Performance Modifications and updates
Click on the pictures for larger clearer versions.
11/19/11
I decided that I really wanted to see what the car could do if pushed a bit at the drag strip but being turbocharged the only way to really extract the best performance out of it was to run an automatic transmission on it lest I feel like replacing clutches and other driveline components all the time. I am all about making something perform while just putting gas in it because I really don't like working on cars as much as this website makes it out to be and I would much rather just drive it and have fun with it. With this came a Jake's Peformance MVB 4L80 so I can still have the utmost control over when to shift yet still have overdrive and lockup so my mileage doesn't go to shit. Having a MVB on an auto is great since you can force an early shift with limited traction (which is a given at these power levels) and even though you don't have that clutch pedal anymore you are still having fun banging gears so to speak. I also called up FTI to spec out a good converter and GeForce 1320 for a one piece driveshaft to match. After the 4L80 swap I wanted to take it to the track with the street wheels/tires in full street trim with nothing removed to see what it would be capable of as it's driven every day. I had it turned up to around 15 psi as the tires wouldn't hold anymore but with a good drag wheel/tire setup with a transbrake launch there should be quite a bit more in it, dare I say even a high 9 should be possible with the relatively weak launch with the whopping 265 wide 18" drag radials that it normally rides on every day. Raceweight at this point was 4200 lbs with me in it so I can drop some weight pretty easily for the next pass out with slicks/skinnies, subwoofer out, etc. Video is hotlinked below...
4/21/11
Time to start updating the performance section a bit differently as things will kind of go in chronological order from here on out, not sure why I didn't do this to begin with.
I was starting to get tired of making the car limp along without the fuel it needed to really see what it's got so I ordered up a Lonnie's Performance double pumper fuel system with PTFE lines, rails, regulator, and dual walbros in the factory bucket in the tank. I also was going to run E85 so I snagged a set of Bosch 95lb injectors and wired in my old KB BAP to the dual walbros just to make sure they don't run out of steam as E85 needs a LOT of volume. My last limitation however was the 2 bar map sensor so my max boost level at this point is ~14 psi until I can up it to a 3 bar sensor/OS which is already on the way. I maxed out the 2 bar sensor on the dyno and just stopped there until I can change it around a bit more. I was happy with the numbers considering these turbos are only going to be able to produce around 750 rwhp anyways and I think I only have a couple of pounds of boost left in them. The pictures below are of the engine bay after I installed the fuel system, the PCV configuration with check valves, the breather can that takes the flow from both valve covers, and the dyno chart.
Next up will be just a couple more psi and that's about it.... and a 4l80 to maket it really run what it's capable of.
-NicD
I purchased this car from a previous customer of mine to use as my new daily driver since I have retired the Camaro to be a weekend warrior. Everything on this car I did to enhance it's looks and performance without sacrificing the daily driver aspect. I put some Stoptech brakes on it, some wider wheels/tires, and finally some AFR heads with an Ed Curtis camshaft. It ran well but I wanted more. Yes, I know I have a problem and it's been pointed out by many as I can't just be happy and leave it alone. I knew I shouldn't have bought another performance vehicle as my daily driver. :) I have finished up the next round of modifications, in the form of twin turbos and after that BC Coilovers. Below is just a bunch of pictures of the car and it's various modifications in kind of a historical order.
