nothing crazy on the suspension. G-bar in the back, that sort of deal.

We also have Project Orange Krate in the works for Camaro Performers. It will be a 2nd Gen with the full pro-touring deal done to it (mini-tubs, etc). 427 cui small block (Gen1, not LS7).

Anyways, should be fun.. Camaro owners, make sure you send me your info. We are always hunting for features and for our Reader section.

[email protected]

[Damn True]

...and the gauntlet hath been thrown. You wanna be Aaron Burr or Alexander Hamilton?

[Texas Bob]

congrats Steve

[Chevrolaine]

I'm lovin it!

[TonyL]

looks good. Love the paint and stripe idea. ;)

[PleaseNoSteve]

Sounds good to me - glad to see you moving up in the world!

[tony byram]

Congradulations Steve! At last Camaro Performers can be subscribed to! Hooray! Just got mine for two years. The Camaro is hot. Looking forward to seeing more on it. Best wishes on the new job! Tony Byram

[vp23271]

Congratulations on the new job/position! I will definitely be following this build. The paint scheme looks great!

[eville]

Can't wait!

[class67]

Congratulations Steve! the rendering looks great. I know that you will be a great addition / asset to Camaro Performers just as you were for PHR.

[Boesch]

Congratulations on the job. That's cool. Looking forward to watching the project build as well, I like the looks.

[trapin]

Yes, congratulations on your new endeavor at CP Steve. Just having your influence there will make it one magazine to look forward to.

Also looking forward to Project Track Rat. Should be a fun story to follow this Summer.

Question...if I can't find Camaro Performers around my house (which I really can't) is there any other way to go about securing a subcription?

[BADNBLK]

Things look like they are moving in a good direction for you and the magazine! Now I feel like I need to subscribe to that one also.

Call me when you need a nice third gen for LSX swap projects:fingersx:

[Neil B]

Looking forward to seeing this car come together. I think it's budgeted properly and represents what many enthusiasts can or are willing to spend on a project.

As a side note, I just bought my first copy of Camaro Performers in years. In the past, the articles and features have lacked substance. This past issue was really good (good enough to leave the bookstore with). Keep up the good work there.

[chicane67]

.. Project Track Rat.

Nothing crazy on the suspension.

Wait a minute... you just said 'Track Rat'. But nothing crazy on the suspension. Sounds like an oxymoron.

Congrats Steve... sounds like a good move, as we will all benifit.

[Tyler Beauregard]

Tom-

I think he means no aftermarket front clip and weld in rear suspension, aka Bad Penny style.

Besides, all the camaros need are tubular control arms and they will out handle a Ferrari!!

J/K of course.

Tyler

[Samckitt]

You magazine guys have all the fun.

[Steve1968LS2]

Wait a minute... you just said 'Track Rat'. But nothing crazy on the suspension. Sounds like an oxymoron.

Congrats Steve... sounds like a good move, as we will all benifit.

I'm TRYING to hold to a budget.. I meant I was thinking no aftermarket sub with fancy C5 control arms. Was thinking of a heavily modified stock sub.

The "RAT" in Track rat doesn't mean rat as in "rat rod".. :)

I don't build "ratty" cars.. lol

So tempting to toss in a Max-G chassis or Jakes new front subframe..

[Steve1968LS2]

Tom-

I think he means no aftermarket front clip and weld in rear suspension, aka Bad Penny style.

Besides, all the camaros need are tubular control arms and they will out handle a Ferrari!!

J/K of course.

Tyler

Yea, that was the idea.. very tempting though..

Ferrari, Smerrari..

[Steve1968LS2]

Looking forward to seeing this car come together. I think it's budgeted properly and represents what many enthusiasts can or are willing to spend on a project.

As a side note, I just bought my first copy of Camaro Performers in years. In the past, the articles and features have lacked substance. This past issue was really good (good enough to leave the bookstore with). Keep up the good work there.

Be sure to subscribe.. it's the far cheaper and easier way to go.

The mag will continue to grow. Back in the day they would just pull stories from other magazines and re-run them. We are working toward 100% new content. Now that Nick has some help the book should improve even farther. His second gen project should be cool.

[John McIntire]

Damn! Ben never fails to disappoint! What a great rendering!
Congrats to you Steve and good luck in your new position!

[ProdigyCustoms]

Project looks hott. I subscribed today. Looking forward to reading it.

[BA.]

congrats on the new positioni Steve! Best of luck!

Good to hear that we can subscribe to Camaro Performers too.

[62LS1]

Congratulations! I love the Track Rat, but I will sure miss you at PHR. I love the pro-touring influence, even though I don't own a Camaro. It was also great fun to see the different guys on this forum get a little ink in PHR. I'll have to add the new mag to my subscription list, but keep your nose in PHR (if possible) so it doesn't go downhill. It has become my favorite of all the mags. Good luck on the new venture though. My car's a long ways from Pro-touring as it's a 62 Belaire on air, with the LS1-6 speed, but I at least have a very large anti-sway bar on the front.

[buickfunnycar.com]

rendering is way cool Steve,congrats on your new job...hope Liz Miles can do 1/2 as good as you did helping the community.

[dropit69]

Congrats Steve..just sent my card in today..rendering looks so cool..is that a san fransico rat ?..earing in right ear..lol..

[BonzoHansen]

Damn, and I just subscribed...







LOL

[chicane67]

I'm TRYING to hold to a budget.. I meant I was thinking no aftermarket sub with fancy C5 control arms. Was thinking of a heavily modified stock sub.

The "RAT" in Track rat doesn't mean rat as in "rat rod".. :)

I don't build "ratty" cars.. lol

So tempting to toss in a Max-G chassis or Jakes new front subframe..

Who said anything about a rat rod ?? What... are you paranoid ??

[68Formula]

As a PHR subscriber, this does not make me happy! I really liked the transition it has taken over the last few years, and you won't convince me that you didn't play a big influence.

[Tony_SS]

You'll be missed at PHR!! Congrats Steve - Props to Ben on the rendering as well, looks like he's pushing the envelope. Very cool stuff.

[Steve1968LS2]

Who said anything about a rat rod ?? What... are you paranoid ??

YES!!! lol...

[Steve1968LS2]

As a PHR subscriber, this does not make me happy! I really liked the transition it has taken over the last few years, and you won't convince me that you didn't play a big influence.

Thank you... The thing I'm most proud of about my time at PHR was taking the crappy, single page black/white Hometown page and turning it into what it is now. Oh, and adding the Under Construction section. I'm also pretty happy with my Dream Car of the Month idea. I think it's a fun page.

PHR has been a team effort and I was happy to be on the team. :)

Oh, we will be adding a new section to Camaro Performers. Most likely titled "F-Body Garage".. think of the PHR Under Construction deal.

We've also added a rendering section like the Dream Car Of the Month, but it's TWO pages.

[trapin]

Steve....how do I go about subscribing if I can't find a CP in my area?

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve....how do I go about subscribing if I can't find a CP in my area?

The subscription number is 866-615-4344

:)

[compos mentis]

Steve....how do I go about subscribing if I can't find a CP in my area?

Steve,

You mentioned Jake's new subframe...sounds interesting, why do you like it?

Here's a link to subscribe.

https://store.primediamags.com/subscribe/camaroperformers/10816

Skip

[Young Gun]

awwww chit.... i just put on new pants for work tonight an just got em dirty...how am I gonna explain this one to my bar manager...awww

[John510]

where does one get a rendering from?

[bwhinnen]

Congrats on the new role Steve!

New car should be the goods when complete, I really like the rendering and the idea of sticking to the budget!

[68Formula]

Steve....how do I go about subscribing if I can't find a CP in my area?

Meier's has had them in the past. And either Barnes & Noble or Boarders Book (I often confuse the two) carries them as well.

[neki67]

Just subscribed. Hope you'll make it worth my while, Steve!

Oh and BTW; Congrats with the new job.

[Mr. B]

I can't wait to follow that build. It sounds close to what I'm doing. I think you will be able to do a LOT for your target of $40k. I bet you can squeze a new subframe in that budget.

I'm hoping RAT stands for big block. I'm getting a little bored with all the LS swaps you see in the mags.

I just signed up for 2 years, can't wait.

[PARKERRS]

Subscribed today! It's hard to find CP around here but I usually locate it. Glad to see you working there Steve but just as sad to see you leaving PHR as it has become one of my favorite mags while you have been there.
Tommy

[compos mentis]

I'm hoping RAT stands for big block. I'm getting a little bored with all the LS swaps you see in the mags.


I agree, to save funds pick up a used big block like from a doa project that someone needs to get out from under of.

Lot of clone block block cars being built out there for resale... its about time IMHO, that someone wrote about making a big block handle well on a road course.

Skip

[neki67]

My first thought/hope when I saw project Track RAT was exactly like that! RAT = BBC?

[Steve1968LS2]

My first thought/hope when I saw project Track RAT was exactly like that! RAT = BBC?

A rose by any other name.. lol

Rat could mean big-block.. or "ratty" like in "rat rod" or when put with "track rat" means someone who really likes hitting the track as often as possible.. like a "mall rat" but cooler ;)

I see no gain from going with a uber heavy big-block. Can it be done? Sure, but with a ton more effort and the power gain isn't all that great.

[compos mentis]

A rose by any other name.. lol

Rat could mean big-block.. or "ratty" like in "rat rod" or when put with "track rat" means someone who really likes hitting the track as often as possible.. like a "mall rat" but cooler ;)

I see no gain from going with a uber heavy big-block. Can it be done? Sure, but with a ton more effort and the power gain isn't all that great.

I'd never put an iron bbc in a track rat...

All-aluminum rat is what I was thinking and should have clarified earlier.

Skip

[trapin]

I'm hoping RAT stands for big block. I'm getting a little bored with all the LS swaps you see in the mags.
Gettin' bored? They only started happening a couple years ago, the technology is only 10 years old. :hmm:

[TonyHuntimer]

A rose by any other name.. lol

Rat could mean big-block.. or "ratty" like in "rat rod" or when put with "track rat" means someone who really likes hitting the track as often as possible.. like a "mall rat" but cooler ;)

I see no gain from going with a uber heavy big-block. Can it be done? Sure, but with a ton more effort and the power gain isn't all that great.

Come on Steven. Big Block cars can handle. Heck, throw on a set of aluminum heads and you just shaved 68lbs. Aluminum intake and you shave another 23 lbs. Aluminum water pump shaves another 6 lbs. :) The project Track Rat looks like real fun.

Congrats on the move. It's also great that Camaro Performers offers a subscription now that it's so great. It's come a long way in a short time.

Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

[compos mentis]

No sarcasm here, I have a question.

Are owners and potential owners of LS swap cars here getting tired yet of seeing cars with LS swaps all over the Chevy mags?

Does convoluted logic below apply when Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra commented about a certain restaurant...

"No one goes there anymore because its too crowded".

Skip

[rocketman]

Nice ride

[Van B]

No sarcasm here, I have a question.

Are owners and potential owners of LS swap cars here getting tired yet of seeing cars with LS swaps all over the Chevy mags?
Skip

Nope. But I guess mine is a little different than your typical LS swap.

[Mr. B]

I've been into and owned muscle cars all my life, but it's just been the past couple years that I have really gotten into the hobby from a serious build point of view. I guess I just got into it when the LS swaps were taking off, and it's all I seem to see in the magazines. It would be nice to see something different.

[Steve1968LS2]

I've been into and owned muscle cars all my life, but it's just been the past couple years that I have really gotten into the hobby from a serious build point of view. I guess I just got into it when the LS swaps were taking off, and it's all I seem to see in the magazines. It would be nice to see something different.

Like a VTEC Honda engine? ;)

Oh, and you can stuff every aluminum widget you can think of on a big block and it will still weigh a ton.

An aluminum block would slighly screw my budget. lol...

Thinking a worked over 5.3L, can get them for dirt cheap.

[Tony_SS]

I dont think I'll ever get tired of seeing and reading about LS swaps.

Steve, any inside info on the guy taking your place at PHR?

[compos mentis]

Like a VTEC Honda engine? ;)

Oh, and you can stuff every aluminum widget you can think of on a big block and it will still weigh a ton.

An aluminum block would slighly screw my budget. lol...

Thinking a worked over 5.3L, can get them for dirt cheap.

You know Steve, you could have stood up and been a

voice for the bbc, shunned by more and more Chevy

builders everywhere because of this fad called LS 'little shevee'... :nopity:

Skip

[Van B]

I dont think I'll ever get tired of seeing and reading about LS swaps.

Steve, any inside info on the guy taking your place at PHR?

He posted it yesterday. It's not a guy.

[comp-spec]

Be sure to subscribe.. it's the far cheaper and easier way to go.

Nicks second gen project should be cool.

O ya it will be a good one:firefire:

[neki67]

Come on Steven. Big Block cars can handle. Heck, throw on a set of aluminum heads and you just shaved 68lbs. Aluminum intake and you shave another 23 lbs. Aluminum water pump shaves another 6 lbs. :)
Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

That's why I will also be a frequent visitor of racehome.com, Tony.

Oh and Steven; some roses do actually smell sweeter than others . . . . :jump:

[68/CamaroFL]

Congraudulation on the new position Steve! :yeah:
Just Subscribe today for Camaro Performers magazine!

[hotrodf1]

Congrats on the new job! Hope it goes well for you.

I just subscribed to CP as well, needed a new mag to read since my subsrictions are about up, and CP sounds like a fresh new mag to read. Looking forward to it.

Will be interesting to see the project progres

[Steve1968LS2]

You know Steve, you could have stood up and been a

voice for the bbc, shunned by more and more Chevy

builders everywhere because of this fad called LS 'little shevee'... :nopity:

Skip

Fad? lol... sorta like the "disc brake" fad?

I will give the BBC some lovin.. heck there's one on the cover of the next PHR that I built.

For a drag car or street car it's hard to beat the torque and power of the BBC, it's just so heavy.

[Steve Chryssos]

I don't think Rupp is disparaging big blocks in any way. I think the point is that if you want lightweight junkyard power, the 5.3 is hard to beat. Maybe the project name is just too controversial. Perhaps Track Snuffleupagus?
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/04/Charactersnuffy-1.jpg

[compos mentis]

Fad? lol... sorta like the "disc brake" fad?

I will give the BBC some lovin.. heck there's one on the cover of the next PHR that I built.

For a drag car or street car it's hard to beat the torque and power of the BBC, it's just so heavy.

Someone better warn Vinny Allegretta his bbc will not track well :rotfl:

http://v8tvshow.com/content/view/473/1/

Skip

[Steve1968LS2]

Someone better warn Vinny Allegretta his bbc will not track well :rotfl:

http://v8tvshow.com/content/view/473/1/

Skip

But the real question is how much better would it be with 200 pounds off the nose???

;)


I don't think Rupp is disparaging big blocks in any way. I think the point is that if you want lightweight junkyard power, the 5.3 is hard to beat. Maybe the project name is just too controversial. Perhaps Track Snuffleupagus?





Would I have to cover the car in fur???

[compos mentis]

Hey, I did a write-in vote for Bad Penny to be the next American Idol so I get this LS fadd... :poke:

Seriously (why?) I've got a 5.3L in a Buick Rainier AWD and it moves that pig well, so it obviously will work great in your project. I really like that motor.

I'd actually like to see someone destroke it and get back to 302 cid in LS architecture and build it to wind like the old ones.

Snuffy is looking good..maybe he dropped a few pounds like someone suggests us bbc fans should:lol:

Skip

[Steve1968LS2]

Hey, I did a write-in vote for Bad Penny to be the next American Idol so I get this LS fadd... :poke:

Seriously (why?) I've got a 5.3L in a Buick Rainier AWD and it moves that pig well, so it obviously will work great in your project. I really like that motor.

I'd actually like to see someone destroke it and get back to 302 cid in LS architecture and build it to wind like the old ones.

Snuffy is looking good..maybe he dropped a few pounds like someone suggests us bbc fans should:lol:

Skip

Project Snuffy :bananna2:

I like the destroked idea.. I wonder what would be involved

[Nine Ball]

Nice rendering, that is real talent right there!

I also think "Track Rat" should be a dual meaning, including a BBC. It sure would make the car more unique and fit the name better. SW's black 69 is a BBC and it still looks killer too.

[69camarokid]

oh man, those carbon fiber stripes are gonna look sick!
Cant wait to see how that project unfolds.

If your still loking for camaros for the hometown section or under construction then id love to try for it. My car should be all done up and running inside of a week.

69 camaro
metallic blue with black stripes
Lt1/T56 swap
everything shaved and smoothed.
Entire car (minus eectrical system) built by college kid with no professional shops or outsourcing!

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35812

:6gears:

[compos mentis]

Project Snuffy :bananna2:

I like the destroked idea.. I wonder what would be involved

Just a suggestion; test the waters with the idea and I think it will be overwhelmingly positive IMHO.

The thing that works for you going is the low cost to acquire a 323 so maybe you'd have cash for the destroking mods?

Obviously a shop might donate the hard parts since your motor would be the prototype.

And instead of calling it a 5.3L (thanks Euroheads) you get the magical 302 moniker back.

Idea long overdue and I think there is a long list of folks that have wanted to see it.

If you pass on doing a LS 302 someone else will soon I believe, if one isn't done or in the works already?

Skip

[jknight16]

If I recall correctly, I saw a pewter 4th Gen Camaro with a solid-roller LS motor that had been de-stroked to 302 on the Power Tour in....1999... maybe 2000?

[andrewb70]

Project Snuffy :bananna2:

I like the destroked idea.. I wonder what would be involved

LS2 block and a custom 3" stroke crank. I would hook up with a good builder so that detailed like rod length and pistons can be figure out. Solid roller cam, L92 or LS7 heads, single plane style intake, and a 9000RPM redline. Woot!!!

I would also think Quarter Master's new 12 pound flywheel and a 3 disk 7.25" carbon/carbon clutch, backed by a Tex Racing gear gox. I would also go with a full floating 9" housing that will allow camber and toe to be set on the rear.

Andrew

[Damn True]

I'm kinda down with this 302 idea. Run an 8 into 1 exhaust as well so it really screams at WOT!

[trapin]

.....because of this fad called LS 'little shevee'...
If you ever get a chance to dig into one of these mills, you might feel differently. The Big Block on the other hand is hard to beat for drag racing. Plus they sound amazing too. I think in the future, however, with the advancement of the LS platform you will probably see the big block become more of a novelty then a necessity.

[compos mentis]

If you ever get a chance to dig into one of these mills, you might feel differently. The Big Block on the other hand is hard to beat for drag racing. Plus they sound amazing too. I think in the future, however, with the advancement of the LS platform you will probably see the big block become more of a novelty then a necessity.

That seems logical, but will it also drive the sales of 572 cid+ setups for guys that want to distance themselves from "small blocks"?

When I was referring the LS series to being a fad, I was being sarcastic of course:poke:

Always will be a 427 displacement guy, Chevy or Ford.

In order of preference...

427 SOHC
427 LT-5
427 ZL-1
427 FE
427 LS7

Pro-touring folks like to push the envelope, so this Track Rat project should be real interesting.

Skip

[trapin]

When I was referring the LS series to being a fad, I was being sarcastic of course.
Oh, sorry. My bad. We need like a sarcastic smilie on this board or something.

[compos mentis]

Oh, sorry. My bad. We need like a sarcastic smilie on this board or something.

Tony,

No problem.

My kids don't get my humor either, or at least won't publicly acknowledge it!

I just get alot of this. :rolleyes:

Skip

[Steve Chryssos]

......I've got a 5.3L in a Buick Rainier AWD.....
Skip

That about says it right there. LS engines are falling off assembly lines. GM can squeeze 'em out like Cheez Whiz. And as long as LS7's and LS9's are getting all the love, ordinary LS's will be cheap. If you weigh price against engine weight and center of gravity, I don't think a big block can compete.
I just bought my first LS engine. It's an LS1 with LS6 heads and intake. $700 delivered. I don't care much about keeping up with the Joneses. If I did, I'd hold out for an LS17.
Magazine editors get held to a high standard of accountability. That five-three makes for good journalism--especially if he takes a picture of it at the junkyard. Rupp's not allowed to "stumble across" a ZL1. There would be a lynching. He's gotta justify every penny spent. Dollar for dollar and pound for pound, a grungy "ratty" 5.3 seems like an appropriate starting point.

[compos mentis]

. Rupp's not allowed to "stumble across" a ZL1.

I'm well aware of that nasty one ZL-1 per publishing conglomerate rule.

:poke:

Skip

[nickdoe6]

O ya it will be a good one:firefire:
Ya think????

Comin' at you in the next couple of months.
We ran into a little setback with the engine today. Should be on target to dyno next week though.
After that we'll get the engine in and start baseline testing.
After that, it's all yours....

N

[MarkM66]

If the 5.3 is an iron block, the weight difference between it and an al. head BBC is less then 100lbs. FWIW.

[andrewb70]

If the 5.3 is an iron block, the weight difference between it and an al. head BBC is less then 100lbs. FWIW.

There are aluminum block 5.3L engines as well.

I have seen all kinds of numbers, but does anyone REALLY know what an aluminum BBC weighs? I am looking at long block weight, with intake, carb, distributor and water pump. I have seen shipping weight for zz502s at about 750 pounds. Take out 50 pounds for the crate and your left with 700 pounds. Is this not accurate?

Andrew

[compos mentis]

There are aluminum block 5.3L engines as well.

I have seen all kinds of numbers, but does anyone REALLY know what an aluminum BBC weighs? I am looking at long block weight, with intake, carb, distributor and water pump. I have seen shipping weight for zz502s at about 750 pounds. Take out 50 pounds for the crate and your left with 700 pounds. Is this not accurate?

Andrew

I found this post on LS1 Tech

The small block engine with alum.heads with a iron block dressed out without the carb would weigh around 475lbs.
The big block,with alum heads and a iron block dressed out also but with a carb stuck on it would weigh around 700lbs.
Both are also figured with waterpumps and balancers,dist!
Hope that helps ya! https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/04/gr_stretch-1.gif __________________
Barry Crow
Scoggin Dickey Parts Center
[email protected]
www.sdpc2000.com


Skip

[andrewb70]

I found this post on LS1 Tech

The small block engine with alum.heads with a iron block dressed out without the carb would weigh around 475lbs.
The big block,with alum heads and a iron block dressed out also but with a carb stuck on it would weigh around 700lbs.
Both are also figured with waterpumps and balancers,dist!
Hope that helps ya! https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/04/gr_stretch-1.gif __________________
Barry Crow
Scoggin Dickey Parts Center
[email protected]
www.sdpc2000.com (http://www.sdpc2000.com)


Skip


Looks like my 700 pound figure is pretty close. An aluminum block LSx engine, with a waterpump, is right around 400 pounds. So if you add in the weight of an iron block say another 100 pounds, that's 500 pounds. Still 200 pounds less than a BBC.

I will confirm all of these numbers in a few months. My GTO scaled at 3933 pounds with an aluminum heded BBC. When its back on the road with the L92 I will have it scaled again.

Andrew

[comp-spec]

Ya think????

Comin' at you in the next couple of months.
We ran into a little setback with the engine today. Should be on target to dyno next week though.
After that we'll get the engine in and start baseline testing.
After that, it's all yours....

N What's up Nick
Looks like you got some good help with you
Once you guys are all done testing. Lets get orange krate down here
so you guys will have one of the baddest 1st and 2nd gen camaro's
to go beat up on.
I'm going to give you a e-mail later about a coulpe of cars you might be interseted in

[compos mentis]

Found this info...

Total dressed engine weight LS1/LS6 497lbs

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/z06/ls1ls6.html

Skip

[MarkM66]

There are aluminum block 5.3L engines as well.

I have seen all kinds of numbers, but does anyone REALLY know what an aluminum BBC weighs? I am looking at long block weight, with intake, carb, distributor and water pump. I have seen shipping weight for zz502s at about 750 pounds. Take out 50 pounds for the crate and your left with 700 pounds. Is this not accurate?

Andrew

I'm aware. Steve made no mention of which block he'll be using.

But since the 5.3 al block is more rare then a LS1, why lose the displacement?

[compos mentis]

LS2 block and a custom 3" stroke crank. I would hook up with a good builder so that detailed like rod length and pistons can be figure out. Solid roller cam, L92 or LS7 heads, single plane style intake, and a 9000RPM redline. Woot!!!

I would also think Quarter Master's new 12 pound flywheel and a 3 disk 7.25" carbon/carbon clutch, backed by a Tex Racing gear gox. I would also go with a full floating 9" housing that will allow camber and toe to be set on the rear.

Andrew
I don't think a 323 cid iron or aluminum stokes readers fires but what Andrew described above would.

I understand Steve's intent to save $$$ on the motor, but my question is, how many building rare 1st gen iron go low $$$ on the motor?

I don't know that answer of course, but it seems from what I read that people aren't putting 323 cid LS4's in Camaros. It doesn't seem to have appeal, I would safely guess.

I'm a big block guy, but a hi-tech 302 really appeals to me.

First impressions are huge, guess I never got over seeing the row of brand new 1969 Z-28's on the dealers lot as a kid.

Skip

[motorheadmike]

When the LS1 lets go in our 2002 B4C Camaro I will build a LS2/L92 based 302 to replace it.

I would agree that if the plan is to lighten the project car, a light weight high-reving N/A motor would compliment it well.

Good luck at the new rag, Steve. Natasha always wanted to buy copies of it, yet I discouraged her because of the recycled material. We'll be watching for relevant and dedicated articles.

[andrewb70]

I'm aware. Steve made no mention of which block he'll be using.

But since the 5.3 al block is more rare then a LS1, why lose the displacement?

No reason, other than to do something different.

Andrew

[Dayton]

....... Camaro Performers magazine. ........... Soon it will be 12 issues, but the best part is that you can now get a subscription.

I'm going to miss driving all around town every other month, wasting gas, checking all my normal newsstand locations hunting for the lastest issue. Only to be denied.

[Steve1968LS2]

I'm going to miss driving all around town every other month, wasting gas, checking all my normal newsstand locations hunting for the lastest issue. Only to be denied.

Ok, shoot me your name and address and I will put you on the "no subscribe" list.. wouldn't want ya to miss all the fun! ;)

:lol:

[Steve1968LS2]

I'm aware. Steve made no mention of which block he'll be using.

But since the 5.3 al block is more rare then a LS1, why lose the displacement?

I still might go with a junkyard LS1. There was just so much interest in trying the 5.3L.. maybe I will build both, dyno both and weigh both.

Then have a reader vote on which one to stuff in the car.

Personally the LS1 seems like the better option given the weight, power potential and ease of install. But I'm open to what the masses want.

[Young Gun]

so have you got any pictures of the car you are starting with?

[Steve1968LS2]

so have you got any pictures of the car you are starting with?

$5900... came with a ton of misc new and used parts..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Young Gun]

awwww not faiiiir!!!! lol when will progress really get going on it?

[compos mentis]

Great looking car for the $$$.

I vote for the lightweight, all aluminum, high winding LS based 302 and it could be designated 'LZ28'.

The unique displacement should give the project extra buzz.

Final answer.-:)

Skip

[BonzoHansen]

Damn, with your luck that carb is some kind of special part with a date code to die for and you'll get $2300 on ebay for it. LOL

Congrats on the new job.

It would be nice to see it be a pull-out LS1/LS2 or even a 5.3.

[rob07002]

And I just renewed my PHR sub for the next 3 years! Can I switch???

Oh yeah, congrats Steve!!!!