Sunset Orange Metallic is one of the most rare colors ever available for LS1 F-bodies, so why would someone trade one in for a common Bright Red Camaro? Justin Bruso can think of about 427 reasons all stamped with MTI's seal of approval. The 18-year-old college student from Southbridge, Massachusetts, made the trade this past February and hasn't looked back. If he did, he might notice over 70 racers standing behind him in points this season in his local racing club.
A Speed Inc Stage III 4L60E tranny, with a Yank 2400-stall nitrous converter, has enabled incredibly consistent times with Justin's skillful manipulation. His methodical routine of heating up Mickey Thompson 275/60R15 drag radials in the burnout box then calling into action the Moser 12-bolt with 3.73 gear, 33-spline axles, and an Eaton posi seems to work quite effectively to say the least. A BMR K-member, A-arms and a removed front sway bar help hang a front tire or two in the air during launch. Of course, Justin's 2002 35th Anniversary SS also has the benefit of QA1 shocks all around to help transfer weight in addition to BMR control arms and a Miller Race Cars torque arm. A BMR double adjustable Panhard bar and Miller Race Cars rear sway bar keep the Camaro straight as an arrow as it darts down the track.
While most people think a mucho expensivo resleeved block (or the even more pricey C5R) are the only way to get big cubes out of an LS1, another more economical alternative entails utilizing a 6.0L iron block-the modus operandi for Justin's motor. With a .060 over bore and a 4.125-inch stroke Lunati forged crank, MTI was able to still achieve 427 ci of displacement. The savings accrued in the use of this block were put toward Lunati Pro Mod billet rods, Wiseco forged pistons, and Stage 3 LS6 heads. An MTI S1 cam was inserted into the block to actuate the Ferrea stainless 2.08 intake and 1.60 exhaust valves with .612/.612-inch lift and 244/244 duration.
Though rarely used, a TNT...
Though rarely used, a TNT Power Ring squirts a 100 shot of nitrous to motivate the MTI 427-cube iron block LS1 when needed. On its own the MTI Stage 3 headed Gen III is no slouch, also boasting a .612/.612-inch lift and 244/244 duration cam as well as a FAST 90mm LSX intake, TPIS throttle body, Kooks 1 7/8-inch long tube race headers, a Speed Inc tune, and built 4L60E to get the power to the ground.
GMHTP caught up with Justin...
GMHTP caught up with Justin at Lebanon Valley Dragway in West Lebanon, New York, where the Mass-native can be found most weekends during race season. Out of a field of 80, he was ranked sixth at the time of publication. Not bad for an 18-year-old.
A Wolfe six-point roll cage...
A Wolfe six-point roll cage and RJS five-point harness keep this 10-second screamer up to spec, and an Auto Meter trans temperature gauge help monitor the fortified 4L60E. The rest of the 35th Anniversary interior remains intact for the time being, but Justin intends to lighten things up a bit with some racing seats and a rear seat delete.
Since Justin races in a lot...
Since Justin races in a lot of Street classes, the DOT legal Mickey Thompson 275/60R15 drag radial is the rubber of choice mounted on classic Weld Draglites.
The TNT Power Ring is currently...
The TNT Power Ring is currently jetted for 100 hp, though it is capable of up to 250 hp. Justin plans to test out the "wet" style kit by the year's end in the hopes of lowering his current best 10.76 ET.