3rd gen capability

[pharmd]

What is the potential "up-side" to the 3rd gen camaro in terms of true track performance (considering the solid rear axle)? A IRS swap seems like big time headaches, for the potential increase in handling. I would love to build a 3rd gen that would run with new vettes, BMW's, Porsches etc on road course...can this be done with a full bolt-on suspension set up with maybe some mild fabrication only? Or will this need to be a mega buck full custom car?

Which shops specialize in true "performance" restomods? I want a very functional ride.

[slowcamaro]

http://www.frrax.com/rrforum

Plenty of info there, and if you aren't governed by any class rules it should make it much easier to attain your goals. Yes there are plenty of "bolt on" third gens on the road courses.

[Chevy]

The live axle is not as limiting as you might think if it is set up properly. For example, the Air Ride equipped Velocity Camaro recently did the autocross at the year one experience faster than an 08 Vette with the same driver. See:
http://www.ridetech.com/more/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/velocity_chp_article.pdf
It's running a Ford 9 no less-considerably more unsprung weigh than a 12 bolt.
I think you should go for it.
Good Luck!
Paul

[ssrogers]

Funny, I have the exact same goal. I have an 08 Corvette Z51 and a 92 Camaro. I want the Camaro to someday feel just like the Corvette. It'll eventually have an LS1/T56 but will still be solid axle. I say that because I was toying with the idea of a Full C5 or C6 drivetrain.

In theory, a solid axle will hold the same G-force load as IRS on flat ground assuming all else including weight were the same. When things get bumpy is when IRS is an advantage. If the right wheel were to hit a bump, if it's large enough, it would cause the left tire to tilt over enough cause it to have a smaller contact or start riding on the wall. IRS is just that, independent, and assuming the car itself doesn't tip then the left tire in the case above would stay flat.