1981 Camaro Z28

[MP81]

Simple maintenance items. Simple, but necessary.

Interesting tidbit: the ICM box came with two in there.
[MENTION=254]JoeliusZ28[/MENTION] theorizes its to make sure the *****in 305 gets as much horsepower as possible - clearly by using two ICMs.

[JoeliusZ28]

That looks like the same cap and ignition module mine uses, the rotor i got was white though. Im still trying to learn the ins and outs of these HEI and ESC systems so far im still pretty clueless.

[MP81]

Should be pretty similar. Yeah, if you bought a Delco then the rotor is probably white (not that it matters, since you can't see it). I got the Summit as it has brass contacts, and it's basically the same price.

It's pretty much the same as what was in my IROC, if not exactly the same.

As far as ESC is concerned, the big thing is what is driving it to advance timing to the point where it's increasing engine RPM. I'm thinking, since I have a carb, I should be able to test, one by one, unplugging different components that might be causing a false reading to the distributor, and see what - when unplugged - causes the RPM to drop down to where it should be.

My theory is that since the carb is a mechanical component, it will keep running without becoming extremely offended like an Fuel Injection setup can. The "sensors" just provide the distributor with data on how to control spark.

[MP81]

On an unrelated note - replacing the torsion rods that hold the trunk lid up looks absolutely terrifying.

[TSTONE]

Pita for sure

[MP81]

Pita for sure

Looks like one needs a LOT of padding against the rear window, just in case. How does that rear panel between the window and the trunk come off? I see the four bolts, but the panel wouldn't budge.

On another note, the most exciting parts have arrived:

[landstuhltaylor]

I'd like to run it on the dyno as is, in stock condition, to get a (pathetic) baseline. Then run it again without all the smog shit, log manifolds, and the stock single cat, out to dual mufflers, along with an aluminum intake and some carb tweaking. That right there should be a significant upgrade in power, based on how choked the stock engine is.

I wonder what makes more whp. The tired old 305 or the 3 cylinder Fiesta?

[MP81]

I wonder what makes more whp. The tired old 305 or the 3 cylinder Fiesta?

I wouldn't be surprised if it was close. Less drivetrain loss in the Festiva, and not 35 years old either, haha.

Torque is another thing entirely.

[JoeliusZ28]

Id be surprised if my K10 dynos more than 120 at the wheels

[landstuhltaylor]

From what I've seen the Fiesta should be good for ~127/127 at the itty bitty 185 tires.

[MP81]

I'd guess around 125/200 for the Camaro, tops - a little less if I go with a wider 255/60R15 vs the stock 225/70R15.

[Darren]

Is your plan to drive this thing the way it sits for now?

[MP81]

Is your plan to drive this thing the way it sits for now?

Yup. Take care of the "little things", like weatherstripping, trunk torsion rods, etc. Trim pieces here and there. Mild stuff to the engine (headers/exhaust) for the time being, but not a ton more. I might go a little further, but that all depends on deals I can find - most things I can sell when it's time to go with the full swap, so I'm not too concerned about cost if it makes it more fun.

But for this year, mainly just enjoy the car, and more importantly: get used to driving a stick.

Waiting on the title still, so the most I'll do is take it around the block - but that's when it's not trying to idle at 3k.

Definitely want to get dyno runs once it's idling right with the electronic advance not advancing at idle (my theory), and then after the few bolt-ons.

[MP81]

Hopefully I can spend some time this long weekend to get those parts I ordered installed.

Keep forgetting I need to connect the speedo cable up as well.

[MP81]

Wasn't expecting this all to take the better part of the day - definitely feeling it right now and can only imagine how I'll feel tomorrow. Sign of a job well done.

I was letting the car idle to see if the idle behaved, which it did after I gave it a couple decent revs - maybe just from lack of use the linkage sticks a little, and the revs "fix" that. Idled like a good girl at 750 afterwards.

In doing that, the car was far too hot to do plugs and wires on.

So I started off by changing the wiper blades. Old ones were garbage.





Glad the windshield was dusty, so I could make sure the pattern was right.


After lunch, I started on the plugs - a lot more work than I was expecting (like how plugs 6 and 8 required me to remove the right front wheel in order to access them - thanks to the AIR bullshit and exhaust manifolds), but the plugs were really in need of replacement as they were completely black.



New Taylor plug wires


Plug wires weren't too difficult, since I already had that wheel off. The looms for the driver side are missing, so I had to be a little creative with mechanics wire to keep them off the exhaust manifold/downpipe. Headers will solve that issue as I'll just run them over the valve cover. Wires weren't in terrible shape, but not new, worth replacing.


Installed, still with the old cap. At least they look nicer than the old ones.


Old vs. new Summit distributor cap (brass contacts). Much cleaner, at the least.


New vs old ignition control module, replacing for good measure.


New Summit rotor, next to the old one.


Pretty easy to tell which is the new filter here.


Back together. Nice popping the hood to a clean filter now.