Famous last words...

[DDY RCKT]

Originally Posted by novanutcase

You might want to hit up alot of the subframe companies to sponsor you with one of their subs. This would be an excellent way for them to demonstrate how good their product really is, not just claims and skewed magazine articles, but an average joe that, with company ABC's product in it, smoked one of the best handling production cars out their! There's a certain company with 3 letters in their name that are starting to make your year subs and rear suspensions. They are one of the best companies out their!
Same deal with the other parts(Brakes, tires, etc.)
This, and the $50 paint job(LOL!), just might bring you in on budget!

Good Luck!

John

So you're thinking rustoleum and a roller, eh?

That particluar subframe is one of my favorites. The Jim Meyer unit is also very very pretty.

[mazspeed]

I just saw this thread. I love it, but that M3 is a great handling car. I would go with a used ls1-2 if you can find one. That big block is going to kill you on that budget. The Martz subframe is light, but very flimsy, not a good subframe. You might go with DSE's subframe as it's a very good product, get some steel wheels with some R888's. His M3 cost 60k plus, what is your budget on this car?

[DDY RCKT]

Nah, his M cost him $12K. He bought it used last year, it's a 97.

I still think I can win on the track. I mean, he's got a great handling car, but that puny 2.5L engine with 250 HP shouldn't be all that hard to destroy. It's not an E46 333 HP machine.

[novanutcase]

Originally Posted by DDY RCKT

Nah, his M cost him $12K. He bought it used last year, it's a 97.

I still think I can win on the track. I mean, he's got a great handling car, but that puny 2.5L engine with 250 HP shouldn't be all that hard to destroy. It's not an E46 333 HP machine.

Yeah but unless there are a lot of straights he's gonna kill you in the corners! Especially if he has some seat time! Can you try and use the stock sub and maybe do the Guldstrand mod? Can you do the Guldstrand mod on 3rd gens? Maybe some UCA's and spindles that can give you better geometry along with more camber.

Try and center as much of the mass as you can. Trying to set up a 'vette transaxle in your car will probably take you over your budget. I would opt for a good used LS1. New heads and a cam. 5 speed. Stiffer springs and adjustable shocks so you can dial it in. PHB or Watts? Truck Arm?

John

[va72mlibu]

When this project gets done, I think we need to make it a event and show up in force. In the unlikely event DDY ROCKET's Camaro comes up short, I'm sure somebody else can represent!

[DDY RCKT]

Originally Posted by va72mlibu

When this project gets done, I think we need to make it a event and show up in force. In the unlikely event DDY ROCKET's Camaro comes up short, I'm sure somebody else can represent!

Awesome!

Though there ain't no way I'm letting that M3 beat me. Just not going to happen! However, the more American Muscle that can show up and beat on him, the better!

[novanutcase]

We can do "Shake and Bake" like in Talladega Nights!

John

[va72mlibu]

Originally Posted by novanutcase

We can do "Shake and Bake" like in Talladega Nights! John

But we may need little baby Jesus's help.

[wiedemab]

Aftermarket Sub-Frame - I think this one piece alone will help to blow your budget out the water. I would try to stick with the stock subframe and talk to someone about upgrades to it - ie: DSE, SC&C. ATS makes spindles for the 2nd gens too. You are also going to want sub-frame connectors.

I think I'm P.C. here cuz these are all site sponsors - if not edit out.

http://detroitspeed.com/

http://www.scandc.com/faqs.htm

http://www.t56kit.com/

I've seen some cars with leaf spring rears perform very well, depending on budget you could probably get a set of leaf springs to work well for you.

Oh - get some good Shocks!

Just my opinion, but the weight savings from an LS series engine or just a well built small block w/ aluminum heads would help more than the $7K you could easily spend on an aftermarket sub-frame. Try to pick up some fiberglass body panels - ie: hood, decklid. ---Weight Savings

I know you got the car cheap at $400, but it won't take long to spend $12K. Even if you paint it yourself you could have well over $1,000 in materials.

Just don't shoot your wad too early!!!!!!!!!!

I look forward to following this thread/build. Good luck and Godspeed!

[zbugger]

Hey man, welcome to the site. I have a '77 that I'm trying to build to do the same thing. If you need any info, I'm here to help. I'd also hit up the guys at www.nastyz28.com for as much info as you can get. Most of your money may be going into suspension/wheels/tires, so I'd think about selling the big block for a small block or LSx motor. Remeber, second gens are actually better handling cars than most people give them credit for.