Hey Erik. That car's at Pinnacle Peak and the 17. The sellers website says rides can be requested. Maybe we should go over there and see how that NASCAR engine performs. :lol:

Old Thread but Great Topic
 

I just read through this forum and thought I'd post a question to the group of guys who have contributed. I have been building my 1972 Camaro RS Z28 (original Z28 RS, 4 spd car) for the past seven years. It needed EVERYTHING when I bought it and it was almost past the point of restoring. It didn't have a motor, trans, or drivetrain and I replaced all the panels with NOS parts with the exception of the doors which are original.
My inspiration was Dale Jr's car but wanted to keep the Z28 exterior look and keep an original 72 color combination. It has the following:

DSE quadralink rear
DSE mini-tub
DSE coil over front
13" Baer Track brakes front and rear
Fikse 18x8; 18x12 wheels
DSE steering
Ford 9"; Strange Posi rear end
Rotisserie built and detailed
etc, etc

The paint turned out near perfect, gaps are correct, and stance is right. Due to the cost, I wasn't concerned about the time to complete it. Every two years I complete a stage, save up more $, then do another.

My next step is the wiring, brake lines, glass, and interior. My last step will be motor and trans. Yes, I know this is backwards but the engine/trans are always changing so didn't want to mock up something that would be outdated by the time I completed the build. I am looking to finish it in four years.

Interior will be built using a stock dash, Dakota VHX gauges, and Recaro M Seats in black leather with black wool carpet. It will be black with stainless highlights. Nothing gaudy or flashy. It will have Marquez Design door panels, some Anvil carbon fiber, and Fesler anodized aluminum throughout the build.

Transmission will be a TKO 500 5 spd, since I am not going to modify the tunnel to fit anything else. The engine picture is the look I am going for in the car. It is NOT mine, if it's yours, sorry for stealing it:)

With a fuel injected LSX 454 what is this car worth on the market today completed to the same standards showing on the car currently? $50K? $75K? $100K? I'll be in it at the high end obviously, but will it's pedigree help?

I can't give you a value but, that's a pretty car!

LSX454 and a TKO500 is an odd combo and it may hurt the value. I would rethink that. Beautiful car.

Don

Thanks....why the "odd combo"? Not a sarcastic question. The TKO500 perfect fit is the only transmission that will fit without modification to the tunnel unless I am unaware of something else out there. I am open to recommendations.

Thoughts?

The motor should make way more power than the trans can handle, so your essentially building the car with a weak link.

That engine is going scream for a T56, also don't use a chromed out swap meet booster and master cylinder, it really detracts from the jewel. Details are nice other wise.

pedigree doesnt mean a thing without the correct engine and trans. Instead of the LS454 it would be cool if you can build up a new LT1.

The tko's shift like a dump truck and really don't like high rpm 2-3 shifts. I also wouldn't use any iron block in a car I wanted to turn well, you're adding a 100 pounds to the nose of the car that's not necessary. I would pick an LS7 over the 454.

Agreed, I will be doing black anodized front runner and DSE brake booster/MC. No chrome for me; not bad, but just not my taste.

[QUOTE=Vince@MSperfab;618878]That engine is going scream for a T56, also don't use a chromed out swap meet booster and master cylinder, it really detracts from the jewel. Details are nice other wise.

What other options are there for a trans with overdrive that will handle 600hp and I won't have to cut the tunnel?

Silver Sport LGT-700?

I thought the LSX454 was targeted at drag racing. Not sure why you selected it aside from displacement....

Don

Im lost on unwillingness to cut for a t56 but you cut for minitubs. Is it just because the paint work is done?

I've run TKO 500s, 600s and a T56. Never any shifting issues.

For the LSX I would go TKO600 over the 500. Ran one in a ZZ502 in a 67 Camaro. No cutting involves that I'm aware of.

Also the iron block is fine. you'll never even notice the extra 100 lbs.

I would never put a TKO 500 or 600 in some thing you want to shift fast with any kind of horsepower. They just don't shift as smooth as a t56. We are building a 35 Chevy in the shop with a 350hp small block and we installed a Mcleod 5 speed to give it a try. But we have no intentions of anything more then a few burnouts.

If you really going to try and be competitive with the car the aluminum block is a huge gain over that very heavy cast block.

:yes: T56 mag vs.TKO. Indoor vs. Outdoor plumbing.

I agree however the T56 is going to require a tunnel mod which he dies the want to do.

I ended up putting in a new floor in it since the previous owner had done a hack job on the original tunnel. I spent a small fortune on the bodywork and NOS panels so hate to cut it up.
I do not intend on this being a track car. I plan on doing power tours, drive it to events, and have a car that is enjoyable and comfortable to drive. With this in mind, what combination of motor/trans would be ideal? I am conscientious of return on investment so an LS motor is a must.

If built my car over again, the first change on the list would be slicing the tunnel and a 56mag. I was never happy with the tko. It's cheaper to do it right once.

My 1st choice of transmissions would be a T56 Magnum but it might require a tunnel mod. If a tunnel mod is not an option then the 2nd choice would be the LGT-700 5 speed. 3rd on the list would be a TKO 600. I don't think Tremec even makes the TKO 500 any more since it is not listed on their site.

Thanks for the opinion and ranking of the transmissions. I am going to look closer at the T56 and specifics on what it will take to install it. I read a Super Chevy article on installing it in a 2nd Gen Camaro and but it didn't go into details on the modification required.

Thanks of the input. How about the T56 Magnum with the LSX 454? Good combination? What engine are you running? What recommendation would you give for the motor?

When done correctly modifying the transmission tunnel will not be noticeable to 99.999% of potential buyers. It will however correct driveline vibrations that will sink the value of the car.

From a resale standpoint the T56 should havery more appeal than most any other manual transmission.

Unless you're planning stroking bigger, I'd stick with the alum block engines. Plus the LSX is dang expensive and weighs about 130# more

Why do people even consider the LSX it's a BOAT ANCHOR! The block is 260LBS there is nothing "pro touring" about a heavy cast iron lump in the engine compartment:lostmarbles:

Your Pro Touring a legitimate 4speed1972 RS Z28? That's a pretty rare beast and if it is orange/black that's a primo color........I'd find a appreciative buyer and look for a RS donor if that's the body style you want........there were probably fewer than 500 RS 72 Z28s built.

It is one of 2575 built Z28s in 72', and you are right, there were estimated less than 500 RS's built that year. I have the Protect-O-Plate plate, two build sheets I found under the original carpet, but it was sequoia green w/white stripes and green interior.

I debated for years to restore or modify, but without the original drivetrain it didn't make financial sense to restore to original. It would never be #s matching the purist seek and expect.

Having an LSX 454 does not "disqualify" anyone from having a protouring car. If he wants that motor then I think it's an excellent choice for resale. A good portion of people that buy these cars will never see serious track time anyway. There are plenty of pro touring cars out there with iron blocks. That extra 130 pounds just means that my wife can't ride in the car with me on the track!