rebuilding v6 3rdgen with my kid -- what to mod? - F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums

Hey all--

I bought an 85 2.8 Camaro for my stepson. He's 14 now, so we have a couple of years to work on it. I paid $100 for it, and I think that was a fair price for what we got.

Pics here

Anyway, it wil be a daily driver for him, and he'll take defensive driving classes, then use it for HPDE and AX. Maybe OT someday.

The stock 2.8 V6 is STAYING! One day it will be replaced by a 3.4 with some mods, but not until he proves to deserve a car that's not slow as molasses. We do have a 5-sp for it.

I'm not concerned with fitting into an AX class. I'd just like to know what mods I should make to make it a nice car.

We'll be doing a complete mechanical rebuild, so where appropriate I'd like to use aftermarket performance chassis or durability-related parts instead of stock. But we will be on a tight budget.

My ideas include:

4thgen rear with SLP Torsen
4thgen wheels -- cheapest style that clears brakes -- salad shooters?
home-made C5 or LS1 front brakes like I've seen on some other F-car sites
LT1 rear brakes
SFCs, possibly home made
battery in rear
exhaust -- I like the way an Aerochamber sounds on the V6-60 -- we'll see what he likes
Getting shock ideas from JonA and djborden on cc.com.

That's the easy ones. Then there's the things I really don't know enough specifics about F-cars to choose:

What about bushings? Springs? Reinforced or upgraded f/r control arms or PHB?
Cooling? Steering? What else?

thanks!!
kevin

CharlieFoxtrot View Member Profile	Feb 19 2004, 05:23 PM Post #1
newbie Group: Advanced Members Posts: 35 Joined: 27-January 04 From: Sarasota, FL Member No.: 163	Hey all-- I bought an 85 2.8 Camaro for my stepson. He's 14 now, so we have a couple of years to work on it. I paid $100 for it, and I think that was a fair price for what we got. Pics here Anyway, it wil be a daily driver for him, and he'll take defensive driving classes, then use it for HPDE and AX. Maybe OT someday. The stock 2.8 V6 is STAYING! One day it will be replaced by a 3.4 with some mods, but not until he proves to deserve a car that's not slow as molasses. We do have a 5-sp for it. I'm not concerned with fitting into an AX class. I'd just like to know what mods I should make to make it a nice car. *We'll be doing a complete mechanical rebuild, so where appropriate I'd like to use aftermarket performance chassis or durability-related parts instead of stock. But we will be on a tight budget.* My ideas include: 4thgen rear with SLP Torsen 4thgen wheels -- cheapest style that clears brakes -- salad shooters? home-made C5 or LS1 front brakes like I've seen on some other F-car sites LT1 rear brakes SFCs, possibly home made battery in rear exhaust -- I like the way an Aerochamber sounds on the V6-60 -- we'll see what he likes Getting shock ideas from JonA and djborden on cc.com. That's the easy ones. Then there's the things I really don't know enough specifics about F-cars to choose: What about bushings? Springs? Reinforced or upgraded f/r control arms or PHB? Cooling? Steering? What else? thanks!! kevin

Soma07 View Member Profile	Feb 20 2004, 02:22 AM Post #2
Advanced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 410 Joined: 24-December 03 From: Kissimmee/Orlando, FL Member No.: 25	Welcome, I see you made your way over from cc.com (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) A 4th Gen rear end is a good idea (and cheap). If you can find one out of a 99+ V8 car you'll get the Torsen posi stock. However you won't be able to bolt LT1 rear brakes on it without swapping in LT1 axles as well (93-97 axles ar slightly longer than 98+ ones). BTW if you need LT1 rear brakes I just so happen to have mine for sale (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Everything except the pads and rotors. As for bushings it would probably be a good idea to replace as many as you can seeing as the car is almost 20yrs old. For the rear it might be easier (and cheaper) to look for some low mileage take-off parts. Especally for the control arms which are decent stock. The rear suspension was virtually identical 82-02 and people will damn near give away stock parts.