Editor's note: While the following F-body modifications will make a huge difference on the road course, this story is aimed at the street driver who might want to attend an HPDE or the like. This Z28 is lacking the mandatory safety upgrades needed for competition, like a rollcage and a five- to seven-point harness system. If you are serious about getting into a certain type of racing, check with the sanctioning body for its safety requirements. Anytime you get out on the track, always have the proper safety equipment for yourself: GMHTP recommends a firesuit, fire-resistant racing shoes, an SA2000 helmet, and a HANS device or similar restraint system.
Last time around I equipped 1SC-YA, my hardtop stripper LS1 Z28, with a host of intelligent handling and braking mods ("Street Car, Track Car: Part I," Nov. '07). They were chosen to make a huge difference in the way the Camaro performed on a road course, but to also keep the ride comfortable for daily driving. Track testing took place on Raceway Park's new 1.35-mile road course, and against a baseline time of 1:33.4, I was able to turn several 1:30.0 laps, for a solid 3.4-second gain. A street/strip rotor and pad upgrade dropped 100-0 braking distances 25 feet, and 60-0 distances 20 feet.
I had created a great street car that could take a couple of laps with ease. But there are several improvements that have to be made to allow for reliable road course use. During testing I found myself sliding around in the stock seats, fumbling in my attempts to heel-and-toe downshift, and fighting overheating power steering fluid after only a couple of laps. Additionally, I would never reach the Z's full potential on street tires-it was time for some sticky race rubber. Check out the installs, the track testing, and my review of this entire suspension and braking upgrade.
ROAD COURSE IMPRESSIONS
Regarding the street tire test from the last issue, 3.4 seconds is a huge improvement on any road course, especially a shorter, technical track like Raceway Park's. It is also important to note that I hadn't been back to this course since the baseline was established, and the 555 and NT01 testing happened on the same day, so my experience level stayed exactly the same.
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This Z28 didn't have a power steering cooler-that was bad news during baseline road course testing. After only a few laps, the superheated fluid started boiling out of the reservoir and all over the engine. If you're looking for a good way to waste the power steering system and start a fire, this is it. | 
Though you can opt for a factory-style cooler, we went for B&M's stacked-plate design cooler (PN 70273), measuring 11x5.75x1.5, rated at 15,000 BTUs, and available for around $65. We spent a few more bucks on 10 feet of 3/8 ID high-pressure hose, a couple of 90-degree half-inch pipe thread adapters, a double barbed fitting, and four 7/32-5/8 band clamps. We also approached Red Line about using some of its outstanding power steering fluid ($10/quart). With a 50-percent greater high-temp viscosity, it offers much higher thermal and oxidation resistance than a petroleum-based power steering fluid. Simply put, if you want the best, this is it. |