1989 Camaro RS "Flashback"
 

I was finally able to get some stuff done to my Camaro this week. I had been wanting to get a lower stance while maintaining good ride quality and great handling. After taking the Camaro out tonight, I am extremely pleased with my end results after switching to Eibach coilsprings and getting rid of the factory stamped control arms in exchange for Spohn tubular control arms. I went out for a drive for about 60 miles tonight, and it was the best drive yet since I started on my Camaro about 5 yrs ago! I felt like I was driving a practically new car, handled great and the steering was tight, especially in the curves.

(I really need to do some detailing underneath from the firewall forward, most of the underneath from the firewall back, I have redone and cleaned up.)

Before
 

Before pic in garage.

After new Eibachs and Spohn control arms
 

I wasn't able to get some pictures done with the new stance other than in the garage. Hopefully, I can get some tomorrow or this week sometime.

Great looking car. I hope to build one a dem bad boys some day.:thumbsup:

X2....nice car. And nice improvements too. Good suspension makes a huge difference.:thumbsup:

3rd gen's can look so mean if done right. Looks cool sitting lower now. What wheels are you running they look really sweet filling up the wheel well.
I had one a few years back, was going to build it but had to much rust so had to part it out.
What are your plans for the rest of the build?

New pics today
 

I was able to get some pics today with the new coilsprings and lower control arms.

Thanks Gaetano, really appreciate it. I've wanted a third-gen ever since I was a kid, a buddy of mine had two different IROCs when we were in high school. I could never afford the insurance in high school like my buddy whose parents paid his...lol. I'm slowly getting more and more done, but have a ways to go. I'm extremely happy with the progress so far.

Thanks Eric, you are definitely right about suspension. I had Hotchkis coilsprings on it before the current Eibachs, nothing wrong with the Hotchkis springs, just wanted a lower stance and see if I could get better handling as well. The Eibachs actually ride just as good, if not better than the Hotchkis springs. The new tubular control arms probably have something to do with that though.

Thanks Rick, appreciate the kind words. My wheels are 17in SLP ZR1s made for 3rd gen F-Bodies. I'm really happy with the wheels, but eventually would like to switch to some Forgelines or Rushforths.

My plans are to start working toward a different engine, the anemic 305 does good-- fair amount of torque with the bolt-ons I've done to engine, but definitely need more power. I've toyed with going the LS route or just putting something like a crate RamJet 350 in it. It has to pass yearly emissions testing, so I have to keep that in mind...not to mention keeping it budget friendly.

Only things suspension wise that has not been replaced is the torque-arm and possibly replace the steering box down the road. I still want to replace the interior carpet and couple other interior pieces. The dashpad was replaced right before I found the car and then I've installed a Grant steering wheel, new seats, and leather gear shifter. I also put in a Pioneer head unit, Infinity front speakers, and Pyle rear speakers- no big subs or anything to add weight. Also need to convert the rear drums to disc brakes as well, possibly a gear change as well. I had the tranny rebuilt about 4 yrs ago with upgraded internals, shift kit and torque converter to withstand up to 500hp. I thing rather than trying to spend more money on the current engine, I'd be better to save that money for a new motor. Current engine has an Ed Wright Automotive chip, MSD Ignition, K&N open element filter, Hypertech fan switch/thermostat, March Underdrive pullies and Flowmaster 3-inch exhaust. I also put SSBC aluminum calipers on last year for the front brakes.

I still have plenty to do, as I am nowhere near where the majority of the cars on here are. The cars I see on here are what motivates me and gives me new ideas. Ultimately, I would like people to see my Camaro and say that's what a 3rd gen has the potential to be, but I'm proud of it as it is. My other goal is to get out there and be able to participate in the Run to Music City or Run Thru the Hills events, beings I live in Nashville.

Good looking car! I always liked this body style.

Corey, that is a wicked clean car. It looks just like my buddy's 91 RS he had while we were in college. 305, white paint and red interior. I really like the platform and shape. Nice to see a non-1st-gen Camaro around here. :D

Keep pluggin away. :thumbsup:

I've always loved those cars...looks great!!

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the comments. I'm going to do some detailing to the underside this coming weekend...get that undercarriage cleaned up. When I found this car, it was sitting under a tree covered in sap...I had it repainted about a year after I had it. I also replaced all of the emblems and most of the rubber/trim moldings.

Like Dave said, I'll just keep pluggin' away and get more done as time goes on. :thumbsup:

Very nice. Looks much better.
I love those 3rd gen Camaros. I had a '91 RS that I loved.

Looks really good man !!! :thumbsup:

After seeing yours with new sportlines, I think mine has "sagged" over the years, :lol: I have had the Sportlines and Koni struts on my 91 since about 94 or 95 and it sets a little bit lower than yours now.

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/q.../camaronew.jpg

Thanks man. Yes, it definitely sits much better with the Eibachs and the ride quality is great.

Thanks Jason. I took those pics literally the day after installing the new parts, so I'm guessing it will probably settle a little bit more after some miles are put on. I've got KYBs all around also, but would like switch to Koni sometime.

Did some detailing under the car today and built some ramps so that I could get the floor jack in from underneath. The springs have settled pretty good and the ride quality is excellent. (There is some wheel gap in picture because I had just let the car down.)

I've been up and back from the midwest twice in the last week; once in Iowa and last weekend in Chicago, so I haven't been able to get on here in a while. I drove the Camaro to Iowa couple weekends ago, put on around 1500 miles since doing the suspension upgrades and the thing drove and handled great! It was a pretty good drive to and from Iowa. I did go to the Fred Gibbs Car Show simply for the reason to hang out with my dad doing car stuff. I took the Camaro out tonight on some curvy roads and the freeway, and the thing is a blast to drive now, the steering is so much tighter that the difference is unreal.

I had a leaking power steering hose and I replaced it before leaving for the Iowa trip...now apparently the reservoir has a leak, not major, but still dripping after the car has been sitting over night after a drive. Can anybody recommend a steering pump/reservoir? Was thinking about something like Turn One?

Another small step...
 

Unfortunately, this isn't as exciting as putting a new motor in or something like that, but I installed new camber/caster plates today. I went with J & M adjustable camber/caster plates, which seem to be a great product based off of what I have read. It's another piece of the suspension puzzle for my Camaro. The ones I removed were factory...can't believe I didn't think about replacing them before now. I'm planning to get to the alignment shop in the next couple days and can't wait to get out and see how this thing will handle/steer now. I'm going to have to learn more about the ability to adjust these from just going under the hood.

Suspension upgrades are always my favorite. Trying to figure out what works best handling wise is always challenging.
When are we going to start hearing about some track experiences? :unibrow:

That's a nice looking part. Fresh clean parts are always fun getting on there. :woot:

:thumbsup:

I love suspension upgrades too..

Nice Job on your car. I bet it feels great now...:thumbsup:

That looks like a slick setup!

Thanks guys! I was able to get the alignment done today, but then some bad weather moved in and I wasn't able to actually get out and drive other than to/from the alignment shop. I can say that in just that short drive, the car felt incredible compared to before and I can't wait to go do some driving. :unibrow: I'm hoping to get it out tomorrow night if this weather clears up.

Gaetano, Some autocrossing/track time is what I'm shooting for hopefully here in the near future. :unibrow:
Things are a little crazy right now though, we are in the process of selling our house and trying to relocate back to the midwest after being in Nashville for 12 years.

I was just curious Corey. If it is your daily driver keep it that way. I dont recommend anybody thrash on their daily drivers.

Hope all goes well with the move :thumbsup:

I'm with ya man, my Camaro is definitely not a daily driver. Sometimes I think I don't drive it as much as I'd like too. I mentioned to my wife few months back about doing some autocrossing and I think she was thinking you put alot of work into the car. I am definitely wanting to get on a course and really push the car. Goodguys-Nashville actually let any year into the show on the last day of the show this year, but we had family in town, so I couldn't get out there on that Sunday. It's really itchin at me now every time I see you guys posting about track days. :D
Thanks for the well wishes, we are just trying to get closer to family and our son is a year away from starting kindergarten. But hey, if you want a nice two-story, 2-car garage house in Nashville, let me know. ;)

I took the Camaro out tonight and I am completely STOKED with the results of installing the J & M camber/caster plates! I noticed that it now handles better and the steering response is night and day difference. I also noticed that the braking is a lot more firmer. Before installing the new pieces, there was a little bit of play or almost loose feel especially at higher speeds...that is no longer there. I think I may have finally completed the suspension puzzle...at least for now. :D
I was having so much fun in the Camaro tonight, I wasn't ready to come back to the house. :lol:
(Enter horrible iPhone pic)

Hey dude that's great to read. Glad you had one of those nights just out driving the car and loving every minute of it. :thumbsup:

Hitting the curvy roads were great. After things get settled down this year, hopefully I can hit some autocross events in due time. It's time to add some horsepower now. :unibrow:

Sounds like you're having some fun with that 3rd gen now Corey. That's awesome.

:thumbsup:

I love your car! Those SLP ZR1 wheels are the best looking thirdgen wheels ever made, I think. They're even better than the factory IROCs, and that's saying a lot. Its a shame you cant get factory-style IROCs in 17x9 (always that blingy chrome crap and only 8 inches wide), and it's even more of a shame the SLP ZR1s are only 8 inches wide. If I had the money I'd totally buy some of them and have them widened to 9.5 inches. It'd be perfect.

Have you seen these by any chance?

http://ctw-motorsports.com/products/

They're just poor man's lightweight racing wheels, but if you're looking for something like that...


Im hoping I can get some 17s soon for autocross. I cant afford to be tearing up my street shoes in parking lots. Ive got a 92 RS, but the more I see cars like yours the more I think the 91-92 gfx leave a little to be desired. My car will never look that clean.


How much of a difference did the caster/camber plates make? Those replace the factory strut mounts and bearings right?

Thanks for the kind words. I bought those SLP wheels back when they first came out, but I would like to switch to something else now. My next set of wheels will be along the lines of something like CCWs, Forgeline, or Rushforth.

The J & M caster/camber plates are a great upgrade from my perspective, definitely worth the money. They are adjustable and yes, they replace the factory strut mounts. You can buy non-adjustable strut mounts also from companies like Spohn and such. They made a huge difference with the steering response, compared to the factory style.

Keep working on you car man, I've had mine for about 6 years now. I'm slowly working through everything on mine. My goal is to be able to start taking this thing to driving events, to really drive it. When I found my Camaro, I had spent a couple months looking for a good starting point, but even still, I found it under a tree covered in sap. Good luck with your mods. :thumbsup:

More steering upgrades...
 

I just did a couple more upgrades to the steering components. I recently replaced the idler arm, center link, tie-rod sleeves. I used Moog and Hotchkis components. I know I keep saying it, but this car is handling even better now.
(As a side note, there is nothing like having your car up in the air and tore apart in the garage and have your realtor call you and say hey, somebody is coming to look at your house in an hour. I guess I won't be working on the Camaro for awhile now. Learned my lesson on that one.)
Added a pic from couple weeks ago at a local Friday Night Cruise-In.

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted anything new with the Camaro, but here’s a couple of things. I recently installed a new headliner and new visors in addition to a new steering wheel from Detroit Speed Inc. My goal is to get the new black interior carpet installed soon. I’m changing the interior to black. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fbf2f87647.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...68489a15c3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...73f07b2b7f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...26fabb7bf0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b94a4bf712.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...dc33e312c1.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2231c4ea8e.jpg
Last picture is from a car show where I placed 2nd in the 82-92 Camaro category last summer. I don’t do many car shows, but it’s great to have the third gens involved in GoodGuys now.


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Looks great and I like the idea of switching the interior to black.


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DSE Steering wheel looks great. Your car looks clean!

I got to see the DSE 3rd gen at Pleasanton Good Guys last month....

Thanks Dave. It's not a crazy mod, but it's moving in the right direction. I'm hoping to have the interior carpet done sooner than later. I didn't realize how nasty the old headliner was until I got it completely removed from the car.

The DSE-Z is a wicked 3rd Gen! I got to see it last year at Des Moines Good Guys. I think between Detroit Speed and Hawk's builds, they have definitely set the bar on 3rd Gens. Great to see!

Looks good, Corey. I think black looks great in a white car. Good luck!

Thanks for the kind words guys. I think for the interior panels I'm going to try my hand at using interior spray paint to change the panels over to black in color.