A mild pro touring 2nd gen Camaro Project

[romanss]

So this past summer I decided to buy a 1973 Camaro that I could drive and tinker with over each winter while the car and I "rest"

It's a nice driver. Not perfect, but a nice looking car.

Presently the car is near stock, has a 383 stroker, 3.73 10 bolt with a turbo 350.

I had to put a front spoiler on the car. I love that look so much more.

I am happy to get back into a driver. My last car turned into a full out race car when I was finished. Never again.

I gave myself some "rules" for myself from now on.

1- No cage. I bought the Camaro so my twin boys can go cruising and to the odd race track with me.
2- No slicks. That will keep the weak link at the tires.
3- No parts get removed from the car. It will retain the wipers, blower, bumper supports, etc etc

My plans for this winter are:

- Year One 5 spoke wheels. 8 inch fron, 9 inch rear. I like the staggered look. With a future option to mini tub the rear and get the 8 inch rims widened to 12 inch and the 9 inch rims go to the front.

- Front upper/lower a-arms, sway bar, 2 inch drop springs and shocks

- Rear 2 inch drop springs and sway bar.

- A new starter. The stock one overheats and embarrasses me when it gets heat soaked.

I bought the car with a dent in the hood. It's a reverse dent. The guy before me shut the hood without checking if the new air cleaner stud would clear. Well it didn't. I started straightened the dent myself using dry ice and a blow dryer. Ive worked on it for about 30 minutes and it's almost gone. Time for more dry ice and I'll get back at it.

[Dave B]

Nice to,see another car from Ontario. Looks like a nice start.

[Motown 454]

Nice looking car, good luck with the project.

[Johnny Blaze]

Sounds similar to my build. Is year one making the N90's in 8" widh now? I thought they were only 9". I assume you're talking the 17" versions.

[aps63]

Sounds like a great plan, and your right that spoiler makes all the difference. Looking forward to following the progress.

[romanss]

Sounds similar to my build. Is year one making the N90's in 8" widh now? I thought they were only 9". I assume you're talking the 17" versions.

Thanks guys. I got the xmas green light to start purchasing some of the wishlist. So January, Santa will be making another trip to our house.

Hi Johnny. I am going to be getting the Year1 5 spoke rally wheels.

https://www.yearone.com/Product/wheels/fsws4

I like the modernized Rally wheel look. 255 45 r17 on the front and 285 40 r17 for the rear.

[romanss]

So I picked up my new rims and tires.

The 285's look awesome. Now to get home and throw them on!!

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[Dave Pratt]

Those new rims look great...nice to see a project that isn't a hi-dollar big shop build.I'm looking at getting the 17" Corvette Rallye wheels for my 69 Camaro

[Johnny Blaze]

What brand tires?

[romanss]

What brand tires?

Hi Johnny.

They are Nitto NT555's.

[romanss]

Those new rims look great...nice to see a project that isn't a hi-dollar big shop build.I'm looking at getting the 17" Corvette Rallye wheels for my 69 Camaro

Thanks Dave.

It's going to be first a cruiser, and as time and cash(wife) allow upgrade as needed.

I like the old school look. Rallys are one of my favorites.

Thanks

[srh3trinity]

Nice wheels!

[romanss]

Nice wheels!

Thanks Stephen.

I've been looking at wheels for a while. I like the bigger 18's, but couldn't justify the cost difference in rims and then the tires. Besides, I like the old school look with a new twist.

Thanks

[romanss]

I'm finally home with the new rims.

Here are a few comparison shots.

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[Gil]

Nice wheels !
285 looks perfect in the rear, good choice !
Gil

[steve40]

nice to see that plate back on the front of another camaro!

if you're back down in windsor over the summer, bring the car down.

[romanss]

nice to see that plate back on the front of another camaro!

if you're back down in windsor over the summer, bring the car down.

Hi Steve

The XCESSIV plate lives. This time it won't be true to the name though. But that's fine, she's a driver and will be driven.

Yeah I plan on bringing it down. But only if I'm down for a day trip. I don't trust leaving it outside in a hotel parking lot.

[steve40]

just good to see it back on a camaro again, been a long wait

[romanss]

So I had some time to mount the new rims and tires and take a comparison side shot.

Man these look great.

Now to lower that front end a tiny bit.

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[Johnny Blaze]

Looking good!

[cdoggy81]

The new shoes look GOOD!

[romanss]

So I am getting ready (slowly) for Hot Rod Power Tour this year.

I am registered and have 3 nights of hotels booked. I plan on doing Wisconsin to St.Louis. Woohoooo

I upgraded the starter to a Summit mini, high torque starter and wrapped it to keep her cool.

Next, my tank leaks so I bought a Ricks stainless tank. I got it narrowed(for the mini tub) and ready for FI, that'll be in a few years.

After that will be new front end parts, inner, outers, uppers and lowers. And while the front end is apart I will be cutting a bit out of the front coil. Any ideas how much to cut to get 1/2-3/4 of an inch of drop?

That should be enough for this year.

[CamaroMike]

So I am getting ready (slowly) for Hot Rod Power Tour this year.

I am registered and have 3 nights of hotels booked. I plan on doing Wisconsin to St.Louis. Woohoooo

I upgraded the starter to a Summit mini, high torque starter and wrapped it to keep her cool.

Next, my tank leaks so I bought a Ricks stainless tank. I got it narrowed(for the mini tub) and ready for FI, that'll be in a few years.

After that will be new front end parts, inner, outers, uppers and lowers. And while the front end is apart I will be cutting a bit out of the front coil. Any ideas how much to cut to get 1/2-3/4 of an inch of drop?

That should be enough for this year.

I run a 315 under my factory wheel tub just fine. I cant remember but I think one coil will get an inch or so

[romanss]

So I decided to do a few days of Hot Rod Power Tour. Madison to St.Louis.

It was interesting to say the least. Here are the coles notes version of my cruise:

3000 km (1900 miles) round trip in 4 days.

Day1.

-1000 km in 12.5 hours
- gas stations not open at 6am!! ran out of gas on th off ramp coming to a gas station, luckily I has a 5 gallon can filled in the trunk.
-sliced the side of my tire with my fender.
-stopped at autozone and bought a pipe to roll the fender. rolled it, then noticed that I dented the fender with the pipe, on both sides!!

Day2

- cruised for 10 hours.
- went through all kinds of towns, people everywhere waving at us like it was a parade
- had tornado and flash flood warning all day. Got a quick rain for about 10 minutes
- got a downpour and thunder storm at hotel for a few hours, lost power that night, until about 9am

Day3

-cruised for about 8 hours
-this day was hot, about 35 with the humidity
-got to St.Louis speedway after sitting in stop and go traffic for about 3 hours
- people started telling me that my reverse lights are on, WTH!! they were fine earlier. So I unplugged the flaming light bulbs.
- watched drag racing, burnout show and checked out the vendors

Day4

-set out at about 3:30 am
- fatality on highway made us try and take detour, closed roads sent us on a wild ride through gravel and dirt roads.
- lost starter at about 6am, the car ran non stop for the next 14 hours
- about 8 hours in, we almost lost the back wheel, it was held on by 1 loose lug nut. Lost 2 other ones, and snapped off 2 studs. It seemed odd that after 40 hours of driving I'd have this issue, but the show must go on.
- got home at almost 8pm


Now the car is resting after a long haul. She did me right. We figured that we stopped for gas about 22-23 times.

[romanss]

So I decided to do the LS upgrade this up coming winter.

I picked up a T56 with a McLeod street twin and I just picked up a LQ4. A 2001, so it's the aluminum headed version. I think that I'll be doing a turbo setup and seeing how I like that.

I'll be working on getting the engine and trans ready for a winter drop in.

[mikes70]

You won't regret. I sure didn't. My LS1 with long tubes, tune an LS6 intake, t-56, 3:73's in a 12 bolt i still got 24mpg at 80. From CA to Texas, twice (Goodguys road tour)

[romanss]

Hi Gentlemen

So I decided to do some updates this year.

Here is the list:

Replace both rear frame rails
install a DSE mini tub kit
install a DSE front speed 2 kit with steering box
new wheels and tires
brake upgrade kit

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Drop the fairly new Rick's stainless tank

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pull out the stuff in my way

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Now I have some room to work. ;)

[DT69Cam]

Very Nice!!

[Zspoiler]

Nice car.It doesn`t take much to wake a Camaro up engine and /or handling wise.It all depends on the pocket book. Thats the reason why they nick name it .The "Hugger"

[romanss]

I like that nickname. I hope to help my car live up to that nickname.

Here are a few progress pictures:

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It looks like a new rear cross rail is in my future. It looks like a drivers side trunk extension too. Sheesh

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Some extra frame repair is needed also

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Front suspension on the one side is all removed.

[1sikride]

Hey man, love it... where in ontario are you? im in pickering,

and you need to chop or order up a split bumper! stat!

[romanss]

Hey man, love it... where in ontario are you? im in pickering,

and you need to chop or order up a split bumper! stat!

Hi

I'm in Hamilton.

I like the solid bumper for some reason.

What do you drive?

[romanss]

Did a bit more work on the car.

Drivers side frame rail is completely removed.

Removed the D.S. trunk extension.

Got my new tires (BFG Rival S) mounted on the rims.

Slid the tires under the car to see how it would look (and to give me some motivation) ;)

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Now to get the new trunk extension welded in, then the rear cross rail, then back to the frame rail, DSE mini tubs, DSE front suspension, Kore3 brakes, new stainless brake lines, new carpet (since I caught my old one on fire) POR15 everything

No problem. The list sounds huge when I type it all out. Sheesh.

[steve40]

Car is gonna look killer Roman. I'm digging the wheels on it

[romanss]

Car is gonna look killer Roman. I'm digging the wheels on it

Thanks Steve.

I still remember the first time I seen the C6 version of these wheels, I was at your place. I vowed to get them then. Here we are, LOL.

[steve40]

Thanks Steve.

I still remember the first time I seen the C6 version of these wheels, I was at your place. I vowed to get them then. Here we are, LOL.

think you'll have it out this summer?

[romanss]

think you'll have it out this summer?

Hi Steve.

That's the goal. That's why I didn't take on too much work. ;)

[romanss]

So I made a bit of progress on the car.

My friend Kurt is working on the front.

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Gotta love POR15.

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And myself, I've been plugging along on getting the drivers side frame rail back in. Almost there.

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[romanss]

So now the front end is coming together with DSE front end and Kore3 brake upgrade.

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Now I cut out the old inner wheel tub. I hope to install the new DSE mini tub tomorrow.

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It's definitely a lot of work.

[BonzoHansen]

Nice upgrades. What size wheels are those? They look huge

[romanss]

Nice upgrades. What size wheels are those? They look huge

Thanks.

They are 18 x 12" C6 Z06 Replica's.

They seem to go nice with the Z06 brakes. :)

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[BonzoHansen]

18x12 up front with h a stock frame? Holy smokes.

[romanss]

18x12 up front with h a stock frame? Holy smokes.

No, no. Sorry. I only have the front brakes done.

I posted the picture up to show off my new brakes. The fronts are 9.5" wide.

[BonzoHansen]

lol i was like wow!

[romanss]

lol i was like wow!

Yeah, probably thinking "good luck with that buddy" LOL.

[romanss]

I got the new inner tub in today.

Next: Cut frame up to fit new spring perches.

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[Jimbo1367]

RomanSS,
Great build. Why did you ditch the YEARONE rims? Was for the Kore3/vette package? Do you recall the room you had with sheetmetal or OEM leaf springs? Why did you choose the staggered rim offset that was in your link? (VS. 4 @ 17x9) I was planning on the same rims and tire size. WHat are your thoughts on the tires? Have you driven the car much with the DSE front suspension? Like it vs. stock?

Sorry for all the ?s, but I want to do the same to my 70RS. Please keep the updates coming !!!

[romanss]

RomanSS,
Great build. Why did you ditch the YEARONE rims? Was for the Kore3/vette package? Do you recall the room you had with sheetmetal or OEM leaf springs? Why did you choose the staggered rim offset that was in your link? (VS. 4 @ 17x9) I was planning on the same rims and tire size. WHat are your thoughts on the tires? Have you driven the car much with the DSE front suspension? Like it vs. stock?

Sorry for all the ?s, but I want to do the same to my 70RS. Please keep the updates coming !!!

Hi Jim

I like the staggered look. That's the only reason I went with that.

I loved the year one's. I wanted to keep them and get the rear's widened, but I thought about the cost (500ish) and then being limited to one tire size (315/35 r17) and also being limited to the brake size.

I had to get 3 new tires this year so I figured that I'd think long and hard where I wanted the car to end up and decided to do the mini tub, rim tire and brake change this year.

I sliced the sidewall of the passenger side front and rear tires when driving through Detroit on my way to the hot rod power tour in 2015. So I'd recommend shaving a tiny bit off of the wheel lip. But my suspension was pretty sloppy too. I lowered the front (cut one loop from the coil) and then had it aligned and they aligned the camber at zero which I figure caused my front issue too.

The tires, seemed ok, then my passenger rear (after about 3000 miles) the sidewall separated adding the 3rd needed tire to be replaced.

I haven't driven on the DSE front yet, It's just going in now. It looks like awesome built pieces, they went in great. The quality of workmanship is awesome. So far so good.

[Jimbo1367]

Thanks for the reply. Sounds like you have alot of the same thoughts I've pondered. I really want a Baer 6S but thats pipe dreaming, LOL, and a obtanable option would be a Kore3 /Zo6 6 piston setup. But as you know requires 18 rims $$$. I really don't want to commit that kind of coin . At least not until the LS swap and bodywork is done.

Anywho, thanks for sharing your badass ride here !!!

[romanss]

Jim

Thanks. It sounds like our planned finish point is about the same. I have an LQ4 and T56 sitting in my garage.

I'm gathering parts to get ready for the swap (hopefully) next winter.

[Jimbo1367]

What are your plans for the LQ4? Heads? FEAD? Holley has a nice FEAD that's similar to the Vette and a 98-02 Fbody. I think the f-body one will offer a lot of people a cheap and swap friendly option. I'll be looking forward to your updates !!!

[romanss]

My "plans" so far is:

Bone stock short block
LS3 CNC'd heads
Cam
Notch the pistons
Stay fuel injected
Fast 102mm
Headers

[romanss]

So today I'm off to the passenger side.

Now with me having a bit of experience in doing this, it is going a lot faster.

Removed the frame rail. I hope to have the other one in the next time that I'm on the job (mondayish)

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[67SSDan]

Nice!! I dig it!

[romanss]

So today I got the passenger side frame rail welded in. And the passenger side Inner wheel tub cut out.

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[romanss]

Today I decided that I'm going to replace the torque boxes and rear floor section. There is more rot then I'm happy with.

I'd rather delay the car hitting the road, then to regret not replacing those.

That way, when I put more power to it then I'm "planning" I won't be concerned with the car's strength.

[romanss]

Today I cut out my passenger side outer tub.

I hope to have the new one back in tomorrow.

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[romanss]

So finally I feel like I made some progress.

Today I installed:

passenger side outer tub
passenger side trunk extension
passenger side front hub, brake rotor and caliper
front sway bar
rag joint

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[romanss]

So the front end is almost back together.

DSE coil overs
DSE upper and lower control arms
Kore3 355mm brakes
DSE sway bar
DSE steering box

now to make a bracket to mount the proportional valve, line lock and then install the new brake and steering lines.

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[MTZ28]

My "plans" so far is:

Bone stock short block
LS3 CNC'd heads
Cam
Notch the pistons
Stay fuel injected
Fast 102mm
Headers

Have you picked a cam yet? Curious which one you went with. Car is really coming together, I like your wheel choice, the color combo looks great.

[romanss]

Hi Curt

I am planning on doing the drivetrain swap next winter. I was looking at the GM showroom stock cam. But will look at bit more seriously at that choice when I start on the engine build.

Thanks. I seen the orange w/white strips and black wheel combo on a cobra before and fell in love with it.

[romanss]

So today I cut out the passenger side rear seat floorpan and passenger side torque box.

After I did, even though it was a fairly big job, I'm glad that I did.

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[romanss]

I fit the torque box and screwed in the floor today. Fit fairly well. I hope to trim it tomorrow and start welding it in.

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[OLDFLM]

Any thoughts on having your white rally stripes painted black to tie in with the rims?

[romanss]

Any thoughts on having your white rally stripes painted black to tie in with the rims?

I thought about it.

I've seen the orange/white stripes/black rims on a different car and liked it. I'll get the car on the road first and toy with the idea.

I plan on painting it in 2-3 years.

[romanss]

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Started plumbing the front brakes today.

[Jimbo1367]

Looking good Roman. If this is manly a streetcar, I'd consider going catheral port head. If you do have your sights on rectangle port heads, do yourself a favor and search around (Patrick G. 0n LS1tech) before buying. I'd stay clear of Comp Cams. Pat G is great at specing cams especially Rect. port cams. Kip at Cam Motion is also excellent. Martin Smallwood @ www.SmallwoodRaceDevelopment.com coms to mind too.

I'm looking forward to your updates. BTW.... did you sell youe YearOnes rims yet?

[romanss]

Hi Jim

Thanks for the tips. I hope to go LS3. I will shop around before buying a cam. Thanks.

I have just put them up for sale. No bites yet.


Looking good Roman. If this is manly a streetcar, I'd consider going catheral port head. If you do have your sights on rectangle port heads, do yourself a favor and search around (Patrick G. 0n LS1tech) before buying. I'd stay clear of Comp Cams. Pat G is great at specing cams especially Rect. port cams. Kip at Cam Motion is also excellent. Martin Smallwood @ www.SmallwoodRaceDevelopment.com coms to mind too.

I'm looking forward to your updates. BTW.... did you sell youe YearOnes rims yet?

[romanss]

A bit more progress.

Between work and family, it's tough to scrape time to finish her off.

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New shock mount

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I had to replace some exterior metal too.

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[romanss]

Finally, underneath is epoxy primered!! Yay!!

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[romanss]

The Raptor Liner went on today. Both the SPI Epoxy primer and Raptor Liner spray went on so nicely. I wish everything went this smoothly.

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Now to start the re assembly!!:bananna2:

[Bobo73]

Hi Roman,

Great thread. Was it easy to spray the topmost portion of the shock mount cross member to ensure full coverage? Also, what made you decide on spraying the entire underbody with the liner and not just the inner fender area?

Looking forward to seeing the reassembly!

[romanss]

Hi Bobo

It seemed to spray in ok onto the cross member. I'll check more thoroughly when I crawl under again on Tuesday. I just wanted the extra protection and I think I prefer the consistant look underneath.

I can't wait to get it back together. I have a couple of things planned in June that I hope not to miss.

Thanks for the comments.

[wlsmoku]

very nice car! was a little worried your winter project was snow balling, but you reeled it in nicely! ls motor will be a lot of fun in that thing too, no need for custom cams so much anymore since there have literally been hundreds of thousands of these builds. looking forward too seeing more stuff from ya!

[romanss]

very nice car! was a little worried your winter project was snow balling, but you reeled it in nicely! ls motor will be a lot of fun in that thing too, no need for custom cams so much anymore since there have literally been hundreds of thousands of these builds. looking forward too seeing more stuff from ya!

Hi wlsmoku

Oh yeah, it definitely snowballing. I was worried, but seem to have it under control. I'll spend next week putting her back together.

Thanks,

[JohnJ@RideTech]

Looks like you are making some progress!

[romanss]

Looks like you are making some progress!

Thanks John

Yeah, the nice weather is a good motivator.:woot:

[qnitro]

looking awesome...

[romanss]

And look what Santa brought me!!

Almost done!!

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[romanss]

Today I finally fired her up. After sitting dormant for about 7 months.

I got a lot done and a little bit more to do.

Rebleed all the brakes, this time the old fasion was with another person.
Pickup and install driveshaft
Finish bodywork and touch up paint
install front seat belts and passenger seat
weld on down spouts to exhaust

Then I got on a 3 day cruise starting Friday.


https://youtu.be/uiENGmd1KWs

[romanss]

So a new chapter begins:

Sold my 383 w/T350.
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Now to start on my LQ4/T56 drop in.

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That project seemed to grow a bit more then I expected.

I was originally going to go NA with TFS LS3 heads, cam and intank

Welllll, I ended up ordering a 2.9 L whipple instead.

I think that I have everything ordered minus the heat exchanger. I'll wait until it's all in and then decide on placement and size.

It should be fun.

[russellmn]

Loving it! For some reason, I seem to like the 2nd gens better than 1st...

[romanss]

So I've made a bit of progress the last couple of days.

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I installed my new cam, lifter, timing chain, oil pump, pickup and pan today.

[romanss]

Made some good progress today.

Installed my pilot bearing, clutch and bellhousing.

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Heads, valley cover, starter and checked pushrod lengths.

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Next is to attach transmission and do a dry fit into the car.

[romanss]

She dropped right in today. Fit like a glove.

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Now to cut out the shifter hole and start other peripheral stuff.

[cbpldc]

Looking good! I love 2nd gens!

Chris

[romanss]

Picking away at the list.

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Through in the pushrods and rockers today.

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Rotated the starter and installed in the headers.

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Installed one headlight. It'll be nice to see while driving.:drive1:

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Installed the exhaust to check fitment.

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I'm pretty happy with the Pypes kit. Fit nice, looks nice.

[romanss]

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It looks like the gauges will fit nicely.

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Did the 3 pedal upgrade!!

[romanss]

So my new intake showed up today.

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Now to dress it and get going!!

[romanss]

And now for the cherry on top!!
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[D-Man]

Sweet build. Is she running yet?

[romanss]

A small update.

I'm almost ready to get the new hood painted.

I have a small back fire out the exhaust. So ill have to track that down.

I still have to finish off the new emergency brake cables after swapping in the 2010 camaro console with e brake handle.

Then after that. June 8th is hot rod power tour.162975

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[syborg tt]

A small update.

I'm almost ready to get the new hood painted.

I have a small back fire out the exhaust. So ill have to track that down.

I still have to finish off the new emergency brake cables after swapping in the 2010 camaro console with e brake handle.

Then after that. June 8th is hot rod power tour.162975

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Car looks awesome and the center console looks fantastic

[DKz Garage]

Love the progress on this build..... May I ask what the width of the rear axle is...."distance from axle mounting surface - to - axle mounting surface". These wheels are awesome!! Also, any pics of console mounts/mods to make this fit??

[romanss]

Love the progress on this build..... May I ask what the width of the rear axle is...."distance from axle mounting surface - to - axle mounting surface". These wheels are awesome!! Also, any pics of console mounts/mods to make this fit??

Hi there. Sorry for the late response. Even though I don't have much to help you. I don't have the rear width measurement, Sorry. I ordered it about 3 years ago now and don't have any documentation that I can find.

The console went in pretty easy. I had to make a few brackets. One to hold up the emergency brake handle and 2 more to support the console up. It wasn't too bad. Sorry I don't have any pictures of them. I don't take too many in progress pictures.

Here is a picture from this years Hot Rod Power Tour. I did the long haul!! Loved it.

I have never driven in the rain before. When we got caught in the rain, I had to adjust the hood up to provide clearance!! That was pretty much the only problem. Not bad for a fresh build.

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[c4racer2]

What size rear wheel and tire ?
Looks great btw
I loves me some hugger orange !

[romanss]

What size rear wheel and tire ?
Looks great btw
I loves me some hugger orange !

Thanks, I am a fan of Hugger Orange too.

The rear wheels are 18 x 12 with a 335 30 tire on there.

[DKz Garage]

[QUOTE=romanss;1304890]Hi there. Sorry for the late response. Even though I don't have much to help you. I don't have the rear width measurement, Sorry. I ordered it about 3 years ago now and don't have any documentation that I can find.

The console went in pretty easy. I had to make a few brackets. One to hold up the emergency brake handle and 2 more to support the console up. It wasn't too bad. Sorry I don't have any pictures of them. I don't take too many in progress pictures.

Here is a picture from this years Hot Rod Power Tour. I did the long haul!! Loved it.

I have never driven in the rain before. When we got caught in the rain, I had to adjust the hood up to provide clearance!! That was pretty much the only problem. Not bad for a fresh build.

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The car is looking great!!