Project : "Quemador de Neumaticos" - 67 camaro, ls1, magnacharger

[bri-rock]

I been reading the updates on this forum for awhile now. I guess I've been more of a 'taker' of info and haven't given so much. Part of this is because I see so many great projects done with a high level of planning. I think to myself that there is little I can post that would entertain, info, etc. Well, I think I'm over that now. So here's my first real project update. I chose a Spanish name for the project in honor of my Chilean wife who has supported me in this project from the beginning.

The project is a 67 camaro. Started off with a basic running vehicle that I purchased for more than it was really worth. The previous owner did a fantastic job of hiding stuff with Bondo. I didn't know enough to look for some of the tell-tail signs. After putzing around with it for a few months, I figured I would go ahead and do a frame-off resto. I thought, "two years max and it'll be back on the road". Here was are 5 years later, and I think I might be able to start the motor during the summer.


Basics of the project:
LS1 engine rebuilt with Probe forged pistons and connecting rods
T-56 Tranny rebuilt with Viper option
MP122 Magnacharger
Global West Control Arms
Moser 12" rear end
SSBC brakes, nothing special

Shortly after bringing her home
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/P0002537-1.jpg

Frame off has begun
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/P0002773-1.jpg

In the body shop after sandblasting
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/P0005079-1.jpg

More body shop
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/P0005433-1.jpg

Pulling Engine and Tranny out of the donor car
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/P0004120-1.jpg

[bri-rock]

More pics

more body shop
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/P0005470-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/P0005469-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/P0005522-1.jpg

Car back home and prepping to install Magnacharger. Installed aluminum firewall liner from Undercover Innovations. Protective paper still on. Plenty of opportunities left to scratch that thing.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/SDC10390-1.jpg

Magnacharger ready to go, Me and a buddy used 2 x 4's to carry and carefully set blower in place.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/SDC10391-1.jpg

Magnacharger in place, Stainless headers installed also from Stainless Works.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/SDC10441-1.jpg

[bri-rock]

Those headers do clear the gearbox, but not by much.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/SDC11929-1.jpg

For some reason, the point where the harness penetrates the firewall was cut larger by one of the PO's. Had to fabricate a stainless liner to make it the right size for the American Autowire harness.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/SDC10631-1.jpg

Will be using the original CPU
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/SDC10726-1.jpg

Aftermarket harness for the LS1. Fabbed a stainless plate to mount behind the dash for the relays. Not shown in the picture, had to go back to replace the fuel pump relay with a 30 A model to handle the eventual larger fuel pump.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/SDC10727-1.jpg

Bought a pulley kit from Street and Performance
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/SDC10442-1.jpg

Performance Rod and Custom Aluminum Radiator (thanks to Frank at Prodigy Customs)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/SDC10484-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/SDC10488-1.jpg

[killer67]

Welcome aboard. Love the specs on the car - engine looks awesome!

Love the name of the project ("tire burner" for the gringos out there)

[bri-rock]

Installed DSE wiper motor, Stainless brake lines, painted the master cylinder

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/IMG004922011022718591-1.jpg

Couldn't find anyone selling stainless brackets for this transition from hardline to hose, so I made my own. I've tried to use only stainless fasterners where it makes sense. You can see the mounting bolts for the steering box are stainless. Mcmaster Carr and Totally Stainless have gotten quite a few orders from me. Also powercoated the subframe.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/IMG00473201102211537-1.jpg

12 bolt moser with sway bar
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/IMG004972011022719001-1.jpg

Polished aluminum intake hooked up
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/IMG003252010120516391-1.jpg

[bg5512]

Awesome engine! How well did everything line up with the Magnacharger and S&P pulley system?

[beyonda68]

Nice job. Even though you look to be around four. Hope you finish it by the time you get your permit :firefire:

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Progress looks real good. Hopefully we'll see you and the car around SoCal soon!

[bri-rock]

Awesome engine! How well did everything line up with the Magnacharger and S&P pulley system?

S&P pulley system was pretty easy to install even though instructions were lacking (instructions are a black and white copy of a picture of the front of an engine. Who reads instructions anyway, right?). What remains to be seen is if it can maintain enough tension to avoid belt slippage anywhere. I've heard that can be a problem. I bought a belt tension measuring device to get a reference but I am not able to get a target number on this from anyone. It is somewhat bothersome that there is no spring-loaded tension take-up on here now that I've gone away from the stock configuration. We'll see what happens when it starts running.

[bri-rock]

Nice job. Even though you look to be around four. Hope you finish it by the time you get your permit :firefire:

LOL. Yeah, that's my boy. He's seven now. He often asks ,"Daddy, when are you going to finish the race car?" My answer to him as well as everyone else,"It'll be done when it's done." My wife has the itch to drive it too. There is no shortage of encouragment in our house to get this done soon.

[mc84_zz4]

^^ Nothing better than the whole home-team rooting for your project!
Nice build!

[bri-rock]

Kick panels from Screamin' Performance. I recognize that when the interior gets done I will probably have to loosen/remove these. I just need to get the speakers wired and check fit. You can also see that I sprayed the interior with Lizard Skin. First did the sound deadening then the thermal layer.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/IMG004712011022115351-1.jpg

Left Kick panel which is not a problem with clearance on the emergency brake. Lokar pedals.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/IMG004702011022115351-1.jpg

Painted an Ididit steering column that I picked up off Craigslist. I haven't bought a steering wheel yet. Not sure what would be a good combo of the right feel on the track and a good look. Also have a Covan's panel with Autometer Cobalt gages. Just dashes took the orginal dash and replaced the foam and vinyl. They did an excellent job, but ohh that price. I'm probably the only person who will ever notice that it looks good.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/IMG00469201102211535-1.jpg

Fabbed the center panel. It took quite a bit of grinding a little here and a little there to get the Vintage Air controls to nest in there just right. I got some rubber cord from Mcmaster to line the outside edge. I brazed a little steel lip at the bottom where the stereo frame fits in. I wanted the stereo pointed horizontal out of the panel, not down where I can't see it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/SDC12623-1.jpg

[130fe]

Looks good! What are you going to use the hole next to the VA controls for? A cigarette lighter?

[tyson380w]

Looks good!
HERMOSO CAMARO!!!!!:smoke:

[Bryce]

Cool project, It awesome that the family supports you!

[senor_camaro]

dude im local once we finish our projects we should roll together to an autocross. awesome work, I made the mistake of not going LS, oh well ill just wait till I blow my motor and swap an LSX in. keep the pics coming

[bri-rock]

Looks good! What are you going to use the hole next to the VA controls for? A cigarette lighter?

Actually, I installed a button switch with an LED light (looks just like the one below the ignition in the same picture). The button next to the VA controls is actually an extra and is not connected to anything as of yet. The button below the ignition switch turns on glow rings on the fog lights. I will have some pictures of that posted soon. Basically, I took the special lights offered by Morris Classic Concepts which are for '69 camaros only and shoe-horned them into the housings for the fog lights. It is not perfect but achieves the result I was looking for.

Incidentally, My wife and I were thinking about retiring in Chile in the distant future. One thing that bothers me though is that Chilean laws say I can't bring my Camaro down there with me. Do you happen to know a way around that? If I have to sell here, how difficult would it be for me to find another 1st gen camaro? How about parts availability if I want to go the LS1 route again?

[bri-rock]

dude im local once we finish our projects we should roll together to an autocross. awesome work, I made the mistake of not going LS, oh well ill just wait till I blow my motor and swap an LSX in. keep the pics coming

I can't wait to drive an autocross. Never done it before. Looks like a load of fun.

Strangely enough, a buddy of mine at work convinced me to go the LS route. I was really on the fence and he pushed me over. That was 5 years ago when the idea still had some uniqueness to it. At this stage,I agree with your approach: don't blow money on the change until you have to.

[texasdvldog]

que bonito :smoke:

[senor_camaro]

dude sell me your stock ls intake

[TheBandit]

Does the google translator have this right? "Quemador de Neumaticos" = "Tire Burner"

Looks good.

[Blown73]

Sweet ride! I like the ls1 option with the magnacharger!

[senor_camaro]

that things gonna spool up really nice!

[67blacklist]

looks good sir, I too made the same mistake when I purchased my car, oh well, next time round ya know a little better

[bri-rock]

Does the google translator have this right? "Quemador de Neumaticos" = "Tire Burner"

Looks good.

Google is correct.

[bri-rock]

One of the fog lights from Morris Classic Concepts which are supposed to only be for the 69. I wanted them bad enough to want to try and make them fit. The folks there were very friendly and helpful when I had some initial issues with wiring.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/SDC12086-1.jpg

Here they are installed with the grill. Also installed Halogen head lights from American Autowire. Anyone have any suggestions on some type of grill to cover the cutouts in the lower valence? I hate for the heat exchanger, radiator, etc to get dinged up with rocks. I was thinking of a stainless mesh but I can't think of a good, clean way to mount something like that.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/IMG00350201012271100-1.jpg

Here is the power steering reservoir hooked up on the left from S and P. To the right, the radiator overflow (A cheepie from ebay). Filter for power steering fluid below. I also upgraded to the 3rd gen camaro steering box after reading so much about the benefits on Camaros.net. The people at Lee Manufacturing also recommended upsizing the AN fitting on the pump inlet which they said would help avoid that wonderful whining sound we are all familiar with. Was kind of a PIA to get the old fitting out (press fit), measure it with calipers and have Lee Manufacturing make one special for me. If it's not one thing, it's another.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/SDC12071-1.jpg

[bri-rock]

looks good sir, I too made the same mistake when I purchased my car, oh well, next time round ya know a little better

Experience is a great teacher, just pretty darn expensive to get.

[bri-rock]

It's been a while since my last post (7 months?!). My how the time flies. Anyhow, I've been busy doing the following: Front and back window install, Gas tank install with Vaporworx option, Steering wheel, carpeting, front seats, seat belts, and had the exhaust welded out... Then fired that baby up! ....it started the first time I tried. That was one satisfying feeling to hear that engine roar to life. I'm scheduled for a dyno tune in 2 weeks. I'll keep posting pictures as time allows.

First the Vaporworx set up. I had a Rock Valley Stainless tank to startwith that was set-up for an external pump. I made all the markings as per Carl's instructions and cut out the lid.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG00017201105291431-1.jpg

The Rockvalley tank warped a bit with that material removed. But all was good in the end.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG00019201105291507-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG00072201106041313-1.jpg


Getting the parts from Vaporworx fitted
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG00025201105291605-1.jpg

Paid a welder from a local shop that does aerospace work to use his TIG to weld out the lid and fittings. His name is Ted. I think he did excellent work and is reasonably priced. If anyone want's his number, just PM me and I'll give it to you.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG00080201106041439-1.jpg

I scavenged the mounting ring from the original tank deck lid so that I could mount an original level sensor on the tank.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG00081201106041451-1.jpg

Everything welded out and cleaned up with the wire wheel.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG00084201106041714-1.jpg

Pump mounted
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG00155201106251654-1.jpg

Ready to install

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG00243201108061211-1.jpg

I did have one issue. The GM quick connect at the pump outlet I found to be too easy to remove. Basically, if I was just pulling on it with moderate force, it would come right off. After talking with Carl, seemed the best thing to do was to use stainless wire to wrap it and keep it from seperating. The seal is fine. More to come as time allows.

[Blevinator]

Which Rock Valley tank is that?
I am building a '68 LS and want to avoid a $1000 ready to go tank.
Thanks!

[bri-rock]

Which Rock Valley tank is that?
I am building a '68 LS and want to avoid a $1000 ready to go tank.
Thanks!

Truth is, I'm not sure. I bought the tank second hand from Larry Callahan about 3 years ago. It was about the time he got into high gear on project Motiv8tor and decided to go with a tank that had an internally mounted pump. At the time, I was planning on having an externally mounted pump from Aeromotive so I bought his tank. After reading so much about the issues with return lines and gas heating up and causing cavitation problems, I decided I was going to modify the tank.

So, long story short, ask Larry what type of tank it was.

[SRD art]

Coming along great, keep it up!

[bri-rock]

Now, I would like to take a minute to document a semi-successful screw-up. I found when I went to install the Magnaflow exhaust that there was an interference between the center-line of the exhaust and the transmission cross member.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG005402011031313421-1.jpg

After searching for a replacement cross member and coming up empty, I decided to cut up the one I had from S and P and mod it with some rectangular tubing. One of the good things: got a chance to use my new Mig welder and had a great time doing it. Bad thing: The thing is not light. Way over-built for the application.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG00533201103121639-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG00535201103121707-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG005382011031313201-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG00542201103131441-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG00560201103261738-1.jpg

Anyway, once installed, the exhaust cleared the cross member without any issues. Later, of course, I happened to come across a light cross member online that would have been perfect. Day late and a dollar short.

[CarlC]

Looking good on the tank and lots of progress overall.

Take a look at the front view of the tank. The top surface had some pretty big waves in it before you started cutting.

Russell finally upgraded the fitting. Russell P/N 644120. It's a much better design.

[BCHALK22]

Subscribed!

[senor_camaro]

nice to see your project is almost done, how have you been?

[67Soto]

Very nice build! I am also local doing a similar swap, minus the Maggie though :-( Seriously I hope to install the LS1/T56 this summer and then once it's running I will save up and purchase that darn maggie! Anyway, GREAT work and please post some videos of dyno time once you have it. Hope to see you around at local shows this summer!

[72Z/28]

Any update on this beast?

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Very nice whats the color?

[bri-rock]

I apologize for not having updated at all in many months. Lots has been going on both with the project and in the personal life. In the personal life, I'm in the middle of getting a divorce. That has a serious impact on available funds.

However, I will say that the car is acutally road worthy. I got the engine running in Dec 2011. I have been slowly working out the bugs. I'm amazed at how many vibrations, knocking and things of this sort that I have had to track down and fix( in th body, not the engine). The interior is not complete (lacking back seat, headliner, and side windows). One addition that I have made when the funds allowed: forgeline wheels with Nitto NT01 tires. Also added a Tick master cylinder for the clutch (was hard to get it in second gear when at high rpms). I had the exhaust system welded out and added some outlaw cutouts.

Granted, this is the first project that I have ever done like this. But let me say that this: at first, this car scared the s___ out of me. I have gotten more comfortable with it as I've gotten the bugs out and spent some time behind the wheel. I did get the car dyno'd but had a problem with the belt slipping on the magnacharger pulley and was only developing 4 psi. I have since fixed that and am getting around 9 psi top boost. I have another day scheduled on the dyno. We'll see where the majic number ends up. Day after the dyno (this coming Jan 26) me and some friends are heading up to Buttonwillow. My first track day and boy am I excited.

I'll get some pics on here soon.

[bri-rock]

Color is Chevy Cobalt Blue

[bri-rock]

Here is a teaser meanwhile.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/photo_zpsc5cc4ef9-1.jpg

[esbyota]

Not to be a ****, but you really think you have introduced enough structural integrity back into that tranny cross member with that big notch. I'm sure the square tubing is fine but the tie in seems a little sketchy...

[bri-rock]

First of all, I don't think you're being an a**. I appreciate feedback. Regarding the structural integrity of the tranny cross memer: I'm not really sure if it is adequate. I guess I might be rollng the dice a bit. My thought process at the time was 1) it should be at least as good as just the tubing was before. 2) I don't think that the tranny exerts much of a moment arm on the cross member because a) the connection is only at the center of the cross member and b) there is a block of polyurethane that the moment arm would have to be transmitted through first. Based on these things, I think that the function of the cross member is more of just a weight support for the end of tranny. Any other opinions out there on the subject?

[esbyota]

Don't forget that it is a structural crossmember between the frame rails also. There is more then one force applied to the crossmember in it's current state. Have you ever seen a car pull the tires slightly off the ground in the front and twist an entire chassis. The tubing before had a complete connection at the end, when you but the square tubing in there is only half a connection there on the bottom side of the tube. If anything I would just miter cut some tubing the same diameter as the original crossmember. Plus it would look a little cleaner to match an already good looking car.

Hey I am probably over engineering everything I have ever built because I know what my right foot does when it touches that skinny pedal.

[bri-rock]

Thanks for the advice.

[bri-rock]

Yesterday I took el quemador out to Buttonwillow. A couple of friends of mine have been telling me for years what good time they have driving there. This was my first time out on the track and what a blast it was. Day started out on a low note because of the rain. But around lunchtime, the rain cleared up and I could open'er up a little. I was able to get three runs in before having an issue with the brakes. They started locking up, so I had to end the day there. Still, I'm pretty happy that during this first 'shake out' session, I was able do some fun driving and not experience a mechanical problem right out of the gate.

One video down the straightaway.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/th_841EBCDC65A54B108645C21279803F9D17030-1.jpg (http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj6/bri-rock/841EBCDC-65A5-4B10-8645-C21279803F9D-17030-00001E80D6DA0387.mp4)

[bri-rock]

I think one of the most interesting things was that I had a better appreciation for the newer cars out there. They all seem to handle the corners with much more confidence than I do. Certainly, some of that is because of the driver. The instructor (for all the noobs like me) referred to my car as a "brick". Sounds like an insult, but he didn't intend it that way.

[bri-rock]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/0F73F06194EE419FA321711C5F07A80817006000-1.jpg

[bri-rock]

Attached is the video from the dyno test from late last year. As mentioned before, I had a problem with the belt slipping. I tried re-routing the belt to get more wrap on the magnacharger pulley (I had just under 180 deg). Unfortunately, I couldn't figure out a good path for the belt that didn't reduce the wrap on the harmonic balancer and cause slippage there. I ended up getting a Gatorback belt to replace the Gates belt that I had on there. That seems to have done the trick. Whereas before the belt was slipping at around 4 psi of boost, now it goes up to 10psi. I have yet to return to the dyno to get the tune finished and find out what the magic horsepower number is.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/th_VID2012071300002_zps08a533f0-1.jpg (http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj6/bri-rock/VID-20120713-00002_zps08a533f0.mp4)