Targa Camaro update

[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.





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.




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.



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.



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.





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







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.



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.



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.



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



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.



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.

[Payton King]

I watched the 2009 targa over the weekend on Speed.

Looks like a must do for any car person.

[70rs]

Originally Posted by Payton King

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.



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.



We also ran the battery cables on the inside.



The fuel lines exit in the rear.



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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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 !






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]

Originally Posted by deuce_454

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