E92 LS1 500bhp NA Build
Discussion
Following the recent unexpected passing of my mum I decided I am bored of being boring. So hiding behind the excuse of needing a project for my dad and the fact is was my birthday week I purchased the below camaro unseen and without telling my long suffering wife.
I hadn’t planned on doing this but I had a few spare minutes between meetings and stumbled across it on eBay. A deal was quickly struck and a courier booked. Knowing I would be in serious trouble I quickly booked for the mx5 ( for my long term mini hayabusa budget build) to be trailered to my dads in order to build browny points with my wife.
That was Friday and by Saturday I was literally bursting with excitement so had to tell my 5yr son on the basis he did not tell my wife. In fairness he did well until about 10 mins prior to the delivery driver arriving when he said the race car is coming mummy but I can’t tell you lol. It then arrived:
To say my wife and partner of 20yrs was annoyed is an under statement but I figured I am a good hubby plus it was only a few hours until my bday so she can’t be mad for long. I was wrong...but finally managed to get her in it the following afternoon to go for a drive. Unimpressed but the kids loved it and so did I.
I then quickly realised I love the engine but I can’t enjoy it in a left hand drive format. I googled and toyed with converting it but I then stumbled across this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9xO3S8RWGA
Which of course meant I had to buy this:
Ideal as I want to replace the bumper, bonnet and wings to go for an M3 clubsport feel.
My plan is to get the engine in over Christmas.
What I know I am going to order:
- sump https://www.poormanmotorsports.com/product/tsp-810...
- lse9x kit for mounts
What I need to figure out:
- suspension: current plan is to replace the existing control arms/bushes with OEM factory trw items. Unsure where to purchase from as I have been a die hard jap fan until now so unsure of best places to buy from. Unsure re dampers as I can’t condone more than £1k
- brakes: torn between used m3 variants or a basic upgrade variant
- sump/oil management: baffLed sump if so which one and or accusump? I can’t condone a dry sump as this will only see 4 ish track days a year.
- engine management: most likely standard for now. The yanks seem to rate the holly engine management but I am not sure and want to just get running first.
Just to set expectations this is not a high budget build and I much prefer trying to create something special on a budget.
Any pointers on oil management as well as suspension and where to buy would be most appreciated. I will then tackle brakes, rollcage etc in January as my long term goal is to get a decent spec weekend toy and occasional track car.
Oh and I am aware I could likely buy a high mileage m3 for the same money but where would the fun be in that
I hadn’t planned on doing this but I had a few spare minutes between meetings and stumbled across it on eBay. A deal was quickly struck and a courier booked. Knowing I would be in serious trouble I quickly booked for the mx5 ( for my long term mini hayabusa budget build) to be trailered to my dads in order to build browny points with my wife.
That was Friday and by Saturday I was literally bursting with excitement so had to tell my 5yr son on the basis he did not tell my wife. In fairness he did well until about 10 mins prior to the delivery driver arriving when he said the race car is coming mummy but I can’t tell you lol. It then arrived:
To say my wife and partner of 20yrs was annoyed is an under statement but I figured I am a good hubby plus it was only a few hours until my bday so she can’t be mad for long. I was wrong...but finally managed to get her in it the following afternoon to go for a drive. Unimpressed but the kids loved it and so did I.
I then quickly realised I love the engine but I can’t enjoy it in a left hand drive format. I googled and toyed with converting it but I then stumbled across this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9xO3S8RWGA
Which of course meant I had to buy this:
Ideal as I want to replace the bumper, bonnet and wings to go for an M3 clubsport feel.
My plan is to get the engine in over Christmas.
What I know I am going to order:
- sump https://www.poormanmotorsports.com/product/tsp-810...
- lse9x kit for mounts
What I need to figure out:
- suspension: current plan is to replace the existing control arms/bushes with OEM factory trw items. Unsure where to purchase from as I have been a die hard jap fan until now so unsure of best places to buy from. Unsure re dampers as I can’t condone more than £1k
- brakes: torn between used m3 variants or a basic upgrade variant
- sump/oil management: baffLed sump if so which one and or accusump? I can’t condone a dry sump as this will only see 4 ish track days a year.
- engine management: most likely standard for now. The yanks seem to rate the holly engine management but I am not sure and want to just get running first.
Just to set expectations this is not a high budget build and I much prefer trying to create something special on a budget.
Any pointers on oil management as well as suspension and where to buy would be most appreciated. I will then tackle brakes, rollcage etc in January as my long term goal is to get a decent spec weekend toy and occasional track car.
Oh and I am aware I could likely buy a high mileage m3 for the same money but where would the fun be in that
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