New member from UK needs BIG power advice

[Bladerider]

Hi there,

I was recommended to try this forum from Team Camaro where I have just joined up. You guys seem to be doing the things I have wanted to do to an american car for quite some time and I thought I would ask your advice on some of the more crucial elements of the project. Basically i have had a search to find out information but its either sparce, out of date or deosnt answer my specific concerns.

I want to build a 1st gen Camaro in what I guess would be called a "Pro Touring" style (this is a new world for me, sorry ) which I had always thought of as modern day performance in a cool looking restored classic, with some latest details like led lights etc.

The key thing I am trying to find information on is the engine configuration. I have a love of turbo'd engines which are often the way to get more power here in the UK. I dont know whether this is considered just fashionable or genuinely a good idea for large V8s over there. I also dont know whether a Smal Block, a Big block or better yet an Aluminium Big Block would suit my requirements best. I want at least 1000bhp and preferably around the 1500bhp mark which I would consider a nice medium level of tuning for an engine that displace 6 litres or above - ie 200bhp/litre is pretty much a regular figure for our smaller engines over here without being unreliable or too hard to tune and that was the sort of guide I was trying to use. Obviously we have better fuel over here than you guys consider as "pump gas" 97Ron or better typically so I wanted to use your pump gas figures as the guideline knowing that our fuel would also give me a bit of a safety zone too.

So basically i would like suggestions on what to consider for the engine spec, which builders you recommend (I have heard good things about Nelson Race Engines) and what block would be the best starting point. I want to be using this for road use (dont forget our roads are pretty twisty compared to yours !! ) the odd drag day (but I will NEVER be particularly interested in Mikey T's on the rear and skinnys on the front) and a bit of circuit work for fun. handling will be important to me as the car will get coilovers and if I can find a good one maybe IRS too. Oh and I think I have no choice but to go for a T56 Viper box as I cant stand autos.

Any help and advice is greatly appreciated as there isnt much like this going on over here and I expect I will get the car built in the US and then simply ship it over.

Many thanks,

James.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Welcome aboard. You will find it easy to make 1000HP with an number of confrigurations. Budget and preference will dictate how your get there.

As for suspension, your choices are wide open also. Independant is not realy needed to achive a killer handling 1st gen Camaro with all the after market live axles packages around, but independant has been done to, it just gets expensive.

There is a great brain trust here, and I suspect before it is all over with such a wide open request, you will be much better infomed very soon, and way more confused! you will also find multiple builders here capable of doing the build you want, so again, maybe more confused, LOL!

Take a look around here and when you see something you like, focus in on that a bit. The best product options will quickly surface.

Happy hunting.

[Bladerider]

Cheers Frank,

Im selling my Porsche GT3 to fund this project so I guess the car has to perform fairly well on track (although I have track cars too for PROPER abuse ). Mainly I want to do this to a high standard that is reliable, easy to maintain over here without specialised Camaro or "XYZ American only" knowledge and does the things my old Skyline used to do but more so !!!

I realise that may sound weird but I have an eclectic car taste and as such I guess the only common ground is speed and quality - the rest can be made up as we go along !!!

Thanks for your advice,

James.

[JamesJ]

Turbo motors are becoming more popular over here with the manufactures which is then translating into more choices in the aftermarket area. Diesels have had them for a long time over her but gas engines are seeing them a lot more and I think we will be seeing them more in the future. I would say that they are considered a bit fashionable over here but that is just because every four banger does not have one. I would not let that effect your car since you will need some type of forced induction to get to the numbers that you are looking for and maintain drivability.

One thing to keep in mind is that you may want to use a builder in your area just so down the road if you have a problem you can take it to him. You don’t want to ship your car half way around the world to get a new tune. Not sure if there are people who can do what you want over there or not, I would think that there would have to be.

But there is nothing wrong with calling tom nelson and having him ship you a monster engine.

[Pantera EFI]

First, been to England for Andy Chester (AC Automotive).

His Twin Turbo SBC made 900HP, a saloon car. Today I would use the LS Chev engine, possible wait for the LS-9 block with piston oil squirters.

A good bit of reading, MaxChevy.com (NOV-2007) posted as DEC-2007, "Twin Turbo Driver". This engine was only a 393,
LS-1 heads, small cam, small turbos, pump gas, 18-19 .lbs of boost. (1050 HP)

Your goal of 1500 HP would be easy with a bit larger turbo and 22 lbs boost, racing fuel.

If this is your "cup of tea", I would be of service.

Lance

[Bladerider]

Thats cool,

Thanks for the help,

I will find out some more about AC Automotive - I didnt think there were many people here that could build that kind of power for a non drag car application - ie one that didnt runs meths and got stripped every weekend !!!

Cheers,

J.