C5 IRS/trans and tube in fbody?
02-06-2012, 11:55 PM
#1
C5 IRS/trans and tube in fbody? Well guys, I wasnt quite sure where to put this type of thread, so since its partly suspension related, I picked this forum.
I've been pondering this for quite some time, I want some insight if possible, and some opinions.
I know that the c4 IRS is capable of being swapped into an fbody with relitivly light modification with an experienced fabricator, but the same problems the fbodies have still exist even with a c4 Irs setup. While the car may handle substantially better than that of an fbody with a straight axle the issues of ground clearance for exhaust, and weight distribution still exist.
My idea is a custom installation of a c5 corvettes IRS, torque tube, and rear mounted transmission into a 4th gen fbody. I've done a tad bit of searching and noticed the width of the cars are only slightly different, fbody being 74.1" wide, and c5's being only 76.3" wide. So with just slightly different offset wheels would fix this problem. I also noticed that The wheel bases of both cars is also very close to one another, fbody being 101.1" and c5 being 104.5". Therefore shortening of the torque tube of just a few inches would enable the torque tube, transmission and entire rear suspension cradle to be installed into an fbody, of course with a slew of fabrication done to make it all mount up. Regardless, it seems completely possible in reality of someone wanting to spend the money to do it. (doubtful) this modification would seemingly fix all ground clearance issues with long tube headers, and true dual exhaust systems hanging too low. You'd be able to fab the exhaust up tight against the motor and Bellhousing and have all the room where the transmission was to fab up the ypipe, and then the duals would have room to go all the way back In the tunnel, seemingly just like the c5. It would also improve weight distribution by relocating the trans to the rear of the car. It would make for a great handling, ls powered IRS car with the capabilities of being extremely low to the ground with no issues of exhaust brewing caught up. Essentially it would make it a corvette with an fbodies body on it. Only heavier. Lol
(Note: I know this idea would not be feasible in a real life situation in terms of financial responsibility, because buying a c5 would likely by cheaper and better when all said and done with fabrication, modification, and parts involved. But it would definitly be one off.)
For someone with a wrecked c5, spare fbody, handfull of fabrication skills, along with a garage full of tools, and a lot of money. Here you go.
For everyone else, keep making drag fbodies.
Just an idea, gm should have done it this way. Too bad they made the vette.. Lol
I've been pondering this for quite some time, I want some insight if possible, and some opinions.
I know that the c4 IRS is capable of being swapped into an fbody with relitivly light modification with an experienced fabricator, but the same problems the fbodies have still exist even with a c4 Irs setup. While the car may handle substantially better than that of an fbody with a straight axle the issues of ground clearance for exhaust, and weight distribution still exist.
My idea is a custom installation of a c5 corvettes IRS, torque tube, and rear mounted transmission into a 4th gen fbody. I've done a tad bit of searching and noticed the width of the cars are only slightly different, fbody being 74.1" wide, and c5's being only 76.3" wide. So with just slightly different offset wheels would fix this problem. I also noticed that The wheel bases of both cars is also very close to one another, fbody being 101.1" and c5 being 104.5". Therefore shortening of the torque tube of just a few inches would enable the torque tube, transmission and entire rear suspension cradle to be installed into an fbody, of course with a slew of fabrication done to make it all mount up. Regardless, it seems completely possible in reality of someone wanting to spend the money to do it. (doubtful) this modification would seemingly fix all ground clearance issues with long tube headers, and true dual exhaust systems hanging too low. You'd be able to fab the exhaust up tight against the motor and Bellhousing and have all the room where the transmission was to fab up the ypipe, and then the duals would have room to go all the way back In the tunnel, seemingly just like the c5. It would also improve weight distribution by relocating the trans to the rear of the car. It would make for a great handling, ls powered IRS car with the capabilities of being extremely low to the ground with no issues of exhaust brewing caught up. Essentially it would make it a corvette with an fbodies body on it. Only heavier. Lol
(Note: I know this idea would not be feasible in a real life situation in terms of financial responsibility, because buying a c5 would likely by cheaper and better when all said and done with fabrication, modification, and parts involved. But it would definitly be one off.)
For someone with a wrecked c5, spare fbody, handfull of fabrication skills, along with a garage full of tools, and a lot of money. Here you go.
For everyone else, keep making drag fbodies.
Just an idea, gm should have done it this way. Too bad they made the vette.. Lol
02-07-2012, 08:19 AM
#2
There is already someone attempting a C5 transaxle swap on a thirdgen (see Thirdgen.org for more details). Several first gen's have been tried (Ironworks (Radical '69 Camaro), and 21st Century Street Machines, and a few others), a few completed, but most fail as it turns in to a major money pit.
Orange_99_SS is planning a C5 swap in to his 2000 Trans Am.
Last edited by lees02WS6; 02-07-2012 at 08:41 AM. Reason: clarification
02-07-2012, 12:38 PM
#4
This. Unless you're trying to build a unique car for show you're in for a lot of heart ache. You'll be in for a lot of grief anyway, even if unique and show quality is your goal, but at least you know what you're getting in to.
As I stated in my own thread about this topic. IRS in a 4th gen is a show piece for your own satisfaction. Even if you know for sure it would be allowed in the class you race in, I can see the frown from here with the grief this modification will give you.
As I stated in my own thread about this topic. IRS in a 4th gen is a show piece for your own satisfaction. Even if you know for sure it would be allowed in the class you race in, I can see the frown from here with the grief this modification will give you.
02-07-2012, 03:07 PM
#5
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He had one but it got wrecked.
Basically it sounds like something todo if you just wanted to try something unique and you got a lot of time on your hands.
If you are doing it to make the Camaro perform better in racing, then I suggest not doing it for that reason. The rear axle suspension doesn't handle that badly. Furthermore usually seat time and experience is the top reason why people get faster.
Basically it sounds like something todo if you just wanted to try something unique and you got a lot of time on your hands.
If you are doing it to make the Camaro perform better in racing, then I suggest not doing it for that reason. The rear axle suspension doesn't handle that badly. Furthermore usually seat time and experience is the top reason why people get faster.
