(Also see writeup in November 1997 issue of Popular Hot Rodding Page 99)
If you like this site, please let me know at: lars@larsdennert.com
It was saved from the wrecking yard with less than 20K miles on the clock and put back together as a daily driver. Painted with rainbow pearl white my 1992 RS was sold with 63K miles in 8/1999 on the original TBI 5.0 V8 with a 700R4. I looked hard for a loaded T-top model and really wanted a 5.7 TPI and/or 5 speed but an automatic sure is nice in traffic. Below are is a brief description along with links to more detailed information on installation, performance, Pro's and Con's of many of the mods.
A Sony 10CD changer was added and speakers were upgraded but the stock radio was retained so as not to attract undue attention. A top-of-the-line Viper alarm with almost every feature including power window rollup was added as an additional theft deterrent. By the way, since no one pays attention to car alarms in LA anymore I installed an extra siren high up under the dash. The screech is so loud that only a deaf thief would spend any length of time in the passenger compartment with the alarm going. An Optima racing battery replaced three Sears batteries that Died Hard in a short time and the Air Conditioning was converted to HFC 134a.
The 16x8 wheels were reshod with Nitto NT450 245 VR M+S rubber and after burning up a set of calipers and pads at Willow Springs, Performance Friction Carbon Metallic pads were substituted. I then cross drilled the rear semimetallic shoes to help prevent out-gassing, added some DOT 4 and deemed the brake system as otherwise adequate. To settle the car down and make it more manageable above 100mph, Monroe Sensatrac shocks were added all around. Even though the newer Camaros were glued together, the number of rattles from the T-top was unacceptable so I bolted and welded Alston Sub-frame connectors underneath (what a difference). I was so impressed with the subframe connectors, that I fabricated a strut tower brace by welding 1" tubing into an adjustable brace. This too makes a significant difference in chassis rigidity.
Due to clearance problems with the subframe connectors, the stock Cat had to be replaced. A higher flow monolithic unit was substituted and since I was under the car anyway I installed some Edelbrock headers . The headers, in turn, required the installation of high temp ignition wires, coil and shorter spark plugs from Accel. Thankfully someone still makes plugs that clear headers. The stock muffler was retained to quiet the already loud bellow. Further speed enhancement came from a custom JET Stage 2 chip with speed limiters removed, a matching 180 degree thermostat, low temp fan switch and an L69 Dual Snorkel intake with a K&N air filter.
The inherent limitations of the 700R4 prompted attention as well. Though most shift kits seem to be oriented towards drag racing, I needed to devise something more appropriate to the road course environment. I began with a TCI Corvette type servo, a B&M Transpak shift kit and then fiddled with the accumulators until much of the shift harshness was tuned out of the new setup. It still spins the tires when upshifting to second and downshifting to first but doesn't throw the car so sideways. A B&M 4-3 downshift valve was also installed and coupled with the higher line pressure seems to keep the transmission in fourth gear until absolute wide open throttle thereby keeping the car well under redline at speeds over 120mph. Tested top speed to date is ~130mph. An Energy Suspension transmission mount replaced the factory unit. On the top side a B&M Megashifter was installed which allows semi-smooth down shifting in the braking zone when entering corners at high speed.
What does the future hold? Some larger rotors and better calipers would increase threshold modulation. The stock brakes require constant attention under heavy usage. A Supercharger would probably be the biggest performance change (and go through tires even faster.)
Other sites to check out:
http://www.f-body.org
http://members.aol.com/fbodycars
http://www.thirdgen.org
http://www.challenger.net/local/users/DavidLT/Main.htm
news:alt.autos.camaro.firebird
http://www.3gc.net
http://www.fbody.com
My Home Page: http://www.larsdennert.com
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