Here is my baby, my first car, 1973 Camaro. I got it at age 15 and have been beating on it for a little over 12 years. A year ago I decided it was time to learn something new and build a pro-touring car. After a few phone calls I was sure that Mark Savitske (SC&C) was the suspension guy I would trust. I quickly ordered a Alston G-bar and adjustable coilovers in back. For the front I chose a “one of a kind path.” That would be ATS spindles, SPC adjustable control arms, and Alston double adjustable (Varishock) coilovers. ATS does not make a spindle for second generation Camaros, but Savitske fixed me up with some steering arms (1968-1972 Chevelle). He is pretty handy on suspension geometry. At this point I figured that I better go for it. I mini-tubbed the car and picked up about 2 inches. That is the most I could go and use the factory panels, seats, and seat belts. Besides, I have to leave some room for the kids. Then I build some subframe connectors and graft them into the body to make them as strong as possible. As I looked up front I knew there was more to do. I racked the subframe square and welded and smoothed the factory seams. Then I build some strut bars and ran them back to the firewall. The car still sat too high, so I cut out the shock mounting pockets and moved them up 1 ¾” and was able to keep my full length coil-overs. Now the car sat right, but out back that dang stock gas tank hung too low in it‘s factory location. To fix that I fabricated a new flat trunk pan and sucked that tank up so you can not see it anymore. I don’t have a spare tire anyway.
For the drivetrain, I bought a LS1 and 6 speed transmission out of a 2001 SS Camaro. The headers are off a 2001 Camaro and are modified by me to fit. With Speedway engine mounts and an ATS crossmember it slid right in. Then I bought the ATS clutch master cylinder plate and some used 4-speed pedals and I was done. The fuel system was pretty slick too. I bought a Dorman fuel line kit off Ebay and a corvette fuel filter/regulator. Then fabricated a mount and put a Walbro high-performance fuel pump in the gas tank. After taking some measurements I found that a late 1990’s Mustang aluminum driveline would work great. I just had to change the u-joints. (Then I found a nice Spicer aluminum one on eBay so I used it instead) The driveline mates to a Ford 9” with an aluminum center section , 4:10 gears, and a True Track posi unit.
Ok, at that point I can make it go fast and turn really nice, but how could I make it stop. I called several brake companies, but I didn’t have that kind of money. So back to eBay I went. I outfitted the car with new Corvette C-5 brakes, Hawk HPS pads, vented/cross drilled/zinc coated rotors, stainless lines, Wilwood master cylinder, and Kore3 rear brackets for about $1100. Yes, it stops on a dime and leave change. (ha ha)
Since I already knew the I was going to drive the hell out of this car, silver seemed like the best color. I knew it needed to be smooth so I shaved the emblems, welded up the seam on the header panel, turned a piece of junk fiberglass hood into a nice fit, converted the car to a small spoiler, and painted the trim black. The paint and body worked turned out nice and it’s low maintenance too. I do paint and body work in the evenings, so this was not my first time.
For the interior, I rebuilt it back to stock with a few exceptions. The usual new headliner, door panels, dash, seat upholstery, and carpet. It also has Autometer gauges, a decent stereo system and I rewired the car with a Ron Francis Bare Bones kit. I also made a stock automatic console fit with the six speed shifter.
Last is the wheels. They are ZE Forged Tach wheels: 20x10 out back and 19x8 upfront. I tucked them in 1 ¾” front and back so the tires wouldn’t rub when I go hard into the corners. The are wrapped in BF Goodrich G-Force KDW tires. 285/30/20 out back and 245/35/19 up front
I really did build this car in my garage by myself in 12 months. It would have been quicker, but my full time job, coaching soccer, and family trips quickly came first. I am not a big $ guy, there was a real budget here. If I ran out of the hotrod fund, that was it. In turn, this was a great opportunity to take a step forward and commit to learning something new everyday. That which I could not afford had to be figured out and done by me. Thank you pro-touring forums and Mark Savitske you got me unstuck many times.
Anyway, the Camaro averages 21mpg and I beat the snot out of it every time I get the chance. I am learning how to autocross. I hope I can help people realize that you don’t have to be rich or have a great automotive training to build a nice car. I have had no automotive schooling and work in a business office all day. If I can do it, anyone who wants to can. Go for it, if you fail do it again until you get it right. And for god sake have some fun!
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