Project Camille - 73 Camaro

[JimmyJames]

(FIRST, I've also started a thread at Nasty Z28 so please excuse the duplication)

Hello all! Semi-new here, I had a 71 project a few years ago and joined the site under another name. The economy ate that project, but its now been replaced by a much more solid 1973. The car still has its anemic 307 and tiny 2 barrel (looks like a 1 barrel off my lawnmower) and 3 speed standard. The upside to that is at least the uni-body hasn't been torqued to death with a life of hot rod motors.

I search this site often, and have found great information. I'll certainly be counting on a lot more for this project. I am going to attempt to post a beginning photo here.

I have some decisions to make about what level to take this project to, but do I need to start spending money soon with the goal of having a running project for Cruising the Coast in October.

To start, here are some options I already own, and some answers I'm looking for to see which direction to go.

I have collected a few engines because they were deals: Complete LQ9 minus accessories with only 45K miles. New ZZ3 short block, a .030 over 400 SBC with block and crank already worked, a 350 Vortec short block ready for assembly or use as a stroker. I have access to a complete ZZ4 engine with only dyno time.

I also have a V2Si Vortech supercharger off of a late 90s Tahoe, with all brackets for that application, and just rebuilt by Vortech.

On the trans side, all I have complete is a LT1 T56 along with the clutch, pedal assembly etc out of a low mile 97 Z28.

I understand the changes required to make the LT1 T56 work with the LQ9 makes it not worth the effort or economical - so I am tracking down a lead on a good LS1 T56.

Unless the new T56 pans out, I'm leaning towards the 400sbc for the first motor - and we have a McLeod flywheel in the family to make that or one of the other SBC options work.

All input is appreciated!

Thanks,
Jimmy H

[JimmyJames]

Project Camille has been on hold while I looked for another running project to tool around in and take to Cruisin The Coast this year. Missed out on a great deal on one of my bucket list cars, a 67 Chevelle, while on a business trip that probably would have replaced the Camaro all together. However, that did open the door to find this 72 Nova, one owner, paint delete for factory black car which will hopefully be delivered this Tuesday. I also have a 74 Nova roller, so now Im deciding which two to keep.

If the 72 Nova lives up to expectations, it will definitely make the cut. Short term goal is to add A/C and maybe one of the mild small blocks mentioned above to make Cruising the Coast - then I'll decide which project is first, and which will be the driver for a while.

[JimmyJames]

Not much progress to report on the Camaro - I have found and bought the LS style T56 which opens up the option of using my low mile LQ9, but I also got a great deal on a most of a new GM 2nd Gen F-body style serpentine system for a traditional small block. (most meaning everything but the waterpump and some fasteners)

The two real obstacles are really not all that bad. First I got promoted, and am traveling a lot more. Second is this 72 Nova, which should be delivered from Florida this evening. Its an all original, one family owned, one repaint, all stock, Paint Delete for Factory Black (black wasnt an option in 72) car. Plans are to get it ready for Cruisin The Coast here in Mississippi with a Classic or Vintaga Air unit, and maybe installing one of the more mild small blocks listed for the Camaro.

If the Nova is as expected, it will be a keeper for sure, but I will keep the Camaro or a solid 74 Nova Roller I have as well. Just need to decide what will be the running project, and what will be he real project over the winter.

I moved a lot with work over 20 years and couldnt really enjoy my hobby, the silver lining is that I have some budget (NOT unlimited) to make choices now.