Project reForged

[V8240Z]

So a bit more to add this morning. Here is a shot of the dash insert I made for my autometer gauges, it has a custom built harness that ties into the factory one where possible:

A few more of the interior coming together:



And one of the rear suspension:

it features PTFB GT springs, the Gulstrand front mount modification, poly bushings throughout, Edelbrock IAS shocks, and a PTFB adjustable rear sway bar. I also installed 1" lowering blocks and a Trick Flow rear end cover / girdle. The rearend is a corporate 8.5 with a 4.11 posi in it.

[V8240Z]

So Friday I went to AAA to activate the cars registration. Keep in mind this has been non-oped and has been somebodies project for the last 14 years. I got my new registration and the renewal is November 10th, my birthday! I thought that was cool... For my birthday my wonderful wife had this made for me:

It is all watch parts. I have to say having a family that is supportive of your hobbies and passions makes life much more fun. Last year she got me the front QA-1 coil overs that started this pro-touring transformation for me.

[V8240Z]

Well with my modest suspension upgrades complete I finally got to see the new stance of the car. Initially it was a bit too low in the front, and has since been adjusted up about 1 inch. The San Diego SCCA is trying to form a Pro-touring class and has a limit of no less than 4 inches ground clearance. I talked with Mary Pozzi before embarking on this and she suggested front spring rates in the 650 lb/inch range. To give that perspective QA1 suggested 350 lb/inch for small blocks. I went with their stiffest at 600 lb/inch. when I first put her on the ground with the shocks on setting 8 of 20 the front end felt solid. I think the stance is where I want it to be:



While I would love to have some Forgeline wheels, I just don't have the budget. I didn't want the IROC or torque thrust wheels as they were a bit too 'belly-button' looking. I found the Rocket Hyper Silver Bullet wheels at the Grand National Roadster show and they met my needs. Fronts are 18x8 with 245/40/18 tires, and rears are 18x9 with 275/35/18. I was able to get a set of take off Dunop tire that would not meet BMW certification at work. They will be on for initial testing until I can afford a set of Falkens.

[68400BIRD]

The wheels look great on your car. Nice choice and within your budget. Car is looking great. Check out www.nastyz28.com when you get a chance.

[V8240Z]

OK, seems like it is time for an update. Saturday, November the 23rd it was time. I had started the engine, adjusted the valves, fixed numerous leaks, and no matter what, I was determined reForged would move under her own power. The brakes were murder to get to bleed, but with my wifes' help, we finally got pedal. Keep in mind the car has been a project of someone for the last 14 years at least. I got it backed out of the garage and turned around...


That also gave me an opportunity to clean the garage where she had sat for the last 2 years...


Now, we live on top of a hill with a steep driveway that is almost 1/8 mile long. As I headed down for the first time, I knew I had issues. The brakes sucked (technical term for do not stop the car). I was concerned the car was too low to clear the bottom of the driveway, but that went fine. I turned left into the culdesac and punched the throttle. She roared to live, spun the tires, and promptly ran out of the initial few gallons of gas . Here I am dead in front of my neighbors house. He came out and offered help, but I had already called my wife and daughter and they were on a gas run. After adding 4 more gallons, she lit back up and we headed back up the driveway. At the top I found it she is indeed too low as I almost high centered, the rear of the subframe connectors after settling from driving was 3 inches off the ground. Now for the good news. I had a particularly lucrative month at work last month, and my wife encouraged me to order the big brake package that I thought would wait until next summer. The front is already complete with the CPP C5 13" conversion, and my 12" Wilwood rear should be here tomorrow. More update coming soon!

[CodexGigas]

Love those second Gen Camaros, Your Car Looks great.

[LUV2XLR8]

car really turned out nice... love the split bumpers... bring it out to the east coast sometime!

[Zoomin]

Nice build!

I'm curious what happened to the roof on your first gen. Looks like it got crushed after the fire. Insult to injury...

[V8240Z]

The 67 was a mess, the roof colapsed in, the rear end was bowed, the dash was sagged almost 9 inches in the center, the glass was melted and puddled below where it sat. Thanks for the encouragement.

[bonecrrusher]

Nice sized garage!

[V8240Z]

So last week the car had 'b' body spindles with 1LE 12" rotors and GM D52 calipers

While an upgrade, not what I needed. Now it has CPP C5 hubs, rotors, and calipers at 13" and a noticeable weight drop.

In the rear she had stock drums, that were not moving......

Tonight my new Wilwood Dynalite 12" rears discs arrived. While I was tired after working all day I made a good bit of progress...



I have a short list of parts to get tomorrow, and hopefully everything goes back together.

While under the car I also removed the lowering blocks, so hopefully I have some ground clearance also.

[V8240Z]

Quick update..... I have to say the Wilwood Dynalite Pro rear brake kit is very well engineered. After cleaning the rear end housing flange the backing plate / parking brake assembly bolts right up, slide the axle back in, slide in the rotor, mount the caliper with the supplied bolts and slip in the pads. Passenger side done!




Unfortunately the drivers side did not go so smoothly. The caliper is offset .170 to the inside. After 3 phone calls to Wilwood, and with the help of James in their tech department ! have $80 in parts on the way, and will not be autocrossing this weekend. I guess it is time to put up Christmas stuff!

[srh3trinity]

I like the car a lot. Love the white and those wheels are the perfect color and style.

[V8240Z]

Thanks, there are some black stripes and accents coming soon. I am really looking forward to finally getting to drive her.

[5spd540]

lOOKS SHARP KEEP UP THE WORK

[Nova1978]

Great looking 2nd gen! What are the specs on the wheels and tires? They really finish the look.

[V8240Z]

The wheels are Rocket Booster Hyper silver, front are 18x8, rear 18x9.5. I am currently running 245/40/18 Dunlop runflats on the front and 275/35/18 on the rear. As the car gets sorted I want to get the Falken 615rt tires.

[V8240Z]

The parts from Wilwood arrived last night and allowed the left rear brakes to be installed with the correct offset. Special thanks to James at Wilwood technical for figuring out what to send to make everything fit. Looks like I may be driving this weekend.

[Zoomin]

Nice change - I'm anxious to hear your assessment on the new stuff once you get it on the road.

[aps63]

Much better!!!! Car looks awesome.