I have an '85 Camaro. It currently has a T-5 trans. I have just put together a 408 SBC. The rest of the car is stock. The intended purpose of the car is to drive to HPDEs, AX events, and general racing education. The engine bay has the engine and the radiator removed. The car was red, then white, now black (I didn't do it - bought it this way).
Should I strip the engine bay then paint it, slap the engine in and continue to the drivetrain support mods, slap the engine in and do suspension mods, or what? I would really like to drive the car, but I don't want to drive it and break it because something is overstressed. Also don't want to drive it if it is going to be dangerous.
Thanks,
Jason
Full Version: Proper Series of car construction events
might want to swap to a t56...t5s arent the most capable transmissions...
What kind of HP/TQ is the engine making??? The T5 could certainly be the weak link and if you plan on driving to and from events I would be concerned.
QUOTE (jrg77 @ May 2 2006, 05:42 PM) 
I would really like to drive the car, but I don't want to drive it and break it because something is overstressed.
Thanks,
Jason
Thanks,
Jason
That's the nice thing about tracking a car that you don't have to drive to work everyday, if it breaks, it'll sit until you have the time/money to fix it.
The T5 will be overstressed if you're making near 325 RWHP, however, you might be OK for a while in novice groups (HPDE 1&2 with NASA) if you realize what your car is: a heavy, pig of a rocket ship with no suspension or brakes
Mean, I know, but I've got a 3rd gen too.The advice I was given follows: "Take it out and have some fun, working on it for years gets old." and "Good students have big brakes and small egos. You've got tiny brakes, so you better have a real small ego."
Go drive it so you can see what you need to upgrade, otherwise you'll be throwing money at it and not knowing what problems you're trying to fix.
Here's some advise...sell the 400 cid and T-5. Build a mellow 350 and a Tremec!
The big motor is too much for a T-5 and too much for a novice driver. The T-5 is a weak link and won't last with any HP/Trq over 300+. You need seat time, a reliable car, and good brakes.
Been there, done that!
Sidney Franklin
NASA Midwest
AI #64
Pontiac Firebird Formula
350 cid 320rwhp/335rwtq
Tremec TKO600RR
The big motor is too much for a T-5 and too much for a novice driver. The T-5 is a weak link and won't last with any HP/Trq over 300+. You need seat time, a reliable car, and good brakes.
Been there, done that!
Sidney Franklin
NASA Midwest
AI #64
Pontiac Firebird Formula
350 cid 320rwhp/335rwtq
Tremec TKO600RR
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