ZR9 Camaro - An 804 HP LS7 / LS9 Powered New 1969 Camaro at V8 Speed & Resto
 

We build lots of Camaros in the V8 Speed & Resto Shop, and each is different and unique.

This is an interesting car for many reasons, beyond the 800+ HP Mast Motorsports supercharged engine. We're using a new Dynacorn body on this one that we bought from Classic Industries, so the entire car will be new. The owner had no real attachment to a particular car, he just wanted a Camaro.

Here's the Carter Hickman Designs rendering:

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...4.14.14_14.jpg

This car will be riding on [url=http://www.detriotspeed.com]Detroit Speed & Engineering front suspension and subframe, with their QUADRALink rear suspension.

This is how the Dynacorn body arrives:

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...13_003%201.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR....30.13_002.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR....30.13_009.JPG

Looks pretty good at first glance. We'll get into the panel fitment later, but we noticed some of the resistance spot-welds were off a little, but even GM was guilty of that. Be prepared to address this kind of thing if you work on one of these.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR....30.13_015.JPG

The deck lid, doors, and quarters all seem to fit much better on this one than they did when these reproduction bodies first hit the market. They appear to have a factory style fit, but we'll be tuning that up on ours.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR....30.13_018.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR....30.13_025.JPG

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http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR....30.13_030.JPG

The wheel tubs appear stock, but the wheel lips are in need of some attention regarding the placement and tidiness of the spotwelds.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR....30.13_034.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR....30.13_038.JPG

The rear frame rails and floors all look correct.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR....30.13_041.JPG

We noticed a nice, straight lower door to rocker fitment.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR....30.13_043.JPG

The deck lid gap appears a little inconstant, but not completely off base.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR....30.13_045.JPG

Deck to quarter gap is a little wobbly, and the quarter panel came with a dent in the contour line.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR....30.13_047.JPG

The rear window filler panel fit is OK, we'll weld this up to prevent it shifting in the future.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR....30.13_051.JPG

The tail pan looks like many of the reproduction pieces, but the lines are a little more defined than many. The tail light openings can be hit or miss on the repro panels, but these look better than most.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR....30.13_062.JPG

Kevin I'll be watching this one! We have one Lateral member that had to give up on his Dynacorn body I know this won't be the case here!!!!! Keep the updates coming.

That's a bummer. This one had a few ups and downs, but the story has a happy ending. We'll post it all.

Thanks!

Very cool Kevin. Looking forward to seeing the progress and pics. :bump:

Yep I will be watching very close. The issue I had was not with the body at first glance but later trying to get fenders and door hardware, window regulators, quarter glass, dash parts, etc. I hope they have improved for you guys. imo it's best to get a donor car for all the small parts that add up to big $$$. Looks like it's going to be a great build!

Rob

I agree totally. This car is going to have some custom parts, power windows, etc., so there's not much to re-use from a donor.

Subscribed


Marty-MJ
www.garagescene.net

Welcome Marty! Kelle enjoyed chatting with you at MCACN, sorry I was running around quite a bit that weekend to catch up, but she brought me up to speed. We both hope all goes well for you and your family!

Our plans for this car call for "spirited" driving courtesy of the 800+ horsepower Mast engine, so we'll need to run much larger tires than the stock Camaro wheel tubs can hold. The solution is the install of some Detroit Speed deep tubs. First, Eric cuts out the stock rear trunk hinge support by drilling out the stock spot welds.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...4.03.13_01.JPG

Next, the wheel tub spot welds are drilled. Note the line on the floor, this is where the floor will be cut and folded to accommodate the deep tubs.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...4.03.13_05.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...4.03.13_10.JPG

Behind the wheel tub, the white line is cut in the trunk floor to house the deep tub.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...4.03.13_21.JPG

The frame rail before modifications.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...4.03.13_24.JPG

The frame rail is notched and narrowed, and a heavy plate is formed and welded in place to add increased strength.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...4.04.13_09.JPG

The new DSE deep tub is clamped into position and fitted to the car.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...4.05.13_01.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...4.05.13_08.JPG

The lower portion of the tub is punched with holes for plug-welding, and then the whole tub is welded in place.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...4.05.13_15.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...4.05.13_29.JPG

Looks like the wide rubber will squeeze right in!

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...4.05.13_70.JPG

Another shot of the new deep tubs installed.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...4.10.13_01.JPG

Next, Eric begins the install of the Detroit Speed Quadralink rear suspension pockets. These provide the location points for the upper control arms.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...4.10.13_06.JPG

Bottom view. Just needs the perimeter welded up in this pic.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...4.10.13_10.JPG

The rear suspension also requires the install of the supplied rear crossmember as shown.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...4.11.13_01.JPG

This bracket provides the mounting point for the transverse track bar which helps locate the rear axle side-to-side.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...4.11.13_11.JPG


We will be using a Moser Engineering 9 inch rear axle assembly, with 31 spline axles and 3.89:1 gears.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...4.15.13_04.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...4.15.13_12.JPG

Next, we begin measuring to install the Detroit Speed subframe connectors. These connectors run through the body structure to provide additional rigidity to the body shell. They require the removal of the seat brace, and then you cut a channel through the floor, weld in the subframe connectors, and then reattach the seat brace.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...4.11.13_13.JPG

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http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...4.15.13_16.JPG

We are leaving the blunt and disconnected until we finish the car, and then we will weld them to the Detroit Speed subframe.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...4.15.13_18.JPG

We chose some Speedhut gauges for the ZR9, and they custom screened ZR9 Camaro on the faces. This car will live outside of the United States, note the Metric scale gauges. These gauges will all be cleanly mounted in a Detroit Speed steel dash face.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...5.01.13_36.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...5.01.13_29.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...5.01.13_23.JPG

They feature a built-in shift light and tach memory, and the speedometer is GPS enabled. Speedhut can make these in a variety of custom colors and face designs.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...5.03.13_25.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...5.03.13_34.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...5.03.13_39.JPG

Hmm I have often wondered if I could get my autometer gauges re-faced to km/h for me Eh!?
The install of the DSE parts are looking great Kevin.

Thanks Kevin, the metrics throw people at first glance!

Cooling a car of this power level is a challenge, especially with a supercharger and air conditioning. We fabricated some mounting bracket for the intercooler heat exchanger to mount behind the radiator, sandwiching the Vintage Air condenser coil and the Be Cool radiator.

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http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...5.28.13_44.JPG

The Quartermaster dual disc clutch will be used to transfer the power from the engine through the Tremec T56 Magnum transmission.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...5.30.13_01.JPG

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http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...5.30.13_28.JPG

Next, the engine and transmission or test fitted to the car to determine transmission tunnel modifications. The transmission required enlarging the tunnel in the floor for clearance.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...5.31.13_13.JPG

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http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...5.31.13_45.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...6.13.13_01.JPG

why would you weld the subframe connectors to the front subframe? why not have them bolt into the subframe connectors so the subframe can be removed?

That's a matter of preference by the car owner. Welding it is obviously stiffer than bolting, but bolting it in makes it removable. Many feel a bolt-in is better for track usage just incase of a "whoopsie" and the car needs to come apart, but we've also found that if it needs repair, any reputable shop can cut the connection, fix the car, and re-weld it pretty easily. We've done it both ways.

Following; I would be interested how you register this car. Thanks

Every state seems to handle this differently, and Dynacorn provides some links to the individual state requirements.

This car is going to live outside the USA, so the customer is handling that end.

Inside the car, speaker holes were cut in the doors, and the wiring was tested in the dashboard. A bracket was made to mount the Mast M 120 ECM behind the glove box.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...6.04.13_09.JPG

Fesler LED panels were installed in stock taillight housings for a brighter appearance.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...6.11.13_06.JPG

An American Autowire Classic Update harness was used to wire the car. The Classic Update harness is longer than a stock harness and has additional circuits allowing the installer to locate components in non-stock locations. This can help clean up the under hood area, especially where space is at a premium.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...6.13.13_09.JPG

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http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...6.18.13_17.JPG

A Detroit Speed electric RS headlight conversion kit was installed.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...6.18.13_13.JPG

Out back, the rear bumper was narrowed and relief pockets were cut and molded into the quarter panels. Then a thin steel relief was added to the tall panel to frame the bumper and provide for a molded look. RS reverse lights were also installed.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...6.27.13_02.JPG

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http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...7.12.13_04.JPG

A Dedenbear relay center was installed in the front fender pocket near the original battery location on the passenger side.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...7.26.13_01.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.16.13_01.JPG

On the driver side, the crew made an air filter housing to pull cool air from inside the fender area.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...7.26.13_04.JPG

Looks Great! I like all the subtle changes.

how would cool air enter into the filter inside the fender ?

The inner fender area is always full of cool air. It's not a "ram air" type effect, but rather a thermally isolated box with much lower temps than the underhood area. This is something the OEs have been doing for years.

With the LS9 and DSE subframe, are you using the Concept one bracket and if so did you have to notch the sub for the ac compressor fitment?
Thanks
Jon

Let me check.

OK, had to think on that one for a minute.

We used the Concept One system for the LS9, but this car has an RHS block, which has both small block Chevy and LS engine mounts. We needed to remove some material from the small block engine pad and slightly notch the engine mount bracket to fit, but it was not that big of a deal. It cleared the DSE subframe.

Thank you for the information.

You are most welcome!

The ZR9 will stop with the help of Baer six piston brakes at all four corners. These will eventually be powder coated to match the car.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...7.26.13_07.JPG

The crew fabricated the transmission crossmember with exhaust reliefs to provide as much ground clearance as possible under the car.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.02.13_06.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.02.13_02.JPG

The LS9 supercharger inhales from the driver side of the car, so air intake tube was mocked up to feed the beast.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.02.13_16.JPG

Fesler hood hinges were used to support the Cowl Induction hood.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.08.13_17.JPG

A late-model VW hood latch assembly was installed for a cleaner look.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.13.13_22.JPG

The engine will be dressed up with a carbon fiber engine cover from Classic Industries.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.16.13_30.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.16.13_42.JPG

Fesler billet aluminum taillight lenses and a modern touch to the rear of the car. Inside, the crew build custom tracks for the Recaro leather seats. The rear support bar was installed and is removable for rear seat passenger access.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.21.13_03.JPG

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http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.23.13_05.JPG

The mock-up phase was progressing, and the fuel system was installed. It consists of a Detroit Speed stainless steel fuel tank that is notched for exhaust clearance. It contains dual Camaro SS fuel pumps and a Vaporworx pickup assembly.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.26.13_03.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.26.13_10.JPG

An additional support was welded to the floor to act as a driveshaft loop and chassis stiffening element.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.26.13_20.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.26.13_28.JPG

The ZR9 will roll on polished Forgeline wheels, shown here showcasing the upsized Baer brakes.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.26.13_34.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.26.13_30.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.26.13_61.JPG

All the fuel and brake plumbing was completed in stainless steel and TechAFX carbon-lined hose.

Next, a 3 inch diameter MagnaFlow mandrel bent exhaust system was built to wind it's way under the ZR9.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.26.13_37.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.26.13_44.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.27.13_16.JPG

The tricky part of building and exhaust for a car like this is to fit the tubes around the rear QUADRALink suspension, coil over shocks, and fuel tank and to keep everything narrow enough to be inside the giant wheels.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.27.13_07.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.27.13_14.JPG

The exhaust system is 100% TIG welded stainless steel, starting with Detroit Speed headers, and flowing through the MagnaFlow X-pipe, MagnaFlow, and exiting at the rear tail panel.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...9.04.13_12.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.27.13_12.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...9.04.13_14.JPG

The ZR9 rolls on Nitto NT05 tires, 335/30ZR19s in the rear, and 275/35ZR18s in front.

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.27.13_39.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.27.13_23.JPG

http://www.v8tvshow.com/69_Camaro_ZR...8.27.13_62.JPG

This things is looking top notch all the way around. I really love the exhaust, there is something sexy about big tubes tucked up over a quadralink!