timburrman wrote:It has the stock LT1 with an automatic trans. Some point want to switch the trans out but that is way down the list
Wow, a free non-rusted out LT1 Camaro? Nice find.
I'm one of the Sorry for Party Racing guys as previously mentioned in this thread. We run a 3rd gen with the Gen I small block, so are not intimately familiar with the LT1. However, I suspect that the same general rules apply to keeping a Gen II motor alive, and in true GM fashion, there are a lot of similarities to the chassis.
You'll want to make sure your cooling system is top notch, and absolutely add a good oil cooler. RX-7 oil coolers are one of the best options out there. Oil control is also important, stock pans don't control oil well and you can lose pressure under braking and in corners. Bearings don't like that, so oil pan baffling and/or an accusump can be added to address that.
With an auto trans, you'll want to keep that cool as well. An external cooler would be suggested there too.
I don't know what's on the early 4th gen cars for brakes, but a swap to the later LS1 F-Body or C5 Corvette brakes should be a simple upgrade. The calipers are essentially the same (minor casting differences and 3mm piston diameter change, but the two are mechanically interchangeable), the corvette runs a larger diameter rotor.
That pretty much covers the basics on keeping the motor alive and making the thing stop. Those areas should be your focus in the beginning.
Sorry For Party Racing! - 1985 Pontiac Firebird - Car #35
A race car exists only in two states: broken or in the process of becoming that way.