Looking for Advice

[capt.ron]

I’m new to the pro-touring world and looking for some advice. I’ve been looking at this site for about a year and see some great cars. I don’t mean to sound like a rookie, but I would like some advice from guys that have done it already. I’ve been a drag racer all my life and am pretty familiar with the 60’s and 70’s muscle. I have a 68 Chevelle roller that I was going to build a drag car out of, but I think pro-touring would be a lot more fun and a lot more usable. I want to build a car that I can take to a few track events or autocrosses, but still be a good street cruiser. I don’t want to go all in, but I don’t want to “outgrow” the car’s capabilities too quickly like I did in the drag racing world. I want something that can be competitive at a few different levels as I progress as a driver, and also be good on the street.



I am thinking about running a LS of some sorts. Not sure the differences between the LS1, 2, 3, 6,7….. Any recommendations on do’s or don’ts there? I have access to a LS2 with a 6 speed out of a 2004 or 2005 GTO. Is this a worthwhile investment or should I go with a new crate motor? Seems a lot cheaper, but cheaper may not always be better.



I am really lost on the suspension side and I would need the most help here. Going in a straight line for 10 seconds doesn’t take too much thought on the suspension. I have really been trying to research this side and educate myself, but it seems like there are a lot of different ways to go. What is everyone running and what do you recommend?



Thanks for the help!

[Shmoov69]

Couple major questions first before anyone can give you an even remotely close answer.
1. Budget? Probably the most important one.
2. Are you going to do the work or have a professional do it?

I think EVERYTHING hinges on these two items.
My .02
Good luck and going around a road course or autoX lasts ALOT longer than a 10 sec blast and IMO is MUCH funner!! Lol

[capt.ron]

I don’t have a set budget for the car… Pricing a bunch of different ways to build the car, I end up somewhere around $75k. Is this a realistic number? Engine, tranny, suspension, steering, brakes, wheels & tires, fuel system, electrical, interior, billet accessories, etc… A lot of these items I am not concerned about right now as they will come later in the build. I am concerned about the big, important aspects that I will need to get going on the car…. Engine, tranny and suspension.



I plan on the project taking a few years to complete and since I will be building the car myself and doing most of the work, I think I can focus money on the parts that I want/need. I have a friend that is a body man/painter that owes me a favor, so that should be pretty reasonable when time comes.



Does that help with the budget? I know there are a million ways to build a car, I just don’t want to make any major mistakes from the start.

[CamaroAJ]

are you doing the work yourself? if you are 75k will build an awesome car. you could still have an awesome car spending less.

you can always build during the winter months and drive it in the summer.

[Musclerodz]

$75K will build you a very nice car. As long as you don't get the biggest and baddest of everything, you should easily stay in that number.

As far as suspension goes, several options for bolt ons. DSE is top of the list, Speedtech a strong second. Biggest difference for me is I am not a big QA1 fan, but Speedtech should have an alternative shock available very soon, if not available already in the new Ridetech coilovers.

For the rest of the car, if your staying with the top manufacturers, your list is short to buy from and you can't go wrong with the end product. Let me know if we can help with any questions or parts you need.

[Payton King]

Have you seen the Bull Run Chevelle that Frank at Prodigy Customs built? Really a cool car! He would be a person to ask questions.

Running naturally aspirated LS2 with heads, cam, intake and long tube headers I would think 450 at the wheels should not be too tough with good driving manners and 91-93 octane pump gas. I would also run the T-56.

I am not very familiar with what is all out there for a Chevelle, but I would click on the link to the left for the Roadster Shop. Very nice piece, full replacement frame. I have not driven one but I have seen it in action. I really do not think you could go wrong. www.roadstershop.com

If I had the opportunity to start a car from scratch, I would get it up and running so I could drive. Sort the car out and make whatever changes and do the body and interior last.

Good luck to you!