69 camaro college build

[greycamaro]

that my friend is a damn good question...
my best guess is that i did pick it from a junkyard, and god knows how long it had been sitting there... I suppose its possible that it could have been some other type of buildup? Couldnt really think of anything else though.
Either way im just happy she runs!
carbon buld up is not uncommon on the throttle body. will usually cause a low idle

[Z 2 L8ter]

Great looking project, there's nothing better than doing it yourself!

[turbo kid]

Wow you have come a long way for sure!

[69camarokid]

havnt posted in a while and alot has happened so i thought id post up.

Lets see.
The Maro has always had a traction problem in first, second, and the beginning of third. So to fix that i installed a nice eaton post.... yah! Too bad i also installed a set of 4.10 gears so that basically killed off the traction gained by the eaton posi. To fix this i picked up some NItto 555 275 radials. Man those babies can bit. I still cant floor it in first or its all tire smaoke but she catches and bites in second and third now!

so ever since i got the car back from the rear end shop ive had a rear brake leak, so ive picked up a new rear brake line set, should fix that up nicely.

i also picked up a new steerin box as mine now has the better part of 5 inches of dead steering. Scary how far it can weave side to side with no turning of the wheel. So i picked up a new cpp 500 box ive heard so many great things about. i also picked up some upper tubular control arms at the same time!!!!

also to fix my dying issue im pickin up a new fuel pump and this time unlike an idiot im installing a fuel filter with it!

[67goatman455]

wow! this is the first time i have seen this build! good work!

[79-TA]

Wow, for whatever reason, I hadn't seen your build thread before. Keep up the good work.

Is your car drivable now? I think I'll be going to cars and coffee in Irvine next week. Maybe you could drive the Camaro down? If I don't drive my Trans Am, it's because I'll have hitched a ride in my cousin's new 5.0 Mustang.

[69camarokid]

Wow, for whatever reason, I hadn't seen your build thread before. Keep up the good work.

Is your car drivable now? I think I'll be going to cars and coffee in Irvine next week. Maybe you could drive the Camaro down? If I don't drive my Trans Am, it's because I'll have hitched a ride in my cousin's new 5.0 Mustang.

Ive been to that show a few times, its pretty damn impressive for a weekly show. Unfortunately im out of town this upcoming weekend, but im hoping to make it there next weekend if my car is all put together again.

[Nessumsar]

Long time no post! Glad to hear the Maro is moving forward, sound like you've made some good progress!

We do need to make it out to C&C sometime. Get our Young Guns posse on!

[69camarokid]

Long time no post! Glad to hear the Maro is moving forward, sound like you've made some good progress!

We do need to make it out to C&C sometime. Get our Young Guns posse on!

damn straight. i wont be there this weekend. but if i get the new control arms, steering box, and fuel filter/pump installed before the next weekend then ill come on down and we can kick it and check out the cars

[69camarokid]

alright, its been a pretty productive last couple of days. Ive removed the upper control arms. Which by the way was a bitch, until i removed the headers, then it became incredibly simple.

I also found my issue with my bleeding back brakes as the flange on the end of the brake line had snapped off the line making the brake unable to seal, allowing it to leak. A new line has been installed.

I also got the steering box out so i can install my new CPP 500 series box which everyone says is just as good as rack and pinion, guess well see.

Im also waiting on my new fuel pump and fuel filter to arrive. then its off to the alignment shop where my buddy Brenden works and hes going to align the car and bleed the brakes.

ill post up pictures of everything after im done.

[Motown 454]

Glad to hear its going good.

[Nessumsar]

Im guessing you buddy can do custom alignments? If so what shop does he work at? I'm having a biotch of a time finding someone who will do them...

[406 Q-ship]

Im guessing you buddy can do custom alignments? If so what shop does he work at? I'm having a biotch of a time finding someone who will do them...

I got a guy down here in Redondo that will work with you on an alignment. PM if you would like his info.

[69camarokid]

Im guessing you buddy can do custom alignments? If so what shop does he work at? I'm having a biotch of a time finding someone who will do them...

The funny thing is he works at firestone, but the guy is a whiz at all things car. He used to work for a really nice shop that did pretty much only exotics.

I have the firestone lifetime alignment so i get free alignments whenever i want. so whenever new suspension components go on i go to him nad he works his magic. The nice thing is since were friends he checks over the car and fixes any little issues for free. Like hes bleeding my brakes this next week for free. good times.

[69camarokid]

alright, time for some real work to get done and some pics.

My steering has been slowly going out over the last 4 or 5 months. By last week i was up to nearly 5 inches of dead steering, so i picked up a new steering box, connector, and pitman arm. I was looking around and read alot of great reviews about CPPs new 500 series steering box and how its supposed to be as good as rack and pinion. So i picked up one. IT was more costly than a standard box, but if it preforms as advertised then itll be worth it. ill let you know how it works after i test it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/P8220315-1.jpg

I found an ebay listing from CPP selling the box with a set of tubular upper control arms. The whole set was 600, a fairly good deal as sold seperatly they were over 750. And ive always wanted tubular control arms, so i spent the money and got the kit. Of course 3 days after i bought the kit they lowered the price to 570.00... ugh. oh well.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/P8220318-1.jpg

[69camarokid]

So heres what i started with, a set of original upper control arms that i had powder coated and installed new ball joints and polyuerathane bushings pressed in. These will be going up for sale if anyones interested in them. They worked quiet well, but tubular is better, much more expensive, but better.
Heres what i started with.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/P8230320-1.jpg

I was having alot of issues attempting to remove the upper arms. I even snapped a socket attempting to remove the mounting bolts in the frame so i could slide off the control arms. At last i just said screw it and removed the headers and then the control arms had more than enough room to slide off and pop on my new bad boys.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/P8240323-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/P8240326-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/P8250332-1.jpg

Old vs. New

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/P8240325-1.jpg

Im thinking of, since the wheels are already off, of painting the calipers. Maybe a red like the high end porches and corvettes have, but maybe a flat or glossy black. what do you guys think?

My girlfriend came down for the day as she loves watching people work on cars. She hates new cars and loves old cars, so she gets brownie points. Feel free to chew her out for leaning on the nova.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/P8230321-1.jpg

I showed her how to remove the front sway bar and set her to work. She was very proud of her greasy hands. I was proud she did it in a dress. haha

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/P8230322-1.jpg

The steering box was a bitch to get aligned and took a few hours since i was having alot of trouble holding it and attempting to line up and screw the bolts in. My dad came home from work and immediately pitched in nad together we got it in and done in about 15 minutes. Team work power!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/P8250330-1.jpg

So its all in! Tomorrow ill reattach the sway bar and exhaust. Pick a colr and paint the calipers and then throw the wheels on! Then its off to Vegas this weekedn with my GF and bestfriend and his girl. When i get back next week ill get the alignment and brake bleeding done.

My new fuel pump and filter should be here any day now. Hopefully this will stop the car from randomly cutting out and jumping excessively.

[Nessumsar]

Hurry up and get back from Vegas!

What are you doing Tuesday night? A group of us are going to be at Adams Motor Sports Park in Riverside. Don't know if you have seen the post about it: https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=70472

If you can, you should make it out, and possibly beat on the Maro.

[69camarokid]

Hurry up and get back from Vegas!

What are you doing Tuesday night? A group of us are going to be at Adams Motor Sports Park in Riverside. Don't know if you have seen the post about it: https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=70472

If you can, you should make it out, and possibly beat on the Maro.


Holy ****!!! I had no idea there was anything like that around here... and for so cheap! the only place i knew about was willow springs!!! oh man, i am so down for this its rediculous!!!!! i get back from vegas sunday late at night. if i have everything put together and running well then you bet ur ass ill be there! if not, then next week, as im still having idling issues

[Nessumsar]

Holy ****!!! I had no idea there was anything like that around here... and for so cheap! the only place i knew about was willow springs!!! oh man, i am so down for this its rediculous!!!!! i get back from vegas sunday late at night. if i have everything put together and running well then you bet ur ass ill be there! if not, then next week, as im still having idling issues

Even if you can't bring the Maro you should come out, you can always ride along with someone. I'm going to try and get off of work at 3 this Tuesday; I work in HB, if you can we could caravan/carpool out there.

[69camarokid]

Even if you can't bring the Maro you should come out, you can always ride along with someone. I'm going to try and get off of work at 3 this Tuesday; I work in HB, if you can we could caravan/carpool out there.

Dude sweet. I have tuesday off so that shouldnt be a problem. Your right though. Even if the car isnt up to par ill still come, it seems to epic an oppurtunity to miss regardless. PM me your number again and ill get a hold of you monday and well set it up.

[69camarokid]

My new fuel pump and filter just arrived, thank you fed ex. So they will be going in shortly. Hope this solves my fuel issues or i just wasted 125 bucks, and god knows im way to poor to be doing that.

[Nessumsar]

My new fuel pump and filter just arrived, thank you fed ex. So they will be going in shortly. Hope this solves my fuel issues or i just wasted 125 bucks, and god knows im way to poor to be doing that.

:fingersx:

[406 Q-ship]

My new fuel pump and filter just arrived, thank you fed ex. So they will be going in shortly. Hope this solves my fuel issues or i just wasted 125 bucks, and god knows im way to poor to be doing that.

That is what being a starving college student with a cool car is all about.......car first then food, rent, and bills.

[69camarokid]

That is what being a starving college student with a cool car is all about.......car first then food, rent, and bills.

hit the nail on the head

[69camarokid]

Alright, im heading out to finish reinstalling the exhaust and steering components. Then on to installing the new pump and adjjusting the fuel lines to fit the new fuel filter. Then off for an alignment and brake bleeding.

If i can finish everything by tomorrow afternoon ill be racing the car for the first time at adams raceway!!!! so excited, though it should be interesting and my times extremely slow as the synchro for second gear is out. I can upshift to second by but cannot downshift to it.... so either i cannot leave second on this course or if i do i must stay in third for the whole course.... guess well see

[DCx]

im having my T56 rebuilt at anaheim gear. you should give them a call about that trans of yours.

http://www.anaheimgear.com/

i supplied all the parts to rebuild my trans (stage II) but later found out they stock upgrades.

[69camarokid]

im having my T56 rebuilt at anaheim gear. you should give them a call about that trans of yours.

http://www.anaheimgear.com/

i supplied all the parts to rebuild my trans (stage II) but later found out they stock upgrades.

Didnt know there was a shop like that so close. Ill have to give them a call and check out the prices. Worst case scenario its too expensive and i get to learn how to rebuild a tranny. But ill def check it out. thanks

[69camarokid]

So today i finished installing the steering and hooking everyhting up. After my good buddy came over and helped me bleed the brakes, the pedal feel is sooooo much stronger and stiffer now. But i also learned my master cylinder from CPP is leaking slightly. This is rather annoying as the brakes system from them has less than 10,000 miles on it.

Well after this was taken care of i moved onto the fuel line. Due to fuel issues i had picke up a new pump, and something i didnt have before, a fuel filter. I know, im retarded for not having one.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/P8260334-1.jpg

the filter is an ugly chrome color but its under the car so im not too worried.

Well after i removed the old pump which only lasted about 5000 miles before hjaving issues i decided to crack it open and have a look.
heres where my idiocy kicks in, but must be preficited by a small back story.

When i first dropped in the LT1 i fabbed a return fuel line for the fuel injection system. Where the return line dropped in the tank i needed to completely cover and make it air tight. So i coated the area with some silicone. This worked just fone for about 6 months. Then the silicone started to disolve or break allowing air into the tank and killed the pressure. So i emptied the tank and redid the siicone with KB Weld, problem solved.
But some of this silicone evidentally fell in the tank and was sucked into the fuel line and into the pump, causing blockage of fuel. With no filter to block it the silicone got all up in the fuel pump. Heres what i found in it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/P8300336-1.jpg

So i cleaned it, installed the fuel filter, and am keeping the extra pump as a backup incase this one has issues again.

[DCx]

Didnt know there was a shop like that so close. Ill have to give them a call and check out the prices. Worst case scenario its too expensive and i get to learn how to rebuild a tranny. But ill def check it out. thanks

im picking it up today. i will let you know what the labor cost was.

[DCx]

labor cost for the trans rebuild was $350. I supplied all of the rebuild parts myself which totaled $976.

[69camarokid]

So today in an attempt to get my car ready for time attack tuesdays at Adams track in riverside i was going to get my cars new suspension aligned.

First though the car wouldnt start after i put all the new parts on. Turned out that even after i cleaned all the gunk out of it the fuel pump wouldnnt work. So i installed the new one and all was well.

Then it was off to the alignment shop. My freind wasnt working so i had to deal with the normal ****ty firestone autocare people. My 15 minute wait to get on the rack turned into an hour and a half wait. When they finally got it on the rack it turned out my tank was leaking gas and they couldnt do the suspension because of it.

ugh so i get homeand drop the tank, whioch of course i had just filled up completely. Long story short the sealing area is cracked at the top so i get to go buy a new one tomorrow. ugh.

Still went to time attack though and got to ride shot gun in my buddy johns 05 nissan 350z. we spun out once, it was a blast.

[Bad Bird]

Awesome build and your girl is very cute to boot! Well done!

I'm 24 and I wish my old Falcon was able to be driven...

[69camarokid]

so despite the showering of love to my car in the form of roughly a grand of new parts she still refuses to love me back.... BITCH!

ok, so i installed a new rag joint, pitman arm, and CPP 500 series steering box... and what do i have to show for it, 4 inches of play still. ugh. So next ill check out the steering links underneath nad the coloum.

Continuing on my trai lof bad luck... i replaced a broken brake line in the rear and a buddy and i pedal brake bled the lines and my pedal still had no solid feel to it. it would sink to the bottom of the floor every time before the brakes would even begin to kick in. Turns out i have a leak in between the master cylinder and brake booster. So i just picked up a new master cylinder, with any luck this will solve my issues as i cant really track the car if the brakes dont work.
Or the steering. Or my still really bad idle. or the weird vibration ive had since my new control arm instal. or my lack of alignment. good times indeed.

[Nessumsar]

Sounds about right... lol

I still need to find my mystery vibrations, one engine related and one speed related.

Keep up the good fight!

[69camarokid]

just to pack on some more ****. while heading to lunch with a buddy the throttle cable broke loose from the throttle and we had to walk a mile back to his house in the ridiculous heat to get a stupid alan wrench to reatach it. ugh. i hate you bitch

[mc84_zz4]

Sounds like the average trifecta of burps when getting 'em back on the road, and it sux! don't let it deter you... :machine:

[69camarokid]

So i had to drop my gas tank as it was leaking fuel. But of course i had just filled up so the tank was ridiculously heavy. Siphoning all that was lots of fun, uh huh.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/P9010344-1.jpg

Well it turned out that the fuel sending unit had cracked and was letting gas splash out all around it. Who knows how long it had been that way as id never had an issue before as i rarely top off the gas tank because its so expensive.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/P9010345-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/P9030346-1.jpg

Next up i removed my starter as many times ill need to click the starter over 5 to 10 times to get the car started. IT was covered in grease on the outside and inside wasnt much better. So i took it apart and gave it a thurough cleaning and now she starts just fine.

in this pic you can see the contrast of clean vs not clean
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/P9030349-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/P9030347-1.jpg

I picked up new inner and outer tie rod ends to hopefully cure my screwed up dead steering issues. Ill be installing those tomorrow morning along with a new master cylinder and bleeding of the brakes. Assuming i can get it all done before work tomorrow at 130.

[69camarokid]

well i have alot to catch up and post on here.

To start with the new tie rod ends did not cure my loose steering, neither did the new pitman arm.... or ilder arm.... or tightening the steering box. So ill be looking at going to CPPs headquarters in Anaheim and see of they will take a look at it.

The new fuel pump is working like a charm, no stuttering or any other issues! thats about the only good news.

I picked up a new solenoid for the starter as cleaning the starter didnt fix my issue. The new solenoid didnt do crap, my issue has not changed so ill be returning that and just picking up a new starter.... they are like 150 so thats gonna sting.

So i finally got my car on a track for the first time, also my first time ever driving at a track.... so much fun! im hooked and will be going back next week. I took 11th place out of 18 cars. And since two of them had professional drivers, i had a passenger, two bald front tires, 4 inches of dead play in my steering, and it was my first time ever im feling pretty good about it. Im ordering new front tires for next week. Not sure what type yet, but leaning towards the nitto invos.

On the way to the track we stopped to pick up my gf and my buddy noticed my gas tank was leaking... again. So we found that the press on nut on the end of my return line wasnt so pressed on anymore. A quick trip to autozone for some JB Weld fixed that. And we were off again.

I felt like a star rolling up to the track. It was infested with miatas, STIs, EVos, Civic SI, and a surprisingly large amount of 3rd gen camaros. But everyone came over to check out the old muscle car that came to run the track. it was cool.

I took some vids of the racing but its so dark it was hard to see. My buddy in his 325HP 350z ran a best of 52.46 and i ran a best of 52.53. lost by .07 seconds.... i blame it on having my gf in the car hahaha i think with some more track time, new front tires, and the steering sorted out i can hit sub 50s. thats my goal anyways... im hooked

[LeighP]

Cool stuff...having some fun!
I'm using those Nitto Invo tyres for my 71...I had the 450 Nittos on my other car and I thought they were pretty good.

[Nessumsar]

Talk to Jon or Justin at Driverz Inc on your tires, they have some pretty smoking deals.

I posted in your emergency thread, but I have an extra mini hi-torque starter that needs a solenoid, its yours if you want it.

[69camarokid]

ok so theres been alot going on, both good and bad with this project over the last few months that ill be adding in installments as i dont feel like typing for an hour tonight.

A few small things. Turned out when my car was in for an alignment that both of my upper ball joints were loose. These are the brand new tubular control arms i had just purchased and installed from CPP. They were tight on the arms when i got them, but obviously not torqued on to say the least. While being tightened one of my bolts snapped! Upon further inspection it turned out that bolt had been stripped when first inserted... by CPP. Also the bolts that help hold my wheel on, youd asume would be grade 8 bolts, nope they were some cheap ass grade 4.6 or something..... bull****. I have a huge dislike for this company but ill go into the rest of that story at a later date.

Talked to Justin over at DriverzInc and his crew hooked me up with some falken Azenis for the front of my car. some 145/40R17s. They stick much better than the crappy old Khumo Asxs i had before.

Found out a bolt was missing on the bottom of one of my shocks, as now been replaced.

[69projectKAOS]

im feeling the same way with mine, all these little things keep happening and it makes me soo mad lol. but is there any updates? -Dom

[69camarokid]

ok sooooo here we go. First the small stuff. I was taking the car to the track on tuesday so i took the car in for an alignment on monday. The ball joints that were loose before ahd been tightened down. As soon as my buddy got started he called me over to show me that both the upper ball joints (the brand new ones that came with my tubular control arms were bad) they were less than a month old. CPP screwed me again. So i fixed that and my mystery vibration under hard braking. which turned out to be a slightly loose driveshaft that would hit the muffler under hard braking.

Now to the fun stuff. I hit the track yesterday and blew my engine up. yah me. I believe i threw a rod tahnks to the loud and aggressive knocking i heard about 2 seconds before it blew. lost oil nad coolant. 50 miles from home. good times

plan as it is right now is to pull the engine. inspect what can be salvaged and rebuild it as an all forged 383 stroker LT1. port and polish the heads, possibly install bigger valves. LT4 intake manifold and twin 58mm throttle body. thorley tri y 1 and 7/8 headers.
aiming for a bulletproof 475 hp street monster.

Anyone wanna donate the cash to this poor college student? ...christmas spirit! haha

[sik68]

Oh man, that sucks, believe me I know how you feel. I just got my engine back from the builder after I wasted it on the track. I'd donate, but I'm wildly short on funds myself.

PS, your profile says you're 24 now....are you sure you're still a college student? :razz:

[Nessumsar]

DOH!! Sorry to hear it man. I will see what a friend of mine has laying around for your LT1, he always has some good deals on stuff. Last I heard he had a forged stroker LT1...

[montessaj]

That really sucks man. I'm sorry to hear that.

[kryptik]

Hey I just got to reading your entire thread tonight...impressive stuff especially the paint job!

I'm a college student as well (19) and just got my '70 Camaro buttoned up after a full resto not unlike yours (gotta make a thread for her pretty soon!). It's good to know that there are other young adults in my area that are keeping this hobby alive.

Let me say that you aren't alone with the engine failure. I was using a 383 which I recovered from my utterly totaled 68 R.I.P. which almost got me killed. About 3 months ago I had my car driveable right before college started up again. The plan was to take my baby with me to school. Anyways, during my 167 mile drive to San Luis Obispo I heard what I thought to be a momentary backfire through the exhaust...but after that the engine was running kinda funny. When I got up there I thought it was a misadjusted valve. On my birthday of all times, I ended up pulling the drivers valve cover to do my valve adjustment only to find both #5 pushrods nowhere to be found. Looking with a flashlight I noticed they were in the lifter valley, one bent...a lifter was out of its bore, and its companion ROLLER lifter was sideways...bye bye camshaft. Furthermore the block was cracked and leaking a bit of coolant. Goes to show that one should never ASSUME anything is okay without a serious inspection.

Anyhow, the engine's restored, back in, and she's running strong now. Just wanted to let you know that you aren't alone, and not to get down when stuff like this happens. Yes it is discouraging, but with enough effort and patience anything can be fixed.

Like I said before...great work on the car and the best of luck to ya with the rebuild!

Cheers,
Matt

P.S. If you got the cash make sure you get some quality fasteners this time around...they are often overlooked, and therefore often the failure point of any system.

[1969CamaroRS]

Dang sorry to hear about your engine. They have any engine machining / rebuilding classes at GWC? See if you can blueprint a motor in a class if they have one. That's what I did and was a great experience.

[69camarokid]

Oh man, that sucks, believe me I know how you feel. I just got my engine back from the builder after I wasted it on the track. I'd donate, but I'm wildly short on funds myself.

PS, your profile says you're 24 now....are you sure you're still a college student? :razz:

you caught me. I actually just finished my last classes 2 weeks ago, but im sitll waiting on my paperwork nad i dont walk for another 3 months. But i technically have my enginerring degree in production tech now. Emphasis on alternative fuel technology. hahah funny stuff since i love my big powerful V8. or atleast i did, til it sploded'.

but with the 383 ill be aiming for 400-420RWHP. god id love to have a 500hp (crank) car. that would be so ****ing cool.

[DCx]

save your cash and go LSX this time around. get a cheapy 6.0 and run a carb. its pretty easy to do.

[69camarokid]

not a big fan of carbs. Love fuel injection.

I thought about doing an ls1 or lq4/9.
The problem with all that is then i need to get new headers for the swap, a new wiring harness, new motor mounts, not to mention then i need to find some way to make my Lt1's T56 mount up to the new engine.

[79-TA]

The Pick Your Part on Katella near Beach Blvd has a nice 4th gen Z28 complete with LT1 ripe for the picking. The next 4 days are half off days as well.

[69camarokid]

thanks, but im gonna rebuild this engine. not swap in a new one.

[lt1chevelle]

dont go 383 u can get the numbers u are looking for with a stock 350. save the extra cash and send the heads out for the loyd elliot stage 2 kit and get some bigger injectors. just a idea if your on a budget

[69projectKAOS]

hey man,

i been watching your build for a while and i saw that you put a lt1 t56 in your car, i was wondering if you could tell me how you mounted your hydraulic pushrod to your clutch pedal? i have the same pedals and i bought a DSE clutch master cylinder bracket that bolt behind the brake booster to put the hydraulics at the right angle. i still think that the angle looks weird. do you have any pics of how u did it? if you could help me that would be great! thanks-Dom

[69camarokid]

ok, so i have not updated this thread in quite a while as i threw a rod in the engine. Since the LT1 is such outdated technology i have decided instead to save my cash and do a ls based swap instead. Since im currently paying off student loans and then trying to start up my own small business this could take a while.

Plans include a LM7 engine. This is the iron block LS4 basically. A 305 hp 5.3L V8. Ill be swapping in LS6 valve springs and cam and attaching a decent sized turbo running around 8PSI, this should net me between 550-600 hp. Ill be selling my LT1 t56 and getting myself an LS based t56.

Unfortunately i think my baby will be sitting for atleast a year or so. ugh

[Nessumsar]

Glad to see things moving forward on your car, even if they are only plans at the moment. Let me know when you want to sell the T56, I may be interested (if I can sell my damned bike).

[carguy502]

2nd in line behind Jon!

My T5 is making all kinds of awful noises nowadays.

[rfalker1]

sorry to hear about the engine problem. I hope ur car wont be sitting two long!!!!! If you was located in st. louis I would seriously loan you my 350 just because you did all this in college

[69camarokid]

Well student loans have been paid off, and i have a little bit of money saved up. Not to mention im getting tired off all my car buddies reminiscing about my car like its never coming back. So im rebuilding the LT1, im going to take my time and do it right.
Ive sourced a replacement LT1 short block to replace my blown one.
The sort block is currently disassembled and looks to be in pretty good condition. No scratches on the cylinder walls or bearings.
Today ill be using my dremel to very slowly blueprint my pistons and connecting rods. I have a scale that will go to .1 gram so that should work.
Wish me luck.

[69camarokid]

ill post some pics soon.

[BCHALK22]

cool i just read the whole 16 pages yesterday. was wondering how the ride is going.keep up the good work..

[69camarokid]

Hello beautiful people!

After an 8 year slumber my girl is back on the road! Woot woot! Short recap since I have not posted about Chloe, my blue 69 Camaro in the last 8 years.
I bought her right after my 19th bday. Upgraded the brakes and suspension and ripped out the original 307 to be replaced with a 95 LT1 with some mild upgrades and a cam, with a t56 tranny.
I blew a rod through the engine at the track in 2011 and had just invested all of my money into a parkour gymnasium I was trying to start as a business. With no money to rebuild, the camaro has sat in my parents garage in an automotive cacoon for 8 years.

During that time I got into a warehouse and launched my business in 2013, it really started to take off in 2017. Got married, opened a second location, with a third opening next month. Ive been driving a Mazdaspeed3 (stage 3, 370hp) since 2016 as my daily driver. The 4 doors, hatch, spacious interior, nad roof rack have made it a great car, but not my #1 baby. Since the business was doing well, and my wife had always heard stories of the camaro, but had only seen in under a cover in my parents garage, I figured it was time to bring her back to life.

I found an awesome shop in Huntington Beach Ca called Chimera Motorsports that had a large background in building modernized hot rods. Here is what the Camaro has gained in her time there.

1. GM LS376-495 Engine with a TR6060 6-speed transmission. This engine is a freakin beast. So much power, always, all the time. Its fantastic.
2. Full wiring replaced and a drive by wire system installed for the engine system.
3. THe entire engine bay was blasted and then repainted for a very clean install look. It looks like the LS3 was a factory install.
4. Modern headlights and replaced headlights. (Though Im not 100% satisfied with the headlights, Ill be upgrading to an HID model)
5. New gas tank and lines, pump, etc.
6. Mid length Hooker Headers and a 3" Flow Master Exhaust
7. HDX gauges and anice new steering wheel, new speakers as well.
8. Modern, but original looking radio
9. Full tubular front suspension with Viking 3-way adjustable coilovers.
10. Custim built 4 core radiator and fan setup
Im sure im missing a few things right now as well.
17193517193617193717193817193917194117194217194317 1944
171945171946171947

Im about to board a flight, but Ill get on here with a list of the future plans to really finish this girl up, though with two new gyms opening all money is once again all wrapped up.Once I get these two up and running and profitable, Ill be back at the car improvement game.

[chunger]

Holy thread revival!

Nice to see an update on this! I thought it had ended the way so many other threads here do ... just fading off in the sunset, never to be updated again.

Car sure has come along since we last saw it - hope you get some time to enjoy it!

[69camarokid]

hahaha Thank you very much. Can't blame you on feeling like that was the case. After blowing the engine and then sitting for 8 years I also was worried that would become the case. But now that she runs again, and well, I really want to finish up hte big projects I want for her.

The thing that has blown my mind is how fast she has become with just dropping in this factory engine. The LS series is unbelievably impressive. I live in Orange County which is home to TONS of wealthy people with amazing cars and have had a few opportunities to do pulls against some amazing machines. So far my car has beat, or stayed neck and neck with:


Lamborghini Mercialago
Mercedes AMG GT
Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor Redline Performance edition
Challenger SRT8


Future plans include: (PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LET ME KNOW ANY RECOMMENDATIONS YOU HAVE FOR THE FOLLOWING UPGRADES, or PRODUCTS TO STAY AWAY FROM)

4 Link rear suspension set up / or an independent rear suspension system
Mini tub in the rear for wider tires (I max out at 275, no good for launching)
Ford 9" or 12 bolt (I ahve a 10 bolt and am worried to eventually blow it)
replace the 11" discs on all 4 corners with 13" or larger with 6/4 piston calipers
New wheels to allow for larger breaks and maximize my rear tire size potential post mini tub
HID front headlights
better racing seats and 4 point harnesses (thinking Sparco, ideas? anyone put good seats in their 69?)


Any and all thoughts adn recommendations are appreciated! Thanks!

- - - Updated - - -

hahaha Thank you very much. Can't blame you on feeling like that was the case. After blowing the engine and then sitting for 8 years I also was worried that would become the case. But now that she runs again, and well, I really want to finish up hte big projects I want for her.

The thing that has blown my mind is how fast she has become with just dropping in this factory engine. The LS series is unbelievably impressive. I live in Orange County which is home to TONS of wealthy people with amazing cars and have had a few opportunities to do pulls against some amazing machines. So far my car has beat, or stayed neck and neck with:


Lamborghini Mercialago
Mercedes AMG GT
Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor Redline Performance edition
Challenger SRT8


Future plans include: (PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LET ME KNOW ANY RECOMMENDATIONS YOU HAVE FOR THE FOLLOWING UPGRADES, or PRODUCTS TO STAY AWAY FROM)

4 Link rear suspension set up / or an independent rear suspension system
Mini tub in the rear for wider tires (I max out at 275, no good for launching)
Ford 9" or 12 bolt (I ahve a 10 bolt and am worried to eventually blow it)
replace the 11" discs on all 4 corners with 13" or larger with 6/4 piston calipers
New wheels to allow for larger breaks and maximize my rear tire size potential post mini tub
HID front headlights
better racing seats and 4 point harnesses (thinking Sparco, ideas? anyone put good seats in their 69?)


Any and all thoughts adn recommendations are appreciated! Thanks!

[nickcornilsen]

hahaha Thank you very much. Can't blame you on feeling like that was the case. After blowing the engine and then sitting for 8 years I also was worried that would become the case. But now that she runs again, and well, I really want to finish up hte big projects I want for her.

The thing that has blown my mind is how fast she has become with just dropping in this factory engine. The LS series is unbelievably impressive. I live in Orange County which is home to TONS of wealthy people with amazing cars and have had a few opportunities to do pulls against some amazing machines. So far my car has beat, or stayed neck and neck with:


Lamborghini Mercialago
Mercedes AMG GT
Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor Redline Performance edition
Challenger SRT8


Future plans include: (PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LET ME KNOW ANY RECOMMENDATIONS YOU HAVE FOR THE FOLLOWING UPGRADES, or PRODUCTS TO STAY AWAY FROM)

4 Link rear suspension set up / or an independent rear suspension system
Mini tub in the rear for wider tires (I max out at 275, no good for launching)
Ford 9" or 12 bolt (I ahve a 10 bolt and am worried to eventually blow it)
replace the 11" discs on all 4 corners with 13" or larger with 6/4 piston calipers
New wheels to allow for larger breaks and maximize my rear tire size potential post mini tub
HID front headlights
better racing seats and 4 point harnesses (thinking Sparco, ideas? anyone put good seats in their 69?)


Any and all thoughts adn recommendations are appreciated! Thanks!

- - - Updated - - -

hahaha Thank you very much. Can't blame you on feeling like that was the case. After blowing the engine and then sitting for 8 years I also was worried that would become the case. But now that she runs again, and well, I really want to finish up hte big projects I want for her.

The thing that has blown my mind is how fast she has become with just dropping in this factory engine. The LS series is unbelievably impressive. I live in Orange County which is home to TONS of wealthy people with amazing cars and have had a few opportunities to do pulls against some amazing machines. So far my car has beat, or stayed neck and neck with:


Lamborghini Mercialago
Mercedes AMG GT
Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor Redline Performance edition
Challenger SRT8


Future plans include: (PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LET ME KNOW ANY RECOMMENDATIONS YOU HAVE FOR THE FOLLOWING UPGRADES, or PRODUCTS TO STAY AWAY FROM)

4 Link rear suspension set up / or an independent rear suspension system
Mini tub in the rear for wider tires (I max out at 275, no good for launching)
Ford 9" or 12 bolt (I ahve a 10 bolt and am worried to eventually blow it)
replace the 11" discs on all 4 corners with 13" or larger with 6/4 piston calipers
New wheels to allow for larger breaks and maximize my rear tire size potential post mini tub
HID front headlights
better racing seats and 4 point harnesses (thinking Sparco, ideas? anyone put good seats in their 69?)


Any and all thoughts adn recommendations are appreciated! Thanks!


What are your goals? You talk about launching, so I'm guessing drag racing is going to be the main thing you use it for? If so, go with a 9" ford rear end, and a 3 or 4 link rear suspension. I can't speak to a specific one, though... there are many options. If you think you want to do any kind of corner carving, go 3 link. I'd avoid an independent rear suspension - they tend to turn into years long projects!
-Nick

[69camarokid]

Thanks for the heads up Nick!

THe main goal is a safe and dependable daily driver that will see track use every 3 months or so. For the track use, it will most all be corner carving. Very little drag racing. The camaro has gone to the track 8 - 10 times many years ago with the old engine set up, but has not yet gone with the new set up.

I want the car to be very reliable and as modern as possible (hence the LS3, modern lights, etc) and as safe as possible (4 pt harness, larger breaks) and be ready for the track for cornering (3 or 4 link, new rear end, wider tires, etc)

thanks for the input Please feel free to let me know any ideas you have. HAve an awesome day!

[Mr Nick]

Depending how tall you are, something to keep in mind when swapping to aftermarket seats is the base height and mount/bracket height. I'm almost 6'6" and I'm using a Corbeau A4 Wide with shaved base on the driver side, and shortened the legs on the Planted bracket, in order to gain some head room in my Cutlass.

[69camarokid]

Still looking into seat options, but I have chosen a few parts that I ahve purchased and are on the way. I'd love to know your thoughts on these parts I ahve chosen, especially if you have used them or similar parts that you like/disliked. Each one is a substantial investment so I'd hate to pick up something that will suck.

First, I picked up a new front spoiler. Its a "Spoilers by Randy" version. I freaking love it! Its much wider and more aggressive looking than the stock spoiler, and most importantly, made of steel (I believe 22 gauge) instead of the cheap plastic like the originals. This is great as Ive cracked and broken several of the stock versions.

Check it out, before (stock spoiler) and after (Spoiler by Randy) below:
STOCK SPOILER
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173683
SEE BOTH SPOILERS
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SPOILER BY RANDY
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173680

[Motown 454]

Wow nice update! I like the new spoiler, and what an engine upgrade. Great choice.

[68Formula]

Geez man, this thing is back with a vengeance. So what size tires and rims you running on it?

BTW, you need to update your sig. :-)

[69camarokid]

Thanks. Trying to turn her into the car I always was trying to build in college.

I have been unable to find any way to update my Signature. Anyoje know how?

[shelteredchevelle]

Go to settings next to your log in. Left hand column toward the bottom, edit signature.

[69camarokid]

Thanks for the help on the settings, very helpful and fully updated now!

I finally got the damn JW Speaker Evo 2 headlights to fit. It was a bitch, but they are finally in. Once the rain here in SoCal (who even knew that was allowed!?) does down I'll take the Camaro outside and get some pics of it. The new lights are easily x10 brighter than the headlights I had on before, a halogen projector style.
I have the Illuminator Fog Lights on the way to replace the lower front turn signals with LED fog lights/turn signals. These should add some extra light as well, making it much safer to drive at night. Between the fog lights, new headlights, and the new front spoiler I am really happy with how the front end is turning out.

I was supposed to be replacing the 11" single piston disc brakes with some 13" front w/ 6 piston/12" rear w/ 4 piston Wilwood brakes, but unfortunately Carona has shown up and has completely shut down all my businesses and cut off all my, and my employees, income, so the Camaro will have to wait a bit longer. #sadday

[69camarokid]

The Tires and Wheels are currently 245/r17/40 for the front and 275/r17/45 for the Rear.

Without doing an aftermarket front subframe, I do not think I can get any wider front wheels, though maybe if I find a perfect offset I can get them a little wider. I've already upgraded the front suspension as much as I think Im going to, so if I can't get wider with a offset change then I will leave the 245s.

Right now the front suspension is:
CCP - Tubular Control arms
Viking - Triple Adjustable Coil Overs
Hotchkis - Sway bar
All Polyurethane bushings
CPP steering box with 2002 SS Internals

In the Rear I am running reproduction Z28 multileaf springs with some stiffer shocks (cant recall what they are) which I have only been able to fit 275 width tires into (after hammering away on my wheel wells with a sledge. haha)

I plan, after Corona ends and my businesses can reopen and I can stabilize my finances, to go with a four link rear (right now I am leaning towards Detroit Speed) and mini tub. Does anyone know how wide of rear wheels and tires you can fit in a 69 Camaro when the back has been swapped to a 4 link and mini tub?

[69camarokid]

So whenever I seem to fix something, some new problems arise, as is always the case with project cars.

So, went to see my family for some "Quarantine" dinner, across from each other and a fire pit. After parking the Camaro and needing to move it real quick I noticed that there was an oil leak under the car! Oh no!
Interesting and important info regarding this. The oil (i touched it and it is definitely oil) is EXTREMELY clean and clear. It is definitely not engine oil. I check the engine oil and it is a darker color as well as not being low.

Laying on the ground I can see that the leak seems to be coming form the transmission (TR6060 6-speed manual) Unfortunately I wont have access to my Jack and stands until tomorrow and then Ill be able to get underneath and see exactly what is going on.

The tranny has less than 2800 miles on it, so im really hoping something is loose and not really messed up. There does seem to be two braided cables coming out of the inside of the tranny. Once attaches its other side somewhere that I cannot see, and the other seems to have a fitting on the end, but is hanging out of the transmission by a few inches, but is attached to nothing. Im not sure where it is suppose to attach, but it does not seem to have any of the oil on it.

Im not sure what in the world is going on. Hopefully Ill have an update tomorrow as Im super tired of my car and its many new parts having issues. Ugh, rant over. Love yo faces. See ya tomorrow.

[chunger]

The tranny has less than 2800 miles on it, so im really hoping something is loose and not really messed up. There does seem to be two braided cables coming out of the inside of the tranny. Once attaches its other side somewhere that I cannot see, and the other seems to have a fitting on the end, but is hanging out of the transmission by a few inches, but is attached to nothing. Im not sure where it is suppose to attach, but it does not seem to have any of the oil on it.

Does your car have a hydraulic throw out bearing installed? That what this sounds like. The feed line from the master cylinder and the bleed line (the one with a fitting on it).



Im not sure what in the world is going on. Hopefully Ill have an update tomorrow as Im super tired of my car and its many new parts having issues. Ugh, rant over. Love yo faces. See ya tomorrow.

Tell me about it. Generally, I try to use as many OEM parts as possible. Most of the aftermarket just does not test/evaluate their parts to the same spec. This is an industry wide issue. Since so few of our kinds of cars are used as daily drivers, many of these types of issues can take months to surface.

[69camarokid]

Wow, I have not updated in a while!!!!

So the transmission problem turned out to be a sensor that wiggled a little loose. Got it all tightened up and refilled with fluid.

During Quarnatine I got some nice upgrades for the Camaro. Everything I am working on right now is to make the car as safe to drive as possible.
I plan to do a bunch of racing in the next couple of years (I had three track days set up, but quarantine killed that idea) and my wife will be coming with, and I kinda like her and want to keep her and I safe.

1) Upgraded the lights. JW Speaker headlights and Illumin8tor Fog Lights

The halogen lighting system (even the upgraded one) totally sucks. Its hard to see anything at night. So after looking around at all the available options I spent the money and got the
JW Speaker LED headlights. Holy **** these things are super bright. I also upgraded the front turn signals and installed the Illumin8tor LED fight light kit. I can see SOOOO much better now.
She still needs bezels, and I really like the look of the Hawk's Motorsports billet aluminum bezels (but god damn are they pricey, nearly 200 for the ones i want, plus the cost of regular bezels) oye.
https://www.hawksmotorsports.com/1969-camaro-headlight-bezels-accent-style-pair/

178741178742

2) Upgraded Brakes! Wilwood 13"/12", Drilled and slotted. 6 Front/4 rear piston

This was a bitch to get installed. At the time of install The tech support at Wilwood was amazing. The car stops sooooo much better than it did when I had a 11" front/rear single piston kit.
Meeting with a buddy tomorrow to fab up some brackets to install the parking brake kit instead of stock (line pulls over the exhaust) Im looking to possibly install a hand brake parking break instead of
the stock pedal version.

178743178744

3) Upgraded Seats. Braum Racing Seats and 5 point harnesses.

The seats Ive had in the Camaro have been in here for hte last 12 years or so. I got them off Craigslist for around a $150 bucks. They have done the job for quite a while now, but I dont trust them not to fall apart in a crash.
They can already wiggle up to an inch even when locked in. The Braums seats fit me much more snuggly and just look so good. I was able to get a nearly new pair off OfferUp that came with blue stitching to match the Camaro. Tood bad the harnesses have been on back order for nearly 2 months. They are suppose dto arrive today.... but they have been saying that for 3 days. We'll see.

178745

4) Oil Catch Can. Mighty Mouse Road Racing Oil Catch Can.

I want this sexy beast to last as long as she can and everything I can find recommends a catch can for the LS3, so in it goes!I still need to add in some additional plumbing.

178746

5) Rear Shocks upgraded. Viking adjustable shocks
I realized as I was riding my rear end on shocks I bought at walmart back when i was 19. I had just purchased the camaro and had to drive it 6 hours to southern california. The rear shocks were blown. I remember having to borrow $40 from my dad to buy the cheapest shocks at the local walkmart or target or something. I realized while tearing down the breaks that I havnt replaced the chocks since then. Id been driving on them for 15 years. Oye! The new shocks are a massive improvement.

Up next will be finishing the seats once the parts arrive. Im also looking into a tune to get a bit more performance. Im also meeting with a welder tomorrow to discuss a 4 point cage for the car to improve the stiffness, be safer for racing, and to have a bar to mount my harness to.

[Gmc427]

So whenever I seem to fix something, some new problems arise, as is always the case with project cars.

So, went to see my family for some "Quarantine" dinner, across from each other and a fire pit. After parking the Camaro and needing to move it real quick I noticed that there was an oil leak under the car! Oh no!
Interesting and important info regarding this. The oil (i touched it and it is definitely oil) is EXTREMELY clean and clear. It is definitely not engine oil. I check the engine oil and it is a darker color as well as not being low.

Laying on the ground I can see that the leak seems to be coming form the transmission (TR6060 6-speed manual) Unfortunately I wont have access to my Jack and stands until tomorrow and then Ill be able to get underneath and see exactly what is going on.

The tranny has less than 2800 miles on it, so im really hoping something is loose and not really messed up. There does seem to be two braided cables coming out of the inside of the tranny. Once attaches its other side somewhere that I cannot see, and the other seems to have a fitting on the end, but is hanging out of the transmission by a few inches, but is attached to nothing. Im not sure where it is suppose to attach, but it does not seem to have any of the oil on it.

Im not sure what in the world is going on. Hopefully Ill have an update tomorrow as Im super tired of my car and its many new parts having issues. Ugh, rant over. Love yo faces. See ya tomorrow.

**** ,reading this one would assume you had been doing all this rebuilding but your not sure what your throwout bearing hoses are...?

[69camarokid]

**** ,reading this one would assume you had been doing all this rebuilding but your not sure what your throwout bearing hoses are...?

Fair Comment.
I did not grow up in an automotive family. I bought the Camaro at 19 because I wanted to learn how cars worked and to become familiar with working on my own vehicle. From 19 to 25 I did nearly everything myself (with help from my father and uncle, and the occasional friend) I pulled and rebuilt an LT1 engine. Did the engine and transmission swap. I learned how to weld and did the rear quarter panel as well as filling in door handle and marker lights. I did the interior. I did a fair amount of electrical until it caught on fire twice, then decided to leave that part to professionals.

I blew up the car at the track nearly 9 years ago. It sat in my parents garage for the last 7.5 years. During that time I started my own business and dedicated myself 100% to that. I did 0 work on the Camaro or any other car at that time (other than swapping out a wheel bearing on a Fiero I owned for a bit). I only recently started back up on the Camaro in early 2019 or so. This time around I used the money Ive saved form my company to pay a professional shop to do the LS3/TR6060 swap.

Basically its been nearly 10 years since I worked on a car and Ive definitely forgotten pretty much everything. Especially with the technology jump to a modern engine, im doing my best to make sure I dont **** it up. The only things I have been doing myself form the last year on this car has been simple mechanical things. I definitely have a lot to relearn and then to continue learning.

That was my written novel answer to your comment. hahah. TLDR: I did all the work for the first 6 years. Took 8 years off and now have paid a shop to do all the new stuff. I have forgotten nearly everything.

[ryeguy2006a]

**** ,reading this one would assume you had been doing all this rebuilding but your not sure what your throwout bearing hoses are...?

In no way is that helpful to this guys build. He's simply giving us an update and don't condescend someone for asking a question.

Anyway, as GMC pointed out that sounds like the hydraulic line for your throwout bearing. If the shop that did your swap used a remote bleeder on the trans, there is a chance the AN fitting came loose. I'd check in there with a flashlight to see. Hopefully it's something more simple though like the clutch master cylinder.

Not sure if I replied, but I checked out your build yesterday and you did a great job. Kudos for keeping the car for so long and not selling it. I'm in the process of building an LS3 for my car and I'll be looking into the catch can now.

[69camarokid]

In no way is that helpful to this guys build. He's simply giving us an update and don't condescend someone for asking a question.

Anyway, as GMC pointed out that sounds like the hydraulic line for your throwout bearing. If the shop that did your swap used a remote bleeder on the trans, there is a chance the AN fitting came loose. I'd check in there with a flashlight to see. Hopefully it's something more simple though like the clutch master cylinder.

Not sure if I replied, but I checked out your build yesterday and you did a great job. Kudos for keeping the car for so long and not selling it. I'm in the process of building an LS3 for my car and I'll be looking into the catch can now.

Thakns for the kind words and helpful info. The LS3 is a great way to go. I absolutely love it, especially with the hotcam in it. Extra 65 horsepower and still extremely streetable.

[69camarokid]

Its been a while! Hello everyone! The Camaro is starting to finally feel like a fully built out car. Im freakin ecstatic... its been a 15 year build in the making... with an 8 year hibernation in the middle.

Since we last left off a few new parts have been installed, broken in, or dialed in. I just had my first AutoX day and had an absolute blast. Will post pics below.

BRAKES
The new Wilwood 13", 6 piston/4 piston brakes are miles above and beyond my old 11" single piston brakes. They let me use the LS3 closer to its actual potential iwth a lot more confidence.

SUSPENSION
I finally got some Viking adjustable rear shocks to match the coilovers in the front. They rock. Ive tried outa few different settings and currently have it set for the recommended autoX specs, though slightly stiffer. I really like this even for just around town driving. The Camaro feels tight and controlled.

I got some Detroit Speed weld in subframe connectors to replace the bolt on ones I bought of ebay back in college. They look and feel great.
179788179789179790

INTERIOR - more exciting than it sounds.
Back in April/May I purchased some Braum racing seats (Black with Blue Trim) to match the cars interior. I got them new for almost 35% off from another person who needed cash during Covid. The Braum seats and harnesses were bought to replace the red APC seats I bought of Craigslist back in college to replace the original seats. The seats did the job, but were cheap and the color was way off. The new black and blue seats really make the entire car look better, not to mention are much more snug and higher quality.

The Braum seats would not work without a roll bar. Luckily a buddy of mine from college (We took a couple of semesters of body/paint classes together) is a great fabricator/welder and does a lot of cages. He had some extra chromoly pipe sitting around from another job and offered me a good deal to weld in the the subframe connectors and build the roll cage. He got it done quickly and made it work well and look great. Check out the difference in the interior/overall look of the car with the new cage/seats.

179791179792179793179794179795179796

AUTOX
Now that the car felt safe, could turn and stop, and keep my ass planted it was time for some track time to break her in right.
I went to Autoclub Speed way in Southern California and had an absolute blast just doing time only. I learned alot about my driving abilities and the Camaro's capabilities.
She defintiely could use more tire, but at 275 it seems to be the widest I can fit in before having to move the leaf springs, but then I would want to do a 4 link, and a 9" and mini tubs... etc etc.
Im going to work on improving my driver abilities before dropping another 10 - 15k redoing the entire rear.

This was the first of 8 runs. I unfortunately hit the button on the go pro for hyperlapse, so the rest of my videos are at like 100x speeds and not watchable. First run was 69 seconds (hahaha) and got it down to 63 seconds by the last run.
179797

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iPMQbmjnX0

[69camarokid]

I cant believe it has been almost two years since Ive posted! This is nuts!

Lets see. I rented outa small private track with some friends that has a 1 mile long 13 turn course and a skid pad for a race day. Its called Apple Valley Speedway in Ca. Ive done 3-4 autocross days as well.

So I installed a II much fuel vent as my stock one kept overflowing and leaking fuel whenever I filled up the tank all the way or rode hard on the track. That took care of those issues. I also installed an oil catch can into the LS3. So hopefully that will help keep the engine stronger and healthier for the long haul.

My main two problems with the Camaro are that I need a brake booster vacuum pump and a canister to hold a reserve amount. This is due to the cam in the LS3 making it hard to get enough vacuum for the new brakes. I currently need to double tap the brakes before braking to build up pressure. As you can imagine, this is terrible for track days and lightly terrifying. Ill also need to replace the DOt 3 fluid with Dot 4 as at my last track day (it was a Looooong one with tons of on track time) my brake fluid boiled over and my brakes failed on a corner sending me out into the dirt.

The other issue I have is I have is one of traction. The largest rears I can fit are 275s and they hold no traction in 1-3 gear.
Gonna need wider tires.

[69camarokid]

So its Summer time in Cali, which means it is time to cruise and race down Pacific Coast Highway. So on my first day in quite some time taking the car out for a day of adventures, some mother****er did a hit and run on me. Im taking off from a light with a Porsche 911 S on my right and an Aston Martin DBX on my left. At about 25 MPH I get rear ended by a new Chevy Trax. The guy was looking at his phone while accelerating too fast and tried to swerve last second hitting my back left side.

This hit somehow broke loose one of my parking break brackets, causing my parking brake cable to fall down and the slack to get caught in my driveshaft, ripping out the cable and wrapping it around the driveshaft knuckle. The worst part is the guy took off as I was pulling over. I would have chased him but the parking brake cable was making a terrifying racket as it smacked all around under the car. At the time, I didnt know what was making the noise and shuttering feeling. It wasnt til after pulling over I found it was th parking brake cable.

So the other car took off while i was on the side of the road. Luckily, I installed a 4K front and rear camera system in 2021, so i got everything on film, including the license plate. The police took all my info and then caught the person at their house later that night! woot woot! They admitted to everything and they have insurance, so it looks like ai am covered!

Ive taken my car to 714 motorsports. The guys there seem cool and they are right next to my work. They used to help build the cars on overhauling so I hope things will turn out allright.
Im getting a quote to have installed at the same time a mini tub kit, 4 link, and a 12 bolt rear. This will hopefully help my autocross as well as take care of my traction issues. Im deciding on which mini tub, 4 link, and rear end to go with. if you have any advice, please let me know!

200825

[thumper877]

Wow i know that feeling. Had someone do that to me too. Talk about instant pissed. Awesome you had the camera and i hope they spend some time in jail. Maybe next time they will think. Hope his insurance company will pay big and you can get some help with the upgrades