73 camaro

[newmexicosaint]

OK guys this is my maiden attempt to post the progress of my 73 camaro. Being new to the Pro Touring scene my c ar has a long way to go and little money to get there so please laugh quietly :D

I bought the camaro from a body shop owner in Ft. Collins Colorado (with my wife's permission of course). I believe it started life as a gold 6cyl. non a/c car. Mr. Mordini put a 396, TH350, and 10 bolt 3.73 posi in the car along with paint and basic interior. The car supposedly had about 1500miles on the build. It was a pretty nice driver in my opinion.

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[newmexicosaint]

Here is the engine and interior of the car when I got it and one more of the car.

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[newmexicosaint]

I planned on driving the car for a year or so before attempting any alterations as the car ran and drove nice. Then I had a chance to trade a BB ford motor for a 489 stroker short block fresh from the machine shop built for a turbo Camaro. Early 454 2 bolt main, hardblocked from below the water pump for strength, scat steel crank, callies compstar rods, probe supercharger pistons, and hellfire rings and balanced. Then the bottomless pit began...GM bowtie heads ported, polished, flowbenched, and velocity tuned (see intake manifold pics), COMP cams custom grind (not shelf) billet hydraulic roller cam/lifters for supercharger, ATI supercharger balancer and FAST XFI fuel injection.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/185-1.jpg
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[newmexicosaint]

Thanks to Frank at Prodigy the car will have the 4L80E and paddle shift out of the BullRun Racer build (68 chevelle) with a 3000 stall converter. We had the tranny checked and upgraded some stuff to allow for my abusive style. Next I deleted the heater core and Frank got me a vintage air system for the car. I cleaned up the engine compartment, installed hydroboost and made a bracket for the wilwood proportioning valve. (see pics). I had the inner fenders powdercoated in semigloss black.

I am going for an all business look and have attempted to avoid any 'bling' or polished/chrome stuff. I'm hoping this will add a level of intimidation to the car.

Keep in mind I am a glass guy and not a professional car guy...just a hobbyist.

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[newmexicosaint]

Here are some pics of the engine bay cleaned up...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/178-1.jpg
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[newmexicosaint]

Sorry, the above were before and after...

[coolwelder62]

Look's like you have a good start on your project.Please kep us posted.Scott

[protour73]

That's a darn good looking car for a P/T build. I must say, I am very partial to the '73 Camaro myself!!

Keep the update pics coming. Tons of very knowledgeable folks on this site, so lots of good advice.

[newmexicosaint]

Thanks Scott

I read the CHP article on your car...what a story! I heard of hot cars but yours went a little far HA ha. Are you still running leaf springs?

[kryptik]

Beautiful car man...that body style just NEVER gets old ;)

[newmexicosaint]

Thanks Kryptik,

Here is a pic of the interior I forgot to post...I will also be posting some of the progress (or regression) of the interior. It will be just the usual dash pad, instrument cluster, vintage air.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/060-1.jpg
Here is the interior as it was when I got the car, not to bad

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/182-1.jpg
This is fresh after I pulled the instrument cluster

[protour73]

Thanks Gene, yea I don't suggest going that far for a HOT car!!!

yup, Hotchkis leaf springs out back!

[newmexicosaint]

yup, Hotchkis leaf springs out back!

Are you pleased with the performance of the Leaf Springs? If so, can you tell me about the ride/performance vs. going coil over and maybe why you went leafs? Thanks!!

[kryptik]

I have Hotchkis leafs in my '70 Camaro RS. I am VERY pleased with the ride quality and handling. They are not too harsh by any means, but still have quite positive feedback and hold the road well. Coil over's in the rear are relatively expensive and the installation is much more involved. The Hotchkis leafs deliver highly satisfying BOLT-IN performance and ride-quality. For street use you will most-likely never NEED anything more.

[newmexicosaint]

I am seriously considering leafs now. I like the fact that I can gain some peroformance and not hit the pocketbook too hard.

I just got done putting Second Skins Damplifier Pro down in the car and here are the pics.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/IMAG0060-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/IMAG0061-1.jpg

I will be installing Second Skins Luxury Liner Pro when the wiring is done and the A/C is in. I will keep the updates coming.

[mincharlie]

keep up the good work, great looking car.

[Motown 454]

The car looks great. That should be a nice engine and trans for a sweet ride..........

[newmexicosaint]

Thanks for the kind words.

Here are some pics of the engine and trans in the car and I will post some of the 4l80e crossmember fab and some details on how we did it.

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NOTE that the crank pulley isn't on the engine. That is because ATI uses a Chrysler bolt pattern on their BBC supercharger balancers which I didn't know. They are six bolt pattern in a smaller diameter vs. the 3 bolt pattern in the BBC. I have to redrill the pulley to match the Chrysler bolt pattern.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/IMAG0356-1.jpg

The Concept one pulley system is the nicest fit I have seen in a while and the anodized (optional) brackets/pulleys are trick! Super nice guys too.

[newmexicosaint]

Here are a couple more

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[newmexicosaint]

taking care of the crossmember was alot easier than I had first anticipated. After another member put a link up here on their 4l80e swap into a 2nd gen Pontiac firebird (which was a great resource with pics) we took and used the factory crossmember and turned it around 180degrees and cut the mounting bracket off.

The crossmember has two mounting holes on each side of the sub frame. We then moved the bracket back one hole and drilled a second hole matching the second hole on the cross member. Once we mounted the crossmember where we wanted it we bolted the mount to the transmission and lowered the transmission down until we had the correct pinion angle. Once there we bolted the bracket to the trans mount at the location touching the crossmember and we tacked the bracket to the crossmember. The rest is history.

BTW, the trans fit with room to spare. Very little room but room enough.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/IMAG03581-1.jpg

NOTE that the factory crossmember mounting holes on the sub frame and the location of the crossmember. This was the only move we had to make to get the crossmember where we needed it to be.
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[TBART70]

Sweet! how much did the rad set you back, what do you think of the quality?

[srh3trinity]

Looking good. How much second skin matt did you put down? I am about to do the same thing in my Firebird and I haven't seen a good estimate on how much to buy.

[newmexicosaint]

Stephen,

I honestly can't remember. I bought the damplifier pro and the luxury liner pro and I got the roller to apply the damplifier, mentioned the website and he gave me 10% off. With shipping it was less than $500. I told him what I was doing and he figured my square footage and was dang close (had a couple of sheets left over) however it was a ton of work to put down and in retrospect I should have done the spray as it would have saved me SEVERAL hours time.

[newmexicosaint]

TBART70,

I think the quality of the AutoRad radiator is awesome! It is a dual 1-1/2" core with a trans cooler and a condenser for A/C. It also came with dual fans and shroud. Fans were 16" and 14". Chad at Fletchers Customs got me a smoking deal. I bought the core support with the radiator and if I remember correctly it was about $2k shipped. That included overflow bottle and dakota digital dual fan controller, I mean it was absolutely everything! I have had a small issue with the core support but Jim @ Autorad has been on top of it and is a great guy to talk to. At this point I would recommend them...its good stuff.

[newmexicosaint]

Its been a while and progress has been steady but work on alot of the little things...

I have started on the stainless tranny lines in this pic (they are actually done now)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/0026-1.jpg

got the headers on here they were actually a good fit for being the run of the mill HOOKER, I had jethot coat them
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/0046-1.jpg

From here you can see the mod I did at the collector, I reduced the collector from 3-1/2" to 3" and I am using V-clamps to connect the exhaust I will use them just behind the mufflers too so I can easily remove the exhaust if need be.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/0126-1.jpg

Here are some pics of my Hydroboost and plumbing (Its my first time on alot of this stuff)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/0076-1.jpg
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Thanks for looking guys. I have more done but no pics yet...will bring the camera out to the shop tonite.

[John Wright]

Looks good Gene....hoping you have some sub-frame connectors to go under there.(unless I missed it)

[rfalker1]

love the car, and the paint and the engine. The build looks great

[newmexicosaint]

Looks good Gene....hoping you have some sub-frame connectors to go under there.(unless I missed it)

Thanks John. I put the hotchkis sub frame connectors on earlier this week as a matter of fact! They actually look pretty cool even!

Randal, I really appreciate the compliments man. You guys that post kind comments help keep me motivated.

[rfalker1]

Thats what we are here for!!! But please inform just how big this engine actually is? Is it a bored out 454 big block, that could rip the asphalt off the ground??? Because I have never heard of a short block before

[John Wright]

I have never heard of a short block before

Short block = engine without the heads, intake, carb...etc.(IOW, just the block and rotating ass'y)
489 cubic inches is a 454 bored oversize plus a crank with a longer stroke....ie. bored and stroked


Gene, I figured you had SCFs in mind since you plan to make some power....where are you mounting the procharger? I'm guessing over on the driver's side somewhere since the hat is aimed in that direction.

[newmexicosaint]

John is right, the kit is a 496 stroker but the block is only bored .030. An .060 overbore is needed to get the full 496 cubic inches. I am hoping for about 550 flywheel horsepower from the combo without supercharger and 1000 horse with the supercharger. John, to be honest the supercharger is on hold. I am chomping at the bit to drive the car and to be TOTALLY honest I would rather dump the $5K the supercharger would cost on finishing out the suspension. Only one problem with that thought...where am I going to get the $5k, LOL!!

Gene

[rfalker1]

ohhhhh, thanks for the info!!! seems like monster!! and i understand the short block know;)

[kovert]

wow looks like a great start on your build!! im building a 73 too and just happen to be a new mexican!! im up in santa fe would love to see the car let me know if u kneed any help i own a shop in town and build pro touring cars nice to see there are other pro touring builds in our state!!!

[newmexicosaint]

wow looks like a great start on your build!! im building a 73 too and just happen to be a new mexican!! im up in santa fe would love to see the car let me know if u kneed any help i own a shop in town and build pro touring cars nice to see there are other pro touring builds in our state!!!

Thanks! What is the name of your shop? do you have a website? How about posting some pics!! I would love to see your car and your shop!

[John Wright]

Gene, you can always add on the compressor at a later date...I think you are making the right choice to get the rest of the suspension done first.

[kovert]

Thanks! What is the name of your shop? do you have a website? How about posting some pics!! I would love to see your car and your shop!

its sure shot customs and my web designer has the site on a re model so dont think anythings up now but
its www.sureshotcustoms.com should be up this weekend ill put some pics up soon of the shop and my car ..

[newmexicosaint]

Well guys I am back with an update. We just arrived home last night from dropping of the Camaro at Mike Redpaths shop(Musclerodz) and I thought I would bring the build thread up to date. Mike is going to finish out the wiring and get the car running/tuned. I don't know much about wiring and integrating the fuel injection, fuel management and electronic trans together seamlessly and that is why it was sent to Mike. I did get the exhaust done, drive shaft in, transmission lines complete and fuel lines done (all in stainless). The trunk was rusty so I cut out the old and replaced with a new pan. Not a body man but got it complete. Its not the finest of installs but then again its not being built for a show car either. Enjoy the pics.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/IMAG0533-1.jpg
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The rear end isn't cleaned up because it is on the list of things to upgrade
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/IMAG0007-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/IMAG00181-1.jpg
I think the car needs to come down about 2" in front and 1" in the back, what do you guys think?
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/IMAG0027-1.jpg

And lastly, here it is fresh off the trailer at Mikes shop.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/IMAG0038-1.jpg

[NOT A TA]

It's coming along nicely Gene!!

[Motown 454]

Nice work its looking great.

[srh3trinity]

Car looks great. I agree that it would look a little bit better if it can come down a little in the front and back.

[rfalker1]

The car is looking great, any idea when you will by driving, and sorry I sent you the wrong message lol

[aps63]

Great progress.
Your right though, dropping it down would definitly improve the stance and overall look.
Drop it MAN drop it!!!!
Keep up the great work.

[newmexicosaint]

Thanks Randall and Paul. Paul I appreciate your feedback on the car/stance. Randall, I should be driving it in about 4-6 weeks if things go fairly smoothly. Thank you guys for checking out the build and taking time to post.

[newmexicosaint]

It's coming along nicely Gene!! Thanks John!!


Nice work its looking great. I appreciate it Wayne


Car looks great. I agree that it would look a little bit better if it can come down a little in the front and back. Stephen, I am glad that you think the car needs to come down, It just confirms what I was thinking.