Picked up a toy/fixer

[Travis]

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k232/mrmalicious/IMG_1178.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k232/mrmalicious/IMG_1179.jpg

It's a 97 WS6, 6 speed... terrible front end conversion, going to do some fixing on that. Whoever did it sucked LOL... Wheels are probably getting replaced. Paid $6000 for it, mechanically it's just about perfect. It's just the small little things that I'm going to be replacing. There we go that was the 'big' secret lol...

[99GrandAMSE]

Cool toy!!!

[car audio dave]

Oh wow, very nice. the front end conversion doesnt look bad from the pic. so it has the LT1? any plans for that? Yea id suggest going with the 98+ WS6 wheels. does it already have the LS1 brakes? i forget if they started those in 97 or 98?

[XoticGA]

Nice!

[Travis]

Oh wow, very nice. the front end conversion doesnt look bad from the pic. so it has the LT1? any plans for that? Yea id suggest going with the 98+ WS6 wheels. does it already have the LS1 brakes? i forget if they started those in 97 or 98?

Trust me it needs some work ;) Yeah it's an LT1... No big plans, it's gonna be a drive around car for a while, not gonna keep it but a couple years at most... I was going to do some blakc ZR1's but I'm going to fix all the little things first and then see about some new wheels and tires. No LS1 brakes as far as I know. I wouldn't mind some 98+ ws6 wheels if I could find some for a reasonable price... it needs a lot of little things, s'why I pulled out extra on the loan to do that with, and going to pay extra on the principal to knock that part out...

[sunrunner_pei]

Very nice!

[Gagt518]

:drool:Sweet! I would love to have WS6

[car audio dave]

sounds good travis. check out the LT4 heads and GM hot cam. i think they are both on gmpartsdirect.com.

i think you can also use an LS7 clutch with your combo. isnt that the t56? also what gears are on there? 3.23? 3.73? that thing has LOTS of potential, but is great as it sits (assuming you fix the things that need fixing).

[TA^Guy]

Looks good Travis, I actually like the wheels. You mentioned ZR1 wheels, do you mean like the ZR1/SS wheels or ZO6 wheels? IIRC Rob had black ZO6 wheels and they looks hot with the polished lip. I wouldnt waste my time or money going with stock '98+ wheels. It'll be a step backwards and look like every other TA out there.

i think you can also use an LS7 clutch with your combo. isnt that the t56? also what gears are on there? 3.23? 3.73? that thing has LOTS of potential, but is great as it sits (assuming you fix the things that need fixing).
Yes IIRC all '94+ LTx and LSx manual transmissions are T56. I know early C4 Corvettes with the LT1 used a ZF Transmission. IIRC the only year the Camaro had came with a ZF would be in 1993 when they had all sorts of differences from the later LT1 cars. 1994 they went to the Borg-Warner T56 gearbox which included the infamous CAGS. Well that and if it's a V6 then it would be equiped with the classic T5.

[Travis]

Yeah it's a 6 speed, I'm going to decode the VIN to get the rear gear info from it this weekend. The ZR1/SS wheels are what I'm looking at, I'll attach a pic of what I'm going to get eventually. I got an extra $1500 on my loan out to get wheels and tires but I'm going to do all the stuff to make it a better car overall first, and if I'm under what I was quoted for those wheels with tires mounted/balanced and shipped, I'll save the money and then save extra from my wifes paychecks to get the wheels later. Going to buy a bunch of stuff to replace next weekend, shocks/struts, change the oil, brake pads, might change the transmission fluid and rear end fluid while I'm there.. tax/tag will only cost me $150 or so, so I'll have plenty of extra to fix all the little things that have added up. Guy I bought it from just couldn't afford to fix all the stuff the previous owner ****ed up :P I'll keep you all updated.. These are the wheels I'm going to get:


http://tomzwheels.com/catalog/images/5035-36b.jpg

Tomzwheels got those, 17x9.5 all the way around with 275/40/17 Sumitomos for $923 shipped to my door, mounted balanced and all. Should be able to get em in the next month or so at the most. Tires aren't bad now but they need some help hehe...

[Travis]

sounds good travis. check out the LT4 heads and GM hot cam. i think they are both on gmpartsdirect.com.

i think you can also use an LS7 clutch with your combo. isnt that the t56? also what gears are on there? 3.23? 3.73? that thing has LOTS of potential, but is great as it sits (assuming you fix the things that need fixing).

I might do some fun things like long tubes and what not later, but it runs GREAT mechanically, it's just the body and some interior stuff that's in need of some serious help. Some regular upkeep and maintenance and this car will wake up. I might even attempt plugs next weekend too, which really suck ass on these cars :lol:

[Brandon]

nice!
how many miles?!

[XoticGA]

I think those rims might look a little small on the car.. imo :)

[Travis]

It's got just a hair over 108k miles, runs like it's got less :) It's that going for it at least. Passenger window motor needs help which isnt surprising, going to try the fix for it first, etc etc etc... P Give me something to do on the weekends...

[TA^Guy]

I think those rims might look a little small on the car.. imo :)

I would agree, I think especially with the black on black the 18s would look prefect. And now that I think about it those maybe the same ones Rob had on his.

[Travis]

I'm deciding on getting those wheels and tires or just keeping the wheels I have now and getting some 275/40/17's in an all season tire... found some that got good snow/ice ratings, and since we'll be moving to Utah up north of Salt Lake City in February, it might be a better idea to just save money and get the wheels and tires another time.... Sumitomo summer tires = SUUUUCK on snow and ice...

[Big Joe]

:drool:

[TA^Guy]

I'm deciding on getting those wheels and tires or just keeping the wheels I have now and getting some 275/40/17's in an all season tire... found some that got good snow/ice ratings, and since we'll be moving to Utah up north of Salt Lake City in February, it might be a better idea to just save money and get the wheels and tires another time.... Sumitomo summer tires = SUUUUCK on snow and ice...

If you will be driving it in the snow there is only one way to go... Snow Tires and atleast 200lbs of weight in the trunk. Trust me, driving half my FBodies, my GN and my S10 in the snow it's the only way to go.

Does anyoneknow if 15" wheels will fit on a 4th Generation FBody? If so go get 4 steel wheels and run 205/65R15 snowtires. I personally prefer them unstudded but it's personal preference. Depends on the rim width, if it's 7"s or less you could get away with a 205/60R16, a 8" wheel I'd go with a 225/55R16.

If the current wheels are the same size as the ones you want I personally would keep what you have on there. If you want them black you could always have them powder coated for about $100 a wheel.

[Nighthawk243]

If you will be driving it in the snow there is only one way to go... Snot Tires and atleast 200lbs or weight in the trunk. Trust me, driving half my FBodies, my GN and my S10 in the snow it's the only way to go.

Does anyoneknow if 15" wheels will fit on a 4th Generation FBody? If so go get 4 steel wheels and run 205/65R15 snowtires. I personally prefer them unstudded but it's personal preference. Depends on the rim width, if it's 7"s or less you could get away with a 205/60R16, a 8" wheel I'd go with a 225/55R16.

If the current wheels are the same size as the ones you want I personally would keep what you have on there. If you want them black you could always have them powder coated for about $100 a wheel.

The brakes might be too large for 15's to fit...

[Travis]

If you will be driving it in the snow there is only one way to go... Snot Tires and atleast 200lbs or weight in the trunk. Trust me, driving half my FBodies, my GN and my S10 in the snow it's the only way to go.

Does anyoneknow if 15" wheels will fit on a 4th Generation FBody? If so go get 4 steel wheels and run 205/65R15 snowtires. I personally prefer them unstudded but it's personal preference. Depends on the rim width, if it's 7"s or less you could get away with a 205/60R16, a 8" wheel I'd go with a 225/55R16.

If the current wheels are the same size as the ones you want I personally would keep what you have on there. If you want them black you could always have them powder coated for about $100 a wheel.

I was thinking about that... Think I'm going to try some good all season tires with a bunch of weight in the hatch, and if I need something better when I get there I'll get some steelies with snow tires hehe... Thanks for the advice though, John. Coming from NY that's good advice. Buddy of mine is from Alden and his recommendation is get a winter car, which i can't afford :P I know wider isn't better but was looking at some 275/40/17's, but going to do some more research before I make a decision. Got some time here before it snows, and even if it does I can get around on base no problem if its not stupid deep....

[TA^Guy]

You are going to hate 275s in the snow. They are wider so they don't cut through the snow as easily, they will hydroplane easier, and a narrow tire applys more pounds per square inch for better over all traction.

Also another think to think about, limited slip. Although limited slip is great on dry pavement, it makes for a interesting ride in the snow and wet weather. Instead of just one tires spinning in snow or ice, both will. Which will lead to alot of sideways action. Between all my toys about half were limited slip, and those were always the worst.

If you need a winter beater Bluez on here has a '88 Z24 convertable he's looking to get rid of this week for $100 or it goes to the salavage yard. Fllors and windshield pillar at rusted and it either needs a powersteering pump or line but it fires right up and seams to run well. I was thinking of getting it for a beater but I have a '95 GASE in my back yard to fix still.
The brakes might be too large for 15's to fit...
I think that is the case but not positive.

[car audio dave]

hey make sure when you do shocks you avoid the KYB AGX. they are the best that GAs have available, but for fbodys you wanna look at bilsteins or konis. you can go to strano.com ( i think thats it) and he revalves the bilsteins to whatever springs you are using. i also wouldnt recommend lowering it. its a serious pain once its lowered, and if you ever wanna do long tubes youll drag them.

replacing the shocks will make a world of difference. the stock Decarbon shocks are the biggest peices ive ever seen.

sounds like youre on the right track. let me know if you have any questions, i know a bit about those motors since the guy who helped me pick out my camaro had a LT4 camaro.

[RedFireUFO]

very nice, I love that car, they're so rare around here.

[TA^Guy]

hey make sure when you do shocks you avoid the KYB AGX. they are the best that GAs have available, but for fbodys you wanna look at bilsteins or konis. you can go to strano.com ( i think thats it) and he revalves the bilsteins to whatever springs you are using. i also wouldnt recommend lowering it. its a serious pain once its lowered, and if you ever wanna do long tubes youll drag them.

replacing the shocks will make a world of difference. the stock Decarbon shocks are the biggest peices ive ever seen.

sounds like youre on the right track. let me know if you have any questions, i know a bit about those motors since the guy who helped me pick out my camaro had a LT4 camaro.

I agree about the Billsteins, have them on my truck and love them. Konis are nice but can get expensive fast. When I had my '92 Z28 with Eibachs I had Monroe Sensatrack. Not the best or most performance oriented shock, but was fairly inexpensive and had a great ride.

[Travis]

I'm going to check out prices on shocks, probably do something close to stock replacement, not going to replace them with anything ridiculously expensive or anything. Just get it running smoother and be done with it. Tires I'll probably go with an all season radial, probably won't even go with a 275, probably a 255. It has 245's on it now and they look KINDA small but I think I have better things to spend the money on than an expensive set of wheels and summer tire s:P

[Travis]

I'm going to check out prices on shocks, probably do something close to stock replacement, not going to replace them with anything ridiculously expensive or anything. Just get it running smoother and be done with it. Tires I'll probably go with an all season radial, probably won't even go with a 275, probably a 255. It has 245's on it now and they look KINDA small but I think I have better things to spend the money on than an expensive set of wheels and summer tire s:P

[Travis]

Ordered new t-stat, plugs, key fob(didnt have one grr), fan switch, passenger side window motor fix today... bought stuff for an oil change from advance auto, and looking for a few more things today, and still have a tonof extra money that I pulled out. Think I'm going to seafoam the motor, need to get some of the clips that hold the front air dam on, motor gets warmer than I'd like even on the highway but the front air damn is sitting in my back seat ;) Might put some water wetter in the coolant too, probably flush the whole coolant system as well... I'll keep updates :)

[car audio dave]

a coolant flush isnt a bad idea. what kinda oil you using? i just changed with royal purple, cost me $50 with filter and about a 10 min job. it seems to be worth it, i had mobil 1 before.

how does the motor feel? strong?

[Travis]

Motor feels pretty strong to me. I think I have an exhaust leak, got that strange almost ticking sound on accel but it's not the motor. Sounds like an exhaust leak to me so I'm going to check that this weekend when it's up on the lift. Just going with Mobil 1 synthetic. It's going to be my back and forth to work car mostly, so I figured I'd keep good oil in it. I haven't taken the motor much passed 4000 but it felt pretty good up to there, it's just the tranny and rear end I don't particularly trust. Might try a full out sprint one of these days and see how it feels up top, see if I need an optispark yet :P

[Travis]

Another quick update... got my Autotrix.net(very cool, they're based out of my hometown) passenger side window fix and I oughta have an interesting time installing this thing. Supposed to work amazing but I'm not super awesome when it comes to electrical stuff, but he's got great instructions on his site so I may or may not do that this weekend heh...

[TA^Guy]

Next time you switch the oil pick up some AMSoil. I run it and don't change my oil for 24,000 miles, just a filter at 12,000 and top off whatever was consumed. :)

[Y2KGAGT]

Next time you switch the oil pick up some AMSoil. I run it and don't change my oil for 24,000 miles, just a filter at 12,000 and top off whatever was consumed. :)
AMSoil filters run the length of the oil now 24k :) Remember?

[Travis]

Sounds interesting. Went with a basic filter but got Mobil 1 synthetic and going to keep that in it from now on.

[Travis]

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k232/mrmalicious/IMG_1218.jpg

[car audio dave]

a great pic of a bad ass looking car. :D

[TA^Guy]

Nice photo Travis, but next time atleast dust it off. lol
And to be honest, I really don't dislike those wheels on it. I'd keep them on for now.
AMSoil filters run the length of the oil now 24k :) Remember?
Yes I do remember, but I still like changing them halfway.

[350F]

Congrats on the fbody. BTW, all 94+ 6 speeds are going to have 3.42s (GU6 RPO code). I say ditch the wheels, even the factory 16" 5 spokes would be better looking than those.

[Travis]

Congrats on the fbody. BTW, all 94+ 6 speeds are going to have 3.42s (GU6 RPO code). I say ditch the wheels, even the factory 16" 5 spokes would be better looking than those.

yeah I'm going to do something with them eventually... They're fine for the moment, have other priorities...

[Travis]

Nice photo Travis, but next time atleast dust it off. lol
And to be honest, I really don't dislike those wheels on it. I'd keep them on for now.

Yes I do remember, but I still like changing them halfway.

Bite me you Yank :P If they hadn't torn down 30+ houses less than a half mile away I could keep my stupid cars clean. As for now I can't do anything but sit and watch them get dusty everyday :mad: