11's and Then Some

In early November I had a new cam installed, along with what is called an "LS3-conversion". Basically, the new automatic Camaros come with a different cam than the manuals, and also have Active Fuel Management and Variable Valve Timing - fuel economy improvements on many new cars. The AFM turns off 4-cylinders at cruising speeds. Needless to say, pretty useless for my goals.

The new camshaft I chose is from Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, famous in the modern EFI hotrod world, especially with Corvettes. Mine is their GT-9 cam, designed especially for blowers, or superchargers. I decided to install it first, to get me into the 11's easily and get me ready for the addition of what will likely be a Procharger D1-SC Supercharger next year. With just the cam, I gained 48 HP, which was exactly what I needed.

Here's the video of the car on the Dyno after the cam install:


And here's an idle video:


Since my GTO days, there has been a Shootout in Darlington SC each November. It is only for GM cars with IRS, mainly GTO's, Corvettes, Camaro's and G8's. I participated in the first one a few years back and now I brought my new Camaro.



Results were great:
Sixty foot: 1.695, 1/4 mile: 11.731 @ 117.58

No reason to go faster than 11.5 until I'm ready for a roll cage, so I'm very happy.

Here's a video form the day, which tells you a bit about me. We were in a bracket race (racers pick their predicted time and try to run as close as they can to it, without going faster), and as I began the race, I realized I had beaten my opponent handily off the line and could "lift" and coast through the traps - so that I would win and not "break out". But, the launch felt so good and the pass felt so right, that I did not lift, "broke out", but set a personal best. All those things went through my mind in the course of about 2 seconds... it's just not in me to slow down. :)

Here's the video: