American Iron 4th gen build - DA Options

[DAlgozine]

All fabrication thus far by Alan Blaine. http://www.blainefab.com/index.html Awesome work. Custom cage, Kirkey seat and bracket install, rear nerf bar, reworked pedal location, steering column, fibberglass hatch, lexon, firewall accusump, other misc. fab work. Custom front nose under construction
Front suspension - Global west uppers, stock lowers with global west bushings
Rear suspension - UE torque arm, panhard bar and rear control arm relocated barckets. Race valved Bilstiens.

Drivetrain: (still being finalized)
LS1
T56
9"

A few links to photos:

http://www.blainefabrication.com/projects/2009_08_13/

http://dalgozine.smugmug.com/Other/Camaro-...768465718_TTfZE

Should be coming back east soon to Carriage House Custom in MN to be completed. http://www.carriagehousecustoms.com/CHCA/Home.html

[nape]

Please paint it orange with blue accents so I don't forget where to go on track. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[NJSPEEDER]

Please explain what is attached to the first gen tail lights I can see on the lift in the background (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Very nice work.

-Tim

[CMC #37]

As the owner of Blaine Fab 4th gen, I can see you will be very enthused once you get this car on track! Will be checking you out at the Nationals, I'm going this year too! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[rmackintosh]

I was poking around your car while at Alan's shop picking up my UE Torque Arm......that will be a nice car!

[Sidney]

Dave,

Can't wait to see it. I'm still voting for the GT1/Sunoco/Camaro Yellow & Blue paint scheme that I sent you!

Just don't paint it black...we have just picked up a 4th gen Firebird that color that's going to be running HPDE on the way to CMC2.

Sidney

[DAlgozine]

All, thanks for the words of encouragement. Looking forward to making some serious progress.

Paint schemes, definately not black. Leaning toward blue and a couple accesnt colors, maybe orange. The Sunoco car is pretty cool, also.
TJ, regarding colors, and where to go on track, you should paint a red target on the back of that white ghost.

[Steve Michael]

Dave,
Maybe you have already posted this somewhere...

What prompted the switch from a Mustang to the Camaro? You are one of three midwest drivers doing so in 2010, if you count myself. My reasons were based on the CMC rulebook and my belief that the 4th gen Camaro is a better equipped platform to build on as the CMC class evolves. Maybe your motivation was the same for the AI rulebook...

That cage looks killer, what brakes are you going with?

Steve

[DAlgozine]

Dave,
Maybe you have already posted this somewhere...

What prompted the switch from a Mustang to the Camaro? You are one of three midwest drivers doing so in 2010, if you count myself. My reasons were based on the CMC rulebook and my belief that the 4th gen Camaro is a better equipped platform to build on as the CMC class evolves. Maybe your motivation was the same for the AI rulebook...

That cage looks killer, what brakes are you going with?

Steve

Pretty long story on why I'm going to a Camaro. I'll try to give the shortened version. I'd be happy to elaborate sometime at the track.
1) As a "yout", I owned Camaro's, a 71 and an 81. I wish I would have kept both of them.
2) Looked for a Camaro in the beginning when I decided to go HPDE, but couldn't find a reasonably priced F body with a stick.
3) During my search for an HPDE car, I kept tripping over inexpensive 5 speed Mustangs, and just stayed with them into wheel to wheel.
4) After a few years of racing and modifying my car along the journey, I decided that I would love to start from scratch and do some things differently.
5) I really like the LS engines
6) Plus, I personally think the 4 gen is a better platform for AI, but the 5 gen may change that.
7) Finally, all the cool guys that race in the Midwest region drive F bodies.

Who are the other Midwest drivers making the switch? Steve, have we met? Are you a Midwest driver?
Brakes, pretty sure I'm going with Stop Tech. I had them in my Mustang and really like them.

[Steve Michael]

Dave,
Maybe you have already posted this somewhere...

What prompted the switch from a Mustang to the Camaro? You are one of three midwest drivers doing so in 2010, if you count myself. My reasons were based on the CMC rulebook and my belief that the 4th gen Camaro is a better equipped platform to build on as the CMC class evolves. Maybe your motivation was the same for the AI rulebook...

That cage looks killer, what brakes are you going with?

Steve

Pretty long story on why I'm going to a Camaro. I'll try to give the shortened version. I'd be happy to elaborate sometime at the track.
1) As a "yout", I owned Camaro's, a 71 and an 81. I wish I would have kept both of them.
2) Looked for a Camaro in the beginning when I decided to go HPDE, but couldn't find a reasonably priced F body with a stick.
3) During my search for an HPDE car, I kept tripping over inexpensive 5 speed Mustangs, and just stayed with them into wheel to wheel.
4) After a few years of racing and modifying my car along the journey, I decided that I would love to start from scratch and do some things differently.
5) I really like the LS engines
6) Plus, I personally think the 4 gen is a better platform for AI, but the 5 gen may change that.
7) Finally, all the cool guys that race in the Midwest region drive F bodies.

Who are the other Midwest drivers making the switch? Steve, have we met? Are you a Midwest driver?
Brakes, pretty sure I'm going with Stop Tech. I had them in my Mustang and really like them.

We met at MAM in 2007. I kept calling your car purple after you used it to put a dent in Matt King's car (I am being sracastic of course). I had a black mustang with a big wing at Blackhawk a couple of times in 2009. I suppose I wouldn't expect you to remember me at all. I have enjoyed watching you and TJ duke it our for the last couple years while I worked through HPDE. Comp School is in April, then I'll be out there.

Groth also switched as I am sure you are aware.

This post has been edited by Steve Michael: Jan 21 2010, 03:52 PM

[DAlgozine]

Dave,
Maybe you have already posted this somewhere...

What prompted the switch from a Mustang to the Camaro? You are one of three midwest drivers doing so in 2010, if you count myself. My reasons were based on the CMC rulebook and my belief that the 4th gen Camaro is a better equipped platform to build on as the CMC class evolves. Maybe your motivation was the same for the AI rulebook...

That cage looks killer, what brakes are you going with?

Steve

Pretty long story on why I'm going to a Camaro. I'll try to give the shortened version. I'd be happy to elaborate sometime at the track.
1) As a "yout", I owned Camaro's, a 71 and an 81. I wish I would have kept both of them.
2) Looked for a Camaro in the beginning when I decided to go HPDE, but couldn't find a reasonably priced F body with a stick.
3) During my search for an HPDE car, I kept tripping over inexpensive 5 speed Mustangs, and just stayed with them into wheel to wheel.
4) After a few years of racing and modifying my car along the journey, I decided that I would love to start from scratch and do some things differently.
5) I really like the LS engines
6) Plus, I personally think the 4 gen is a better platform for AI, but the 5 gen may change that.
7) Finally, all the cool guys that race in the Midwest region drive F bodies.

Who are the other Midwest drivers making the switch? Steve, have we met? Are you a Midwest driver?
Brakes, pretty sure I'm going with Stop Tech. I had them in my Mustang and really like them.

We met at MAM in 2007. I kept calling your car purple after you used it to put a dent in Matt King's car (I am being sracastic of course). I had a black mustang with a big wing at Blackhawk a couple of times in 2009. I suppose I wouldn't expect you to remember me at all. I have enjoyed watching you and TJ duke it our for the last couple years while I worked through HPDE. Comp School is in April, then I'll be out there.

Groth also switched as I am sure you are aware.

Steve,
I do remember you. As I recall your black Mustang was pretty wicked and you were hustling it around Blackhawk damn quick.
If you're interested, I'll give you my account of when Matt and I hit at MAM in 07.
Didn't you just buy a 4 gen CMC2 car? Yellow and black? You're 92MNstanger?

[Steve Michael]

Dave,
Maybe you have already posted this somewhere...

What prompted the switch from a Mustang to the Camaro? You are one of three midwest drivers doing so in 2010, if you count myself. My reasons were based on the CMC rulebook and my belief that the 4th gen Camaro is a better equipped platform to build on as the CMC class evolves. Maybe your motivation was the same for the AI rulebook...

That cage looks killer, what brakes are you going with?

Steve

Pretty long story on why I'm going to a Camaro. I'll try to give the shortened version. I'd be happy to elaborate sometime at the track.
1) As a "yout", I owned Camaro's, a 71 and an 81. I wish I would have kept both of them.
2) Looked for a Camaro in the beginning when I decided to go HPDE, but couldn't find a reasonably priced F body with a stick.
3) During my search for an HPDE car, I kept tripping over inexpensive 5 speed Mustangs, and just stayed with them into wheel to wheel.
4) After a few years of racing and modifying my car along the journey, I decided that I would love to start from scratch and do some things differently.
5) I really like the LS engines
6) Plus, I personally think the 4 gen is a better platform for AI, but the 5 gen may change that.
7) Finally, all the cool guys that race in the Midwest region drive F bodies.

Who are the other Midwest drivers making the switch? Steve, have we met? Are you a Midwest driver?
Brakes, pretty sure I'm going with Stop Tech. I had them in my Mustang and really like them.

We met at MAM in 2007. I kept calling your car purple after you used it to put a dent in Matt King's car (I am being sracastic of course). I had a black mustang with a big wing at Blackhawk a couple of times in 2009. I suppose I wouldn't expect you to remember me at all. I have enjoyed watching you and TJ duke it our for the last couple years while I worked through HPDE. Comp School is in April, then I'll be out there.

Groth also switched as I am sure you are aware.

Steve,
I do remember you. As I recall your black Mustang was pretty wicked and you were hustling it around Blackhawk damn quick.
If you're interested, I'll give you my account of when Matt and I hit at MAM in 07.
Didn't you just buy a 4 gen CMC2 car? Yellow and black? You're 92MNstanger?

Yep that's me. I just brought up the Matt thing to be funny. I saw it happen, his line was goofy as heck. I have never even seen a HPDE driver take his line through that corner. Add to that the fact that he was traffic in the middle of an AI battle for the lead and it gets even more silly. Again, just joking around.

Yep, I bought Brady's old car. It's being stripped of excess weight and the safety equipment is being updated and I am off and running.

I can;t wait to see your car completed. It may give me some ideas.

Steve

[Blainefab]

Brakes, pretty sure I'm going with Stop Tech. I had them in my Mustang and really like them.

I've had a close look at the StopTech, and driven a 4th gen with them. I was impressed till I went to buy them - they would not substitute solid rotors for slotted, but were happy to sell me overpriced solid Coleman blanks along with the full kit. Needed to get a price on a single caliper - no way, just package pricing. I get the the impression that they are not in control of the manufacturing/packaging. Maybe you'll have better luck with your disti. Being able to replace a damaged caliper is a must for me.

I did sell a Wilwood SL-6 kit recently - fits well, has lots of nice features, light weight rotor - as I recall 5# lighter than a C5. Thermolock pistons, radial mount. One really nice thing about Wilwood is their documentation - every part has a spec sheet and part number, anything can be ordered individually, and their tech support picks up the phone and answers email.

I can make duct plenums for the Wilwood or StopTech brakes.

(IMG:http://www.blainefabrication.com/projects/2009_11_10/IMG_3130.JPG)

(IMG:http://www.blainefabrication.com/projects/2009_11_10/IMG_3131.JPG)


(IMG:http://www.blainefabrication.com/projects/2009_11_10/IMG_3129.JPG)

This post has been edited by Blainefab: Jan 23 2010, 01:32 PM

[Blainefab]

Please explain what is attached to the first gen tail lights I can see on the lift in the background (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Very nice work.

-Tim

Uh - That would be a first gen!

(IMG:http://www.blainefabrication.com/projects/2009_07_25/IMG_2888.JPG)

(IMG:http://www.blainefabrication.com/projects/2009_07_21/IMG_2852.JPG)

[raybob9289]

WOW!
Thats all I got. Wow,,,,
That cage Dave, blows my F*ckin mind. Makes me and Tommys 4th Gens look like model T's.
I agree with Alan Blaine, I run the Wilwood 6 piston setup and I couldn't be happier except for
the cost of Rotors.
Dave do the Imperial Blue & Yellow Penske look it will be cool...

[firehawkclone]

The car is looking great Dave, as expected from Alan! Please don't do the blue/yellow paint, every 5th gen is doing that layout in some fashion or another. I would keep it the color it is now (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rotf.gif)

[Steve Michael]

I had the Wilwood SL6 calipers on my mustang. It's a great kit and my pad wear was minimal even at BIR and BFR with the Road Race set up. Those Thermlock pistons are spendy to replace but seems to work very well at isolating the fluid from heat. I never had to bleed my brakes during a weekend. I was a twice a weekend guy with PBR calipers.

[rmackintosh]

Brakes, pretty sure I'm going with Stop Tech. I had them in my Mustang and really like them.

I've had a close look at the StopTech, and driven a 4th gen with them. I was impressed till I went to buy them - they would not substitute solid rotors for slotted, but were happy to sell me overpriced solid Coleman blanks along with the full kit. Needed to get a price on a single caliper - no way, just package pricing. I get the the impression that they are not in control of the manufacturing/packaging. Maybe you'll have better luck with your disti. Being able to replace a damaged caliper is a must for me.

I did sell a Wilwood SL-6 kit recently - fits well, has lots of nice features, light weight rotor - as I recall 5# lighter than a C5. Thermolock pistons, radial mount. One really nice thing about Wilwood is their documentation - every part has a spec sheet and part number, anything can be ordered individually, and their tech support picks up the phone and answers email.

I can make duct plenums for the Wilwood or StopTech brakes.

(IMG:http://www.blainefabrication.com/projects/2009_11_10/IMG_3130.JPG)

(IMG:http://www.blainefabrication.com/projects/2009_11_10/IMG_3131.JPG)


(IMG:http://www.blainefabrication.com/projects/2009_11_10/IMG_3129.JPG)

Alan, was it fairly easy to fab those 6 piston Willwoods onto a 4th gen? I am thinking of MORE brakes than I have now with the Porsche kit. How do you think they compare to the Porsche stuff?

Problem is I am hearing of "Griggs-like" front suspension stuff coming for the 4th gen from a couple of sources, so I may wait to see if those bear fruit first.

Thanks

[Blainefab]

Alan, was it fairly easy to fab those 6 piston Willwoods onto a 4th gen? I am thinking of MORE brakes than I have now with the Porsche kit. How do you think they compare to the Porsche stuff?

Problem is I am hearing of "Griggs-like" front suspension stuff coming for the 4th gen from a couple of sources, so I may wait to see if those bear fruit first.

Thanks

The Wilwood kit is bolt on, uses LS1 knuckles and hardlines.

What would you want from an aftermarket front suspension, compared to what's available now?

[rmackintosh]

Alan, was it fairly easy to fab those 6 piston Willwoods onto a 4th gen? I am thinking of MORE brakes than I have now with the Porsche kit. How do you think they compare to the Porsche stuff?

Problem is I am hearing of "Griggs-like" front suspension stuff coming for the 4th gen from a couple of sources, so I may wait to see if those bear fruit first.

Thanks

The Wilwood kit is bolt on, uses LS1 knuckles and hardlines.

What would you want from an aftermarket front suspension, compared to what's available now?

I am thinking that my car is going to be a handfull now. Big power....same brakes (which were OK before, but may be woeful now). I want EVERYTHING to be bulletproof.

I want BIG race car brakes....ala near GT1 type of stopping power....and race car uprights and race car bearings...etc.....

I have heard of two sources that told me that they would have something soon. Waiting on what and how much.

I have improved so much on the car now, I just need to hit the weak spots...

OK....on that Willwood bolt on kit, I have heard it is much like the Porsche's I believe....



We have the rear end fabbed in......we added your recommended support by the way....and we borrowed an LS motor to fab in the transmission....the exhaust is 1/2 fabbed in.