Project "Split Personality" ZR1 Camaro

[Bad Bowtie]

Ok guys here is a project I'm doing for a friend of mine. Here's a little history of the build. We purchased a very clean 68 camaro from a guy that lives close to me and sent it out for paint and body work. The first guy I started the build for got impatient and decided to sell it to another friend of mine, after he had already purchased a 540 pump gas motor and a D&D Viper 6 speed. (He ended up purchasing member Too Fun's black 69 convertible. ) So the new owner asked if I would finish the build for him and continue on my mission... no problem I said. Couple of days later I get this call from the new owner advising me he has had a change of plans and doesn't want to use the 540 motor and has a ZR1 engine complete with tranny in his warehouse. So this is where the fun begins. In the mock up stages we have been doing the 3 steps forward 4 steps backward dance, but all in all happy with the progress. Frank had that Alston front subframe for sale just at the right time we were going to purchase one from Alstons the following week. That saved us time and $$$$.$$ I'll try to keep updates coming as frequent as I can.
Jack (BB)

[ProdigyCustoms]

Lookin good. This is going to be one super cool project. I'll bring ya a radiator next week and do a little Pro Touring espionage............ Ugh,.... I mean,.......... check it out!

[Bad Bowtie]

Frank,
Someone... (being my girlfriend who I ) threw a little mini vacation in the middle of my build. I will be leaving for Vegas on the 22nd. If things get crazy at your place we can catch up when I get back.
Jack

[socalfandabodys]

Any chance that 540 is going up for sale?

[Bad Bowtie]

Socal,
Wish I could hook ya up but he is holding on to it for his next project. Supposedly going to add a Procharger to it and set it down in a 68 Firebird.
BB

[socalfandabodys]

Yep thats the same idea Im having for my chevelle. 496 or 540 with a pro charger. Easy Power. Well if he changes his mind let me know. Thanks.

[Bad Bowtie]

Still making progress. Rearend is in, headers made and coated, Hydroboost temporarily mounted, oil coolers installed, subframe connectors in, Wiper motor installed, Still have a long way to go. Be back soon
BB

[formula98]

Great looking project. I really like the ZR1 idea! I'll be leaving Vegas the day you are getting there. Too bad would have loved to sit down with you and talk about your project. keep up the great posts!

Ron

[Turbo T]

IMO, the LT5 is the sexiest looking engine ever to come in a Vette. This thing is going to look great all finished up.

[zo66]

yea i got to agree the lt-5 is a great piece of g.m. history, i recently sold my zr-1 and really miss looking at that engine,not to mention,the incredible high revs of the dohc's.only piece of advice is do not wash that sucker....cool project.

[David Sloan]

Killer project
I will be checken this one often!!

[Bad Bowtie]

Thanks guys,
I cant wait to get the front clip on and see how it looks when you open the hood . I'll keep posting as I go along.
BB

[Bad Bowtie]

Been a while since my last update. We have made quite a bit of progress so far and can start to see some faint light from the end of the tunnel (at least we can tell which direction to go now ). We have installed a set of Viper seats (which fit very well in the first gen) we installed all the dynamat, modified the dash to accept a touch screen navigation / xm radio etc., steering column is in, hydraulic clutch assembly in and working... thanks Chris (130fe). Just working on some wiring now and small detail things in anticipation of getting our ECM and engine harness from Street & Performance.
More to come!
BB

[David Sloan]

Gettiing close ! Nice work.

[curly]

Nice.... I like the ZR1 concept!

[got_hp?]

awesome!

love the ZR1 motor, unique and powerful at the same time.

[Rybar]

Car and motor look fantastic, not a fan of the wheels though. any plans to change those to the newer 5-spoke ZR1 style?

[Bad Bowtie]

Thanks guys, this is turning out to be a pretty neat build for me, even though I was a little skeptical of fitting the ZR1 in at first, but it fits very well with some massaging.

Rybar,
The owner has mentioned ordering custom wheels but he also seems to like these also. IMO i think they look good but on the other hand I have seen this look on Camaros before and I believe this car screams for a custom wheel option. There are so many choices out there i think we'll get him to pick out new ones. You can bet I'll be getting in his ear every chance I get .
BB

[trapin]

Interesing build. I love it. That engine looks massive in there. I'm usually not a big fan of late model wheels on early cars but those corvette wheels look great on there. Keep the pics coming.

[130fe]

I was in Orlando visiting family two weekends ago and stopped by Jack's shop. Got to meet him and the car's owner (Fred). THe car is beautiful. That engine fills the eng compartment nicely! Hope to see both of you guys on the PT next week. Give me a call.