Introductions & Greetings New to the site? Say hello!

Restoring two 1997 Z-28's

Old Aug 29, 2025 | 08:05 PM
  #1  
Magman01's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
Default Restoring two 1997 Z-28's

Hello guys. Thought I'd share pics of my Camaro's with ya'll. I've been a long-time 3rd gen Camaro owner and recently acquired two fourth gen Z-28's. Both are in non-running condition but certainly won't be for long! I picked up the Cayenne Red 1997 Z-28, A4 for $1600. It's been giving me a challenge with electrical issues and getting it started, but I'm sure I'll overcome. It's basically stock but complete and ready to roll once I figure out the ignition issues. The previous owner gave up, but I'm still working it...

The bright red 97 Z-28 I picked up for $1700 because it had a rod knock. The engine is pulled now, machine work is complete and just about ready to go back together. This one has a 6-speed and is in really nice condition. Anyway, I just thought I'd share since I'm probably going to need some technical assistance here and there to get these back on the road. Take care!
1997 Z-28 A4

1997 Z-28 M6
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2025 | 06:04 AM
  #2  
LS1Formulation's Avatar
12 Second Club
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,855
Likes: 1,110
From: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Default

Looks like a couple of good scores. If I were you, I'd buy the kits to eliminate the optispark as they are nothing but trouble. Much more reliable ignition that way ( it gets converted to LS style coil near plug ).
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2025 | 08:45 AM
  #3  
Magman01's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
Default

Originally Posted by LS1Formulation
Looks like a couple of good scores. If I were you, I'd buy the kits to eliminate the optispark as they are nothing but trouble. Much more reliable ignition that way ( it gets converted to LS style coil near plug ).
Yes, I agree! Got the first one, but can’t get power to the PCM.
Reply
Old Aug 31, 2025 | 08:01 PM
  #4  
LS1 TJ's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,619
Likes: 519
Default

Kind of strange that we are talking about "restoring" a 1997 Camaro?
Good luck with your projects.
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2025 | 09:55 PM
  #5  
Magman01's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
Default

Strange? No, my initial post was misleading, apologies! I've been working on these two Z-28's for the past 5 months. Just now getting to the point where I'm needing some tech assist.
Here's some pics from the start.






Reply
Old Sep 4, 2025 | 10:03 PM
  #6  
Magman01's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
Default

I have since then, sent it to paint, replaced wheels and tires, pulled and rebuilt the LT1. Had the heads and intake ported by LE. Installed LE recommended 227 dur. cam, and 4.11 rearend is in work. Removed front/rear seats and had reupholstered... Taillights replaced, fixed wiring on headlights...etc. I've been busy restoring both of these!
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2025 | 10:06 PM
  #7  
Magman01's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
Default

And here, I found my "rod knock"!




Reply
Old Sep 4, 2025 | 10:10 PM
  #8  
Magman01's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
Default

So no, restoring a 1997 Camaro Z-28 shouldn't be considered strange. It all depends on condition and history of the car. I will say though, these cars are money pits!!!
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2025 | 08:20 PM
  #9  
Magman01's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
Default

Here's "Cherry Bomb" at the body shop.




Reply
Old Sep 6, 2025 | 09:42 AM
  #10  
LS1Formulation's Avatar
12 Second Club
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,855
Likes: 1,110
From: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Default

I think he just means it's strange to be talking about restoring cars that are seemingly so "new". But it's pretty awesome you are, because these are getting more scarce by the day in nice condition. And sticking with the LT1 is great because a lot of people get rid of them for the LS. I have a soft spot for the LT1, as I've owned a couple LT1 cars in the past ( 1993 Firebird Formula and a 1995 Caprice 9C1. Got the 5000 lb. Caprice into the 13.40's with an SBE LT1 with home ported heads and a cam. ) . Will be nice to see how they turn out!
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2025 | 12:08 PM
  #11  
ScreaminRedZ's Avatar
registered user
20 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,941
Likes: 0
Default

Very cool projects! I love the Cayenne Red
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2025 | 01:05 PM
  #12  
Magman01's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
Default

Originally Posted by ScreaminRedZ
Very cool projects! I love the Cayenne Red
Thanks. I'm on to tuning the Cayenne red one now. Doing a mail order Solomon tune to get it going!
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2026 | 04:50 AM
  #13  
Nodnarbs4ever's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Apr 2026
Posts: 0
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Magman01
Thanks. I'm on to tuning the Cayenne red one now. Doing a mail order Solomon tune to get it going!
Hey, sorry to bump and old thread but it's been a long time since I've been on here and I'm trying to track down a tune. I'm curious how you got a hold of Solomon for the tune?
Reply


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:32 PM.