my daily driver 71 Camaro project

[Zteve]

I picked up my 71 Camaro. Couple months ago and started working on it right away. It was solid but ran and drove. It was a little rough so I bought it. It had new rally wheels and tires and new front brakes. Pedal went to the floor but stopped. The day after I bought it, I went to Summit and bought Hotchkis springs, tubular upper and lower control arms, C5 Z06 front brakes, rear disc conversion, converted to power brakes with a new master and lines. Bilstein shocks, subframe connectors, sway bars, proforged steering rebuild, wheels, hood, front spoiler. I wanted to start from the bottom and move up. My next task is to replace the body mounts tomorrow. I will be starting on interior soon. I'm going to be doing an Ls swap but right now I want to spread the budget around the car. I work at a machine shop so I'm starting a small block build to hold me over on power. Free labor and parts at cost make it worth it. Body and paint will most likely come last.

[Zteve]

Befores and afters

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/image_zpsotxbvdga-1.jpeg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsotxbvdga.jpeg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/image_zps3im1dlhv-1.jpeg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps3im1dlhv.jpeg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/image_zps8hshklc7-1.jpeg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps8hshklc7.jpeg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/image_zpsjt4f2x9o-1.jpeg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsjt4f2x9o.jpeg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/63AD83C629E941FCB3992D6D805BD844_zpscqa2-1.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/63AD83C6-29E9-41FC-B399-2D6D805BD844_zpscqa29vj8.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/387BB570569F40519B1F44978565B399_zpsunv2-1.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/387BB570-569F-4051-9B1F-44978565B399_zpsunv2qz9w.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/721D68F7F74E46008BF79BC0E4FC7EB5_zps8zrq-1.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/721D68F7-F74E-4600-8BF7-9BC0E4FC7EB5_zps8zrqdemq.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/627C0206049D421291C72C4D41D719E4_zpsw0an-1.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/627C0206-049D-4212-91C7-2C4D41D719E4_zpsw0ane0nd.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/87876B17EFF44A388E085989468C7046_zpsfc0p-1.png (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/87876B17-EFF4-4A38-8E08-5989468C7046_zpsfc0py1qn.png.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/3ABCEC9AE22E45D8A107889D85401B38_zpsctvy-1.png (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/3ABCEC9A-E22E-45D8-A107-889D85401B38_zpsctvybqej.png.html)

[Zteve]

I love the car and even being a bit on the rough side, it gets compliments everywhere I go. It's good to see that the older cars are still respected by most.

[rfalker1]

it already looks good! I like the color!

[Motown 454]

Nice car! It sounds like your doing plenty already, and a nice job at it. Keep us updated .

[Zteve]

Thank you, I wanted to get started right away and now everything under the car is new. Did my body bushings today. Car sits even again!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/0A36C40FD321401DB415A7CF4869FBD8_zpsd3ih-1.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/0A36C40F-D321-401D-B415-A7CF4869FBD8_zpsd3ihkart.jpg.html)

[Godbolt]

Looks good. Are they US mags Rambler's?

[Zteve]

Us mag rambler u111

[408maro]

looks great, wheels and color match perfect

[camuchi]

Looks great.

I really appreciate the 'build it' projects vs the checkbook projects

My dad would call them 'buck board' projects - get a buck / buy a board

[Zteve]

Thanks, I wanted to find a solid driver that my boys and I could build up. My 11 year old actually removed the old backing plates, painted the axle housing, and installed new disc brackets. My 9 year old helped with the sway bars and front suspension. They love the car and seeing the outcome of their work.

[Zteve]

Starting my 400 build this week. Will be 10:1-10.5-1. I think I'm going with the comp "280" cam. I'll stick with a set of good stock heads and steel roller rockers. Will be good on power for a bit till I get all the ls parts I want to do it right.

[Zteve]

Took it out for a little spin today and it is way tighter with the new bushings and suspension. I daily drive it but work close to home so I haven't been able to really feel it. Overall, I am really happy with how it feels now.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/6E5CE63C87B54101B5AD538B51F16D11_zpslqlq-1.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/6E5CE63C-87B5-4101-B5AD-538B51F16D11_zpslqlqxjhn.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/5BDCD94EB3D54A9797E7931305AB93F6_zpshbl1-1.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/5BDCD94E-B3D5-4A97-97E7-931305AB93F6_zpshbl1hf2w.jpg.html)

[mlam1111]

Looks great, like the stance after the suspension upgrades.
Where did you find the new hood?

[camarodude87]

I think im going to go with those US mags. Look great on your car.

[Zteve]

Thanks, got the hood at Summit.

[F-Body International]

Good stuff sir! Nice to see a build that's still fairly bolt on but is coming out great.

[rfalker1]

Thanks, I wanted to find a solid driver that my boys and I could build up. My 11 year old actually removed the old backing plates, painted the axle housing, and installed new disc brackets. My 9 year old helped with the sway bars and front suspension. They love the car and seeing the outcome of their work.

that is awesome... but you know you have to build two more since they both have dibs on this one now!

[MTZ28]

Awesome to see a father son's project. The wheels look great. I was going to go with those, but found some new/used wheels that fit the budget at the time. Tell your kids they're doing a great job. :twothumbs

[Godbolt]

I've been eyeing a set of those Rambler's for my Plymouth. You happy with the quality? They look great on your car.

[Zteve]

Thanks, I am happy with the quality. I like the textured center portion. They have a full polished version too.

[Godbolt]

Thanks. I like the textured. I think Summit will be getting another order from me.....

[Zspoiler]

Its nice to see some one start with a decent body.And that is one of the hardest part of the car to do. Like all builds they all take a lot of time,money and patience.So its nice to see some one take their time and do it right.Its a nice looking car and keep up the good work.

[splatt]

Did you need a spacer to clear the corvette brakes? Also do your calipers have the raised "corvette" logo. I'm trying to find wheels for my Monte Carlo.

[Zteve]

No logo on the calipers. I had to grind a bit off of them to make the wheel fit. They didn't hit by much and I didn't want to run a spacer in the front in fear of the wheel hitting the fender.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/image_zpsjt4f2x9o-1.jpeg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsjt4f2x9o.jpeg.html)

[splatt]

Thanks for the info

[Zteve]

Doors shut solid again.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/82916967753D4BE29EA26421710B8693_zpstolc-1.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/82916967-753D-4BE2-9EA2-6421710B8693_zpstolcpjo6.jpg.html)

[Zteve]

Buddy picked up a Nova so I had to get a pic
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/3D61EC6FE5444C489DC74016F57704F7_zpsj486-1.png (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/3D61EC6F-E544-4C48-9DC7-4016F57704F7_zpsj486ymq7.png.html)

[Zteve]

Got the first coat of Por15 down today. Tomorrow is sound deadening, new carpet, new shifter, and painted panels.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/101F47585E15442E92288430359CAC19_zpsppqa-1.png (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/101F4758-5E15-442E-9228-8430359CAC19_zpsppqaknko.png.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/E39F6F87-31A6-4D22-AEDE-B2E2880CD55E_zpsoyuonptq.jpg.html)

[Zteve]

Went ahead and bought 72 sqft. of Dynamat and will be installing that this weekend. I installed my subframe connectors and rear sway bar and the car feels so tight now. I also picked up a 5.3 that i'm going through too.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/74F9FCF467634AEE90ED0075C5337BEF_zpsq4f4-1.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/74F9FCF4-6763-4AEE-90ED-0075C5337BEF_zpsq4f4jrxy.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/56B4D05FDB954B0DAD855346581C880D_zpsnson-1.jpeg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/56B4D05F-DB95-4B0D-AD85-5346581C880D_zpsnson3m1d.jpeg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/18DB8E12116D41FC96E6D8E82C7681CE_zpsv4n5-1.jpeg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/18DB8E12-116D-41FC-96E6-D8E82C7681CE_zpsv4n5jygx.jpeg.html)

[Josh@Ridetech]

Went ahead and bought 72 sqft. of Dynamat and will be installing that this weekend. I installed my subframe connectors and rear sway bar and the car feels so tight now. I also picked up a 5.3 that i'm going through too.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/74F9FCF467634AEE90ED0075C5337BEF_zpsq4f4-1.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/74F9FCF4-6763-4AEE-90ED-0075C5337BEF_zpsq4f4jrxy.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/56B4D05FDB954B0DAD855346581C880D_zpsnson-1.jpeg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/56B4D05F-DB95-4B0D-AD85-5346581C880D_zpsnson3m1d.jpeg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/18DB8E12116D41FC96E6D8E82C7681CE_zpsv4n5-1.jpeg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/18DB8E12-116D-41FC-96E6-D8E82C7681CE_zpsv4n5jygx.jpeg.html)

Nice! The color is really nice on it!

[Zteve]

Thanks, can't decide on the new color yet.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Thanks, can't decide on the new color yet.

Anytime. I like it just for the fact that it's a little different than every other one out there!

[Z06killinSBF]

I like this build, right up my alley. Your car is fairly similar looking to my dad's 73.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/2FBF2324AC864943BE14A7EE22602499_zps8jhr-1.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/Z06killinSBF/media/2FBF2324-AC86-4943-BE14-A7EE22602499_zps8jhrwqsp.jpg.html)

[cdoggy81]

cool build!

[camarodude87]

I love this build. Is there any updates.

[Zteve]

My trans has been leaking and now I'm losing 3rd gear. I'm pulling it out next weekend for a rebuild and shift kit. The engine is tired and leaking as well and I don't want to put it on a rebuilt transmission so I'm building a 385 stroker until the 5.3 and turbo are ready to go in. I just got the rotating assembly so will be starting that this week. This will give me more time to gather parts for the 5.3.

[Zteve]

Otherwise, I've just been going through the interior getting rid of rattles and making it a comfortable driver.

[cdoggy81]

Otherwise, I've just been going through the interior getting rid of rattles and making it a comfortable driver.
Ya, I know what that is like for these cars... As a kid it seemed like every time my dad took me out in his 70 he was having me tighten something down or stick stick paper in a gap LoL

Sorry to hear about the tranny. Hopefully it won't be too bad.

What size wheel, tire & bs combo did you choose as it looks great? Fronts 18x8, 245-40, 4.5" & rears 18x9.5, 275-40, 5.5?

[Zteve]

It only slips out of 3rd when warmed up and I live in a small town and work so close to home that it's not an issue. I still daily drive the car. It leaks a lot which is the most annoying thing. I already have the rebuild and shift kit for it so next weekend I'll pull it out of the car and take it to the shop. I'm doing the machine work on and another block and building the engine myself this week so I have minimal downtime.

[LSXZ28]

Sweet car! I had a red 72, but I have to say I really like the color that is on yours now! I would keep it, but that's just me...

[Zteve]

Thanks, i had debated on keeping it green but the paint is horrible. Would be nice not to have to do a full color change.

[camaros down under]

I vote keep it the same colour too :)
Unless you can convince us all otherwise. It's unique in a good way.

Someone else has asked about tire and wheel size-
'What size wheel, tire & bs combo did you choose as it looks great? Fronts 18x8, 245-40, 4.5" & rears 18x9.5, 275-40, 5.5?'
I'm trying to work out what size to put on mine without mini-tubbing it (from what I can tell your's isn't tubbed?)

[Zteve]

No, it isn't tubbed. The bs on the rear is 5.25. I could have gone more aggressive in the rear. I have a little more room to play with between the tire and the body.

[cdoggy81]

No, it isn't tubbed. The bs on the rear is 5.75. I could have gone more aggressive in the rear. I have a little more room to play with between the tire and the body.

I assume you used a 1/2" adapter as I think they only come with 5.25" bs correct?

[Zteve]

Sorry, I meant 5.25

[ray11]

https://youtu.be/tolv311p1YM
I love seeing people make progress even though it feels like I never do here is a link to my project, ill be posting updates every week.

[Zteve]

10.4:1 stroker almost finished
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/F1554724CE8047FC94E3512573E45C01_zps5yvc-1.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/F1554724-CE80-47FC-94E3-512573E45C01_zps5yvc8r2q.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/90C0BB0DE3114C948DF0E67977E2D0AC_zpsnwqn-1.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/90C0BB0D-E311-4C94-8DF0-E67977E2D0AC_zpsnwqnzjwy.jpg.html)

[Zteve]

Decided to go with textured black powder coated valve covers instead.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/8B4CF5704CCF44CCA49DF96B03F2C5AD_zpsmie4-1.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/8B4CF570-4CCF-44CC-A49D-F96B03F2C5AD_zpsmie4j1zu.jpg.html)

[BMR Sales]

What did you do with your old hood (L88 Style)?

[Zteve]

Took it to the dump. Previous owner tried to mold the scoop with bondo and it looked like garbage.

[Zteve]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/541932BEA41148D99AF3B3F308C16FD3_zpscrcz-1.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/541932BE-A411-48D9-9AF3-B3F308C16FD3_zpscrcz46fh.jpg.html)

[xsboost90]

badass! how do you like your exhaust dumping in front of the rear end like that? my rear suspension takes up too much room and im pretty sure there is no way to go over it so im thinking of just doing turn downs like that.

[Zteve]

It was ok, lot of drone and my boys said it felt like the car had rear heated seats. The previous owner mounted the exhaust funny and when I took the interior out for por-15, dynamat, and carpet, I found holes melted into the seat back pad.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/F311CECD7F4D46CC8B8EFEA8BDCBB002_zps6pdi-1.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/F311CECD-7F4D-46CC-8B8E-FEA8BDCBB002_zps6pdijpqg.jpg.html)

[Zteve]

Got the engine fired up yesterday!
https://youtu.be/KMNb6fxurUg

[camarodude87]

Car sounds real good man.

[Zteve]

Almost broken in and has quite a bit more lower than the old engine. Been driving it daily.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/912E2C71D063406BA80C9EEF3807EE20_zpszoap-1.png (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/912E2C71-D063-406B-A80C-9EEF3807EE20_zpszoapfvbu.png.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/04E6E308EF71484F9AA2676E7283D8DB_zps5zgm-1.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/87tpi/media/Mobile%20Uploads/04E6E308-EF71-484F-9AA2-676E7283D8DB_zps5zgm9tdg.jpg.html)

[LERM]

New motor looks great. As does the new stance. Sorry if I missed it, but what body mounts did you use?

[Zteve]

Thanks, I went Energy suspension.

[camarodude87]

Just checking in to see if you had any updates?