We got the call the other day asking about a Camaro build. The car in question was a 2002 Camaro SS, 90k miles, 6speed, and seemed to be well taken care of. We discussed the viability of the build, what's its potential would be, and weather or not it was going to be a good pickup. Fast forward a couple days and i got word the build is a go.
First up, here is the car.
So what's the plan?
Fast, fun & reliable. won't be tracking it all the time, so it should not break down often.
A 450-500hp car with the increased frame stiffness, traction and handling, and this thing will be loads of fun, both on and off the track.
Brakes, Suspension, and yes, we will be tearing into that LS1 to squeeze a little more out of her than she came with from the factory. First step is researching what sub frame connectors, k member, rear torque arm, and rear panhard bar setup we want to run.
Suspension Package:
Watts Link: https://www.bmrsuspension.com/index.cfm?page=products&vehicleid=6&catid=345&productid=1489
& Billet Pivot: https://www.bmrsuspension.com/index.cfm?page=products&vehicleid=6&catid=345&productid=1646
$830
$190
Rear Lower Control Arms: https://www.umiperformance.com/home/product/1982-2002-gm-f-body-tubular-adjustable-lower-control-arms/
$220
$12 bolts
Rear Torque Arm and Transmission Crossmember: https://www.umiperformance.com/home/product/1993-2002-gm-f-body-torque-arm-combo-kit-manual/?attribute_pa_color=red
$611
Sub Frame Connectors:
https://www.bmrsuspension.com/index.cfm?page=products&vehicleid=6&catid=146&productid=1399
$500
Driveshaft tunnel brace:
https://www.bmrsuspension.com/index.cfm?page=products&vehicleid=6&catid=143&productid=252
$80
That's a total of $2443
Now we need to address the front suspension, shocks all around, sway bars, and shocks/springs all around.
Front suspension ultimate package: $3500
This can be tamed down if we step back an echelon. BUT, this kit is also the top cheese, and would narrow down a lot of things.
Rear sway bar:
https://www.umiperformance.com/home/product/82-02-gm-f-body-rear-drag-sway-bar/
$430
Sway bar bracket upgrade:
$130
for rear springs and shocks id like to do a custom mount and totally different aftermarket coil over. more to come on this later. this covers everything we need, unless inserting other front suspension options D/T cost.
Total so far: $6503 rear coil over and mount setup to go on suspension.
Feel free to weigh in, this is a client build, but the offer has been extended for you to weigh in, and help wrench/be a part of the project as a community. fell free to jump in here. its going to be one helluva project!
Bronze.
The Cadillac CTS-V rear calipers will work ONLY by reversing the position of the bleed ports and the fluid transfer pipe, in order to position the pistons correctly--these calipers all have a "differential piston bore" configuration that is important for pad wear considerations.
This is due to the caliper mounting--even though they appear to be the same and WILL bolt on to the Zeta chassis, the Cadillac chassis mounts the calipers in a leading position (ahead of axle centerline), while Zeta (Camaro & SS sedan) mounts the calipers in a trailing position (behind axle centerline).
looking into the c7 brake conversion above, close to posting links and prices for that setup. also, may run a twin disk clutch, they are matched pressure plates, playing the game on these parts currently.
more to come.
Bronze.
Headers will be ceracoated matte silver. +$400
Engine:
Cylinder heads From Texas speed and a cam to go with. Looking at a cam with 600 lift and 12* LSA. they supply push rods high volume Oil Pump.
$2363
Intake, Fuel Rails, and throttle body. Jegs seems to have the best pricing on a 102MM setup.
$652
Injectors from Texas speed as well.
$364
TSP Headers from Texas speed. 2" primary tubes, 3" collectors, long tube, with MLS gaskets, Plug Wires, Boot Protectors, header bolts and 02 extensions.
$844
With all the suspension going in, id like to wait to do exhaust till we know where it can be routed. the Watts link changes the game back there.
$4223 Total so far.
Alternatively we do this...
Front suspension kit, minus the shocks and springs, and sway bars: https://www.umiperformance.com/home/product/1998-2002-gm-f-body-ls1-front-end-kit-street-stage-2/?attribute_pa_color=red
$1390
Front and Rear shocks and springs form QA1:
https://www.qa1.net/product/rck52333
$943
https://www.qa1.net/product/gd502-15300
$812
Front AND Rear Sway Bars QA1:
https://www.qa1.net/product/sku-52876
$540
Total: 3685
Removing the $3500 for the suspension kit above, and $430 for the rear sway bar. that's a savings of $245 AND covers the shocks, and springs we are looking for.
QA1 is the way to go, im glad i found this stuff.
Complete suspension package $6380 including shocks, springs, and sub frame connectors not mentioned above. there's a lot of stuff here.
I think this is the way to go, it gets everything in the chassis and suspension. ill try to revise and consolidate to a shorter list soon.
Bronze.