My 1995 Z28 Toy / Project - Sorry for the long story

[gjgarre]

Hello, I have not really posted much on this site, but I've been hanging out in the shadows for a while. Here is the story of my 95 Z28, it's not as impressive as many of the cars on this site, but for the amount of money I have in it I couldn't be happier.

So anyway, 2 years ago I traded an AK-47 to my father-in-law for a 1994 F-150 4x4. He was planning on taking it to the scrap yard.
http:// (http://<a href=&quot;http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/CameraunloadAug3007_zps0082dff0.jpg.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;>http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/CameraunloadAug3007_zps0082dff0.jpg</a>)http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/CameraunloadAug3007_zps0082dff0.jpg (http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/CameraunloadAug3007_zps0082dff0.jpg.html)

I cleaned, scraped, stripped, all the extra old man accessories and bumper stickers off of it. Put all new brake lines on it, new core support, stereo, hubs, and about a thousand odds and ends and got it to look like this.

http:// (http://<a href=&quot;http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/CameraunloadAug3525_zpsf08dd93a.jpg.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;>http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/CameraunloadAug3525_zpsf08dd93a.jpg</a>)http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/CameraunloadAug3525_zpsf08dd93a.jpg (http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/CameraunloadAug3525_zpsf08dd93a.jpg.html)

Thinking I would keep it and keep improving on it, a neighbor asked if I would sell it. I never planned on it, but thought, why not? Well, had about $1,600 in the truck and sold it for $3,600. I used half of the money to pay bills and set the rest aside for another toy. Without any real car in mind, I came across a 1995 Z28 on Craigslist with a spun bearing. The ad didn't say much else about the car, but it looked good in the picture so I decided to go look at it.

Here's what she looked like....
http:// (http://<a href=&quot;http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/00G0G_feX9MWjYbjO_600x450_zps8d06f5dd.jpg.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;>http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/00G0G_feX9MWjYbjO_600x450_zps8d06f5dd.jpg</a>)http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/00G0G_feX9MWjYbjO_600x450_zps8d06f5dd.jpg (http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/00G0G_feX9MWjYbjO_600x450_zps8d06f5dd.jpg.html)

http:// (http://<a href=&quot;http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/00808_aU0bkGJlWyn_600x450_zps3b59a1a2.jpg.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;>http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/00808_aU0bkGJlWyn_600x450_zps3b59a1a2.jpg</a>)http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/00808_aU0bkGJlWyn_600x450_zps3b59a1a2.jpg (http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/00808_aU0bkGJlWyn_600x450_zps3b59a1a2.jpg.html)

The best part....he was only asking $1,300. I was also unaware that the car had full Hotchkis suspension, under-drive pulleys, mid-length headers, airfoil, Moroso cold air intake, SS rims with brand new tires, remaned transmission, a rebuilt rear end with 3:73 gears, and a tune, along with every other imaginable bolt on you could get for one. The only flaws on the entire car were the front and back bumpers were faded, and the front had a crack in it. With that I was able to get the guy down to $1,050, the amount he paid for it, and took it home.

Now to find an engine....Again Craigslist was my friend. I was able to find a low mileage LT1 out of a wrecked 96 SS. The guy had the heads worked on, a cam, but unsure of the specs, and who knows what else, and he had dyno sheets for it where it was putting out 425 hp. After looking it over for an hour I took it home for $425 and talked him into throwing in his long tube headers and true dual exhaust. Again not bad.

Took the top of the engine apart and put new gaskets on everything. Took all the bolt ons off of the blown engine and swapped them over. Cleaned all the gunk, and installed it. Needless to say I don't think the guy was lying about the power of that LT1. I have had several fast cars, and this thing felt like a completely new animal.

Since then I have replaced the headliner, installed a complete MB Quart system with a 5 channel amp and 10" sub. I had a friend paint the berger panel, and installed black chrome lettering in it as well. The only problem I had with this car was the automatic. I prefer a manual anyway, and the tune had the auto shifting so early and hard that it would chirp the tires before I got the car out of my driveway, and always made me cringe when it was shifting into second. I tried tuning it, but could never get it shifting the way i liked so I decided to swap in a T-56 (technically an M29).

I bought a 93 Z28 with a 6 speed and leather seats. I took all the parts I needed off of it, swapped in the leather seats, they were actually Trans Am seats, and sold the auto and the rest of the car for nearly what i paid for it. I really only had $85 in the leather seats and parts to swap to a manual.

Installed a Competition Clutch stage 4 clutch and pressure plate, new GM hydraulics, and an MGW shifter. And if I thought the car was fast before I couldn't believe how much that M6 woke the car up. All in all I only have around $2500 in this car, and have honestly become a huge fan of the Camaro.

Here is how she looks right now, but I am constantly looking for ideas to make it even better.

http:// (http://<a href=&quot;http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/20140331_194236_zpsa90dd3d3.jpg.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;>http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/20140331_194236_zpsa90dd3d3.jpg</a>)http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/20140331_194236_zpsa90dd3d3.jpg (http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/20140331_194236_zpsa90dd3d3.jpg.html)

http:// (http://<a href=&quot;http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/20140331_194256_zps993a91e4.jpg.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;>http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/20140331_194256_zps993a91e4.jpg</a>)http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/20140331_194256_zps993a91e4.jpg (http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/20140331_194256_zps993a91e4.jpg.html)

Let me know what you think, and sorry it's such a long story.

[gjgarre]

My next upgrade is to get the front and rear bumpers repainted. Most people don't notice them, but to me they stand out like a sore thumb.

[Sahara54]

That is a beautiful car...:claps:

[popo8]

Wow... great story and write up. The car looks very clean in the pics. Alot to be proud of there. Welcome to the "family."

[gjgarre]

That is a beautiful car...:claps:

Thanks.

[gjgarre]

Wow... great story and write up. The car looks very clean in the pics. Alot to be proud of there. Welcome to the "family."

Thank you. I must admit, I am a life-long Mustang guy, but this car is swaying my opinion a little.

[popo8]

Thats ok.. we all appreciate anything that people have pride in.

[gjgarre]

Another cool tid-bit about the car is the documentation I found in it. The guy I got the car off of only bought it because it was his buddies who was having money issues. It sat in a garage for a few years untouched, and he rolled it out to sell it. I found a ton of pictures in the glove box of the car in it's original state, and reciepts for most of the parts he put on it. I was able to find out it had Richmond ring and pinion, and the work put into it before I got it.

[gjgarre]

Thats ok.. we all appreciate anything that people have pride in.

That's good. Honestly I love anything that has an engine, whether its a go kart or a fighter jet. My first car just happened to be a 5.0 Mustang, and I was able to get the A-plan so I always bought Ford.

[popo8]

Before i was 16...I always wanted a 5.0 gt... loved em. Then had a couple 5.0 lx...usually just to flip...still enjoyed em tho.

[95albinobird]

mustang's to camaro huh.
that LT1 pulled you from the dark side so now you see the light.:welcome_sign:all is forgiven.

[gjgarre]

mustang's to camaro huh.
that LT1 pulled you from the dark side so now you see the light.:welcome_sign:all is forgiven.

Good to know. But come tax return time, I might have to get me another 5.0 for fun. If I can talk the wife into it anyway....

[popo8]

Nutjn wrong with that.... orrrrrr u could put that money into GO FASTER for the vanaro

[Fastbird]

So you're into that car for under two grand? Nicely done sir, nicely done!

[HellTeeOne]

Nice car, you are the budget build king haha!

It'll be super sharp with the bumpers re-done. I really like a clean, bright red LT1 Camaro. Put it on the dyno and share some numbers!

[gjgarre]

So you're into that car for under two grand? Nicely done sir, nicely done!

Yeah, give or take. I did spend a little more than that to get the MGW shifter and Stage 4 clutch, but I'd say I'm no more into it than $2,500.

[gjgarre]

Nice car, you are the budget build king haha!

It'll be super sharp with the bumpers re-done. I really like a clean, bright red LT1 Camaro. Put it on the dyno and share some numbers!

Thanks, I get it from my Dad, he's been a wheeler dealer for 40 years now. I was always raised with the motto "Don't spend a dime unless you can get a dollar out of it." I was thinking of buying another cheap car, and just continue to flip it until I could get to a Z06 or something better. Just takes a lot of time and energy. I would really like to get the car on the dyno, if that ever happens I will definitely post up the numbers.

[sic96]

Before i was 16...I always wanted a 5.0 gt... loved em. Then had a couple 5.0 lx...usually just to flip...still enjoyed em tho.

Exact same thing here. Except I was around 19-20. My uncles all had mustangs. I loved the sound, the feel and the reputation. My buddy brought over his 96 z28 M6 one day and let me drive. Since that day I never looked back. I was hooked in an instant. Never felt torque like that before. Not out of a stock $4000 cAr. A short while later I too bought a 96z M6 hardtop. Still have her today and that was years ago. You get nothing but respect in a camaro. My uncles were always defending their mustangs while I'm always being complimented on my camaro. You found a hell of a deal there. Those prices are nuts. The car looks clean, the lines look good and I've always been a sucker for red. Nice find. Enjoy her!


Sent from my iPhone 5s

[gjgarre]

Exact same thing here. Except I was around 19-20. My uncles all had mustangs. I loved the sound, the feel and the reputation. My buddy brought over his 96 z28 M6 one day and let me drive. Since that day I never looked back. I was hooked in an instant. Never felt torque like that before. Not out of a stock $4000 cAr. A short while later I too bought a 96z M6 hardtop. Still have her today and that was years ago. You get nothing but respect in a camaro. My uncles were always defending their mustangs while I'm always being complimented on my camaro. You found a hell of a deal there. Those prices are nuts. The car looks clean, the lines look good and I've always been a sucker for red. Nice find. Enjoy her!


Sent from my iPhone 5s

Thanks, I love it.

[jlo]

Very nice looking car..any engine pics??

[gjgarre]

Very nice looking car..any engine pics??

I will try to get some today.

[gjgarre]

http://http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/20140727_190339_zps8b2bbede.jpg (http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/20140727_190339_zps8b2bbede.jpg.html)
http://http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/20140727_190519_zpsb93d6b71.jpg (http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/20140727_190519_zpsb93d6b71.jpg.html)
http://http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/20140724_182550_zpsd4a5c9d5.jpg (http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/20140724_182550_zpsd4a5c9d5.jpg.html)
http://http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/20140727_190508_zps88bea4cc.jpg (http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/20140727_190508_zps88bea4cc.jpg.html)

[gjgarre]

Let's try that again. The last pictures didn't work for some reason.

http:// (http://<a href=&quot;http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/20140727_190339_zps8b2bbede.jpg.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;>http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/20140727_190339_zps8b2bbede.jpg</a>)http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/20140727_190339_zps8b2bbede.jpg (http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/20140727_190339_zps8b2bbede.jpg.html)

http:// (http://<a href=&quot;http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/20140727_190508_zps88bea4cc.jpg.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;>http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/20140727_190508_zps88bea4cc.jpg</a>)http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/20140727_190508_zps88bea4cc.jpg (http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/20140727_190508_zps88bea4cc.jpg.html)

http:// (http://<a href=&quot;http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/20140727_190519_zpsb93d6b71.jpg.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;>http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/20140727_190519_zpsb93d6b71.jpg</a>)http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/20140727_190519_zpsb93d6b71.jpg (http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/20140727_190519_zpsb93d6b71.jpg.html)

http:// (http://<a href=&quot;http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/20140724_182550_zpsd4a5c9d5.jpg.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;>http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/20140724_182550_zpsd4a5c9d5.jpg</a>)http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/freudianfloyd/20140724_182550_zpsd4a5c9d5.jpg (http://s648.photobucket.com/user/freudianfloyd/media/20140724_182550_zpsd4a5c9d5.jpg.html)

[gjgarre]

Engine Mods: Unknown Cam and work done on stock aluminum heads, Pacesetter long tube headers with true dual 3" exhaust, Moroso cold air intake, airfoil, under-drive pulleys, MSD Blaster coil, free mods, aluminum intake elbow, EGR and Air delete, 10mm plug wires, and tune.

Interior Mods: Trans Am leather seats, Camaro leather/vinyl door panels dyed black, new headliner, MB Quart components front and rear, MB Quart 10" sub, MB Quart 5 Channel amp, Fahrenheit flip up DVD player, home-made aluminum A/C control knobs, factory shift knob with 12v button added, and selector shift switch for shift knob button.

Under the car mods: M29 (T-56) swap, MGW Shifter, Competition Clutch Stage 4, full Hotchkis suspension with AGX adjustable shocks and struts, Founder's Performance Strut Brace, 35mm Suspension Techniques front sway bar, unknown lowering springs, Richmond 3:73 gears

And I'm probably forgetting some things....

Around $2,500 invested including the car.

[jlo]

Looks very clean man..Great job like what you did to the shift knob...

[gjgarre]

Looks very clean man..Great job like what you did to the shift knob...

Thanks. I couldn't find one I liked and didnt want to pay $45 or more for any I found.

[jlo]

might send you mine to add the button to..;)

[gjgarre]

might send you mine to add the button to..;)

It's pretty easy if you have access to a drill press. All I did was install the knob, put a dot where I wanted the button, and a dot where I wanted the wires to come out (near the bottom on the backside to hide them), and just had to make the two meet. I got the button from Radio shack, soldered on a few wires and used black loc-tite to hold it in the hole. Maybe if I get a chance I will do a write-up on how I did it.

[jlo]

That would be cool if you could do a write up on that. I'm willing to try it on my shift knob.

[SchaefZ28]

Man, you got some crazy good prices on everything. Car looks great!

[gjgarre]

Man, you got some crazy good prices on everything. Car looks great!

Thanks. The most fun part about the car is finding deals on the parts. I love going to swap meets and digging through everything trying to find parts for my car.