[teamDFL]

I am considering the purchase of a dedicated event car to take to HPDEs, Time Trials and Hillclimbs. I will most likely contest a Street Prepared class during the timed events, but have not made a final decision. The value represented by the 4th Gen F-body is attractive. I have yet to uncover a single source buyer's that details perfomance affecting year-over-year changes and options. Is there such a thing? Any links or attempts at putting together a brief one here would be appreciated.

This post has been edited by teamDFL: Nov 21 2005, 01:16 PM

[trackbird]

You can fix 99% of the "ills" with shocks, springs and sway bars. Really.

Koni's are one of the most popular choices (and what I run). Springs are based on what you want to do. There are a few schools of thought here.

Big bars/small springs
Big bars/huge springs

Both seem to work and people will fight endlessly about them.

Sway bars are typically a 35mm front (solid or hollow) and a 21 solid or 22 hollow rear. Unless you lower your PHB mounts on the axle, then you may up your rear springs and use a 25mm bar.

Throw in a good alignment and brake pads and "go".

The cars work amazingly well off of the show room floor. They are better with sway bars and shocks (and can be quite good with just that). Springs will round out the package nicely.

Unlike the Mustang, these cars do handle well and are easy to make faster. I never figured out why everyone races Fox bodies (and the SN94 and up). They need a complete redesign to do what we do nearly stock. Of course we are a good bit heavier, but the cars make good power and LS1's come with decent brakes (just add race pads).

The LT1's make good power and the LS1's make a bit more (20-60 hp....depending who you ask). More power is available as your budget allows (headers/exhaust, cam, etc).

LT1's brakes are a weak point.

3rd gens are great, but have small brakes and lower power outputs (small block Chevy power makes them cheaper to fix....to a point).

All can run very well.

2001-2002 cars have a better intake and a truck cam (out of a 6.0 liter escalade). They seem to make more torque and similar HP (some claim more hp, but mine was about like the earlier years).

1998-2000 cars have EGR plumbing which makes changing plugs a pain in the rear.

2001 and 2002 get upgraded clutch and hydraulics (Z06 clutch and better hydraulics).

LT1 clutches can be very expensive (just as a warning). (otherwise, you'll need more LT1 info from the LT1 guys. I find them harder to work on, but good cars otherwise).