An unlocked Fuddle Racing 8-inch, 4800-stall converter inhibits dyno numbers, but this converter proves its stars at the track with 1.38 short times on spray. John says a looser converter would be more ideal for the all-motor passes, but the Z already runs 10.92 at 122 mph with a 1.48 60-foot right off the trailer. His combo has proven so reliable, though, that he's even driven the Camaro to and from the track despite a DRC Racing Transmissions' Turbo 400 and Moser 9-inch with 4.11 gear and spool. Those trips, John says, do warrant a quieter exhaust system than his current true duals allow. High-rpm launches off the transbrake require a 3.5-inch chrome-moly driveshaft, 35-spline axles, and Mickey Thompson 28x10.5 ET Drag stiff sidewall slicks. To clear the stock brakes, Ryan picked up a set of Bogart Floyd RT 15x9.75 rear and 15x4 front drag wheels. MT Sportsman DOT-legal 26x4.5 skinnies and a removed front swaybar allow the Z to pick up a wheel or two on launch. QA1 adjustable shocks (with stock springs) at all four corners also help transfer weight as UMI control arms, Panhard bar, and torque arm give traction to the 3,300-pound beast. Meanwhile, a heavy-duty BMR rear swaybar keeps it tracking straight as an arrow.
While Pinkenstein never made it on the show, it certainly didn't miss the mark in being fast, reliable, and as affordable as possible. The whole endeavor cost Ryan a grand total of $17,000, including hotel rooms and meals for his friends who had flown in to help give Pinky a fair shake at the track. Meanwhile, the Camaro has made many 10-second passes and given Pro Stock John some enjoyment while his turbo Formula is on the shelf.
 All Line Carstar Autobody...  All Line Carstar Autobody pulled out a few dents on the front end, removed the grille, and fitted and painted the lightweight VFN Sunoco fiberglass cowl hood. The 15-inch Bogart Floyd RTs are both stylish and functional in reducing rotating mass and clearing the stock brakes. |  Only with the help of Speed...  Only with the help of Speed Inc, who put the car together in a mere four weeks, and a host of sponsors, including X-Treme Graphics, did this project become a reality. |  The Moser 9-inch and 4.11...  The Moser 9-inch and 4.11 gear from Driveline Solutions, UMI suspension, and BMR swaybar are mostly responsible for 1.38 short times on spray and 1.48 on motor using MT 28x10.5 slicks. |