1970 Camaro RS - LS Swap Build "Project Glo"

[Royalty Rides]

I purchased this car almost 10 years ago for $250. Car was a full roller minus glass. My dad has wanted this car, so I gave it to him and decided to move forward full speed with this frame off build. I've been working on this car for a little bit and will post progress pics and try to keep this build process up to date. Car is pretty solid but over time rust has spread in a few areas. The car has the following so far.

Drivetrain: LS3/6L80E out of 2014 Camaro with 19k miles
Suspension: DSE 3" drop leaf springs, Hotchkis 2" lowering springs
Brakes: Right Stuff 4 wheel disc
Differential: 10 Bolt Eaton Posi Unit

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[Royalty Rides]

Interior stripped, front panels and subframe removed

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[Royalty Rides]

Subframe after POR-15
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Assembling front suspension and brakes
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Rear suspension completely removed. Time to strip clean and prep for undercoating
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[Royalty Rides]

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First coat of Raptor Bedliner applied

[Royalty Rides]

LS3 complete with ECU and gas pedal.
Stock exhaust manifolds, oil pan, and engine mounts removed and replaced with Holley's LSX swap kit
Removed TCM to send off for computer tuning along with ECU.


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[Royalty Rides]

Body placed back on subframe and rear suspension installed.

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[Martin71RS]

looks a lot like my own build...POR15 on the subframe, the Moser diff cover..... your post reminds me of all the work I've done...cool! Keep up the good work :-)

[Royalty Rides]

Thanks!

[Royalty Rides]

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Engine mounted and checking clearance before cutting transmission tunnel for the massive 6L80E

[Royalty Rides]

Finally got the masssive 6L80e trans fit and mounted in the transmission tunnel.I purchased Speedtech's T-56 Transmission Tunnel to be welded on for required clearance. The guys at speedtech provided pictures of where to cut, since the 6L80 isn't as small as the t-56. The crossmember I used is by Hooker, provides total clearance for exhaust and the trans pan was change from stock to a G8 pan for more clearance.

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[Royalty Rides]

Drivetrain removed after fitment for transmission tunnel. Paint stripped and ready for body work and paint.
New sheetmetal going on the complete front end.
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[cbpldc]

Looking forward to the progress. Cool ride!

Chris

[Royalty Rides]

Thanks, I'll try to update as much as possible while in the body shop

[Royalty Rides]

It's been a while with any progress due to the paint shop being overly full. Finally was able to take it down and get a quote on the job. Next month finally off to get this body massaged and sprayed

[Royalty Rides]

Hopefully I can see some progress real soon. Finally dropped it off at the body shop.

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[c4racer2]

Nice project - look forward to watching the progress. I am building a 71 with similar suspension set-up and T56 but sticking with an old school motor since I'm starting with a finished car. I will get a project thread going this week - bought the car last week and first update will be started this weekend.

I am not far from you - down in the South Bay, San Jose.

[Royalty Rides]

Nice project - look forward to watching the progress. I am building a 71 with similar suspension set-up and T56 but sticking with an old school motor since I'm starting with a finished car. I will get a project thread going this week - bought the car last week and first update will be started this weekend.

I am not far from you - down in the South Bay, San Jose.

Thanks - it's currently in the long process of paint and body shop jail. I checked out your thread, nice starting point. Only about 45 minutes away

[Royalty Rides]

No real update, finally starting to see straight lines and all bad metal is being removed and replaced.

[camaromurph]

Wow. Great project. It is really coming along nice. I am contemplating a similar LS3/6L80E swap into a 79Z28. You say you used a Hooker trans cross member but I don't see a crossmember listed on thier site for the 6L80E. Can you share which one you used and if any modifications or customization was necessary? When you did your test fit did you happen to get a measurement for how far the G8 pan sat below the subframe rails? I know it's hard to judge true ground clearance until it is all together and the weight and ride height on the car but wonder if you looked at it from the perspective of how far the pan was below the frame rails?

Murph

[Royalty Rides]

Wow. Great project. It is really coming along nice. I am contemplating a similar LS3/6L80E swap into a 79Z28. You say you used a Hooker trans cross member but I don't see a crossmember listed on thier site for the 6L80E. Can you share which one you used and if any modifications or customization was necessary? When you did your test fit did you happen to get a measurement for how far the G8 pan sat below the subframe rails? I know it's hard to judge true ground clearance until it is all together and the weight and ride height on the car but wonder if you looked at it from the perspective of how far the pan was below the frame rails?

Murph

Thank you, it's been a process. I spoke with Hooker tech and HOK-12614HKR works perfect. It's listed for a 4L60 transmission. The holes lined up for without any extra drilling, but might be different for a 79. Energy Suspension transmission mount ENS-3-1142G was also used. I didn't get a measurment on how far below it sat, but I can tell you it gave the car a lot more clearance in comparison to the original pan that came with the 6L80E. The car is lowered 2" in the front and 3" in the back, but the G8 pan is the shallowest pan to my knowledge for this trans.

Win

[camaromurph]

Thank you, it's been a process. I spoke with Hooker tech and HOK-12614HKR works perfect. It's listed for a 4L60 transmission. The holes lined up for without any extra drilling, but might be different for a 79. Energy Suspension transmission mount ENS-3-1142G was also used. I didn't get a measurment on how far below it sat, but I can tell you it gave the car a lot more clearance in comparison to the original pan that came with the 6L80E. The car is lowered 2" in the front and 3" in the back, but the G8 pan is the shallowest pan to my knowledge for this trans.

Win

Thanks. When you get it back together I wouldn't mind getting a dimension for how far the pan sits below the frame rails. I don't plan to purchase until April/May so I'm hoping you might have it back together by then :)

Murph

[Royalty Rides]

Getting anxious to see some color but it's a must to have the lines and body perfect.
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[Royalty Rides]

Some new progress pics metal work is almost complete on the car. Smoothed firewall, new trunk pan and dash cowl corners had rust repaired. Front end metal needs to be align before it is block sanded and prepped for paint :) Can't wait until the subframe is clear of all the dust and looking brand new again

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[BLWN1]

Nice

[Royalty Rides]

Nice

Thank you

[Royalty Rides]

I stopped by the body shop yesterday and the trans tunnel has been welded. The front end was fitted will be placed back on for block sanding. Keeping my fingers crossed for some the paint to be sprayed next week.
My plan is to take the shell without front end and drop in the motor, trans, run the vintage air hoses and wiring harness into the car. Then bring it back to the paint shop to let them finish up putting the car back together. I went with Hooker Long Tube Ceramic 1 7/8" headers and got them mounted on.
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[Royalty Rides]

Nothing better than stopping by the paint shop unexpectedly and seeing a freshly applied coat on your car. Pretty happy with the gaps on the doors and trunk.


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[Royalty Rides]

Pleased with the color choice. This is raw paint without any cutting or buffing. I will be picking up the shell tomorrow so I can install the drivetrain before the front end is put back together

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[Royalty Rides]

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[David Sloan]

Very nice!

[Royalty Rides]

Very nice!

Thank you!

[patoruzrs73]

Really nice!!! can you post some pics of the oil pan clearence with the subframe? and oil pan lowest point according to the subframe rails? what headers are you using? Im planning to install a ls3/6l90 on my 73RS camaro.. so these details really matter.....

Rgds!!!

[c4racer2]

Thank goodness - at first I thought you had gone with that gold color and was like "eauuuh"

Then scrolled down to realize that was just the primer!

Actual Color choice is sweet!! Love it!

[Royalty Rides]

Really nice!!! can you post some pics of the oil pan clearence with the subframe? and oil pan lowest point according to the subframe rails? what headers are you using? Im planning to install a ls3/6l90 on my 73RS camaro.. so these details really matter.....

Rgds!!!

Thank you. Yes I will be back at the paint shop within the next week. I'm using holley 302-1 pan, but I believe 302-2 gives slightly more clearrance. Headers are Hooker Super Comp 1 7/8". Part number is 2298-1HKR... I do believe the 6L90 trans pan might come down more than the 6L80

[Royalty Rides]

Thank goodness - at first I thought you had gone with that gold color and was like "eauuuh"

Then scrolled down to realize that was just the primer!

Actual Color choice is sweet!! Love it!

HAHA yeah that gold was the basecoat and I just wanted to show some progress with the build.

Thanks, I found it at the PPG booth at SEMA a couple years ago and was set.

[Royalty Rides]

I was able to get the Vintage Air hoses ran through the firewall. Want the engine bay to be nice and neat. Progress is moving right along should have the hood aligned and get color tested for the stripes real soon.
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[Barrrf]

Goddamn. This build is going along great. Keep us posted!

[Motown 454]

I Love the color. That looks sweet!

[chem]

what color is this? car looks great!

[Royalty Rides]

what color is this? car looks great!

Thanks it's called Orange Glow

[Royalty Rides]

Stopped by and saw a little progress on the front end alignment this past weekend. I was able to locate some front end brackets, thankful for the "bag n tag" approach :) A new completion date for the end of this month, hopefully the shop can stick to the time frame.166341
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[Royalty Rides]

This paint process aka jail sentence has been longer then expected. But I’m please to say the exact vision I had is coming full circle. Cut and buff then the trim and everything can be buttoned up.

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[Royalty Rides]

Powdercoated all the chrome and went with the Truck Lite headlights

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[H20cooled]

Wow! Looks great with the blacked out chrome and that paint color, great job!

[c4racer2]

Did you powder coat the aluminum trim also or paint it? I like the tail and headlight inserts blacked out. What about window trim ?

Personally I think I prefer chrome on the bumpers themselves but I will say it’s a nice
Contrast against the paint color. Which is a killer color for a 2nd gen btw. Love it.

[Royalty Rides]

Did you powder coat the aluminum trim also or paint it? I like the tail and headlight inserts blacked out. What about window trim ?

Personally I think I prefer chrome on the bumpers themselves but I will say it’s a nice
Contrast against the paint color. Which is a killer color for a 2nd gen btw. Love it.

The aluminum trim for the lights are painted, the powder coating heat would destroy the plastic. Window trim is going to be black too.

Yes I usually stay with chrome but there’s a ton of orange 2nd gens with chrome. I also thought about going body color instead of black. The wheels are not going to be chrome so I wanted to tie it all together. Truly appreciate it, any updates to yours?

[Motown 454]

It looks great, I love it!!

[syborg tt]

Looking forward to more updates

[c4racer2]

Nothing much new on my 71 old soul

Winter project will be 9” with 3.89 gears to better match the T56 and motor and allow me to finally get the brakes right. ST40s to match the ST60 fronts. While it’s apart I will put a new leaf spring and bushings. I was originally going to do a Ridetech or Speedtech rear suspension but for now keeping it simple and saving some $

But I want to black our all the aluminum trim. So maybe I’ll work on that also during the winter. Or maybe pick a color to match the wheel centers. I was thinking black to match the mirrors but I could paint those too.

But for the past 6 months I’ve just been driving the car and enjoying it. Taking it a few shows.

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[Royalty Rides]

It looks great, I love it!!

Thanks, much appreciated!

- - - Updated - - -


Looking forward to more updates

I'll try to keep them coming.

[Royalty Rides]

Nothing much new on my 71 old soul

Winter project will be 9” with 3.89 gears to better match the T56 and motor and allow me to finally get the brakes right. ST40s to match the ST60 fronts. While it’s apart I will put a new leaf spring and bushings. I was originally going to do a Ridetech or Speedtech rear suspension but for now keeping it simple and saving some $

But I want to black our all the aluminum trim. So maybe I’ll work on that also during the winter. Or maybe pick a color to match the wheel centers. I was thinking black to match the mirrors but I could paint those too.

But for the past 6 months I’ve just been driving the car and enjoying it. Taking it a few shows.

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Let me know how the brakes feel once you have the rears on. Did the economical approach with the brakes but thinking about upgrading possibly Wilwood or CPP, once I get some driving time.

The black will go nice with the interior and I agree the mirror and wheel centers could go either way, it will definitely add some detail to an already nice build.

Do you ever take it up to Good Guys in Pleasanton? I'm eyeing the March show to have it completed.

[c4racer2]

I haven’t. It’s such a commitment doing a full weekend show. I was considering the autox.
I didn’t catch you were local. It would be more fun to do the show if we had a group together. I have a few buddy’s that might do it - one has a nice 70 as well.

I will post up on the brakes. They actually work very well now even though it’s a very not ideal balance bar skew to make two very different calipers work together front and rear. Should make it really nice with the rears matching caliper type. Manual systems are not very forgiving to variations like that.
I decided also not To autox the car until I have the brakes matching and dialed in. It’s not worth it unless that is right. It’s fine for driving and it’s probably better than 99pct of cars on the road let alone classics. But I’m looking for full on race car brake capability.

[Royalty Rides]

I haven’t. It’s such a commitment doing a full weekend show. I was considering the autox.
I didn’t catch you were local. It would be more fun to do the show if we had a group together. I have a few buddy’s that might do it - one has a nice 70 as well.

I will post up on the brakes. They actually work very well now even though it’s a very not ideal balance bar skew to make two very different calipers work together front and rear. Should make it really nice with the rears matching caliper type. Manual systems are not very forgiving to variations like that.
I decided also not To autox the car until I have the brakes matching and dialed in. It’s not worth it unless that is right. It’s fine for driving and it’s probably better than 99pct of cars on the road let alone classics. But I’m looking for full on race car brake capability.


It is a commitment doing the full weekend. I know once the car is finished I will put it a lot of show. I have a couple of buddies - one has a nice 71.

That makes complete sense, don't take it out there until you have it setup how you would like.

[MUSCLECAR]

Your Camaro has come along! way!

[Royalty Rides]

Your Camaro has come along! way!

Thanks, once I can get it out of paint I hope to get the rest completed by spring.

[Royalty Rides]

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[mrfleet12]

Just went through your thread, the Camaro looks great, love the color..

[Royalty Rides]

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The fun starts now, I’ll be trying to keep updates coming as I get the car put together.
Have to touch up some areas on the subframe and control arms. Has anyone used Lokar’s flex stainless braided transmission dipstick #TD-36L80TM. I have the mount bolted to the transmission but the hose length seems too short. It causes the bottom to bend partially out of the trans case.

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[Royalty Rides]

Progress has slowed down due to having a baby. But it's time to get up to speed. Here are a couple of progress pics. Need to bend the combo valve bracket in order to get the brake lines to line up.
Tank's fuel tank fitted and getting ready to run the fuel lines.

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[Royalty Rides]

Was able to get the Vintage Air evap unit bolted up for fitment. I used a Speedtech trans tunnel for the 6l80, but now I have a clearance issue.
I might have to notch the tunnel or cowl to allow space for sound deadener, insulation and carpet. Anyone come across this with their build?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/02/eqe_zpsexhrqmte-1.jpg (https://s28.photobucket.com/user/win26/media/Project%20Glo/eqe_zpsexhrqmte.jpg.html)

[Alwhite00]

Great build, great color.

[Royalty Rides]

Great build, great color.

Thank you

[Royalty Rides]

Been able to get some progress made finally. Installed sound dampener. Had to reroute the engine harness to the driver side to be able to mount the ECU up against the firewall behind the Vintage Air unit and still be able to access it. Fuse block needs to be mounted and need to fill the hole cut on the passenger side. Engine bay wire routing is extremely better. Trying to determine the best way to route the AC hoses.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/03/maro_zpsu0wjnfgw-1.jpg (https://s28.photobucket.com/user/win26/media/Project%20Glo/maro_zpsu0wjnfgw.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/03/marocpu_zpskevlrtvv-1.jpg (https://s28.photobucket.com/user/win26/media/Project%20Glo/marocpu_zpskevlrtvv.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/03/marovafinal_zpspoc1mero-1.jpg (https://s28.photobucket.com/user/win26/media/Project%20Glo/marovafinal_zpspoc1mero.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/03/marova_zpspm6iopw3-1.jpg (https://s28.photobucket.com/user/win26/media/Project%20Glo/marova_zpspm6iopw3.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/03/sfg4_zpslbkn3vpc-1.jpg (https://s28.photobucket.com/user/win26/media/Project%20Glo/sfg4_zpslbkn3vpc.jpg.html)

[lbsurfer11]

The ghost stripes are sweet. What rear did you have and how did you rebuild it? thanks

[Royalty Rides]

The ghost stripes are sweet. What rear did you have and how did you rebuild it? thanks

Thank you. The rear is an original GM 10 bolt 8.5 unit. Rebuild consists of Eaton 8.5 Posi Unit, Moser 30 Spline axles and bearings, ring and pinion kit with 3.42s gears.

[syborg tt]

Nice build and I can't wait to see it running

[Royalty Rides]

Nice build and I can't wait to see it running

Thank you, hopefully the build can stay on course and be on the streets this summer.

[Royalty Rides]

Shelter in place is a lot easier when Summit still delivers. Almost time to fire this baby up! Hoping this wiring harness goes smooth and pain free.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/04/IMG2210-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/M9G2wKj)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/04/IMG2212-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/grZSP0k)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/04/IMG2213-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/dpffWYF)

[syborg tt]

Great Update & Wow does the car look nice and I hope it goes well for you also.




Shelter in place is a lot easier when Summit still delivers. Almost time to fire this baby up! Hoping this wiring harness goes smooth and pain free.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/04/IMG2210-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/M9G2wKj)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/04/IMG2212-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/grZSP0k)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/04/IMG2213-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/dpffWYF)

[Royalty Rides]

Got the car wired up and love how bright the Truck Lite headlamps are. Was able to get the car fired up - no leaks!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/06/7u8o-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/d4QHvN7)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/06/90oik-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/X3WzZyq)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/06/yuihj-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/Nt2jJ23)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ayuI0ckrk4

[Royalty Rides]

Finally received the car back from paint for the final time. Finishing up the engine bay and wiring. Next step is to get the driveshaft built and shift installed.
Has anyone installed a 6L80 tap shifter in a 2nd gen? Seems to sit pretty tall on the tunnel.


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[Motown 454]

Man that's a beautiful color out in the sun! Sounds sweet .

[Royalty Rides]

It's been a while but things are coming together. Wilwood 6 pistons up front, Dakota Digital HDX dash. Trying to get everything ready before my interior appointment in 6-8 weeks.
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[ryeguy2006a]

Car has come a long way. Looks great.

[linenoise]

How hard was it to get the clayton gas pedal mounted to the stock DBW unit?

[Royalty Rides]

Car has come a long way. Looks great.

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[Royalty Rides]

It’s been a while since any updates were posted. The car is at the interior shop receiving a complete custom job. Wheels have been ordered to be built, theres a 8-10 week timeline.

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[Royalty Rides]

How hard was it to get the clayton gas pedal mounted to the stock DBW unit?

I had to use the DBW mount from PSI Conversions. It was pretty simple with that mount.

[linenoise]

Wondering same thing. how hard was the clayton gas pedal cover to mount to the LS pedal unit? Can we get a pic of the back of that pedal so we can see how it mounts to the LS pedal part?

[Royalty Rides]

Wondering same thing. how hard was the clayton gas pedal cover to mount to the LS pedal unit? Can we get a pic of the back of that pedal so we can see how it mounts to the LS pedal part?

Unfortunately I do not have the car with me, it is currently in the interior shop 6 hours away. But here is what was done to make this work.

I had to swap the DBW pedal from the 2014 Camaro with a 2007+ Corvette pedal from PSI Conversion ACC-1007. This part bolts up to the firewall like a stock 70 Camaro pedal.
I removed the old style pedal cover and put Clayton Machine Works TA-206-DBW pad on to replace the pad that comes with ACC-1007. They both use pin and E style clip to secure the pad onto the assembly.
You do have to swap the wires from the ECU to match with the new DBW assembly. I have to double check but if I recall correctly, I swapped dark blue and light blue. there are write ups on the wire swap for the 07+ Corvetter DBW.

[Royalty Rides]

Wheels have arrived. Is any one running 295/35/18 on a stock rear end? I know a 275 will clear, trying to max out the rear meat if possible.

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[Royalty Rides]

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[73standard]

I like those door panels. Where do you get those? I'm very interested to see the rest of the interior too. Did you have to go with a custom console to clear the tunnel mods?

[Royalty Rides]

Thanks, yes these are custom door panels. The entire interior will be custom. I will post some current pics of it

[Royalty Rides]

Almost at the finish line...

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[Threepointtwo]

Beautiful car! That interior really finishes it off right.

[Rowdy 73]

Amazing build! I had to register here just to follow along with the ongoing progress. I've been doing a lot of research on a LS3, or L99, swap into my 73 and its cool to to see your car. Are you planning on any autocrossing or road racing?

[NCSU68]

Thank you for posting!. The car is amazing! The colour is a great choice foe the 2nd Gen. The interior is terrific. Congratulations on a great build and enjoy!

[Royalty Rides]

Beautiful car! That interior really finishes it off right.

Thank you!

[Royalty Rides]

Amazing build! I had to register here just to follow along with the ongoing progress. I've been doing a lot of research on a LS3, or L99, swap into my 73 and its cool to to see your car. Are you planning on any autocrossing or road racing?

Thank you! I should be providing some more pictures, interior is going to be finished this weekend hopefully. Let me know if you have any questions, this is technically a L99. My buddy and I are converting another L99 into a LS3. Don't hesitate if you have any questions, I know the research can get lengthy at times. I might take it out for some autocross driving. Plans are to put single or double adjustables on, coil overs in the front with tubular control arms.

[Royalty Rides]

Thank you for posting!. The car is amazing! The colour is a great choice foe the 2nd Gen. The interior is terrific. Congratulations on a great build and enjoy!

Much appreciated, if everything aligns should be enjoying it this summer.

[Royalty Rides]

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[ryeguy2006a]

That interior looks great!

[Royalty Rides]

That interior looks great!

Thank you

[Motown 454]

This thing looks beautiful! Interior came out amazing. I need to go back and see everything I missed.

[TANKMASTERJ]

Car build really.is looking fantastic.

[Royalty Rides]

This thing looks beautiful! Interior came out amazing. I need to go back and see everything I missed.
Appreciate it! Been dealing with some things with the interior guy, left me hanging. I will update with more detailed interior pictures soon

- - - Updated - - -


Car build really.is looking fantastic.
Thanks

[JJ 86]

Awesome build! Would love to hear details on the interior. Great job!

[Royalty Rides]

Awesome build! Would love to hear details on the interior. Great job!
Thank you! Here are the details. The interior is completely custom.
Lexus front seats
Custom console with wireless charger extends to the rear seat.
The dash pad wrapped in leather and extended out
One piece headliner wrapped in leather.
Nu Relics power windows with GT40 switches
Vintage Air
Dakota Digital HDX dash
Billet Specialties steering wheel wrapped in leather.
Clayton Machine Works pedals and door handles.
Mercedes Benz carpet
Kilduff Machine horseshoe shifter 6L80e manual shift capablities
LED ambient lighting under dash and seats.
2 Kicker Compvr 12”s in trunk

[Royalty Rides]

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Car has finally came full circle. Minus a few minor things to complete with the interior.

Finally got exhaust on the car and able to start doing some road.