2002 ZL 1, HOW MUCH HP!

GRB · #1 12-31-2002, 04:08 PM

CWilliams - Lamar Walden worked on my 55 chev. and 70 LT1 vette in the late 60s and early 70s. I lost touch with Lamar and it wasn't until 6 moths agp that I reestabished contact with Lamar. I was going to get a different numbered car but after talking to Lamar and learning that GM gave him the first free ZL1 (#51) that we decided that having him build the engine for this #51 would be unique and fun. (BTW - my car was originally headed to Katech or LPE before Matt ever made the 427 an option.) We are trying to remain faithful to the original ZL1 concept otherwise we would be building a 630ci or going with power adders. The 427 C5R with the new 090 heads and Lamar's expertise should provide plenty of power.

There is little chance that I would ever tear up the oe rear end (I just don't abuse my cars). Lamar felt that no matter what the driving stye the clutch just wouldn't hold 550+HP. That leaves the rear end vulerable and with the going down the track we decided to go ahead and upgrade that too.

It is my understanding that Lamar and the others will rent the track and therefore not have to install a cage. I really don't want a cage in a street car.

My car won't be ready until late Jan., and by then the motor should be built. I would imagine that the install and tuning then considering magazine deadlines these article won't run until some time in the summer 03.

GRB · #2 12-31-2002, 04:10 PM

NEW - I'm not sure Lamar has made a decision on the gear ratio but probably 4:11. I'll leave that up to him.

**Stefano** · #3 12-31-2002, 04:47 PM

GMMG gives the option of Stock gearing 3.42 all the way to 4.56s I opted to get 4.56s as the the car should be about 2700 to 3000 rpms at 70 mph in overdrive.

I was also wondering the height of the 18 inch rims with the Super Car tires compared to stock?

GRB · #4 12-31-2002, 05:56 PM

Stefano - I could tell you but someone has borrowed my 02 Yokohama fitment guide. I can tell you though there is very little difference in the OD of a 295/35x18 and a 275/40x17. Also, there will also be a slight variance depending on mfg. of the tire. Wheel width will also effect overall height. So the 295 mounted on a 10 or 10.5" rim will be, by comparison, a little shorter than a 275 mounted on a 9.5" rim.

I've got a set of 285/40ZR17 Michelin MXX3s mounted on 9.5x17" FM 5s. I can measure them if that would help.

**Stefano** · #5 12-31-2002, 09:16 PM

Thanks for the info. I was in no hurry to get the info but figured someone would know [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

CWilliams · #6 12-31-2002, 11:05 PM

GRB- Thanks for the great info!! I was wondering if you were doing a cage, I agree with no cage on a street car, plus you'll save weight too. So you were taking your ZL1 to Katech or LPE, thats interesting, I've always wondered if anyone would take a GMMG car elsewhere to be modified further. Seems to be alot of good tuners out there.

CW
Berger#56 phaseII

GRB · #7 01-01-2003, 12:07 AM

C - There are good tuners out there but I only know of three that are trusted and, in my opinion, only Katech or LPE have a chance of adding value to a car. I figured if I was crazy enough to put $75K in a maro I might as well go all the way and build a hot rod right, regardless of costs. Lamar probably turns down more work than he does so I didn't really know if he would be interested or if he would remember me after 30 years. He was and he did.

And yeah, it's cross my mind that I could have an AMG SL55, 911 Turbo or Dinan M5. But to those who understand no explaination is necessary and to those that don't no expaination will suffice. (plagiarized)sp? So when people ask me what it is I'll just say, "it's just a little Camaro". [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

**Charley Lillard** · #8 01-01-2003, 01:41 AM

I really want one of those 495 hp AMG's......arrgh.

CWilliams · #9 01-01-2003, 03:10 AM

GRB- I read you loud and clear my GA Brother! Something about these "little camaros" flows straight through my blood. Unless I get a little more radical with Berger #56 and start the quest for more cubic inches, my next car will be something similar to Charley's mule, I love that car and I want to build a hot rod. Hey Goodmark called my Brother here in NE. GA last Friday and wanted to speak with him about building either a 65-66 Nova or a 68-69 Camaro from the ground up, either one will be the same concept as the (black/flames) Chevelle that Metal Finish in Cleveland, GA. did most recently. Should be good experience for when I want to do mine!

CW

CWilliams · #10 01-01-2003, 05:22 PM

Hey GRB- Would you be interested in selling those Fikse wheels?

Thanks
CWilliams

Dedicated to the Promotion and Preservation of American Muscle Cars, Dealer built Supercars and COPO cars.