New guy building a car, advise desired - F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums

Hi all, I'm new to this site. I have been involved in racing and the performance world for many years. However I have never built a car for road racing.

I'm not familiar with all the terms used so be patient with my lack of knowledge.

I recently purchased a 02 Camaro Z28 with no drive train or suspension, no K-member, a-arms, struts, rack, rear end, panhard bar, or sway bars.

So I have a blank sheet of paper.

My intent is to build a car for open road racing, Silver State, Big Bend, Sand Hills, etc. And I would love to do Pike's Peak.

I have purchased some parts already, and I have some parts left from other projects.

I Know for SOLO or track days horse power is not always a benefit but for open road it should be helpful (I think not sure).

Anyway here is what I have, 02 Camaro with Chrome moly 8 point cage. Should I take it out and switch to mild steel? I have never been a fan of chrome moly.
The cage is not fully welded yet so removal would be easy.

Moser 9-inch with back brace, 35 spline axels, wave trac dif, 3.90 gears adjustable torque arm.

Wilwood 13inch brakes 6 piston front 4 piston rear.

4L80E trans

Choice of several possible engines LS1, LQ4, LS2 (resleeved to 4.155 bore)

Bilstein race shocks w/ 1000# front and 400# rear springs and rear adjusters (purchased used from a member here)

I'm not a fan of aftermarket K-members so I intend to locate a stock one.

Since I don't have a panhard bar I was thinking about going with a watt's link.

So here are my questions;

Should I go with stock A-arms or aftermarket? If aftermarket who's and why?

What rack and power steering pump?

What sway bars?

What size wheels? I was thinking about the ZO6 18X10.5

What size & type of tires?

I know it's a ton of questions and hope I didn't over whelm or break any site rules.

Thanks
Craig

SS Performance View Member Profile	Jun 4 2014, 02:11 PM Post #1
Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 144 Joined: 3-June 14 From: Cape May County, NJ Member No.: 223,818	Hi all, I'm new to this site. I have been involved in racing and the performance world for many years. However I have never built a car for road racing. I'm not familiar with all the terms used so be patient with my lack of knowledge. I recently purchased a 02 Camaro Z28 with no drive train or suspension, no K-member, a-arms, struts, rack, rear end, panhard bar, or sway bars. So I have a blank sheet of paper. My intent is to build a car for open road racing, Silver State, Big Bend, Sand Hills, etc. And I would love to do Pike's Peak. I have purchased some parts already, and I have some parts left from other projects. I Know for SOLO or track days horse power is not always a benefit but for open road it should be helpful (I think not sure). Anyway here is what I have, 02 Camaro with Chrome moly 8 point cage. Should I take it out and switch to mild steel? I have never been a fan of chrome moly. The cage is not fully welded yet so removal would be easy. Moser 9-inch with back brace, 35 spline axels, wave trac dif, 3.90 gears adjustable torque arm. Wilwood 13inch brakes 6 piston front 4 piston rear. 4L80E trans Choice of several possible engines LS1, LQ4, LS2 (resleeved to 4.155 bore) Bilstein race shocks w/ 1000# front and 400# rear springs and rear adjusters (purchased used from a member here) I'm not a fan of aftermarket K-members so I intend to locate a stock one. Since I don't have a panhard bar I was thinking about going with a watt's link. So here are my questions; Should I go with stock A-arms or aftermarket? If aftermarket who's and why? What rack and power steering pump? What sway bars? What size wheels? I was thinking about the ZO6 18X10.5 What size & type of tires? I know it's a ton of questions and hope I didn't over whelm or break any site rules. Thanks Craig

FASTFATBOY View Member Profile	Jul 3 2014, 12:29 PM Post #2
Experienced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 1,099 Joined: 14-October 06 From: Mobile, Al Member No.: 1,410	Cheapest way to have a bunch of fun? Stock LS1 with oil pan baffle, headers and exhaust. Weight reduction Roto joint, Delrin or Heim ended joints in the rear. Stock 10 bolt, 3.42 gear Stock six speed with a LS6 clutch(Autozone replacement) Strano springs Stock WS6/SS sway bars (32/19) Koni SA shocks Good seats and belts Stock stuff up front with Moog bushings, slot the lower control arms. Corvette C6 base front brakes with Blaine cooling ducts, stock rear brakes. Power steering cooler. 17x9.5 GM wheels all the way around. The above setup is a very good starting point, you won't need to change anything maybe ever. Learn to drive it and it will be pretty darn quick. Remember, the drag race mentality of spending money on power makes you faster does not apply in this realm. Using 105% of what you have does.