2012 SS Autocross/Weekend cruiser.
 

I decided to start a build thread for my 2012 Ashen Grey SS. I bought the car in June of 2012. I had been looking at G8s mostly. I found a few but I couldn't get over the automatic in the GTs and I couldn't find a decent deal on a GXP. I ended up looking at Camaros last and finally went to the dealer in town. They had a this one sitting there and I loved the sleek look of the color. Two weeks later I went back on drove off that night in it.

Initial my plan was to make it an all around car for street/strip/autocross with decent cam only setup and a few supporting suspension mods to with the added power. I didn't want to go too crazy because I use the car for weekend trips and getaways. I started out with a set of Texas Speed headers that I installed and tuned in October.

In November I went to Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia and attended a week long course taught by Bill Scott Racing. We put quite a few laps down on a 1.4 mile road course in Crown Vic Police Cruisers. Even though they were sports cars by any means I had a lot of fun and learned a ton about braking, accelerating, proper line through turns and series of turns. I changed my mind on where I wanted to go with the car to a more handling oriented setup. The closest track to me is in Atlanta and is a little too far for most of my weekends. I started looking into the Local SCCA chapter and attended an exhibition event that they set up to try out a new site. I was hooked after the first run. I have gone through the Evolution Performance Driving School two separate times for work and had some fun doing that, but it was in sedans and Humvees. Running a course in car that actually handles decent and has some power was a blast.

Now to the build. I want to keep the car within the SCCA E Street Prepared class. I started a thread (http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=263821) about my first event which led to a lot of good information and Pete from Pedders giving his thoughts on the suspension. I sent him a few messages and he suggested that I start with the following:


HD Rear subframe bushings
Front radius rod bushing
FE4 Sway bar package,
XA Supercar coilovers.

The parts are on their way here and I should be able to get started on the car by the end of December.

http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x...s/IMG_0028.jpg

I just got back from my vacation and found a few things that my neighbor put in the house. I should be able to get the coil overs and bushings done this weekend. I am still waiting on the end links for the sways.

http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x.../IMG_07931.jpg
http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x...MG_07971-1.jpghttp://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x.../IMG_07951.jpghttp://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x.../IMG_07941.jpg

Thanks for starting a build thread, I love to read about builds. I autocross my car and you are going to be a Pedder's believer. The car is going to handle so much better. Make sure and post some pics of the install.

You are not going to believe how much more fun it is to drive

I didn't go too in depth with the pics but here are a few from today and the coilover/swaybar install. These are pretty simple to install. The biggest thing is making sure that the spring preload is correct and determining the adjustment for the ride height. I have mine at 1" lower in the front and 3/4" lower in the rear. The actual measured height is 25 7/8" front and 26 1/2" rear. I still need to do the bushings and get the car aligned. It feels awesome though. It stays flat and feels light. I can only imagine how the car is going to handle after I finish the bushings and the alignment.

http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps7104b7a8.jpg
http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps48cb1d23.jpghttp://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps1b923b94.jpghttp://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps21887b6f.jpghttp://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps3b557110.jpg
http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps42c643a3.jpghttp://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps0de460e3.jpg

Great job, great shots, keep us all posted!!

Bitching ride! That thing is going to handle like it's on rails. What plans do you have for wheels and tires?

I would like to run something a bit wider and squared all the way around. I thought about getting some 1LE/ZL1 wheels but I haven't looked into anything yet.

Nice job that looks nice.

Great looking build so far.

We need to hit up some twisty roads

Once I get it aligned I am all for it.....

Removed the Pin Stripe and the Camaro today.

http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x...26B2461EE0.jpghttp://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x...268F567AE6.jpg

I still need to remove that off of my car. I keep procrastinating :(