Camaro Stocker???

Freddie · 02-02-2009, 10:49 AM

I have a chance to pick up a 1996 Camaro for my son, the car is in real nice condition, and is real affordable. The guy just put a new engine and trans in it, car already has headers, and flowmasters, and a 3.5 gear in it.

how much work is it to make oneof these a decent running Stocker? I have been playing with Mustangs for the past 15 years, and planned on putting him in a Mustang, but this deal is almost too good to pass up.

I know I will need to put a roll bar in it, and change the wheels and tires, and most likely the gear as well. What else do you guys do to them? and what class do they run? If I looked at it right looks like it falls into D or E/SA, is that right??

countrypuppy4865 · 02-02-2009, 11:48 AM

A '96 Camaro would be a natural D car it can also run C and E. C = 3235 lb. D = 3410 E = 3580. I would estimate 20-25 thousand to have a competitive LT-1 car. If you find some second hand stuff (EFI system, wheels and tires, tranny and convertor), it should help costs because just those can easily be around $8,000 together new. Also, you need to change out the 10 bolt rearend for a 12 bolt with either 4.88 or 5.14 gears.

CrateCamaro · 02-02-2009, 12:34 PM

The 2 most expensive and important things about those cars is the computer stuff and the rear end. Why GM put such a wimpy rear in those cars is a question I would like to ask. 7.5 rears break with a street tire on them. They should have had an 8.5 10 bolt at least. Smith Performance Specialties can sell you everything you need to make these cars work and live under drag strip abuse. Most of the 96 and up Camaro stockers are his cars. Check out his website.

Freddie · 02-02-2009, 01:37 PM

Thanks guys, i am not looking to make this a top qualifying car by any means, I am simply looking to be able to at least hit the index and maybe go .1-.3 under. He will just be racing at Divisional races anyway for at least a year or two.

Ed Wright · 02-02-2009, 03:56 PM

I'm not sure where the LT1 stockers are shifted, but if below 7000 RPM the factory PCM (computer) can be used just fine. Software and an interface cable for tuning one would be a lot cheaper than an aftermarket ECU and harness.

02-02-2009, 10:49 AM	#1
Freddie Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tampa Fla / Anderson SC Posts: 334 Likes: 12 Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Camaro Stocker??? I have a chance to pick up a 1996 Camaro for my son, the car is in real nice condition, and is real affordable. The guy just put a new engine and trans in it, car already has headers, and flowmasters, and a 3.5 gear in it. how much work is it to make oneof these a decent running Stocker? I have been playing with Mustangs for the past 15 years, and planned on putting him in a Mustang, but this deal is almost too good to pass up. I know I will need to put a roll bar in it, and change the wheels and tires, and most likely the gear as well. What else do you guys do to them? and what class do they run? If I looked at it right looks like it falls into D or E/SA, is that right?? __________________ NHRA: Comp 2200 - S/C 2201 NMRA 2012 Outlaw 10.5 #10

02-02-2009, 11:48 AM	#2
countrypuppy4865 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Donaldsonville, LA Posts: 977 Likes: 17 Liked 227 Times in 69 Posts	Re: Camaro Stocker??? A '96 Camaro would be a natural D car it can also run C and E. C = 3235 lb. D = 3410 E = 3580. I would estimate 20-25 thousand to have a competitive LT-1 car. If you find some second hand stuff (EFI system, wheels and tires, tranny and convertor), it should help costs because just those can easily be around $8,000 together new. Also, you need to change out the 10 bolt rearend for a 12 bolt with either 4.88 or 5.14 gears. __________________ Jimmy "Cooter" Hidalgo, Jr. 4865 E/SA '04 GTO 4865 SS/GA '99 Firebird

02-02-2009, 12:34 PM	#3
CrateCamaro Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 411 Likes: 1 Liked 19 Times in 7 Posts	Re: Camaro Stocker??? The 2 most expensive and important things about those cars is the computer stuff and the rear end. Why GM put such a wimpy rear in those cars is a question I would like to ask. 7.5 rears break with a street tire on them. They should have had an 8.5 10 bolt at least. Smith Performance Specialties can sell you everything you need to make these cars work and live under drag strip abuse. Most of the 96 and up Camaro stockers are his cars. Check out his website. __________________ Tony Valerio 1968 Camaro 1700 IHRA H/CM 1701 NHRA SS/?A

02-02-2009, 01:37 PM	#4
Freddie Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tampa Fla / Anderson SC Posts: 334 Likes: 12 Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Camaro Stocker??? Thanks guys, i am not looking to make this a top qualifying car by any means, I am simply looking to be able to at least hit the index and maybe go .1-.3 under. He will just be racing at Divisional races anyway for at least a year or two. __________________ NHRA: Comp 2200 - S/C 2201 NMRA 2012 Outlaw 10.5 #10

02-02-2009, 03:56 PM	#5
Ed Wright Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Sand Springs, OK Posts: 8,132 Likes: 896 Liked 390 Times in 170 Posts	Re: Camaro Stocker??? I'm not sure where the LT1 stockers are shifted, but if below 7000 RPM the factory PCM (computer) can be used just fine. Software and an interface cable for tuning one would be a lot cheaper than an aftermarket ECU and harness. __________________ Ed Wright 4156 SS/JA