Eric's 1980 Z28

Originally: an LM1 (350), Q-jet carb,  with a borg warner t-10 (4 speed), 3.08 posi

Now: 383 stroker, Holley 650hp carb and Mallory regulator, TKO600, 3.73 posi, Solid body mounts, frame connectors, y-braces, traction bars, etc... 

I was in the midst of rebuilding (more like resurrecting) a '66 Mustang convertible when I bought this car. I ended up selling the Mustang because I just fell in love with this Z28. This picture is the day I brought it home (yes, it needed to be washed).

I am the second owner of this solid Z28. The previous owner replaced the original 350 with a used 400. Unfortunately, this 400 didn't last too long - it was out of balance. When I tore it apart, the all the main bearings were down to the copper.

Engine before & after:

New 383 & TKO600 going in:

Here is the new 383 installed. After 18 months of work, it is finally back up & running!

Long live the qjet! My latest adventures have surrounded the rochester quadrajet carb setup. I'm running a '76 qjet that was rebuilt by JET Performance - but it was a far cry from being sufficient for this cam on this engine (230/236 @ 0.050"). The carb would go severly lean on the off-idle circuit. Thanks to Cliff Ruggles QJET book, I've managed to get it running respectably. Once I get the A/F ratio nailed across the board, I'll go ahead and fully advance my base timing from 8* to closer to 14* (I have 20* mechanical advance).

Of course, I had to clearance the hood under the induction scoop - even with the drop-base aircleaner. It *just* hit the hood with a Q-Jet & RPM performer intake. Here is the hood after I cut out the are under the scoop & before I cleaned up the cuts & tacked the halves of the hood together (I cut out the cross support which delaminated the hood layers). I'm now running a carb spacer & I'm considering a taller element soon. I may have to cut two of the mounting studs off the bottom of the scoop - they are not being used anymore since I cut the hood out.

In order to transfer the torque from the 383 & TKO600 to the ground, an upgraded rear was in order. Here is the rebuilt 10 bolt going in with a new posi unit, 3.73's, 30 spline axles, and TIG welded axle tubes. Since this picture, I added a TA Performance Girdle cover - the original cover kept leaking.

If you have a second generation camaro ('70 through '81) or are considering getting one, check out Nasty Z28 Be sure to visit their forums Nasty Z28 Forums

Page 1: Overview

Page 2: 4 speed hump location & floorboard repairs

Page 3: Engine Build

Page 4: New Carb, plumbing, intake modifications

Page 5: Reality Checks... lol.

Page 6: My Tips & Tricks

Last updated: 2/12/09