Mark Bruski spent a lot of time and effort transforming his 1986 Camaro Z28 into a mean looking coupe ready to race down the quarter-mile.
He started by replacing the tired factory 305 ci LB9 V8 with a turbocharged 5.3 L LSx V8. The new engine is based on a Gen 3 model with Gen 4 rods, Lil Johns Motorsport Solutions’ Stage II turbo camshaft, slightly worked 862 heads, ARP head studs, LS9 head gaskets, and stock truck intake (shaved and hydro-dipped). The combination is good for 650+ horsepower on 93 octane fuel and 12 psi of boost from a BorgWarner S475/96 turbocharger.
There was no way the tired factory drivetrain would hold up to three-times more power. So Mark replaced it with a built TH400 automatic transmission with reverse manual valve body, 3.5-inch chromoly steel driveshaft, and Trick Chassis 9-inch rear end with a Yukon Grizzly locking differential.
The Camaro rides on a PA Racing tubular suspension featuring their K-member, A-arms, transmission crossmember, and torque arm. Mark paired that with a set of Viking double adjustable coilovers front and back.
You can go as fast as you want but without a way to stop, you best run might be your last. To make sure the Camaro could stop Mark upgraded the front brakes with a set of Cadillac CTS-V 4-piston calipers and installed a Stroud drag chute out back.
Inside the cabin you find a roll cage and a set of racing seats with five-point harnesses. However the most striking change might be the dash and center console from a 2001 Camaro SS.
I love his build but since when did a 5.3L engine become a LSX ? I thought the LSX prefix reference 1 of 5 motors the iron block 454-454r-427-376b8 and 376b15
Typically I use “LSx” to refer to any 3rd or 4th generation motor (LS1, LS2, LS3, LQ9) when I don’t know the exact model or if it uses parts from different motors (LQ9 block, LS3 heads, LS2 rods etc). I use “LSX” only for LSX crate engines or block.