Infinity Camaro LS3 Project

[Blevinator]

Hello,

My 1968 Camaro "project" started out im 3-2011 as a rust free (pretty
much) restored Pro Touring car.

It came with a 383 stroker and a 5 speed Tremec transmission.

I really couldn't post this build on a "true" Camaro site, as I would
most likely receive tons of hate mail. What I did to the car after I
received it would be considered wrong on so many levels by Camaro
purists.


2-2011


Purchased my "restored" 1968 Camaro coupe.


4-2011


Drove my new car to the performance shop


Pulled the entire drivetrain, which was sold to another enthusiast


4-2011


Towed car to local body shop for a "freshen up" on the paint


4-2011


After doing a thorough review of my body and paint work,

we decided to do an entire repaint, as well as a few

other tweaks. After reading several articles, I decided to have the car painted

with all panels, trim etc. off the car.



Body disassembly started



After owning 3 cars with LS drivetrains, decided to treat this car to the same.



Started collecting information on how to swap an LS drivetrain into my car.



After some research, started collecting parts for the project


Year to date collected parts include:


Katech LS3 crate motor (Forged Mahle flat top pistons, Katech rod bolts, ARP head studs, hardened pushrods, PRC dual spring kit,

C5R timing chain, Total Seal second ring, Melling high volume oil pump, ECS "small" blower cam mid 230's, 588 lift on a 117 LSA)

JRE Fuel System Upgrade

Injector Dynamics ID850's

PSI Conversions Engine wiring harness

New Camaro LS3 throttle body

C&R Racing LS Steam Vent Kit

All new GM sensors

Holley Alternator \ power steering bracket (Powdercoated satin black)

Alan Grove Components Low Mount A\C bracket (Powdercoated satin black)

SLP under drive crank pulley

ARP crank pulley bolt

Holley power steering reservoir kit

New Sanden A/C Compressor

New 160 amp alternator (98-02 Camaro style)

New power steering pump (corvette style)

New GM water pump (2010 Camaro style)

New GM tensioner (98-02 Camaro style)

Chris Alston Fab 9 rear end- w/ 35 spline axles and 3:50 gears chromoly w back brace

Chris Alston Billet G link rear suspension

Varishock front coilovers (adjustable) (installed)

Varishock rear coilovers (adjustable)

Ride Tech Tru Turn (full kit with spindles) (installed)

Ride Tech Strong Arms (upper and lower control arms) (installed)

Ride Tech billet gas cap

Wilwood Superlite 6R 6 piston front calipers (front) 4R 4 piston rear calipers (Black with white lettering) 14012271 (front kit) 1409219 (rear kit)

Wilwood slotted and drilled rotors

8" dual diaphragm brake booster

DSE brake booster bracket (reduced angle)

Right Stuff stainless brake lines

Wilwood braided brake lines (front \ rear caliper lines)

2011 Camaro ECM (Tuned for car it came out of, tweaked to remove necessary codes,etc.)

2011 Cadillac CTS-V drive by wire accelerator pedal (chose this vs GMPP pedal so pedal cover would fit) (Bracket powdercoated satin black)

Ironworks bracket for CTS-V pedal (Powdercoated satin black)

Kooks 1 7/8" swap headers (ceramic coated inside and out)

Oxygen Sensors with 02 extensions

Innovate LC-1 boost controller \ 02 sensor

Magnaflow stainless steel 3" exhaust (Will ceramic coat inside and out once mocked up)

4L80E transmission built by Jakes Performance

Kilduff flat top horseshoe shifter (short handle)

2800 Billet stall converter built by Performance Converters of Texas

TCI EZ TCU transmission controller \ programmer

TCI Paddle Shifter

TCI LS Wide pattern 4L80E SFI certified flexplate

BRP Hotrods sure fit crossmember (Powdercoated satin black)

Dirty Dingo sliders (motor mounts) (Powdercoated satin black)

Energy Suspension motor mounts

Energy Suspension trans mount

Holley LS swap oil pan

DSE quick ratio power steering box (ceramic coated)

DSE Mini Tubs (installed)

DSE Radiator closeout panel (will paint body color)

Oversize Sway bars front and rear w\ all new Energy Suspension end links, bushings (greasable)

BMR Del Rin subframe bushings (installed)

BMR Weld in subframe connectors (installed)

Moog ball joint

Moog pitman arm

Flaming River powdercoated tilt column

Entropy LS swap radiator with aluminum shroud and dual built in fans

C&R Racing Camaro direct fit heat exchanger model 56-00010

Aeromotive Phantom dual fuel pump setup (340lph E85 pumps)

Aeromotive 13101 fuel regulator (switching out for 2 port)

Aeromotive 12335 filter (switching out)

Right Stuff 3\8" stainless fuel line (switching to one 5/8" supply, 1/2" return)

Powder coated aluminum radiator overflow

Rock Valley narrowed stainless steel fuel tank

Anti squeak kit (neoprene) for gas tank

Braille 3121 battery in trunk (centered behind seat)

Braille aluminum battery mount

Dakota Digital guages (VHX Carbon, blue backlighting)

Dakota Digital Boost module

Dakota Digital digital gauge control for Gen IV Vintage Air

Painless Phantom Key push button start

Tri note horn

New Corbeau GTS seats II (sold Recaros in photos) Beefing up foam bolsters and springs for longevity

Corbeau seat brackets with double locking sliders

Passenger and driver seat bracket extensions (more leg room)

Rear seat (Mikes Custom) Seat is custom made fiberglass with foam. Covered in Ultraleather Raven Wing with Camaro emblems

Heated Seat kit with carbon fiber elements

Alien Enclosures trunk enclosure (black vinyl with suede inserts)

Rushforth Night Train 18x10 18x12 wheels in Black Chrome III

Toyo R888 tires 275 front, 335 rear

Flaming River tilt painted steering column

Momo "Quark" series steering wheel

Custom fiberglass console (covering)

Trim Parts one piece Essex carpet

3 point seat belts (Morris Classic Concepts)

Rear Morris Classic Concepts Lap Belts

Morris Classic Concepts Driving Lights

Pioneer 7" DVD App radio (replaced JVC chameleon)

Jl Audio HD 900 class D Amplifier (very compact, yet powerful and clean!)

Jl Audio 10" subwoofers (10w3)

CDT Audio Euro front component speakers

Monster cable speaker wiring \ rca cables

Stinger battery terminals, fuseblock

Accel lightning 1\0 guage power cable from alternator to battery location in trunk. Very light and flexible cable.

Accel Lightning 1\0 ground wires

Accel lugs



Fiberglass sleeving (conduit) over all accesible wiring (vehicle, audio etc.)

Powder coated window trim (front and rear)

Powder coated headlight \ grill trim

New front grill (made from GM tooling)

Exterior door handles (new)

1970-81 Camaro bullet mirrors painted to match car. Mirror bodies were media blasted have new mirror glass,gaskets,hardware.

All outside body seams (less engine compartment) welded and smoothed

Lizard Skin CI soundproofing (firewall,floor pan,trunk,wheel wells,whole undercarriage) (installed)

Anvil Auto Carbon Fiber Front Valance

Anvi Auto Carbon Fiber Header Panel

Anvil Auto Carbon Fiber Hood (waiting on another from Anvil Auto as mine's warped)

Anvil Auto Carbon Fiber Cowl Panel

Anvil Auto Carbon Fiber Trunk Lid

Anvil Auto Rear Spoiler

Billet Hood Pins (ordered from Anvil, brushed aluminum)

Fesler Hood Hinges (natural)

Fesler Hood latch

Fesler Hood adjusters (stainless)

Fesler large f door jamb vents

Fesler billet strikers

Fesler headlights

Inner glove box (new)

Carpet guard (new)

Master screw kit (inside and out)

Billet Specialties Pro Bolts (front inner sheet metal stainless bolts)

Totally Stainless body bolt kit

Metro MP 15 year weatherstripping, bumpers, grommets etc. (the best!)

All new interior knobs

All new glass

All new glass hardware (mounting hardware, stops, everything)

Eddie Motorsports taillight bezels

Eddie Motorsports trunk hinges

Eddie Motorsports marker light bezels

Lokar aluminum pedal covers

Nu Relics power window kit (front and rear)

Vintage Air A\C (Gen IV)- SPAL fans!

American Autowire Classic Update (wiring harness)

Raingear Hidden Wiper Motor

Custom order black wiper arms

Lokar parking brake pedal and cables

All new locks with late model GM key (coded to one key)

Innovate LC-1 boost controller with 02 sensor

DEI door lock actuators

Airaid Powdercoated cold air box (will run 4" stainless single piece tube from here to motor)

Modern Classic Interiors fiberglass dash pad

Modern Classic Interiors full length center console

Modern Classic Interiors center dash bezel

Marquez Designs rear package tray

Marquez Design trunk lid cover (May use TMI instead)

TMI one piece fiberglass unisuede headliner (black unisuede)

TMI unisuede door panels

TMI unisuede rear panels

TMI unisuede sail panels

TMI unisuede a pillar covers

TMI unisuede visors

Fiberglass kick panels (Screamin Performance) covered in Ultraleather Raven Wing

Billet dome light (Billet Specialties)

Digitails Rear LED sequential taillight kit

All new marker lights

All new lenses including taillights

LED markers,park lights, dome bulb

Nu Relics Door (s) boots

Billet Dash Vents (Restomod Air)

Ring Brother Billet door sills

Ring Brother Frame Rail charge port

Still Need:

Edelbrock dual ram intake

Second Camaro throttle body (switching
to Edelbrock dual intake)

Second air intake setup

Driveshaft (will have made once rear end is installed

Driveshaft loop















Doorjambs, dash, inner fenders, radiator support etc are being painted PPG Carbon Flash Metallic with PPG Ceramicoat scratch resistant clearcoat.
Exterior will be vinyl wrapped satin metallic gray.

Hoping to be completed late 2021 (lol-keeps changing)

Attention to detail has been paid close attention to.

I am building a true Pro Touring car that can do well on the road, be very reliable, even get decent gas mileage!

550 rwhp goal N/A

All systems built to handle much more

I have many more photos I will be adding.

Any input will be appreciated!



Beginnings!
























"Old" 383 Stroker only dyno'd at 354rwhp







Sorry! 383 wasn't getting the job done!



















Ready for takeoff! Only 747 with 4 wheels!












Last restoration was 3000 miles ago







Patchwork found under front fenders. One of the few replaced panels on the new transformation.







Offensive panel removed. RH Tulip panel was good. Replaced lower sill panel (on right) as well. This was done on both sides of car.







New Tulip panel installed.







Closeup of LH lower door jamb replacement panel. Same panel replaced on other side of car.






DSE steering box

































Solid floorpans. Had been replaced upon last restoration.

Even left some blast media under the carpet!

[Rybar]

Nice project, looks like you have a good plan and list of parts and that's quite a nice car your starting out with.

[Blevinator]

Thanks so much!
My father owned a '68 Camaro. Out of all the cars he owned, he loved
it the most. I always loved the first Gens as well.
I had a hard time getting past the feel of a new car.
LS motors and the six speeds that go with them kinda ruined me.
My last car was a 2007 Z06.
I am new to the Pro Touring scene and had to do many, many, hours
of research on my own to get where I am. I ordered all that has been done.
Not turning any wrenches, but designing all on my own. As you know, no one
has a complete book on everything you need to know to swap these in.
I put together my parts list in an effort to help others in their design.

You car is awesome! Love the '69 body. Didn't see as many high end 68's,
so this one has to be exceptional! I am cutting no corners and am taking the time
to get the parts and the look I envisioned. Their are some undivulged design plans for the
car that will be shown once finished. This will be a one off design that will keep the classic
look, but nothing else. I hope others will like my taste, as I see many customs that are loved
solely by the owner. LOL.
Regards

[CruizinKev]

looks good! very nice project and good work so far! already looked great before in silver! but it'll be also nice painted black. can't wait to see more of the progress!

[Blevinator]

Thank you!

I have owned both colors, liked the black better when it was clean.
My reservation with black was that it spiderwebs easily.
The spiderweb effect is supposedly non existent with the PPG Ceramiclear that
I am using. Otherwise, I would have stayed with silver. I do have two other silver vehicles,
thinking three may be a crowd.
Going to include pics of the minitub job as it will be done tomorrow.
Thinking of pulling the frame and powdercoating it, as car is pretty much a roller.
Especially since we notched and boxed the frame. No rust for me! Guess it's my OCD acting up!
Have to know that car has absolutely zero issues.
Thanks for the comments.

I am thinking of using a Ford 9" for the rear end, but am looking for recomendations.

Also need help with the fuel system, as car should be over 600rwhp. Aeromotive has a new intank pump
that fits in place of a Walbro that should support this kind of power.
Don't know what to do on the rest, as I am not sure the Corvette regulator will work. Thinking hardline, or Teflon (Aeroquip brand) fuel lines,
maybe a combination of both. Thinking Rick's tank.

Looking at Speed Tech Performances torque arm setup, as I will be running 345's vs 335's in the rear. May do their coilovers in front as well.

Also need help with a custom intake. Thinking of custom bent stainless pipe (maybe powdercoated black). I want the least amount of joints possible.

Looking at a custom rear seat, as I am unsure of mine, with the minitub. Maybe a Mike's Custom setup?

Door panels. Looking at Fesler and Marquez.

Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated!

Everyone here has been so cool!

[sixfivepost]

Wow, and what was wrong with what you started with? lol

That far exceeds anything I would have been happy to start with!

Hey, if you've got the means, go for it!!

Cool car!

[Blevinator]

Well, hate to say it.....but
The car felt old...lol

[sixfivepost]

They're never really finished anyway... lol

[Blevinator]

Thats what I was saying! Really wanted a good base to start from. Felt I bought just that.

[Bmf5150]

Looks great!where u get center console at??

[Blevinator]

Looks great!where u get center console at??

Here ya go!!!

www.modernclassicsinteriors.com

My design is sorta like the Machete

It will be posted to the site soon, as I am receiving the first one designed

specifically for the '68 Camaro.

[Blevinator]

Just had mini tub kit installed.
Back at body shop getting soundproofing done,then back to paint booth.
More photos soon. Car is taking a while, but will be great when finished.

[DirtShark]

This should be a good one, keep us updated with pics and good luck with your build...

[67rally]

Car looks great, I'll be following this one for sure. Don't worry about what people say on other sites, there will always be purists. It's your car, do what you want with it. I started with a Plain Jane '67 because I didn't want to hack up a real SS or Z, but didn't want to be stuck driving and "old car" either. Still a work in progress...

[Blevinator]

Heres my new center console. It is very well made and one of the coolest parts of the interior. My particular console was the first one built specifically for the '68 Camaro and is the one pictured on the website. modernclassicsinteriors.com MCI is now a forum vendor!
It will be covered in black leather. The lid opens to a large compartment. The inside bottom of the compartment is lined with neoprene.

[joeko23]

A website called modernclassicinteriors.com doesn't exist. Can you please recheck the website? Thanks!

[DirtShark]

http://www.modernclassicsinteriors.com

[joeko23]

Got it thanks

[Blevinator]

Katech forged piston LS3



Dakota gauges



Taillight bezels



Trunk hinges



Side markers



Corbeau seats (will be covered in leather to match rear seat, no headrests when done)



Bullet mirrors will be painted body color



335MM Toyo R888



Gas lid


Mini tub is done

Seam sealing tubs, floor pans, cowls etc.

[zipsimons]

Gonna be one sick ride! Kudos to doing what you want with the car and not caring what people think! I'm also on a chevelle site and there are plenty of people not pleased with my concept! Lol... Surprisingly, there are actually alot that do though. Looking forward to sreing your surprises. I love outside the box!

Zip