[LesBaer]

This is my first time doing one of these build threads, so please let me know if there's anything I'm missing or should do differently.

Goal - First, find a 4.0/12 second NA car with a near 50/50 weight split that would be fun to toss around on farm roads and equally as fun and comfortable on the highway for my daily commute. Ideally I wanted to be as close to C7 Z06 performance as possible, but didn't need a full-time track car.
It was also important that the car be affordable (to purchase, upgrade, insure and repair), so I searched for the best bang for my buck. I also wanted to be sure that the car I chose could be serviced by performance experts local to me.

Enter the 2016 2SS - ordered with specific options to accommodate future power upgrades and minimize weight in preparation for the Magnuson TVS2300 Heartbeat super charger.

Here's what I started with:



With the help of Jannetty Racing, we also added American Racing LT headers (full exhaust system), but kept the stock muffler, retaining full functionality of the NPP system.


Here are some shots that show the process. You can see the original Tri-Y headers there.


New ARH installed and prep for the Maggie. Jannetty also had my headers ceramic coated to help manage heat.

Maggie's installed and you can just barely see the Mishimoto catch can at the bottom of the shot:

Here's a great shot of the intercooler with the grill removed. It's only visible up close with the car fully assembled.

One last shot of the final under hood assembly

And my dyno results (stock Magnuson boost level of 6psi): 563 RWHP, 544 RWTQ ...exactly what the doctor ordered


Coming Soon: Wheels and Tires

The car hooks up very well with the stock setup, so I'm going to wait for the 1LE MRR replicas. The plan right now is to go with gloss black 20x10 up front and 20x11 in back w/Pilot Super Sports.

[Tr6]

Fantastic!!!!!!!!! Congrats man!!!

[LesBaer]

Thanks man. I also wanted to add that I just got all of my mods insured by adding a rider to my insurance. A rider simply looks at the value of any customization and insures it. It does not consider the performance impact on the car and I my insurance company did not require any additional paperwork (just a phone call). The cost will vary depending on where you live, your age, coverage, etc...for me it was an extra $175 a year and there was no deductible. You can also do this to cover aftermarket wheels.

[misterjaayy]

You wasted no time adding the supercharger! I'm jealous. How does the car run? If you don't mind me asking, how much with parts and labor? You should add some videos when you have a chance.

Beautiful man. Just Beautiful.

[LesBaer]

Originally Posted by misterjaayy

You wasted no time adding the supercharger! I'm jealous. How does the car run? If you don't mind me asking, how much with parts and labor? You should add some videos when you have a chance.

Beautiful man. Just Beautiful.

LOL, thanks! I only took the plunge because I had Jannetty near me and I knew Ted himself would be tuning my car. It's my understanding that every shop uses HPTuners and there is no way remotely tune the car or handheld. You need to physically be connected, so consider how you would handle any issues that could pop up down the road.

As far as what I paid, honestly, it was exactly what was on the quote he gave me. Since this is a new car, new ECU, and (all things considered) a new DI engine, it was important to me not to take any unnecessary risks for the sake of more power than I would realistically ever need. I wanted this to be done right, no corners cut or people other than Ted tuning the car. Each car is different to a degree, so you never know what could pop up when you do something like this and you have to sign an indemnity release form. I wasn't about to nickel and dime them on parts. So for example, if something unexpected happens and it takes more dyno time to get it perfect, I didn't want to end up on the short end of the stick because other cars were scheduled. I'd shoot him a PM and tell him what you're looking for, what your expectations are, etc. It's best to start a dialogue with something like this to ensure you're both on the same page.

I've been driving the car every day since I got it - even up to Boston on a 3 hour trip each way. I think I've put about 500 miles on the car since getting it back and it's running flawlessly. No codes...I'm very, very happy with it. It even drove well in a heavy down pour I got stuck in, but of course I was taking it easy then LOL. That's not to say i didn't have my fun when it was sunny out

Edit: Also a quick update on my build - Yesterday I ordered my new tires for my MRR 1LE wheels that should be here in a couple of weeks. I was able to find Michelin Pilot Super Sports in 285/30/20 and 305/30/20. These are "exclusive" to Ferrari, so the only way to find them new is directly from TireRack (what I did) or a Ferrari dealer. For anyone else interested in doing this, the only way to get them from TireRack is to speak with them directly, since they won't show up as available on their site. They don't have many of them on hand and it's a 2 week turn around if they have to order them.

[jaymsu]

Let's here it. Would love to see this thing fly by WOT.
Mine looks similar to yours at least on the out side...

[LesBaer]

Originally Posted by jaymsu

Let's here it. Would love to see this thing fly by WOT.
Mine looks similar to yours at least on the out side...

LOL...as soon as it stops pouring out I'll try to make a video. I feel like it's been raining everyday straight for the past 2 weeks here.

I got my Pilot Super Sports yesterday too. They're very, very light tires and I changed my rear diff fluid today. I'd highly recommend that everyone change their fluid early for the first time and then again after another 5-7k miles.

Even though this isn't a ground breaking build, I got a little love from Boost Addict :
http://www.boostaddict.com/showthrea...l=1#post707667

[Karma81]

From the looks of the pictures, the mechanics didn't get their hands to dirty.

[G Fo12ce]

Magnuson looks awesome, can't wait to see the video.

[WEAPON-X]

Awesome build man! Thanks for the Forgeline order, the VX1s are going to look amazing!

[LesBaer]

Originally Posted by WEAPON-X

Awesome build man! Thanks for the Forgeline order, the VX1s are going to look amazing!

Thanks Ben, I appreciate all your help picking out the finish and helping me with my order.

I decided to drop my 1LE replica pre-order and go with a set off VX1's in the new black chrome finish. I'll post specs as soon as I have all of the fitment details. I've seen these on few C7's and they should have plenty of brake clearance and a deeper concave look due to differences in our offset. They should be around 21lbs each.

[LesBaer]

While I wait for wheels, I've decided to bolster my Camaro's defenses with an AL (AntiLaser) Priority 5 sensor system. Should hopefully be able to get that ordered today.

Also, here are my other remaining electronics upgrades:

- Forza NPP (fuse pull) controller switch
- Curb Alert

The Forza controller addresses the vanishing Drive Mode bug with our cars, which was discovered in January by other forum members. GM still has no fix for it (there is a thread in the issues sub-forum). It does not vanish often and Drive Mode returns after restarting the car. However I think it's triggered by leaving the car idling for a short time. Having headers, I need to be able to quickly switch into stealth mode if there is a cop nearby. The Forza controller is made by a forum supplier and will be available in two weeks for our cars. It allows you to switch your engine sound from "fuse pulled" Track Mode to Stealth Mode at the push of a button, while driving. It can also be mapped to your Homelink buttons or you can use a key fob. I realize that I could set my engine sound management to auto, but prefer to leave the physical "Mode" button mapped solely to changing the suspension (MRC).

I don't even think I need the Curb Alert but I had already bought it before the car arrived. I might as well have them install it with the AL system.

Edit: Ordered the ALP 5 sensor system yesterday. It also doubles as a parking sensor, so I've listed my Curb Alert in the classifieds. Will also be updating my radar detector to either an Escort Redline, Belltronic STI or a custom unit.

Last but not least, I'll also be adding a tint and a blade spoiler in black.

[LesBaer]

Car got dropped of last night at Wayne Jones Performance Engineering (one of Ted's former guys) to install my ALP system. I've been on the RDForums and it looks like I'm the first guy with the gen6 to install a 5 sensor system (3 front/2 rear). If anyone has any feedback I'd love to hear it.

One other person has installed 2 sensors in front since his state did not have Dragon Eye guns. I need the 3rd to stop Dragon Eye punch through, but am not entirely sure where it should go...any suggestions? See below for my options:

Option A - In the top of the lower grill area (minimizing the distance between sensors)


Option B - Place it even lower (but maintain the maximum 24" distance recommended by Vortex)


Option C - Have them all lined up straight across in horizontal line (not exactly sure where it would go since the Chevy bowtie is there already)


The back 2 are easy...they'd go on either side of the rear license plate beneath the overhang. Their about to start my install shortly, so if anyone sees this and has any experience with this stuff, I'd love to hear your suggestions. Thanks.

[LesBaer]

Just a quick update. After speaking with manufacturer,the a "V" style mounting pattern is not recommended by ALP. It is not as effective in dealing with Dragon Eye punch through. You also don't want the sensor to be covered from above if you can help it so you have protection from overpass shots. Not sure what the probability of those happening are, but figured I'd throw that out there to help anyone else who decides to do this down the road. Here's a shot of a gen5 ZL1 with the correct 3 front sensor install:



Doing this install according to their optimal recommendations proved to be pretty tough since our top grill area is a lot tighter than the gen5. My guys over at Wayne Jone's Performance Engineering (former Jannetty guys) pulled off something truly unique that they're gushing over - recessing the surface of the front bow-tie to mount the center censor. Apparently it's been blended in perfectly. I can't wait to see it. No one's done this yet on the gen6 that I'm aware of, so it's really going to be special if it's as good as they say. If not, a new front bow-tie is easy to replace.

So far, the bow-tie work and the back two sensors are done, so they're just doing the headlight sensors and configuring today. I'll post pictures tonight after I get it back.

Last weekend I applied my Blackfire Polish and Seal, Wet Diamond, and 3 coats of Crystal Seal. This Friday, I'll also be getting my windows tinted. The one remaining eye-sore are the stock wheels. I spoke to Forgeline yesterday and should have them 4 weeks. My Michelin Pilot Super Sports are sitting at home waiting to be mounted. That will likely mark the end of my mods for this driving season. This is going to be one truly special Camaro once it's completed.