Stroked n' Whippled LS3 Pro-Touring '68 Camaro

[snichols28]

I'm finally getting around to starting the build thread. I've referred to so many other builds on this and similar websites over the past 1.5 years, thanks to all of you for the inspiration. ...but why did ALL of you forget to tell me how addicting and expensive this hobby is?! I've never done a project like this and/or made a build thread so let me know if there are any other suggestions on what I should be doing with making this build thread. Thanks all!

With the tremendous help this website offers, I have been able to figure out a lot of questions with this thing. The only thing that keeps stumping me is the name of the project. I'm looking for suggestions. Any help with that?! I'm about to name it "BallzDeep" because it seems like a never ending project and every time another big expense comes up all I can say is "Well, I've come this far with it, might as well keep going".

This thing started back in June of 2014. I have always loved and wanted a 67-69 Camaro. I have owned and toyed with plenty of newer modern sports and "muscle" cars but have always had a thing for pro touring older cars. I found this thing on Craigslist about 2 hours south of me and called with some questions. It looked good in pictures and sounded even better when I went to check it out. Next thing you know, I'm trailering this thing home. I knew the paint and body had been redone and half-assed but the car looked and sounded great from 10 feet away. Being a rookie to older cars, I wasn't exactly sure what to pay attention to with body/paint issues. Now I know! ...the left/rear quarter panel had been chop shop replaced, rust in many locations was covered with mud, paint over-spray, misaligned body gaps, etc. But it looked and sounded great! :headbang:

A few months after I bought it
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20140824_114548-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20140824_114515-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20140824_115115-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20140824_115327-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20140824_115227-1.jpg
YK1JOiLGYZA


After approximately four months of driving and playing with it, I starting thinking about how nice it would be to have comfortable seats and an engine that was fuel injected with no odor of raw fuel when I drove it. Here's where it alllll begins!

I called a guy I know at LKQ used part/salvage yard in Denver and simply asked if he ever comes across any decently priced and low mile LS2's with T56's bolted to them. He said he could probably find something for me. Well, about two months later he calls me and says "Hey, I can't find any LS2's but I do have an LS3 with the TR6060 sitting on it in a wrecked 2013 Camaro SS with only 1,100 miles." Boom! Perfect. It was mine. I then advertised and sold the 383 stroker, 700r4, ignition system, fuel system, and all of the other accessories that were in the car as a turn-key package on Craigslist within a couple of weeks.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150215_152625-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150121_100612-1.jpg


Now I get to thinking again... Crap, now I'll have a newer modern engine but I'm still going to have old crappy loose steering and suspension. Next thing you know, I'm looking at subframes. With the many awesome choices out there, I settled on a Heidt's Pro-G subframe.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150302_163600-1.jpg


Hitting the forums, I start digging into finding what I need to make all of this work. So many choices with everything for doing LS conversions! I was impressed with what I read and saw with Entropy LS radiators. Fit and finish of their products was every bit as sweet as I was expecting!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150217_215000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150217_215016-1.jpg


I sent the stock engine wire harness over to Jeff at My-efi.com. He is a good dude that answered tons of questions for me about how to make the LS3 work in this car. Many people that have seen my completed and re-worked harness are impressed. They say it's every part of being as nice as a new harness from Speartech or any of the other more popular options.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/Camaro20wire20harness-1.jpg


More to come...

[snichols28]

Next step, seats! I was able to find a nice set of seats out of a 2006 Pontiac GTO. I can't remember where I found them but it was a place somewhere on the east coast. They had the seats to me in no time. These things were the comfort I was wanting! Now I stripped the original seats, console, steering column, gauges, dash components and ditched them on Craigslist. This kind of stuff sells in a hurry!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150303_215750-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150303_215805-1.jpg

[snichols28]

So many different things going with the car, anxiety kicks in! Now I NEED wheels.

Knowing that I'm wanting a pro touring kinda' ride, I start digging into ideas with wheels and all of the looks with the different sizing, backspacing, etc. I have always loved Z06 spoked pro touring type wheels. Billet Specialties seemed to make the best replicated Z06 looking wheel. Talking with Schwartz Performance, they hooked me up and helped me with ordering the "GTR Concave Shallow" wheel from Billet Specialties. Knowing what subframe I had, I was able to get all of my measurements for the front. In the front I went with 18"x9". I have always liked the look of deep dish wheels. Knowing that I eventually would want to mini-tub the car, Billet Specialties recommended going with a 12" wide wheel with 6" backspacing. I ended up going with 18"x12"s in the rear. Knowing that polished finishes are a pain to keep up with, I opted to have them clear powdercoat the center of the wheels. Hopefully this helps with keeping them spotless!

Billet Specialties even gave me a little present of a couple of pictures during the wheel build process!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20151026_160039-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20151026_160135202-1.jpg

[snichols28]

It was going to take a couple of months for the wheels to be made. I got to wondering what it would take to get the body and paint re-done so it was at least of average quality. I mean, I can't be building a car like this with half-assed paint and body! Here's where the awakening of how much body and paint can cost. Apparently there's wayyyy more to it than just stripping, prepping, and re-painting :) ...like I said, I was a rookie with this stuff! I took it to a couple of local and well-known body shops. A couple of them said they wouldn't even touch it and couldn't give me an estimate because there was no way to know what was beneath the old paint. I can see how that makes sense! I eventually stopped by a guy's shop that is known for restorations. This is where my first estimate of $25k was given to me. Ouch! I had no idea. He went over a lot of things on the car and told me he would need to know what was underneath the current paint first to give me a more exact estimate. Sooo....time to get the car blasted! I stripped everything down a few weeks later and had everything blasted. Worst case scenario was upon me! Previous owner(s) had some big time patch work done. There was enough mud on the car to take a full mud bath. Crap!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150317_083140-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150317_083305-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150317_083237-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150317_083143-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150319_182130-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150319_182139-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150609_183150-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0045-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150609_183130-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150319_114253-1.jpg

[Godbolt]

Enjoying this. Sounds like it will be awesome. I have come think that buying an unmolested car that looks crappy but shows all its secrets is the way to go. No nasty surprises that way and you get it way cheaper at the start.

[Zoomin]

Man, it looked so nice too.

Going back with the same paint scheme?

[Crestronwizard]

I like these builds. Keep the updates coming!

[snichols28]

Man, it looked so nice too.

Going back with the same paint scheme?

It was one of those 10-footers... looked damn good from 10 feet away.

[snichols28]

Body work!

I spent quite a bit of time looking at options for body work. I had heard of and read quite a bit about AMD Installation in Georgia. In April of 2015 I emailed a few pics of the car's condition over to Craig at AMD Installation and pretty much just asked what a "worst case" estimate would be to replace every piece of metal from the firewall back. He was excellent to talk to and left me with the comfort of knowing that it would be no big deal to replace all of the metal the car needed and he would only need the car for one to two months to get all of it done (compared to by shops that were telling me they might need it for a year or so to do the same work). I sent a deposit to him to reserve my spot in their schedule for starting the work July of 2015. Spending more time now to look for a reputable car transport company to give this thing a round trip from Colorado to Georgia and back two months later was a chore but I got it handled. Next thing you know it's July and the car is being loaded up and on the way to Georgia!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150609_191459-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150609_202941-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150609_203042-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150609_203605-1.jpg

[snichols28]

Car arrives in Georgia a few days later and they rip into it give me a more thorough estimate of what it needs. By this time I had planned on the worst. Sure enough, it's crazy where rust is hidden!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0047-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0048-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0051-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0052-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo201-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo202-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo203-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo203-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo2041-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo205-1.jpg


Craig decides replacing every piece of metal except for the upper firewall panel (with vin plate on it), the a-pillars, the upper dash panel, and the lower interior dash panel was needed if I wanted it done correctly. Game Time!

[snichols28]

Body replacement progress!

Craig kept me updated with absolutely everything on the progress. Here are some of the daily/weekly pictures I received. Holy sh*t this was the real deal!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo201201-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo201203-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo203201-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo202201-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo202203-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo203203-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo201204-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo205201-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo203204-1.jpg

[snichols28]

More progress...

Oh, and I asked if they could install the Detroit Speed mini tubs in it while it was apart. Sign me up! ..I mean, everyone else is doing it, right?! I had to pay for the parts but no extra labor charge since it was already apart this far.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0008-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0009-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0025-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0010-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0007-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo2051-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo2012-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo2021201-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0022-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY00472-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0034-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0033-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY00482-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0006-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0016-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0015-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY00202-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY00262-1.jpg

[Godbolt]

Whoa! Wasn't quite expecting that! At least you will know it is right when done this time.

[snichols28]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0027-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0028-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0029-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY00052-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0030-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY00062-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY00112-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY00103-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY00073-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY00092-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY00085-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY00122-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0056-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0057-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0058-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0059-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/SANY0060-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo201206-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo201205-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo202205-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo203205-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo204203-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/photo205202-1.jpg

[snichols28]

Car is back at the beginning of September 2015! ...yes, it took less than two months for them to do all of that work. I can't say how completely impressed I am with the work AMD Installation did. Fair priced, quick to complete the work, I would/will 100% use them again and refer anyone to them.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150822_200512-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150822_205237-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150830_103327-1.jpg

Now time for the next task, installing the new subframe!

[snichols28]

The bugs on the firewall were included at no additional charge on its ride back from Georgia

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150921_211022-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20150923_072317-1.jpg

[snichols28]

I took a month or so off from the car. The wheels and tires came in. I couldn't wait to see what the 335's would look like stuffed under the rear.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20151009_130519-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20151009_130525-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20151009_130511-1.jpg


Tires mounted up on the wheels.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20151214_063829-1.jpg

[snichols28]

I forgot to mention, just before the car came back from Georgia, I was helping a buddy get the motor out of his Mustang and off to have it made bigger and better. With the continual friendly trash talk of Mustang vs. Camaro with him, I inquired about having some work done on my LS3.... I have heard faster is better! :6gears:

I wasn't really worried about having any work done to the heads as the flow on these stock LS3 heads is already pretty kick ass. I was talked into doing a 416 stroker though!

Pete at Total Precision Engines was the man! We went forged internals and studded everything.


4" stroke Molnar Technologies forged crankshaft
6.125" Molnar Technologies forged connecting rods
CP-Carrillo forged pistons and rings
Fel-Pro gaskets throughout
ARP Pro Series main and head studs
Torque plate bored and honed
Rotating assembly balance
COMP Cams 54-454-11 camshaft
COMP Cams 26926TS-KIT Beehive LS dual valve springs
COMP Cams 7955-16 Pushrods
COMP Cams 13702-KIT GM LS Series Retrofit Trunnion Kit
Katech C5-R timing chain
160-degree Lingenfelter thermostat
Melling M295 oil pump
LS2 timing chain dampener


I'm hoping that will do the trick!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20151220_135738-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20151220_144620-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20151220_135729-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20151226_142844-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20151226_163426-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20151226_215712-1.jpg

[snichols28]

Fitting an oil pan was the next trick. There wasn't much clearance between engine and power steering rack in that Heidt's subframe. The only thing that would give me enough clearance was the Holley 302-2 pan. Holley says it won't work with a stroker LS engine so I had to cut it apart a little bit and had my buddy Matt do some of his fabrication magic so the crankshaft would clear with the stroke.

Ground the inside of the oil pan down to see if I was going to get enough clearance. You can see where I put the Dremel to use to locate the exact area of the pan that was going to need to be modified
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20151220_145659-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160113_204930-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20151220_144709-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160113_221659-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160113_221713-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160113_221849-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160113_221444-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160103_130014-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160124_131143-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/IMG951454-1.jpg

[snichols28]

I finally got Heidt's to tell me who makes headers for their Pro-G subframe with an LS3 on it! Sanderson Headers was the answer.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160207_113155-1.jpg


I went with McLeod's Direct Fit RST Street Twin Disk clutch and their Direct Fit Hydraulic Conversion Kit

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20151226_173112-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160131_144615-1.jpg

[snichols28]

Making progress!

Instead of paying to have my existing Ford 9" housing and axles cut, I decided to go with a Moser Fabricated 9" rear end. They let me send the brackets for the Heidt's 4-link kit to them so they could weld them on the housing. Assembly of the assembly was a breeze!

Some of the brackets that hug the frame under the trunk took some cutting and grinding but it all worked out in the end.


Moser M9 Fabricated Housing
Eaton Truetrac differential with 3.70 gears
35-spline axles
Wilwood calipers and rotors



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160110_172826-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160110_190002-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160110_190007-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160110_202303-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160117_143524-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160124_170850-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160131_200622-1.jpg

[snichols28]

Craigslist is trouble! I was screwing around and came across someone selling a Whipple 2.9 from a 2013 Camaro SS before he traded the car into the dealership. Not sure what got into me but I had to have it. ...and because I don't want my buddy's Mustang standing a chance against my car. :git:As if a stroked LS3 isn't going to give me enough horsepowers, I made it happen. I went back and forth for a little bit on if I wanted to keep this Whipple or just stick with motor only. I was talked into keeping it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160131_200350_1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160202_215453-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160208_225959-1.jpg

[Jk918]

Sick build wheels are killer

[MOREHORSEPOWER]

Looking Good !!

[Rick2964]

This is awesome! Some serious cubic dollars right here! I love it. Also love that all the road bugs are still on the firewall! True mock up! Keep up the great pictures and progress. What color is this beast going to be painted?

[slimjim]

great build and painfully easy to relate to. keep at it, looking forward to more posts

[snichols28]

This is awesome! Some serious cubic dollars right here! I love it. Also love that all the road bugs are still on the firewall! True mock up! Keep up the great pictures and progress. What color is this beast going to be painted?

I'm going with a Dodge/Jeep color... Billet Metallic
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/billet20metallic-1.jpeg

[TheJDMan]

I know it seems like an endless journey at times. Great work!

[snichols28]

I know it seems like an endless journey at times. Great work!

Thanks Steve! Your car is one of the two or three cars that I'm referring to that have been the biggest motivation for my project. The first glimpse stance of yours is what turned me on to these things. ...and then a while ago I got your advice for what to do with my rear differential before I ordered it. I blame this on you! :)

[snichols28]

Exhaust time! ...well, and some other stuff too

Originally ordered some Flowmaster Pro Series mufflers hoping the round shaped muffler would work for the limited space under the car. Those things were huge! Changing it up and going with Quicktime Performance AR3 mufflers. I've never heard them in person but from what I can find on YouTube, that's the exact sound I want! I'm not a big fan of beyond noisy obnoxious raspy exhaust. Ordered those AR3 mufflers from Summit and the size is perfect and a smaller oval shape.

I met a guy local to me named Matt that's amazing with fabrication, exhaust, and pretty much anything with cars. ...and he has some sweet toys of his own. Loaded the car up and took it over to him and let him do his magic! The thought was to get all of the exhaust, fabrication, cutting, welding, etc. done before paint begins.

A driveline shop close to me tackled the driveshaft. Of course it would have been nice to have a T56 to have a regular driveshaft made but they said no prob when it came to making one for the TR6060. Two piece driveshaft with a slip yoke in the front of it to mate with the fixed flange on the back of the tranny.

Matt kicked ass with the exhaust. All stainless steel with some fabulous tig welding. He fabbed the transmission crossmember to fit the tranny since it was originally designed for the T56. The exhaust hugs the underside of the car and doesn't have any exhaust tailpipe nonsense hanging down under the bumper. It's hidden like a stealth mode ninja.

Now off to Tyler for assembly/fabrication with the rest of the ride before he kicks ass with the body and paint!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160304_100101-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/IMG_6357-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/IMG951593-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/IMG_1615-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/IMG951596-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/IMG951595-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/IMG951608-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/IMG_1215-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/IMG958728-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/IMG952455-1.jpg

[Zoomin]

He did a great job on the exhaust!

[Motown 454]

WOW ! it looks amazing! I love the wheels, and what a sweet motor. Very Nice!

[Goosesdad]

Amazing on all levels. Well done, sir!!!

[FLYNAVY53]

Wow!...that escalated quickly! Well played....she looks awesome!

[minendrews68]

I'm likin' it too...........!

[snichols28]

Car is pretty much mocked up with everything fabricated/installed that will go on the ride. Next step = disassembly for body and paint!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160527_191213-1.jpg


Seats are in. They came out of a 2006 GTO. Hooked power up to them and all of the power functions work. During body/paint, an upholsterer is going to cut the "GTO" section out and replace it with black leather as well as cut and shave the rear seats to get them to fit better.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/060316181001-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/060316180800-1.jpg


Hydratech was the choice with the brake assist system.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160527_192021-1.jpg


Fuse/relay block and PCM were mounted just to the right of the radiator

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160612_161933-1.jpg


Ridetech black anodized gas cap kit installed

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160612_164220-1.jpg


Trans tunnel fabbed.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160614_194853-1.jpg

[snichols28]

Car is coming apart for welding/smoothing/painting of firewall and finishing underneath and spraying the undercoating. Car will then be put back together and fired up for the first time and dyno tuned!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/061716153201-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/061716153200-1.jpg

[minendrews68]

He did a great job on the exhaust!

That's what I'm saying'.... really nice

[Brad C]

Vary nice!! I'll be following this one now.

Thanks for the feedback on my build thread too by the way.

[snichols28]

Making progress! Tyler got all of the floor, trunk, and undercarriage sprayed with liner.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/07/IMG_3555-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/07/IMG_3551-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/07/IMG_3552-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/07/IMG_3556-1.jpg

[snichols28]

Some smoothed firewall and some color! I haven't seen color on this thing in a long time. So pumped!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/07/IMG_3550-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/07/20160715_173502-1.jpg

[sginphx]

Love this build...Thanks for sharing and GREAT job! Keep it up and can't wait to see her finished!!

[pittpens24]

Wow - really nice build!

[snichols28]

Hangin' some stuff on the firewall!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/07/IMG953934-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/07/IMG_9129-1.jpg

[BADNBLK]

Holy crap Steve that is coming together so nice! Can't wait to see this Bissshh in person. Love the color. You will have to give me the low down on who did the exhaust, not that I need it, but good to know who local did such pretty work.

I have a feeling GoodGuys is gonna be a fun year this year!

[KB Camaro]

awesome build thread! after seeing your results i will be calling and installation for a quote on work

[snichols28]

Moving along! Dakota Digital gauges are in. These things are way sweet! Fluids are in and got to start it up for the first time. Now time for some tuning!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_0422-1.jpg


Exhaust music!
dr3xRe5usB4


Booost!
qwvg4KTJRR8

[snichols28]

Today is a big day! Ready to take it around the block for the first time. ...a few times of course.

OIHzepZnb7o

[Jerems]

That thing sounds sweet! Great job on the build!

[paulk68]

Looks and sounds great. looking forward to seeing it in the billet metallic color!

[KB Camaro]

awesome build!

[Motown 454]

It sounds great.

[snichols28]

Rollin'!

PWNMwSGDytc

[Zoomin]

Congrats on the drive! Really is cool to get the reward for all that blood, sweat and tears!

[snichols28]

A few coats of primer, blocking/sanding later.... getting closer! Should be about ready for color next week.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/20161107_202208-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/20161107_202053-1.jpg

[robby8388]

I've been looking out for an update on this. Your car is turning out awesome and gives me more motivation to finish mine. I'm afraid that when I blast my car I'm going to find a similar situation to what you had. Would you mind pm'ing me your costs for AMD installation? Would you recommend them? Thanks!

[snichols28]

Colorrrr!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/IMG_3738-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/IMG_3746-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/IMG_3742-1.jpg

[pittpens24]

Sweet! Color looks damn good.

[Rag-Rat]

I bought the exact gauge set-up for my 67 RS/SS, best looking ones around. And they have so many add-on features. My car just went into the shop a few weeks ago. Gonna start my build thread soon.
Love the color !!!

[ragz]

Wow.... Great save, I looked at the start and thought nice car, then the truth.... You definitely had to bite the bullet on that, but like always, it's not where you start it's where you end, fantastic project, and one of the reasons this site pushes me to do better, very cool.

[snichols28]

Looks better out in the sun (pictures are after 1st coat of clearcoat, before any wet sanding/polishing)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/IMG_20161231_123826-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/IMG_20161231_123852-1.jpg

...aaaand a little idle time!

RUUahDNi3N0

[old66tiger]

Sweeet!!! Can you post a picture of the front drive pulley system? Just curious to see how that all routes and works together

[DT69Cam]

Wow!!! Awesome build.

[Motown 454]

That looks Sweet!

[1989GTA]

I agree. Very nice looking Camaro.

[snichols28]

Sweeet!!! Can you post a picture of the front drive pulley system? Just curious to see how that all routes and works together

This is the best one I can come up with. That picture was months ago before I put the tensioner on in place of that idler pulley that's sitting on the far right side of the motor. For the other brackets, Holley accessory drive brackets are the way to go unless you're wanting to spend an enormous amount on expensive brand name front drive kits. Oh yah, there is now also an A/C compressor tucked down on the bottom right side of the motor. It has its own belt that runs on the back ribs of the crank pulley (front ribs drive the main serp belt)


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/20160202_215453_1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160208_225959-1.jpg

[snichols28]

Better pictures with better light that shows the color more accurately. 2nd coat of clearcoat then the final cut/polish happen this coming week. Upholstery and glass the following week. Finalllly!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/IMG_0589-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/IMG_0601-1.jpg

[blznnp]

Looks awesome man. I commented on your video on YouTube, pulling out of the garage for the first time, just about ready to fire up my camaro with the whipple. Yours sounds so good. I am thinking of going with magnaflow mufflers. Have had flowmaster 40, just looking to get rid of the drone and maybe some a little deeper. After listening to your sound clips though, now I am thinking of going with the AR3's. wish I could hear it in person though to see how loud they are. I plan on doing cut outs for when I want it obnoxious loud, but I don't want to piss off my neighbors when I fire it up at 5-6am.

[snichols28]

Looks awesome man. I commented on your video on YouTube, pulling out of the garage for the first time, just about ready to fire up my camaro with the whipple. Yours sounds so good. I am thinking of going with magnaflow mufflers. Have had flowmaster 40, just looking to get rid of the drone and maybe some a little deeper. After listening to your sound clips though, now I am thinking of going with the AR3's. wish I could hear it in person though to see how loud they are. I plan on doing cut outs for when I want it obnoxious loud, but I don't want to piss off my neighbors when I fire it up at 5-6am.

Thanks! The AR3's definitely have an amazing non-droney sound at idle and low RPM. I'm interested to see how loud/quiet it is when the car is finished. The single time I drove the car (in the YouTube video), the mufflers were pretty loud over 3k rpms. I'm hoping they only seemed that noisy due to having no windows, carpet, interior, sound deadener, bare rattling metal, etc.

I'll definitely get more video up when I have it all done.

[snichols28]

Newest pictures.... Rear tail panel blacked out. Ready for windows and interior now.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/IMG_20170129_163331-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/IMG_20170129_163307-1.jpg

[slimjim]

Perfect! good choice with the blacked out tail panel. now just need some black tail lights to match

[snichols28]

Perfect! good choice with the blacked out tail panel. now just need some black tail lights to match

They are black (just not installed yet) ...they match the Ridetech black gas cap :headbang:

[Crestronwizard]

Looks great! This has been a pretty fast build , all things considered :)

[snichols28]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/IMG_20170204_185854-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/IMG_20170204_185926-1.jpg

[Tynitty]

Wow! Awesome build

[slimjim]

Perfect :twothumbs Is the colour off of a new BMW or Audi?

[snichols28]

Perfect :twothumbs Is the colour off of a new BMW or Audi?

It's a Mopar color... "billet metallic". It's very similar to Audi's gray/silver color.

[snichols28]

I can smell completion! Just some interior touch up work this week and it's ready to roll.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/IMG_20170225_143032-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/IMG_20170225_143026-1.jpg

[214Chevy]

Looking good bro...

[sheck44]

Looks great !
Steve

[67SSDan]

Holy crap man, that thing turned out great!! Love the picture of the gauges. Mine showed up like that last week but haven't had a chance to see them sitting in there yet.

Dan

[snichols28]

That ass!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/IMG_20170312_1911082-1.jpg

[slimjim]

That's a great shot!

[snichols28]

Done! Well, possibly. From what I hear, these projects are "never done"....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/IMG_20170415_1921082-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/IMG_20170416_193030-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/IMG_20170416_192236-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/IMG_20170416_192742-1.jpg

[slimjim]

impeccable, it turned out great, that rear end shot is perfect!

[pittpens24]

man that thing is awesome - stance is perfect!

[Brad C]

Nice job. Congratulations! Great choice on the color.

[snichols28]

Tuned up! The best numbers of the day came in at 707 horsepower and 669 torque to the wheels with only 8.29 lbs of boost. Might be due for a smaller pulley already!

JIYlzvfbGkM

tFyJJ6Y9hY0

[67SSDan]

That's freaking awesome man!!

[icemanrd19]

I forgot to mention, just before the car came back from Georgia, I was helping a buddy get the motor out of his Mustang and off to have it made bigger and better. With the continual friendly trash talk of Mustang vs. Camaro with him, I inquired about having some work done on my LS3.... I have heard faster is better! :6gears:

I wasn't really worried about having any work done to the heads as the flow on these stock LS3 heads is already pretty kick ass. I was talked into doing a 416 stroker though!

Pete at Total Precision Engines was the man! We went forged internals and studded everything.


4" stroke Molnar Technologies forged crankshaft
6.125" Molnar Technologies forged connecting rods
CP-Carrillo forged pistons and rings
Fel-Pro gaskets throughout
ARP Pro Series main and head studs
Torque plate bored and honed
Rotating assembly balance
COMP Cams 54-454-11 camshaft
COMP Cams 26926TS-KIT Beehive LS dual valve springs
COMP Cams 7955-16 Pushrods
COMP Cams 13702-KIT GM LS Series Retrofit Trunnion Kit
Katech C5-R timing chain
160-degree Lingenfelter thermostat
Melling M295 oil pump
LS2 timing chain dampener


I'm hoping that will do the trick!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20151220_135738-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20151220_144620-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20151220_135729-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20151226_142844-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20151226_163426-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20151226_215712-1.jpg

How much did stroking it cost you all said and done?

[Crestronwizard]

Beautiful!. I went very similar for the engine build in the 53. You should be able to run 15lbs of boost.

[NASTY-LSX]

WOW, its AWESOME.. Love the color also.

[slacker1965]

just read thru your build thread......
I'm not very good at words..... beautiful, nicely executed wonderfulness going on there
well done, I hope you get to drive the crap out of it & enjoy
ks

[snichols28]

How much did stroking it cost you all said and done?

I'm thinking it was around $5000.00 for everything (I'd have to dig for the receipt to remember exactly)

[Toccoa]

Amazing transformation! That color really pops.

[snichols28]

I didn't realize Photobucket snapped out of it and gave our pictures back to us. Pleasant surprise to be back and do a couple of updates!

Not too much with the car other than some driving.

I got around to removing the windshield (front and back) moldings that the glass shop installed. They weren't supposed to install those and defeat the purpose of the flush mount windows that have.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/11/IMG_20171122_224142-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/11/IMG_20171122_230624-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/11/IMG_20171122_224151-1.jpg

2nd gen Camaro mirrors painted and installed, black door handles/locks, then a car show "Best Muscle Car" win the next day. Completely surprised me. There were some sweet rides there!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/11/IMG_20180602_144612_2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/11/00100dPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20180602211826-1.jpg

[markaaron80]

What size rim and tire did you run up front?
I also have the Heidts Pro G Front subframe on a 69 camaro project that I'm working on and was wondering if you could run a 19x10 front wheel with a 275 tire.

Thanks in advance for any help, Mark

[Motown 454]

Sweet Numbers! I love the car.

[snichols28]

What size rim and tire did you run up front?
I also have the Heidts Pro G Front subframe on a 69 camaro project that I'm working on and was wondering if you could run a 19x10 front wheel with a 275 tire.

Thanks in advance for any help, Mark

I went with a 18"x9" wheel in the front and 255/35-18 tire on those. If I remember correctly when I was trying to figure all of that out, the '69 Camaro can go with a 10" wide front wheel with your fenders that have a little bit more width. Heidt's does a horrible job of instructions and info on the fitment of their Pro-G subframe so I had to spend a lot of time figuring stuff like this out. I actually found a lot of helpful info from Detroit Speed's assembly instructions for their subframe. Maybe look those over and see if it helps. The most important advice I can give is to learn and measure what backspacing you'll need. That's what makes the difference on how the wheels fit in the wheel wells.

The best thing to do, which I'm glad I did, was to find someone that has a wheel fitment kit to measure your set up. (Wheel fitment kit example... Summit Racing - wheel fitment kit (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wwk-10072560?seid=srese1&cm_mmc=pla-google-_-shopping-_-srese1-_-wheel-fit&gclid=CjwKCAiA0O7fBRASEiwAYI9QAo6ibgzm0TArvkIxMkOO 6FKBmPzVTLH6eSA-2-KV1jlFIIgLXBAfExoC09IQAvD_BwE))

Hope this helps!

[snichols28]

60 degree Colorado January calls for a wash and drive. ...or wash, drive, and wash. Whatever.

Installed the radiator closeout panel, tinted some windows, and cleaned up the intake tubing with some sanding/grinding then black powdercoating.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/02/aFIaZSD-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/02/oNoMQam-1.jpg

...and of course a "gas station picture"
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/02/IRV05JL-1.jpg

[1sikride]

Nastyyyyyyy

[snichols28]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/07/Gontvwm-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/07/qzF6EGW-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/07/UVqgN2L-1.jpg

- - - Updated - - -

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/07/G0A6PRX-1.jpg

[snichols28]

https://youtu.be/BboKUx4CNy4

[Gmc427]

came out very nice!what is the wheel /tire combo?

[snichols28]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/08/ngkkBBs-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/08/2zCak1I-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/08/KyNLrJD-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/08/ujx6KPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/08/OUr2lvM-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/08/p3zQHeB-1.jpg

[slimjim]

beautiful! I still stand by that being one of the best metallic silvers I've seen