[Augusto]

Hi, everybody. I'm really excited to go for an all out track car project.

I'm really puzzled at this dilemma: could a 98 Z28 be modded to match or surpass the handling of a C4 with Z51 like susp (Crossmember and camber brace mods)?

I may be able to trade my 98 LS1 Z28 for an auto '95 C4 (and like 3K of cash, and I would swap a ZF6 and mod susp). C4s are not so cheap to get in my country (as opposed to fbodies), let alone C5s. I was just about to swap a T56 (with relocation crossmember, Z06 clutch, etc) on the Z. Before I just do either of it, I want to make sure to know if I can achieve handling capabilities of a Z51 C4 or close through modding (shocks, tires, rims, sfc, kmember, a-arms, torque arm, lcas, panhard, strano swaybars, rollbar, a little diet, etc). Guys please be honest.

I've seen biased opinions on the C4 side by people who do not really focus on track improvement (and take stock form as a reference) so I thought this would be the right place to ask.

I want to make sure to invest time and effort on the car with better handling potential (modded) on the following couple of years. (Ultimate purpose: Road Racing and a little of AutoX).

[00 Trans Ram]

I'll give the better suspension, front and back. But, I've gotten my car to 50.9/49.1 front/rear, with a 49.7% cross weight. If I take a crap before a race, my weight is perfect. C4 won't get it better.

Braking wheel hop is a problem. I still fight it. But, when it doesn't happen, I'm outbraking all 3 of the C4s I run with. I'm about even with the GT1 Viper and Vette that are classed above me.

I don't mean to be arguementative. More than most comparissons, this would be a great example of "it's down to the driver". And, if I were the OP, I would follow the advice of the 7-8 people who think the C4 is the best bet. But, all of my (limited) experience shows me that the F-bod can be a superior racecar.

I will say one more thing, though. One of my favorite things about winning in a Trans Am is beating BMWs, Panozes, Corvettes, Vipers and Porsches in a "Mullet Mobile". People seem to expect those cars to win. But, I still have drivers come up to me shaking their head after I've passed them in some high-speed turn or outbraking them into a turn. It's that little bit of satisfaction that doesn't come with any trophy or points - I love it!

[Augusto]

Braking wheel hop is a problem. I still fight it. But, when it doesn't happen, I'm outbraking all 3 of the C4s I run with. I'm about even with the GT1 Viper and Vette that are classed above me.

I don't mean to be arguementative. More than most comparissons, this would be a great example of "it's down to the driver". And, if I were the OP, I would follow the advice of the 7-8 people who think the C4 is the best bet. But, all of my (limited) experience shows me that the F-bod can be a superior racecar.

This would set both cars really close, with the slight difference of IRS and suspension geometry. What kept me from upgrading my Ls1 Z28 was: C4 Z51 like susp (Crossmember and camber brace mods) VS FBody upgrades (k-member a-arms -upper and lower with rod ends-, t-arm, LCAs, panhard, strano hollow swaybars and konis).

At a first glance it seems fbody upgrades will cost a lot more (what about a 9moser w/ truetrac tranny), but hey: with the C4 stock clutch cost I can buy a t56 spec3 lightweight clutch, the C4 would need soon an aftermarket optispark and a turnone pump. Both would benefit from C5 brakes (what about nice brake lines with speed bleeders), the list could go on. For what I've seen aftermarket for LS1 fbodies is huge compared to C4s (hell, you can put the 6speed automatic with paddles (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) -something I would't-). and I don't know how C4 suspension parts endure racing.

Seeing as you care more about racing than being mods posers, your oppinion is really appreciated. While I'm hunting for a nice C4 I'm also considering buying back my Z28 (which is already a little modded) from my dad and using the cash for a nice 275/315 set of wheels and start right away at the track. (seat time and having fun).

Damn, this C4 pic kills me: http://para.noid.org/~c4racer/C4RACER/Oct-...s/image011.html

This post has been edited by Augusto: Jun 25 2009, 10:57 PM