Max's Team - 3rd gen Camaro

Max’s Team – 1st Project (Posting over here, as I will be reading and asking many questions as the build progresses)

I’m calling this Max’s Team – cars come and go, but the driving force behind them will stay.

I am planning on building a car in my shop, dedicated to my son Max. The main goal is to have fun with friends and family – to build good memories. Through this project I hope to help teach others about working on cars and exposing them to different forms of racing. I look forward to making new friends and traveling to new places (under the guise of racing at out of town tracks). Friends at Corner-Carvers (www.Corner-Carvers.com) donated money, and their support was driving force for me to start this project.

A little about me – I have an engineering degree from Texas A&M (class of 98’), and I have been working on equipment and cars as far back as I can remember with my dad. I am an accident reconstructor – I look at car accidents, and as part of my credentials I am an ASE master technician. Through the Texas A&M Sports Car Club (TAMSCC) I have met many talented automotive people and been exposed to many different aspects of racing. I also have many connections to local car clubs (BCSstreet & BVSB). I live in a college town, and many young people want to help and take part in racing – but they do not have the funds or know how. Several years ago I started a build – which became Bubba Drift (www.BubbaDrift.com) with many friends. We had a great time.

I have never done any competitive wheel-to-wheel racing. I want to develop the skills and the seat time to be able to go racing.

Here is a list of some of the events I would like to take part in, and let others drive some as well:

Auto-x (we have great local events)
Drag racing (the suspension will not be optimized for this though)
Drifting (think of it as a large amount of seat time at an unrestricted auto-x, learning car control)
Texas Mile – never been, looks like a good time
Track Days – with an eye towards getting to do real wheel-to-wheel racing.
Time trials & hill climbs sounds like fun as well.

Real racing – probably along the lines of American Iron (AI) or American Iron Extreme (AIX). I am not real well versed in the different series and classes that are out there.

Here is my current toy – we have had it for ~16 years. About 5 years ago I swapped in an LS1 & t56, it has suspension work, full interior and A/C. It is too nice and has too much sentimental value to cut it up and cage it. It has been 2 years since I have driven it at a track day, I hope to fix a few things and take it out soon.

(IMG:http://www.z28evans.com/album/albums/userpics/10001/normal_DSC_2382.jpg)

So, it seems natural to stick with what I like. I prefer the 3rd gen Camaro’s over 4th gens because the engine bay is easier to work in, and a few other things. I also like the LSx series of engines, and I have done several swaps into different platforms.
I picked up a 1986 IROC Camaro that I found for a good price on craigslist.

(IMG:http://www.z28evans.com/album/albums/userpics/10001/normal_racecar.jpg)

I have a T56 that I will rebuild (I have rebuilt several before). I have an LS1 in need of a rebuild, but for the short term I think we will get a 5.3L truck motor and swap it in first (they can be had complete and running for $500). I have a nice aluminum radiator with electric fans.

I will probably get a 4th gen rear end (can use some of my current wheels from the other IROC).

Looking at Koni Yellow shocks, and a ground control springs / height adjuster / weight jacker setup.

Probably BMR or something similar for control arms, panhard bar, k-member.

Gutting the interior / removing extra weight. Will use a passenger seat and harness as well. Build a cage, paint car.

Ls1 brakes on the rear, not sure on the fronts yet.

I downloaded the AI/AIX rules and will read them.

Getting it running driving is first. Making more HP and improving things is second. My friend Derrick has worked at HK Racing Engines for a few years and has all kinds of ideas on what engine we should build. I’d like to build a turbo setup at some point, but heat management on the track could be an issue.

Thinking of this project has been a great distraction from my current situation, and I look forward to getting it into the garage and playing with it. My daughter (just turned 7) wants to help with it – for Christmas I bought her some “garage” clothes.

I will post updates of the build – but I do not think they will be as nice or informative as Fair’s (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Please feel free to comment on the build, offer parts suggestions, etc.

Thanks,
James Evans