Crunch Time, Part II
Several months ago I wrote to the fact that I had 18 days to get my son's Chevelle done for the last drag race of the year. Well, I didn't make it and he had to race his mom's '02 Honda Odyssey van! It certainly wasn't the same experience as racing his Chevelle, but he had fun anyway. A few months later and the first points race of the season was upon us. The race was last Sunday, and when did we finish the car? Saturday afternoon. Nothing like cutting it close.
With all big projects, you hope they turn out like you planned. As for the Mini Mac Malibu, I couldn't have asked for more. It was a hand-me-down project in which we installed a dead stock '89 L98 TPI 350 left over from a former GM project, a TH400 that came out of my dad's '55 Chevy, 11-inch front disc brakes, also from my dad (from his '70 Gran Sport), and the 12-bolt posi from my '65 El Camino. We did spend some money on 17x8 billet American Eagle wheels, take-off '04 GTO tires, a complete Vintage Air system, and a complete Hotchkis suspension, and we got a lot of help from Year One.
We rolled onto the dragstrip with too low of gears (4.10s), early shift points (4,000 rpm because we ran out of time), and 25 miles of testing from the house to the track. Daniel heated up the M&H G-60 DOT tires, staged, and ran 14.10 at 92 mph on the very first pass! When we were putting the car together, I figured it would run 14-flat with the stock engine and all the added weight. Needless to say we were very happy, and the look on Daniel's face was worth all the hard work. Eventually, we'll work our way into the paint and body, but for now we're going to drive it a while and just enjoy our creation. I want to thank everyone who came up to us at the track, saying they'd read about it in the magazine and got to enjoy the day with us. Good luck on your own projects.
Chip And Dip
Q I have read your responses to reader questions and realize your work with GM on the replacement crate engine for third-generation Camaros. Can you provide direction or suggestions on where to locate a PROM for this kit? Apparently, the entire kit is no longer available, but I was able to obtain most of the major pieces through my local dealer with the exception of the PROM (PN 24502457). The dealer has been super, but can't get the PROM from GM-the GM Parts Locator could not find one either. I am currently using the stock ECM with an aftermarket PROM designed for the original LG4, but I know the advance curve is inadequate for the 350. Any help you can provide to locate this PROM or a suitable aftermarket part number is truly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.
Gary Friday
Via e-mail
A Gary, it is a very sad day when the General decides to discontinue a part we have come to love and cherish. It kills me every time I call Ken Casey and ask him to look something up, and lo and behold it's gone! He just let me know last week that the '96 Corvette LT4 inlet manifold had left us. If you have one, hold on to that beautiful red manifold. Let's see if we can find you a PROM.
Mark McPhail and I originally did that project for GM. It was groundbreaking at the time to have a 50-state emissions-legal 300hp engine package for a Camaro. It took many hours of camshaft development and calibration to satisfy the smog police and reach the horsepower bogy Mark wanted. The PROM is the heart of the package's drivability and emissions legality. I think we've found a way for you to come up with a chip. Contact GMCOPO; they have a limited supply of the Camaro Performance Package PROMs in stock. They also have the capability to produce custom chips that a customer may desire. Go to www.gmcopo.com, or call (248) 879-9129-the chips won't last long. Good luck with your project.