Seeking F-Body Tech Options

[robz71lm7]

I was going to say, I think a lot of these motor failures are due to oil starvation. Starvation is more to blame on the pan (LT1 or LS1) than the oil. However, there are better oils to band-aid this. Redline has around 500-600 something PPM of moly which is an extreme pressure anti-wear additive. Mobil 1 and most over the counter oils have less than 100 ppm moly. The 6-10 times as much moly in Redline offers more protection when the oil film is compromised.

It's a band-aid, but I think it's a good idea in cars that starve. If time and money were not an issue (yeah right) I'd pull my stock LT1 out and add a canton pan and a stock volume pump with a high pressure spring ('69 camaro I think).

[Sam Strano]

Okay, so exactly how do the Firebirds and Camaros differ in weight? I can see Formulas weighing more than comparbly equipped Z28s. Motorized headlights and maybe a slightly pimpier interior could make a difference, but how much?

It's crap. Jacksonville Nat'l Tour, 1998:

Alex Tziortzis '98 1LE weighed 10 pounds less than the '98 Firebird Formula Dean Sapp was driving. Alex has a CD Changer as the only option. Dean's car had a Monsoon, Power seat, power windows, power antenna, cruise, rear defog, etc. Only other difference was Alex was on Victoracers, Dean on BFG R1's (remember them???).

[Sam Strano]

On the oil front, mileage and all that doesn't matter. There are cars with 200k+ miles on them on regular oil that run great (my winter beater Toyota being one). If you don't have an issue that is going to put undue stress on the oil film you'll be fine with most anything.

All I know is I've seen first-hand a number of oil related failures. All, without fail, have been on Mobil 1. It's not scientific, but it's also not just a coincidence. Doesn't matter to me what you run. It matters to me what I run, and it will never be Mobil 1 again.

[2manyfbods]

Sam, What oil do you use?

[NataSS Inc]

Back on the LT1vs LS1.

Here is my dyno on my 99 SS. Cam heads and a "few" bolt ons. Car pulls like a rabid pit bull out of the corners. 430rwhp 406rwtq. And that was through a giant Moser "9. On a 10 bolt, which is back in there now it is closer to the 450rwhp. Didnt get a chance to dyno it because the motor let go prior to be able to get it back on the dyno after the swap. I have yet to see an Lt1 car make the same #'s w/ equivelent mods (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) .
May have to copy and paste link
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid1...da.jpg.orig.jpg

[robz71lm7]

There a bunch of Advanced Induction/Lloyd Elliott stock displacement LT1's making over 400 rwhp with just heads and cam now. I'd have to search CZ28.com for some of the higher ones.

[Sam Strano]

Sam, What oil do you use?

I use Redline for anything that gets pounded, like the Camaro. I used Valvoline Synthetic in my gas trucks, Running Valvoline Premium Blue in my Diesel truck.

[trackbird]

Bang for the buck, I'd buy an LT1 car (I bought mine new, last year and all that, or I'd have an LT1). They can be tricky to work on, but you can find them cheap.

[Tommy R]

Back on topic from the oil debate..... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I drove two F-bodies this past weekend, a '94 T/A and a '98 Formula. I had an issue with both of them, including the '96 SS that I sat in (a co-worker's). When I move my right foot from the gas pedal to the brake pedal, the toe of my shoe catches the underside of the dash! And no, my feet aren't that big (10.5)! This is with sandals or my work/dress shoes on. I don't recall this being an issue the few times I've autocrossed 4th gens wearing racing/wrestling shoes.

It was a major PITA and really detracted from the driving enjoyment. I tried a different heal position, but it was hardly comfortable. Has anyone else noticed this? Frankly, it sucked.

Tommy

[trackbird]

I wear a 10.5 shoe as well. If I wear tennis shoes or "small" hiking boots, I don't have a problem. If I wear work boots (Timberland Pro series or Wolverine type) I catch the toe on the panel slightly. You can remove the panel and free up some room if it is really an issue, I think I just learned to pull my heel back and put my foot at more of an angle (I'm comfortable that way) and I no longer hit the panel under the dash.

Not elegant, but effective.

[y5e06]

I don't think I've ever noticed this problem, and I've driven a number of LT1 & LS1 cars.
oh, size 13 shoes. maybe my foot motion is different?
couldn't you just trim the panel?

md

[shortbus]

I have noticed that (foot hitting the underside) and it is annoying.. I never thought of cutting that either.

But, now I will.

[trackbird]

I have noticed that (foot hitting the underside) and it is annoying.. I never thought of cutting that either.

But, now I will.

Brian's car is getting lighter again.....

[LT4Firehawk]

I had this problem sometimes with my 95 Formula, but haven't had it at all with the 97. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) Doesn't really make sense as they exactly the same under the dash, and I know my feet haven't shrunk. Maybe it has to do with seat position as well as foot position?

[patred]

It was a major PITA and really detracted from the driving enjoyment.  I tried a different heal position, but it was hardly comfortable.  Has anyone else noticed this?  Frankly, it sucked.

Tommy

That's weird. I've driven 9 different F bodies this year (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) and haven't had issues with any of them (size 11 1/2).

Pat

P.S. You know what they say about guys with big shoes? They have big feet!