Rob's 1978 Camaro....going to autocross...one day

[badazz81z28]

Hey,

My name is Rob and I have a 1978 Camaro. When I first bought this car I mainly just liked the look of it and price was better than earlier years. Since I have had it I just buy stuff to improve its handling and performance. Since I'm in the military and don't make a whole lot of money, I built this on a poor mans budget. Many of my parts are used and came off other car for upgrades. It has 4 wheel disc brakes, rear from a 1979 transAm and the front from a B-body. The suspension is Hotchkis and the wheels are Summit house brand. Since I observed my first auto cross with Brian Finch, I have decided what this car is for! To have fun with it and actually drive it!! When that will happen??? I need an event! Thats where you all come in :fingersx:

could use an LS engine too!

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/2011z7-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/2011z6-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/2011z5-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/121LE-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/rear3-1.jpg

[LeighP]

Nice looking ride. Should be a fun thing to throw around an auto-X field.

[jgpclone]

Sweet ride

[brownz]

Nice car!!

[itsadryheat79]

2nd Gens rock - Nice car!

Can you tell us about the idler pully and is that big pully on the upper left a smog pump? What is this front runner from very clean looking.
Looking at the picture under the car your power stearing hose looks like it might be close to moving belts - maybe it's just the angle but I'd hate you to find out the hard turn way at an autocross.... yes bad pun intended.

This is a great example of the hobbie - keep em alive and drive!

Thanks for posting!

[badazz81z28]

Yes those are delete pulleys. The power steering hose is close, but not as close as the pictures indicate. Thanks so much for the Kudos! I just finished installing a TKO 600!

[ACONLP]

love it... sick ass ride. my father had a 80 with the tan emblems he bought new.... loved that car. he gave it to me and then sold it out from underneath me when he got in a bind back in 1994. what was a 16yr old kid to do about it then. =(

[Hotchkis]

Rob - That's a great looking '78! Your car proves that you don’t need to have the most expensive car at the show and can still be one of the coolest. Nice job! We see some Hotchkis parts on your car...thanks for choosing our suspension products! What size are the rear tires? They look meaty. As for events, you should join the Hotchkis (http://www.hotchkis.net/) H-Team – we have events every few months that range from canyon cruises to track days. Exactly what you’re looking for. Also – we try to always support our car guys in uniform, and are actually going to selling parts through the PX at some bases very soon. Thanks again!

[badazz81z28]

I'm very proud to have Hotchkis Parts on my ride. Every suspension upgrade is Hotchkis. I have the Hotchkis upper/lower control arms/chassis max bars/coils/springs/sways bars/shocks! Being military, I have to save for a few months to buy each part, but willing to do it!! Looking forward to the 3 link, maybe I can get a returning customer deal? Thanks for making such great products for the sec gen camaro!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/bars-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/Hotchkis-1.jpg

[Damn True]

I mean this in a good way but the paint scheme reminds me of of a 70's Padre's uniform.

[COPO-RAT]

Great car! Love the 2nd gens! As for an event, it might be a little bit of a trip (which is cool if you ask me), but Goodguys has an event in Indy starting on Sept 16 (at the speedway this year) and they are doing the autocross on friday and saturday 9-12 and 1-3. I don't know what the criteria are for entering, but that should be easy enough to find out if that is something that interests you. I would think that Finch would know.
Cool build!

[OldMechanik]

Nice ride, and thanks for your service as well man!

[badazz81z28]

Thanks for the props...Had an interesting weekend...The rear disc brake caliper started leaking! Argg...Good thing Oreilly has "limited lifetime" warrenty! Took them a few days to get it in but free..whoo. These Ws6 TA calipers are getting scarce...need to find an alternative.

[Happyfunballs]

That very well might be the best 78 I've ever seen.

[badazz81z28]

This is my favorite upgrade! https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/camarog2-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/interior-1.jpg

[Hotchkis]

I'm very proud to have Hotchkis Parts on my ride. Every suspension upgrade is Hotchkis. I have the Hotchkis upper/lower control arms/chassis max bars/coils/springs/sways bars/shocks! Being military, I have to save for a few months to buy each part, but willing to do it!! Looking forward to the 3 link, maybe I can get a returning customer deal? Thanks for making such great products for the sec gen camaro!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/bars-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/Hotchkis-1.jpg

Rob - That's awesome! Great looking car! We're pleased to hear that are happy with your Hotchkis (http://www.hotchkis.net/) suspension. We can tell by looking at your engine compartment that you really take a lot of pride in your Camaro and you have a good eye for detail. Do you have a build thread online? Or videos?

Thanks for serving our country!

[badazz81z28]

Here is a more updated picture I uploaded today. It shows the Chassis max bars installed and the 4 wheel disc TA aluminum MC and new brass prop valve
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/engineSept-1.jpg

[Hotchkis]

Rob - Thanks for posting the image for us. Your engine compartment looks great! What kind of brake booster is that? Are the stripes and exterior paint original? The look like they are in great shape and very cool colors.

[WS6]

I suggest switching to C5 rear brakes if they will fit in your wheels. If not, there is info out there for swapping brakes from a Trailblazer onto the rear. Those brakes will fit inside a 16inch wheel and maybe a 15inch wheel. Regardless, get rid of the WS6 brakes. They are nothing but trouble and were not intended to be a rear brake from the beginning. They were just something GM threw onto the car and said "Voila! Now we can charge more and put a fancy sticker on the door handle."

Great looking car too. I love the stripe package on the black paint. Very classic.

[Throttle]

Good looking late 2nd Gen.

[badazz81z28]

Great tip! I would like to do a rear brake upgrade. Wheels are 17"s...Will C5 fit? The whole disc system to include the MC and Booster is from a 1981 Trans Am. The car was actually born blue. The previous owner painted it black, which I think looks really slick.

Hotchkis, please feel free to use any of my pictures if you feel it could help to show others what the parts look installed! PS...Notice my trick sticker on the radiator cover?

V.R Rob

[badazz81z28]

Here is what it looked like when I bought it. I know some will kick me, but it was 100% factory...not anymore. I put alot of work in to it!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/picz-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/picz2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/100_5321-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/100_5330-1.jpg

[BCHALK22]

I love it man my grandfather had a 78 he was going to give me. They looked ugly to me at the time because i wanted a 1st Gen. Man these Camaros have grown on me soo much since then. Sweet Camaro..

[badazz81z28]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/Z28-1.jpg


As it sits today.

[malibulvr]

Do you have a side view pic of your car. Thinking about ordering the same wheels but would love to see a side shot instead of an angles shot. Thanks!

[MARBIL]

sweet ride, that thing has been taken care of, I miss mine,sold it a looooong time ago 350 4 speed no air no console would probably be rare someday you didnt see alot of cars like that ordered stripped down, I don’t think anyone will kick you your car was not 100% original, mine was 2 yrs old when I bought it, don’t take offense but your car did not have the correct valve covers, air cleaner and motor color just from a quick glance,
I think your car looks better now than mine did at 2 yrs old
My family thanks you for your service

[badazz81z28]

Much appreciated! Yes the car is far from factory. When I first bought it, it was a hard decision to keep is origonal or not. Since they made so many of these cars and the horsepower was lacking, I decided to make it a pure fun car to drive. That engine you see is a 1990s Vortec Engine. Makes gobs of power for only being 350 cubes. The TKO 600 behind it makes it tolerable on the highway at 70mph. This car has really been focused on performance. Thank you for the support!

Here are the pics of the side;

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/sidepic-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/sidepic2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/sidepic3-1.jpg

[malibulvr]

Thanks so much for posting those side view pics. Sorry took so long to reply had wife in hospital last few days unexpectedly!

[badazz81z28]

Thanks so much for posting those side view pics. Sorry took so long to reply had wife in hospital last few days unexpectedly!


No problem at all!

[badazz81z28]

Ok, its been a while for an update. Well my car is still at my Dad's house, but I have been working on a gift for it!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/LS11-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/LS12-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/ls13-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/ls14-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/ls15-1.jpg

[malibulvr]

Aw please do tell more.....

[sokoloka]

Man the paintjob on it looks SWEET!

[badazz81z28]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/LS1A-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/LS1B-1.jpg

[aps63]

When are you planning on putting the new motor in and what are the specs on it.
Car is coming along great too.

[badazz81z28]

Yes, its started life out as an LS1. What I did was pull the heads and cam.
I added:
Texas Speed CNC ported LS6 heads bolted down with ARP studs
Texas Speed 228/228 .588/.588 cam ( I was told best for Autocross)
SLP Double Chain
SLP ported Oil pump
FAST 36lb injectors
Looking (Hoping) to source a FAST 92/92 set-up (LS6 on it right now)


I still need to get a fuel injected compatible fuel tank (Rick's Hot Rod HELP!)

Hoping to pull 350 SBC out in the fall!!!!!

[5spd540]

Car looking sharp

[aps63]

Great gift for your car.

[LUV2XLR8]

NICE BUILD!... i'm doing the same with my 81' .. do you know what the part number you used for the willwood calipers in the front?

[badazz81z28]

NICE BUILD!... i'm doing the same with my 81' .. do you know what the part number you used for the willwood calipers in the front?

I will look for you.

[ryeguy2006a]

I am looking to do an LS1 swap this winter. I will be watching this thread! Nice job.

[SRD art]

Very cool ride! I dig it and looks like it's only going to get better here soon...

[badazz81z28]

Check out this mess. Its coming together tho!!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/mess-1.jpg

[badazz81z28]

Well gents, things are going slow and I have a businss trip for the next two weeks (work stoppage). But here is where I am....I can atleast say its in!

The bad news it...Doesnt look like the F-body alternator location is going to work. It barely touches the bolt on the pitman arm. I guess I could grind it a tiny bit...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/LS1in-1.jpg

[aps63]

The LS looks right at home there. Keep the pictures coming.

[badazz81z28]

I can't wait to back to it! Another cool thing about LS...Look at that fender clearence!! Before I could only stick my figers between the tire and the fender. Now theres tons of room. Going to drop it back down. The All Alumium SBC is light!

[71RS/SS396]

Have you tried bolting the coil on the valve cover for number 7 cylinder yet? I had to modify the bracket because the coil was hitting the booster.

[brownz]

I had to trim the case on my alternator to fit with the pitman arm stud. If you would like i could get a pic for you?

Is that a DSE booster? if so I dont have any issues with the coil hitting mine...

[badazz81z28]

Sure! From the looks of it, the coil will fit fine. That booster is a few inches smaller than stock.

Brandon, how much did you trim?

[brownz]

Not much at all. I will take some pics when I get home from work tomorrow. The only thing that I took off was about 3 or 4 of the vent ribs on the bottom of the case. The pic will help with what Im saying.

[badazz81z28]

Brandon,

Did you happen to get the pictures?

[badazz81z28]

Heres the latest...Going very slow due to logistic issues with part manufacturers...

Harness installed, intake installed....Induction and fuel next

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/update-1.jpg

[srh3trinity]

Man, that Fast intake looks so much better painted black. I have always liked the look of them, but the color was never right. Engine looks good sitting in there.

[Chadman27]

I think I have to paint my FAST intake on my 2000 Formula now... thanks... ;-)

[badazz81z28]

Well I did some odds and ends yesteday...Wasted most of day messing with the crossmember. As you can see in the picture the transmission is angled pretty bad. I have the X-factor crossmember from APT and has given me nothing but problems. The holes don't seem to line up, push the transmission up high enough for proper driveline angle. If I had to do this all over again...GO KEISLER RS! I see now why they want to ditch the TKO in favor of the round top RS. Trying to get proper driveline angle I had to cut more of the floor to clear those big sqaure covers on the TKO...The RS looks more tempting now. I bought the TKO thinking it would be an easy install.....as much as I did cut...Might as well gone T56 >:(

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/engine1-1.jpg

[srh3trinity]

Are you using f-body accessories? What radiator/fans?

[badazz81z28]

Yes, 2002 Camaro accessories. Right now I'm using the OEM type sec gen radiator witg LT1 Fans.

[badazz81z28]

Here the hole.....Can someone help me make or buy a panel to cover this up? I don't have the tools or skills to do it....PLEASE!

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

[Todd in Vancouver]

I've had a bunch of these Camaro back in the day and always loved them. There use to be so many and now everyones head spins when they drive by. This is a very nice car and I really like the LS swap your doing. Keep the pics coming and I'm looking forward to watching this build.

[LeighP]

Pitman arm clearance issue...you could use a 2nd gen Firebird Pitman arm and drag link...they use a drop design, not a straight arm like the Camaro.

[LUV2XLR8]

Great progress.... everything looks good so far!... what oil pan did you go with?.... i'm doing the same thing with my z28 :)

[badazz81z28]

Yes, I did end up finding the pit-man arm from a F-bird. Just need to put it on...

I'm also using the 4th gen camaro oil pan. Fits great!

Basically I'm in need of a upper radiator hose and an ECM tune and should be ready to fire!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/Spec1-1.jpg

[aps63]

What kind of hp are you expecting to get from this combination?

[badazz81z28]

What kind of hp are you expecting to get from this combination?


I'm hoping for at least 430 to the wheels. Head/Intake/Cam/LT Exhaust...Should be nice!

TKO 600 / 3.73 rear

[LUV2XLR8]

Rob,

Chassisworks sells a tin kit to cover your tunnel... bolt or weld in.. if you still are looking for something to cover it

[badazz81z28]

Feels like an eternity since I started this LS swap! Well I have the tank installed and now waiting on a couple fuel lines. After that I should be able to fire it up!! The car has a few battle scars, but I'm sure it will be worth it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/tank_zpsa6d081d5-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/camaro2013_zps23186bb7-1.jpg

[badazz81z28]

Well Gents.....I'm all done. I still haven't tried to fire it up yet...I noticed my drive shaft could be an 1" longer so I'm going to wait until it shows up on Tuesday. But the fluids are filled and its read to turn over. Wish me luck!

Big thanks to Brian Finch for all the advice and Cris Gonzalez for hooking me up with the engine! Not to mention all the vendors who provided the parts for the build! Thanks!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/P1060927_zps198019b9-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/P1060928_zps19170423-1.jpg

[badazz81z28]

Well, I drove the car around today, was a little nervous, especially since I didn't get oil pressure for a good bit (Priming, not running). No check engine light!!

I need to figure out why the speedo doesnt work

[zamora7]

Great looking car. Ill be attempting a second ls swap into my second 2nd gen bird after the first failed due to being laid off a year ago. Sold the ls1 and t56 and then later fkund a gold v6 bird. Sold the first one a nd kept all.the suspension upgrades i had done and now using the ls1 and t56 from my ws6

[badazz81z28]

Thanks,


I just did the ~30 mile oil change. I can't seem to get the TACH to work properly. The fuel injectors are noisy as heck for some reason....


I can't wait for a dyno tune, its running rich!

[Todd in Vancouver]

Congrats, there is nothing like the feeling of hearing that engine fire up after so much work. Don't forget to post a smoky burn-out video when she's all tuned and ready to roll.

[badazz81z28]

Well, I got the Chassis Dyno tune done today. I was a little surprised to hear how close the mail order tune from TuneByFrost.com was. I was also surprised to see he didn't disable the emissions or lower the fan temps like was asked....oh well...water under the bridge. Lesson learned.

I pulled off 454 hp, not as much as the pros here, but a lot more than I had before. I'm ready for the course!

[Todd in Vancouver]

Very cool! I dropped my SBC off at the Dyno today and am awaiting a call to go and see it start up and see what it'll pull. 454 HP at the back wheels is a nice number and should be fun to drive. Congrats in getting your ride ready now go and beat on it. :drive2:

[srh3trinity]

Those are great numbers for a stock cubed ls1 at the rear wheels.

[BCHALK22]

That is a beastly picture with that motor tucked in there.The intake looks good painted great choice. Im sure I can speak for everyone by saying we want a nice video of the car.Good work.

[LUV2XLR8]

what serp setup did you use? GTO?

[badazz81z28]

what serp setup did you use? GTO?

I'm actually using the F-body set-up

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/photo_zpse0b6f541-1.jpg

[AM PSYCHO]

I'm actually using the F-body set-up

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/photo_zpse0b6f541-1.jpg

looking good nigga

[badazz81z28]

Finch Vent installed! Perfect fit for the limited room under the car.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/Vent_zpse7c7644d-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/vent1_zps46d900fe-1.jpg

[67Soto]

Congratulations Rob! That car came out great! I am also in So. Cal, where abouts are you located? LA area? I am completing a swap and would love to ask a few questions about the work you did on your LS1, those are impressive numbers for Heads/Cam swap! Very motivating for us who are still knee deep in the process:-)

[David_396]

Noticed your in emission Nazi California like myself. Was wondering if your car, which looks great by the way, will be registered and tagged for street use. Have you had to go to an emission referee with the current engine swap. My car, a 78 Z I've owned since 1979, has been sitting for the past 24 years, due to a not being able to meet California's strict emission standards. Original motor has been sitting on a stand. Car runs and drives. The car has the usual add ons: headers,Holley, cam, higher compression, aluminum heads etc.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/img007-1.jpg
Have other toys to play with just have been thinking of an LS swap the past few years.

[Tomswheels]

Rob, car looks great, love the 79-81 Camaros, they were the cool cars to have when I was in high school. We are autocrossing at Qualcomm March 17 if you want to join!

[LUV2XLR8]

who did you guys use for a drive shaft?

[badazz81z28]

who did you guys use for a drive shaft?

I used ShaftMasters

I took the car yesterday to the infamous 1000ft track at Willow....Gained nearly 5mph with a top speed of 99mph with the LS1 over the 94mph last year with the 350. Looks like the swap was worth some power.

http://youtu.be/fn6uSWfG11s

http://youtu.be/Kms11KsLMfo

http://youtu.be/54wRClvZN_8

[badazz81z28]

I'm in the service so I'm allowed to maintain my residency in Alaska which the car is still registered.

[badazz81z28]

Well I finally got around to installing the C5 brakes.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/c5_zps7346a20a-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/c52_zps6dd22384-1.jpg

[brownz]

Looks GREAT!!!

[KCG]

What hub/spindle did you use for your C5 brakes?
edit: I see from your other threads, you modified the stock spindle & are using Kore3 hubs?

Could you post some pics of the air box you made?
Car looks good.. Thanks

[badazz81z28]

What hub/spindle did you use for your C5 brakes?
edit: I see from your other threads, you modified the stock spindle & are using Kore3 hubs?

Could you post some pics of the air box you made?
Car looks good.. Thanks



I'm using a B-body spindle with the KORE 3 products. I can post more pics when I get back from my TDY.

V.R