Need Help improving 1978 Z28

[Myke_bee]

Hello, I have a 1978 Z28 that i would like to upgrade but not sure where to start. I want to up grade the rear end and suspension and make it a little more modernized. I will be sticking with a solid rear axle setup...can not afford and independent rear axle setup. I also was wondering if anyone knew any modern seats...out of a newer GTO, Camaro, G8, etc. that would bolt into and 1978 camaro. All comments and advice appreciated. Thanks!

[bs46488]

We'll need a little more information....

What does the car currently have?

What are your goals/plans for the car? A modern daily driver would get a different setup than a track only autocross camaro vs a pro-street straight line drag car.

[Myke_bee]

Right now the car has been restored. Has a crate 350 running about 330hp paired to a tremec 5 speed. original rear end housing posi with 3:73 gears. the suspension has been gone through but is all original. I'm looking to make a modern daily driver. Not take it to the track or anything. Just something that rides nice around town, occasional stop light race, as well as a few longer trips. Poker runs and that sort of thing. Thanks.

[Myke_bee]

[MonzaRacer]

Suspension: ridetech has the stuff and it can be had in stages! AND IT WORKS!
Front: lower strong arms $650
upper strong arms $450 (optional)
coilovers RQ $600
single adj HQ $700
Musclebar $400(optional)

Rear: bolt in 4 link $1300
coilovers RQ $550
single adj HQ $650

Brakes:
Front: Kore 3 adapters for Corvette brakes $85 (adapter works for brakes fitting in 17 in wheels)
$95 (this one is for even larger brakes to fit in 18 in wheels)
Kore3 billet hubs, if you dont want to use other hubs $319 or $329
Calipers: can either come from Ebay, or just pay core charge at local NAPA store and go that way.
Rotors: I would buy new ones but it depends on plans
Hoses: Kore 3 kit OR just mix and match from stock type hoses or Kore3 or Goodridge stainless (Kore 3 kit 5 line) $149.00
Rear Disc: simply swap on S10/Blazer rear disc setup. Very simple, clean and elegant. The backing plate with hardware and complete shoes can be had from GM last I found for around $140 a side, AND since the pbrakes shoes are same you might be able to use Vette rotors and brakes with suitable adapter but S10 stuff works well and simply swap out master cylinder for Corvette unit and an adjustable prop valve (valve can be sourced for less than $75.)

Bare minimum suspension: Front: $1250-$1350
Rear $1300 4 link
Coilover $550-$650

So $3100 - $3300 total for suspension.
And you can do it one end at a time, like front first then rear or rear first then front.
Honestly if you go ridetech once you do one end your gonna be chomping at the bit too get other end done, difference in NIGHT AND DAY.

There you go, some ideas and you can always UPGRADE to Corvette upgrade brake calipers etc later on.

[BMR Sales]

Hello, I have a 1978 Z28 that i would like to upgrade but not sure where to start. I want to up grade the rear end and suspension and make it a little more modernized. I will be sticking with a solid rear axle setup...can not afford and independent rear axle setup. I also was wondering if anyone knew any modern seats...out of a newer GTO, Camaro, G8, etc. that would bolt into and 1978 camaro. All comments and advice appreciated. Thanks!

Welcome!

We have some Parts you may be interested in

T.C.

[Myke_bee]

Thanks for all the help guys! I kind of like the BMR set up. Looks like it would be really nice. Does anyone have any opinions on hotchkis suspensions??