Demon SS

[The_Blur]

Originally Posted by GreymaroSS

What process did you use to dye your stitches on your seats?

I used a fabric marker. Be sure to test the color so that you avoid what I did, which was to pick too light a shade at first. Be careful to keep it on the white stitching and off the leather. Of course, some of it may end up on the leather, and it should wipe off easily with a little water.

Originally Posted by That Heavy Chevy

Very nice job, Blur! Your work is inspiring me to start a little project myself.

Please do. Every project on here is a contribution to the Camaro community. Add your ideas and technical knowledge to the journals.

[The_Blur]

ACS Z/28-Style Spoiler for 2010-2013 Camaros
ACS Composite produces high-quality parts. I've told you about my functional mail slot, but this is another level of functional performance. The Z/28 spoiler is designed as a high-downforce spoiler from GM, and this model from ACS exactly mimics the contours at the top side of the spoiler, fitting nicely on the bottom with the original fifth generation trunk. Due to the redesign of the trunk, I can't expect an OEM Z/28 spoiler to fit. This one bolted directly into the existing holes. If you take this to a shop for install, you should slap yourself. It takes 5 minutes to install, and most of that time is trying to get the rubber covers off of the trunk.

[The_Blur]

I owe some special thanks to JusticePete at JPSS, MaureenM@RodgersChevrolet, and Mr. Wyndham for setting me up for my next major install. You can probably guess what their specialized knowledge could contribute to a 2011 Camaro SS. You'll see pictures, feedback, and tips from me when the work is done.

Shameless plug—if you think your parts need to be on my growing project, let me know! I may not know what you have to offer.

[JusticePete]

:-)

[The_Blur]

Originally Posted by JusticePete

:-)

That was the look on my face when the parts arrived.

[Demon War Horse]

Nice! Subbing for updates!

[The_Blur]

1LE Suspension Conversion
As you already know, the 2011 Camaro SS comes with the FE3 suspension, recognizable by the inboard-mounted rear stabilizer (sway) bar. As well-designed as the arrangement was, even the Camaro team moved to an outboard arrangement with the FE4. I wanted to keep up, so I called Mr. Wyndham, who just got a Z/28 suspension upgrade. There was a 1LE suspension waiting in a box for me.

I knew I should also talk to one of Camaro5's resident suspension experts. JusticePete provided some sound advice and sent me some quality JPSS bushings.

I also knew that I'd need to get in touch with a GM parts expert to help me choose the right conversion components. MaureenM@RodgersChevrolet filled my inbox with suspension diagrams and part numbers, helping me see what I needed and why.

Clearly, I had the help of a quality team to make this happen. I took a trip to the Navy Auto Hobby Shop to get the project started. Within a couple of hours, the new suspension was under the car.

Parts included 1LE struts, billet JPSS bushings, the 1LE outboard-mounted 28-mm sway bar, and the FE4 conversion parts sent to me from Maureen. I won't say it was easy, but it wasn't as painful as the fascia removal I did when installing RS headlamps. At least this time I could reach everything.

After the install, JusticePete recommended some very specific suspension specs. I went to an alignment shop and got it done.

Even on the Pirelli P Zero stock tires, the Camaro SS wants to turn. I highly recommend getting set up with the 1LE upgrade. Some people have complained about stiffness, but I strongly disagree. As a daily driver, my Camaro has been nothing short of fun to drive. It hugs every turn. If this is a mod you are considering, do it!

This is a video comparing OEM bushings with JPSS bushings.
https://vimeo.com/142011018

Here's a side-by-side sway bar comparison. You can visualize the difference in leverage.

[JusticePete]

Next up, Forgeline wheels with 325/30/19 rubber all a round.

[The_Blur]

We're going to have to talk budget, wheels, and tires. We need to complete this grippy package.

[The_Blur]

MRR FS01 on Bridgestone Potenza RE71R
Wheels are the most obvious visual customization to a car. On top of size, a good wheel has weight advantages and can be paired with a great tire for improved grip; however, even those tire options are largely limited by wheels.

My upgrade to the flow-forged MRR FS01 in 19x10 and 19x11 allowed me to add some grippy Bridgestone RE71R all around for a 285 square. Even with my old 20s in the car, I felt lighter. That's for good reason. These wheels weigh less than 25 pounds each when compared to stock 32-pound stock alloys.

Need 4 Speed Motorsports did the work of installing my new arrangement in northern LA. If you're looking for a great vendor for wheels and tires, they'll go out of their way to answer your questions and make you feel good about your options. They offer a huge collection of wheel options with experts on whatever is in your garage. If you have wheel questions, especially near LA, you need to talk to Need 4 Speed Motorsports.

By the way, my 20-inch polished 5-spoke wheels are now for sale.

[The_Blur]

This thread is badly in need of an update. Standby for significant changes, with help from RDP Motorsport, Cultrag Performance, BMR, and WOW Auto Care!

[The_Blur]

Brace for Better Handling
For some time, I've been enjoying the appearance and strut-stiffening performance of a 1LE strut tower brace front Cultrag Performance. As an OEM distributor of performance parts, Cultrag Performance offered me a great deal on an affordable handling option that took minutes to install. If you don't have one yet, I recommend picking up this strut tower brace.



Spring into the Low Life
After some serious thought, I had to lower the Camaro. Reducing to wheels to 19" created a lot of gap, and I had some long discussions with various suspension gurus before finally deciding to go with BMR springs. While alternatives existed, I wasn't ready to spend on coilovers, nor was I ready to buy the most expensive springs on the market for what might get modified or upgraded later. I went with a 1.25" drop up front with a 1.4" drop in the rear. The springs came quickly as parts always do from RDP Motorsport. I got help on the alignment from WOW Auto Care, a local shop in San Diego known for hosting Poway's cars and coffee events.

[SSE 4 2SS]

Nice, I like the look and stance... If you really want to fill the gap, I have some take off tires, Hoosier 315/40/19's that'll do the trick... They are a road racing slick... with a little DOT stamp on the side..

[The_Blur]

I'd find that interesting when my tires are closer to done. I would like to get bigger in back moving forward.