Targa Camaro update

[cheezer]

Well at least one person asked for it, (70rs), so here goes with the update to the Targa Camaro. After waiting for many stars to align, the project is a go for this year. The initial post canbe found here:

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=24178

Info on the race can be found here :

http://www.targanewfoundland.com/

And if you watch this short teaser, you will understand why a roll cage is important at this type of event :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGxizok9DLI

I also got a lot of inspiration from this car and I wish I had the budget to have the same level of fit and finish :

http://www.hotrod.com/featuredvehicles/hrdp_0704_1973_xb_ford_falcon_coupe/index.html


When we last left off, we were finishing up the roll cage. Here is how the sidebars turned out. we used a square tube at the bottom because it was a perfect fit. he side bars may seem low, but they protect the pelvis area. Very important!

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/rollcage-doorpostsfinished-1.jpg

There are no subframe connectors as we feel that they are unnecessary at this point. The subframe bushings are Global West stock height solid aluminum.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/rollcage-finished-1.jpg

This is what can happen when your welder has a bad day.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/rollcage-windshield-1.jpg

And the final result :

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/rollcage-paint-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/rollcage-paintfar-1.jpg

cheezer

[cheezer]

Here are some of the modifications we did to keep the cage away from the driver. We had to cut the dash, build the cage, and then repair the dash where it had been cut. Just posting the pictures for anyone inerested. Please feel free to comment as I am always willing to learn from members on this forum.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro006-1-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/dashmodifications-prebondo-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/dashmodification-welddetail-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro018-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro012-2.jpg


In this picture you can see the paint damage that was done to the A-pillar by a young welder who did not heed the warnings of his wise elders!

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/interior-dashbondo-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro065-1.jpg

I had tried to keep the car as street as possible, and I have followed the recent debates of what constitutes a "street" car. It will have interior door panels, even though they pose a fire risk for a race car. But I will be forced to use race type switches on the trans tunnel because you cannot reach the dash when you are strapped in tight in the harness.

cheezer

[cheezer]

Up until now, this has been a pretty straight forward build. Here is where we veer off the beaten path a little bit.

We mounted the fuel cell above the rear suspension. This was done first and foremost for safety reasons. If you saw the short teaser of the race, you will see why safety is so important. This also allowed us to do the spare tire thing (see below), but we would have mounted the fuel cell here anyway.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/interior-fuelcellframebuild-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/interior-fuelcellmockupunder-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro007.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro058-1.jpg

Some of the panels were seam sealed:

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/interior-seamsealer-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/interior-panelpaint-1.jpg

We then made some panels to close off the fuel cell from the cockpit:

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro012-2-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro006-2-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro028-1-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/interior-backpanelmockup-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/interior-rearwindowfix-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/interior-panelpaintbolts-1.jpg

The final product will have a gasket between the panel and the fuel cell.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/interior-panelfitting-1.jpg

The car will be refueled through a Sparco fitting on the back cowl.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro023-1-1.jpg


cheezer

[70rs]

Looks like you are making good progress Mark. Thanks for taking the time to post all of this. I will be following along. Good luck in the race itself and with the rest of the build.:thumbsup:

[cheezer]

Here is where the build gets slightly unique. When I first started this project back in 2005, the rules of the race dictated that the rear "differential" be of "OES" (Original Equipment Specification). At that time, the Lateral Dynamics 3 link was the hot set up, but only came with a Ford 9" housing. I called Mark at LD and explained my problem. He came up with a 12-bolt solution my problem. Even though the torque arm set up was only available in 1982, which is out of my class, I was going to try and get it in by invoking the rule that allows any attachment point in the rear suspension.

This is the only LD 3 link with a 12 bolt in existence to my knowledge.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro020-2.jpg

All that was rendered moot when the rules were revised for 2009. Under the new rules, a 9 inch Ford would be allowed. In the meantime, I will try to get this thing working, even though there is an interference problem with the diff cover.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro014-1-1.jpg

I have ordered a Moser cover and we will try and mill it to fit. Because the whole suspension has to come down to take the diff cover off, a way of draining and filling the diff is a MUST.

We also had problems with some of the threads in at the attachement points. After initially blaming a newly hired mechanic, we found we had problems with a second one, even after having proerly chased it first. Bt at this level of fabrication, small bumps in the road are to be expected. We redrilled the threads, put in some high strength, and high dollar ($10 each!) bolts and carried on.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/rearsuspension-bolt-1.jpg

That's all for now,

cheezer

[Swain]

Cool Project

[cheezer]

Looks like you are making good progress Mark. Thanks for taking the time to post all of this. I will be following along. Good luck in the race itself and with the rest of the build.:thumbsup:


Thanks. I did not realize how much work it is to organize (resize, post, find file number conflicts, etc.) all these photos in a coherent fashion. I have even MORE respect for guys like Mark Stielow and others who take the time to post so many pictures and respond to so many questions.

cheezer

[cheezer]

Here are a few moreshots of the rear suspension.

This shows a mock up with the remote reservoir Penske shocks. The springs are for mock up only.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/rearsuspension-mockupside-1.jpg

This is the Strange Engineering housing. It is part #1106A (?) for putting a 12 bolt into a third generation F-body, with torque arm rear suspension. You can see the bracket that LD made to anchor the center link. Since this is basically a prototype, there is some question as to the clearance between the diff cover and the watts linkage. That is why it was supplied with a cheap chrome cover. Also, where the bracket is attached to the upper part of the rear cover, it is shimmed with washers, for the reasons stated above.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro069-1.jpg

We have mocked it up, but until the car is on the ground, sitting on it's own weight, with the links adjusted properly, we cannot know for SURE that everything will clear. Watching the video of the Bad Penny suspension sure helped a lot! It is amazing what you can see when you stand on the shoulders of giants ....

Our solution is to take a Moser diff cover, and machine the upper part to fit in the bracket. The Moser cover seems to be about an inch deeper than the current chrome pan, so it will be a tight fit. But like I said earlier, we MUST have a way of draining and filling the differential oil, without having to drop the rear suspension. And we don't want to drill and tap the flimsy chrome thing either.

cheezer

[cheezer]

According to the rules of this rally, each car must carry a spare tire. Space savers are allowed, but if anyone knows of some that will clear my brake calipers, please let me know.

Most participants don't carry a spare, and the rule is not enforced. But to be fully prepared for anything, including strict rules interpretation, we have devised a method to carry a spare tire, despite the full roll cage. The solution is not that elegant, and it will only be used as a last resort. We have a flat panel that bolts in for normal street driving. The other option would be like in the remake of "Thomas Crown Affair" : strapped to a baggage rack on the trunk. May interfere with airflow over the rear spoiler though.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro016-2-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro018-2-1-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro019-2.jpg

Don't forget, we will be riding pretty high since we are racing on some pretty bad public roads. I pray we don't need to use this. It can handle at least a 255-18 tire.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/interior-hangingdown-1.jpg

As far as the interior goes, it will be pretty straightforward. We will be using both of the Covan dash inserts available for the 1968 models.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/interior-painteddash-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/interior-dashmockup-1.jpg

We are using an AAW Highway 22 kit as a base. We are adding some cool things like a flow switch to monitor if we lose a belt, as well as an oil pressure idiot light set at aound 30lbs. or so to monitor oil pressure loss in corners.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/interior-dashfitment1-1.jpg

I was worried about not having enough places for gauges, but when I decided to go with the Vintage Air Gen II heater, it freed up the center console for 4 gauges. I hope this heater will do the job in the rain. The race takes place in Newfoundland in September. The tail end of hurricanes can be wandering by at that time of year, and the race is rain or shine. Hopefully this, along with the DSE wiper motor kit, will be fully tested this summer on the street. I realize that a full A/C system would represent the best option for ventilation, but I don't want to put it on a race car, especially for the weight.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/interior-heateronfirewall-1.jpg

Please tell me if there are too many pictures.

cheezer

[70rs]

Too many pictures?? Uh no. Never. Keep them coming please.:yes:

[cheezer]

As with any build of this size, issues will arise from time to time.

The first issue is the one we have been workng on for a while : rear differential cover. We had a Moser cover machined for the bracket clearance. Then, we relocated the fill plug to allow for refilling with the suspension in place.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro119-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro127-1.jpg

We now have to wait to check the clearance with the watts linkage. This will be done when the suspension is set up to check the pinion angle.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro117-1.jpg


The next issue we encountered was interference between the Covan dash insert and the front cross bar of the roll cage. This was solved by cutting a channel in the insert and covering the bar with a piece of dense foam. Luckily, it is out of sight and will not contribute to any rattles.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro092-1.jpg

There is also some interference with the passenger side front down bar and the ventilation duct. Since ventilation is important to a navigator during a rally, some solution for this must be found.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro091-1.jpg

The interior is coming along. We decided to use an old console since access to control switches while buckled into a harness is a safety issue. I went into overkill mode, as usual, when it came to size of battery cable. The hole for the shifter will be enlarged. An inexpensive Moroso switch panel will be incorporated into the console, as well as the three switches for the Vintage Air heater/defroster. The steering wheel is for mock up only.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro124-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro087-1.jpg

The custom interior panels have all been installed. Here are a few shots, including the cover for the suspension center link.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro084-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro085-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro082-1.jpg

The battery hold down is a Billet Specialties unit. We added a piece of protective rubber, under the black hold down piece, just for added vibration protection.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro109-1.jpg

The fuel system being mocked up is an Aeromotive SS (#11203) one, with two filters. It is a bit noisy, but has served me well so far in the previous car.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro097-1.jpg

Under the hood, it has been a good news/bad news situation :

The center link interferes with the oil pan. The pan is a Milodon Road Race unit for SBC (#31505). I guess this should be dealt with.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro104-1.jpg

The good news is that it seems the Lee steering box from ATS allows more room for header clearance.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/TargaCamaro132-1.jpg

Also, we added some rally touches to the engine. There are two pressure switches, one to monitor the coolant, and another to monitor the oil. But the switch has been set to monitor low oil pressure at a higher level than the regular "idiot light". This is done in order to monitor low oil pressure in high G turns. The coolant "idiot light" has been set to monitor any low pressure situation that might arise from a thrown belt or malfunctioning water pump.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/apr5-1.jpg

That seems to be it for now. I am still questioning the need for such big brakes. I may have over built that particular system. I am thinking of switching to a brake system that would allow for 17" wheels with more sidewall. This race is on some pretty bad public roads where soft suspension settings and high ride height are the winning combination. The braking is not as intense as in an auto-cross or a tight track...... Hmmmmmmm.......

More seat of the pants planning ahead.

cheezer

[70rs]

Thanks for the updates. I always look forward to seeing this one.:thumbsup:

[Payton King]

I watched the 2009 targa over the weekend on Speed.

Looks like a must do for any car person.

[70rs]

I watched the 2009 targa over the weekend on Speed.

Looks like a must do for any car person.

Same here. I would LOVE to do that event sometime in my life.

[cheezer]

The Targa Camaro is still on track. We are slightly behind schedule.

The fuel line is getting some attention. Rally Rules allow us to run the fuel lines through the cockpit. This is to prevent a fuel line rupture in case of an unintended off-road excursion. In order to do this, we put two bulkhead fittings into the suspension crossmember.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/fuellineinterior-1.jpg

We then ran two lines through a small hole we cut in the frame. Later, we will build a bolt on plate to protect this area and still allow access.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/fuellinesframerail-1.jpg

We also ran the battery cables on the inside.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/Batterycables-1.jpg

The fuel lines exit in the rear.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/fuellinerearframe-1.jpg

The feed line will come from the pump and two filters located in the left rear corner of the trunk. Even with a rubber gsket between the pump and floor, I have a feeling it will be loud.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/fuelpump-1.jpg

You can see that the fuel cell is high enough (I hope) for the fuel pump.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/fuelpumpandfilter-1.jpg

cheezer

[cheezer]

Well, after many years, ups and downs, the Targa Camaro (have not come up with a more original name since Clockwork Orange is probably taken) has seen the Light of Day.

We found some solid BMW wheels and some scrap 18" tires, and rolled it out and onto the lift. The engine started and all the pretty lights on the dash lit up. We have two months of prep and shake down before the big event.

Here are the latest pictures of relevant items, not usually covered in other build threads :

This is the blower fan kit we purchased from Vintage Air. It is a pretty good unit out of the box and blows plenty of air. It should serve us well in the race, considering the amount of rain (and window fogging) expected. We went through the unit completely, put in better hardware and sealed the joints with sealer. This was done as experienced rally racers would do, but I consider it a bit of overkill considering we will be on paved roads.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/HVACupgrade-1.jpg

This is a window crank extension we made to be able to use the quarter windows with the roll cage. Not billet, but it works.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/windowcrank-1.jpg

This is just a cool picture of the exhaust being welded. Nothing special, I just like shots of welding. A fancier exhaust awaits version 2.0 of the car.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/exhaustwelding-1.jpg

This is the car on the lift with the temporary wheels. I PANICKED yesterday as I watched the footage of the quake on TV, after really feeling it at home, and I suddenly realized that my car was on the lift back at the shop! I called and they say they did not even feel the 5.5 quake where they were !

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/onliftwithAndrew-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/undercarriage-1.jpg


The next shots and update will be of the interior, where we ran all the brake, battery and fuel lines, to be protected from any off road excursions. After that, we will have an update from the track/road where will be starting at the softest spring settings and working our way up from there.

I would like to thank all those who have posted their builds before me, from whom I have learned a lot. There is really a great community here that is willing to share and make it cool for everyone, Thanks again

cheezer

[nineteen65]

Awesome project and good to see another targa build. im building my 65 corvair for Targa newfoundland 2011...

[deuce_454]

a late model GTO spare should work.. it clears C5 brakestuff ...

[cheezer]

a late model GTO spare should work.. it clears C5 brakestuff ...


Yes, but the brilliant minds that run GM never made the GTO available in Canada, so parts are a bit scarce ...........

Thanks for the tip anyway. I have some "real" wheels on the way. This was just to be able to move it around in the shop.

cheezer

[frojoe]

This is incredibly cool, and awesome job by the way.

I've always been interested by & wanted to do the Targa Newfoundland, but it's all the way across the country! Maybe when Targa BC gets finalized and happens I'll consider doing it :D

[conekiller13]

I can't wait for the Targa Oregon.......oh wait, this is the U.S. and We can't do cool stuff like that here.

[cheezer]

This is the final update on the Targa Camaro Project, since it no longer is a project.

The bad news is that I am sitting here at home, instead of competing in the 2010 Targa Newfoundland. The lack of seat time and development work to dial in the car properly were the main factor. We could not put all that time and effort and money into getting there and not be at the top of our game.

The GREAT news is that the car is on the road and driving great right out of the box.

This picture is now my desktop background. The reason for the weird wheels is that we have been experimenting with low cost wheels to get the sizes exactly right.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/Camaroexterior020-1.jpg


On Sunday, after putting about 70 kms on it (going to the alignment shop, calibrate the speedo, bed the brakes) I drove up to Mt. Tremblant, in the hills north of Montreal, using all the backroads. Some of them unpaved ! I got to test out the hand brake, sliding around some tight turns. I was thinking to myself that all I needed was a flag on the roof!

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/UltraRide009-1.jpg

We broke off from the main pack and went on some pretty wild roads. I was keeping up pretty well with both a modded EVO X, a modded Sti and a VW VR6. The turbo cars are cooling off after a pretty wild stint. These roads are so twisty, that even at the speed limit it can be quite entertaning.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/UltraRide013-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/UltraRide025-2.jpg


As far as driving impressions go, I am literally blown away by the handling and braking of this car. I have not really pushed it anywhere NEAR it's limits and I am already past my abilities. Hopefully, I will have a track session before winter sets in, and get an opinion from a "real" driver ( i.e. someone with more experience with a track car).

As far as negatives aspects go, there are a few. I would not duplicate this car for anywhere near a daily driver. It is noisy, since there are no rubber bushings anywhere in the suspension, the fuel pump is loud, and I don't have much room for mufflers. The turning circle SUCKS ! I can't even get it around my circular driveway without backing up three times !

The ride is very good so far. With just the initial adjustment of 3/4 soft, the car is a gem on the road. We have perhaps the (in general) worst roads in all of North America. The Penske shocks are soaking it up beautifully, while keeping me planted in very demanding conditions. I put 175 lb springs in the back and it seem good, at least initially. The Hotchkis front bar seems to be doing it's job so far.

The rear suspension is working beautifully. Needless to say, it is the best solid axle car I have ever driven over expansion joints in corners. I have enough expertise with those that I don't need anyone else to tell me. Since this was a prototype suspension from Lateral Dynamics, I did expect some problems above and beyond the ususal "yah it's BOLT ON" ones. We did find that the differential cover was too close to the Watts link, a situation we were warned about by LD. We were forced to shorten the upper link a bit to enable proper pinion angle adjustment. We used up all the adjustment just to move the differential forward.

The alignment guy was amazed at how straight the back end was, especially after I told him how far we had come from an empty shell. That was a BIG moment of relief, finding out that after all that, it turned out square !

We now have a whole summer ahead of us next year to tune and dial in the car properly. Budget permitting, I may try and take it to some events down south of the border, as part of our preparations.

Thanks for all the kind words from fellow members here. I have tried to show people who are interested, some of my mistakes and problems, in order that they may avoid them or at least be informed of the consequences.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/Ultra%20Ride/th_UltraRide2010.jpg (http://s974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/Ultra%20Ride/?action=view&current=UltraRide2010.mp4)

When the car is further along in the development, hopefully before the snow flies, I will post more pictures and video. And learn how to recharge my GoPro.......

cheezer

[tones2SS]

Nice looking car. Gotta love the orange/white color combo. Congrats on finishing it.:thumbsup:

[uk68327]

Awesome car :thumbsup:

What spec Penske shocks did you go for on the LD 3-link? and what springs did you opt for in the end?

Cheers,
Mark

[conekiller13]

Looks like it finished up great! Look out Targa next year:thumbsup:

[cheezer]

Nice looking car. Gotta love the orange/white color combo. Congrats on finishing it.:thumbsup:

Thanks for the encouragement. It would have been a loooong daaaaark winter had I not driven it this year ............

The body is EXACTLY the way I bought it: nicks, scratches and everything. But pretty enough for a track car. The floors were rotten, but the rest of the car was quite nice. The seller thought he was ripping me off. He did not realize that I was going to be ripping most of the floor out anyway. It was like buying a Dynacorn body that's already painted ! It saved me a lot of hassle not having to worry about bodywork or paint schemes. The hood is a little high for my taste, but it came like that and it seems to get rid of underhood heat at idle.

cheezer

[cheezer]

Awesome car :thumbsup:

What spec Penske shocks did you go for on the LD 3-link? and what springs did you opt for in the end?

Cheers,
Mark

Well, I have 175 lb springs in it right now. But I have not driven it all out yet. But I did give it a bit of a work out and see no reason to change.

As far as shocks go, this is the part # PS 8300 RM 18

Meaning it is an 18" shock. But like James OLC has said many times, what works in my particular set up , may or may not work on yours, especially since mine was a 12-bolt prototype. I also asked for the most travel and a higher ride height than the usual customer on this board, but I do not know if that was taken into consideration or if they just copied the 9" Ford specs.

My car weighs about 3300 lbs. without the driver, with about a 53/47 % weight balance. The shocks are set at 3/4 soft and seem to be just right for me so far. I am awaiting my driver's opinion and track time for better feedback.

cheezer

[Hotchkis]

This is the final update on the Targa Camaro Project, since it no longer is a project.

The bad news is that I am sitting here at home, instead of competing in the 2010 Targa Newfoundland. The lack of seat time and development work to dial in the car properly were the main factor. We could not put all that time and effort and money into getting there and not be at the top of our game.

The GREAT news is that the car is on the road and driving great right out of the box.

This picture is now my desktop background. The reason for the weird wheels is that we have been experimenting with low cost wheels to get the sizes exactly right.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/Camaroexterior020-1.jpg


On Sunday, after putting about 70 kms on it (going to the alignment shop, calibrate the speedo, bed the brakes) I drove up to Mt. Tremblant, in the hills north of Montreal, using all the backroads. Some of them unpaved ! I got to test out the hand brake, sliding around some tight turns. I was thinking to myself that all I needed was a flag on the roof!

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/UltraRide009-1.jpg

We broke off from the main pack and went on some pretty wild roads. I was keeping up pretty well with both a modded EVO X, a modded Sti and a VW VR6. The turbo cars are cooling off after a pretty wild stint. These roads are so twisty, that even at the speed limit it can be quite entertaning.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/UltraRide013-1.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/UltraRide025-2.jpg


As far as driving impressions go, I am literally blown away by the handling and braking of this car. I have not really pushed it anywhere NEAR it's limits and I am already past my abilities. Hopefully, I will have a track session before winter sets in, and get an opinion from a "real" driver ( i.e. someone with more experience with a track car).

As far as negatives aspects go, there are a few. I would not duplicate this car for anywhere near a daily driver. It is noisy, since there are no rubber bushings anywhere in the suspension, the fuel pump is loud, and I don't have much room for mufflers. The turning circle SUCKS ! I can't even get it around my circular driveway without backing up three times !

The ride is very good so far. With just the initial adjustment of 3/4 soft, the car is a gem on the road. We have perhaps the (in general) worst roads in all of North America. The Penske shocks are soaking it up beautifully, while keeping me planted in very demanding conditions. I put 175 lb springs in the back and it seem good, at least initially. The Hotchkis front bar seems to be doing it's job so far.

The rear suspension is working beautifully. Needless to say, it is the best solid axle car I have ever driven over expansion joints in corners. I have enough expertise with those that I don't need anyone else to tell me. Since this was a prototype suspension from Lateral Dynamics, I did expect some problems above and beyond the ususal "yah it's BOLT ON" ones. We did find that the differential cover was too close to the Watts link, a situation we were warned about by LD. We were forced to shorten the upper link a bit to enable proper pinion angle adjustment. We used up all the adjustment just to move the differential forward.

The alignment guy was amazed at how straight the back end was, especially after I told him how far we had come from an empty shell. That was a BIG moment of relief, finding out that after all that, it turned out square !

We now have a whole summer ahead of us next year to tune and dial in the car properly. Budget permitting, I may try and take it to some events down south of the border, as part of our preparations.

Thanks for all the kind words from fellow members here. I have tried to show people who are interested, some of my mistakes and problems, in order that they may avoid them or at least be informed of the consequences.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/Ultra%20Ride/th_UltraRide2010.jpg (http://s974.photobucket.com/albums/ae230/cheezer_01/Targa%20Camaro/Ultra%20Ride/?action=view&current=UltraRide2010.mp4)

When the car is further along in the development, hopefully before the snow flies, I will post more pictures and video. And learn how to recharge my GoPro.......

cheezer

We've enjoyed watching your build. The car looks amazing. Of course, we are partial to orange Camaros ourselves.

Glad the sway bar is working out for you.

Off topic, but you can recharge your GoPro by simply plugging it in to your computer with the usb cable.

[city_ofthe_south]

To me that race looks like the most fun a person can have in a car - and it being open to various levels of participants makes it seem even more fun and much less intimidating. They'd never let us do something that cool down here in the states. Car looks great, can't wait to watch the videos!

[coolwelder62]

Wow!! what an awesome build.Sounds like to do one of those targa run's.Scott:thumbsup: :thumbsup: