The OneLapCamaro complete build thread
 

This is our 1967 Camaro RS project - The OneLapCamaro. As the name suggests we are building to compete in open highway competitions like the Silver State Challenge and eventually the Cannonball One Lap of America.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics...ing%201000.jpg

McBride is the best!

General specs for the entire project:

ENGINE

• TYPE - Katech “Street Attack” Chevrolet LS7, 427 cid
• BLOCK - Factory LS7, torque plate bore checked/honed
• OILING - Dry sump, ATS fabricated road race oil pan
• ROTATING ASSEMBLY - Stock crank, Ti connecting rods, bronze bushings, 11:1 Katech forged Pistons, hardcoat anodized
• CYLINDER HEADS - Factory LS7
• CAMSHAFT - Katech
• VALVE TRAIN - High lift beehive valve springs, Titanium valve spring retainers
• INDUCTION - Currently in development
• IGNITION - UMI harness with custom programmed MEFI4 ECU
• FUEL SYSTEM - Rick’s Stainless Stealth fuel tank, internal Kinsler spec pump
• EXHAUST - 3” custom behind ATS stainless steel Tri-Y road race headers
• COOLING - Ron Davis radiator, remote oil, steering, diff, and trans coolers

DRIVETRAIN

• TRANSMISSION - ATS/Rockland Standard Gear road racing T-56 6-speed
• REAR AXLE - 3.89:1 gears, Black Gold differential, Mark Williams axles
• TRACTION CONTROL - Cockpit adjustable electronic traction control

CHASSIS

• FRONT SUSPENSION - ATS Chicane Suspension - AFX tall spindles with sealed C5 hubs, tubular control arms with Del-a-lum bushings, ATS Spline-Tune rate adjustable front sway bar, ATS 670 power steering box, Penske double adjustable coil over shocks, Hypercoil springs
• REAR SUSPENSION - Lateral Dynamics 3-Link – Custom Ford 9” rear housing, Road Race 3-link with Watts link, Penske double adjustable coil over shocks with Hypercoil springs.
• BRAKES - Front - AP Racing 6-piston caliper, 14” slotted two piece rotor
• BRAKES - Rear - AP Racing 4 piston caliper, 13” slotted two piece rotor
• SAFETY - 12-point roll cage, Willans 6-point restraints, Safecraft fire suppression system

WHEELS and TIRES

• FRONT - HRE Performance Comp20 Wheels, 18 x 8.5” with Toyo Proxes R888 255/35ZR18
• REAR - HRE Performance Comp20 Wheels, 18 x 11” with Toyo Proxes R888 315/30ZR18

The car started as an Ebay special – one of those cars that’s too cheap to pass up but you know has to be worse than you anticipate

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics...0Beginning.jpg

Which of course it was

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics/startingpoint.jpg

But then three months go by…

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/body/bodyJ%20(8).jpg

And then three more months…

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics/6%20months.jpg

Lateral Dynamics 3-Link Installation
 

Finally had a chance Friday to finish up the installation of the Lateral Dynamics 3-Link. I can't say enough about Mark and Matt and their product. It is simply top notch.

All told the installation took two days and was very straight forward although it helps to be starting with a 'clean slate'.

Matt’s fabrication skills, as seen in the quality of the narrowed 9”, is top notch. A lot of thought went into the kit, with details like the jacking plate, large filling hole, and -6 AN fitting for the remote reservoir/vent.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/re.../ld%20diff.jpg

It is a really complete kit with all of the parts and pieces that you need included. The only thing that I would like to have seen included in the kit would have been safety washers for a couple of the rod ends and shocks.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/re...LD%20Parts.jpg

We did the install with a plasma cutter and cleaned it up with cutting disks and die grinder. You could easily do it with a 3” cutting wheel as well.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/re...irst%20cut.jpg

The front cross member ties across the front of the rear frame and is the support for the upper and lower 3-link arms.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/re...nt%20cross.jpg

It doesn’t take much to get a nice tight fit.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/re...0cross%202.jpg

Lateral Dynamics 3-Link Installation
 

Once the front and rear crossmembers have been installed the actual assembly of the three link is quite simple. It’s amazing how easily adjustable it is and how minor changes with the links can adjust the rear end in a variety of ways.

No shocks yet so we have the 1” x 1” square stock cut to length to simulate their position compressed at ride height.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/re...ion/LD%201.jpg

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/re...on/LD%2011.jpg

The DSE mini-tubs look bigger from this perspective.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/re...ion/LD%203.jpg
The string was used to center the housing in the wheelwell.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/re...on/LD%2012.jpg

It’s too bad that there has to be a gas tank (or something else) that will block the view.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/re...ion/LD%204.jpg

Lateral Dynamics 3-Link Install - Interior
 

The reproduction floor included a brace that I assume was for convertibles that we had to remove (that is the unprimered section) – there are enough double panels back there without one more that we don’t need.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/re...D%209%20in.jpg

We’ll expand the clearance around the center link and try to make it as stock looking as possible when it’s done.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/re...D%208%20in.jpg

There is still room for a back seat if desired (we played with some 3rd gen rear seats and they fit perfectly) but the rear cage will eliminate that possibility in our case.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/re...D%207%20in.jpg

We need to add clearance for the shocks and exhaust and will do something to clean up the transition at the top from the cross member to the trunk floor.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/re...ar%20cross.jpg

looks awsome keep us posted :thumbsup:

That is a sweet looking ride you have going there. Post some pics as it progresses. :thumbsup:

thats awesome :hail:

That is so nice! Being in Alberta, I am guessing you installed it yourself as opposed to sending it to So Cal for the install. How do you rate the install from a difficulty and technical perspective?

Thanks,
BT

Looking back at the installation, I would have to say that it was actually easier than I had anticipated. The problems that we did encounter were more due to reproduction panels and components than the Lateral Dynamics 3-link.

The hardest part of the installation are the front and rear crossmembers and they are really no harder than installing subframe connectors. It took us an easy day to get them in; the installation is more time consuming than difficult. The front crossmember is fit relative to guide holes in the factory frame and is a gradual process that is ultimately cut, fit, cut, fit, and so on until it is in position. No special tools were required and it can easily be done with or without a lift (we did use a lift but that was more about making it easier for us than being neccessary). The only place that we encountered any 'difficulties' with the front was due to the repro floor - the rear third of the tunnel is actually 1/2" - 3/4" shorter than a stock tunnel which made some additional work making the floor transition into the crossmember. Also, the repro floor has additional bracing for convertibles which we had to remove for convenience if nothing else.

The rear cross member is installed relative to the rear axle centerline - which we placed to be precisely centered within the wheelwell. The cut into the trunk is very simple and although the installation is actually easier than the front we took a lot of time measuring and remeasuring to ensure that it was placed correctly - both front to back and side to side. We did encounter some difficulties with the rear cross member installation but that was due to the reproduction frame rails which seemed to just a touch different than the stock ones. Not enough to be really noticable until you have to fit a precision piece of steel that has no give.

Once the time came to install the actual 3-link and rear end it was exceptionally straight forward. We took almost as much time screwing around with the different adjustment points after it was in than we did putting it in place. I am amazed at the range of adjustability (compared to the ladder bar and four link setups I have used in the past) and the simplicity once you can see how the different points interact.

The best part of the installation was Mark and Matt themselves. Even though we were thousands of miles apart, both of them made themselves available by phone and 'net throughout the installation and were extremely helpful with even the simplest questions. I can not remember the last time that a vendor was this accessible and helpful - regardless of time or day. My hat is off to Lateral Dynamics - its a great product and the team there is genuinly enthusiastic about cars and their product.

Ultimately, in my opinion, if you are comfortable enough with your building and fabrication skills to be considering a project of this kind, you are probably going to be capable of doing the installation.

A couple of pictures of the crossmember installation with the sheetmetal cleaned up:

It seemed easiest to start with an actual tunnel. Fortunately we have a “willing” donor out back.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics...k%20tunnel.jpg

Which eventually started to take the right shape for us.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics...Tunnel%201.jpg

With only a little bit of convincing.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics...Tunnel%202.jpg

In the end it came out fairly well. We finished it to look better from underneath than on top because ultimately this will be covered.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics...nel%20done.jpg

I think that more material will have to come out for the exhaust but it’s a start.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics/trunk%20panel.jpg

Thanks for the feedback and additional pics! Everyone seems to have great things to say about the product and the guys at Lateral Dynamics. I am going with quite a bit simpler setup in my current project, but this is definitely something I would like to eventually go to, or incorporate into the next build.


Thanks again!

OLC '67 Camaro - Metalwork is finally done!
 

Well I have lost track of the time that the metalwork has taken on the OLC Camaro (well, I wish I had lost track of the time - the actual number is just shy of 700 hours over the last 10 months) but we are finally done with the metal work on the tub. The Lateral Dynamics 3-Link is in and the ATS front subframe is ... we'll have to wait for SEMA for that. I'll do more of an update after the show but for now:

November 2005 – The starting point:

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics...2013%2005a.jpg

February 2006 – Rear Quarters going on:

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics...025%20side.jpg

April 2006 – Cleaning up the metalwork before moving on to the fabrication:

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics...in%20booth.jpg

June 2006 – coming together:

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics/jun%2010%201a.jpg

October 2006 – home for the holidays and getting ready to layout the cage:

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics/October%202005.jpg

James, looks great, as does the large print hanging on the wall. :thumbsup:

Looks good! It's all down hill from here.

You are going to love your frame, I promise you.

4 more days!!
Car is looking great, quite a long way you've come since the start.

Tyler

Thanks Scott and thanks for all your help with the OLC project.

Tyler, I have no doubt that this subframe is going to knock everybodies socks off next week.

In the mean time, here is a sneak peak of the subframe coming together:

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/fr...20Subframe.jpg

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/fr...20Subframe.jpg

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/fr...ck%20upper.jpg

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/fr...oving%20it.jpg

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/fr...%20%20Gone.jpg

I guess we all have to patient until SEMA to see the end result…

I'm looking forward to SEMA and a chance to meet everyone next week.

Oh yeah, baby!!!! Plus, it's starting to get cold up there, eh? That means more time in the (heated) garage!!!!

Safe travel, see you Monday.
Mark

Looking good :) .

David

Tyler mooooooooore info please:)

Ok, here is the info:

American Touring Specialties- 2006 SEMA show Las Vegas, Booth # 20170.

Tyler

:beavis:

Looks sharp

Thank you ATS!
 

I wanted to take a minute to thank Tyler, Shane, and Russel from American Touring Specialties for a great time at the SEMA show. Despite scrambling to finish moving in on Monday they were kind enough to invite us over and give us a tour of their shop.

ATS simply rocks - their people, products, and services are top notch and I recommend that anyone who has the chance should give them a call and check them out (if they have not already).

For those of you who were not able to make the show here are a couple of pictures of the sub that they had in their booth. Thing to note include their new coil over conversion, their new Sidewinder serpentine setup for LSx engines, their new carbon fiber LSx valve covers, not to mention their killer headers, power steering box and T56 coversion kit.

Thanks again,
James

At first look there is so much to take in:

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/fr...nsion/ATS1.jpg

First and foremost is ATS’s new Sidewinder Accessory Drive

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/fr...nsion/ats2.jpg

The Kinsler injection looks perfectly at home.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/fr...nsion/ats3.jpg

The reworked shock mount to accommodate the coil over shocks and springs.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/fr...n/AST%204a.jpg

The upper mount was modified slightly from the original design for additional strength and stability:

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/fr...n/ATS%205a.jpg

And a couple more...

Penske dual adjustable shocks with remote mounted canisters mounted on the subframe for easy adjustment:

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/fr...on/ATS%206.jpg

The whole thing is like a work of art.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/fr...on/ats%207.jpg

Remote CV oil filter mount and huge filter should be perfect with the LS7.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/fr...on/ats%208.jpg

The AFX spindles have been fitted with 3” race studs.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/fr...on/ats%209.jpg

Great work ATS – absolutely first class design and fabrication.

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/build/fr...n/ats%2010.jpg

Do you have any idea how much and when that serpentine set up will be available? I like that its not polished up and is black. I dont like the polished look and i havent found a serpentine set up that isnt polished. Also when is the coil over kit going to be available? Im in the market for one also. Thanks

ATS is coming strong! Excellent details !!

OneLap Camaro Update - June
 

We are making headway on the OLC Camaro.

The roll cage is in:

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics/from%20drivers.jpg

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics/from%20side.jpg

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics/towards%20seat.jpg

Attachment 7959 Attachment 7960

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics/cage%202.jpg

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics/cage%203.jpg

Attachment 7961 Attachment 7962 Attachment 7963

The Tilton Pedal Assembly is in and thanks to the custom steering column that Ididit Inc. built for us, the ATS Lee Engineering power steering box is good to go:

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics/drivers%20high.jpg

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics...n%20mc%202.jpg

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics...n%20pedals.jpg

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics/pedals%201.jpg

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics/pedals%202.jpg

And the rest is coming together as well

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics/june%2016%201.jpg

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics/june%2016%202.jpg

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics/june%2016%203.jpg

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics/june%2016%204.jpg

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics/june%2016%206.jpg

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics/june%2016%207.jpg

I hope to have the rest of the front end together over the course of the week. We'll mock up the engine and dry sump as soon as the parts arrive and with some luck have the front end together.

Our Stainless tank from Rick's Stainless arrived Friday (thanks Rick :hail: ) and we will get it mounted when we get the car back on a lift. Then we can figure out how we are going to mount the exhaust, rear end cooler, and plumbing for the brakes and traction control. It's kind of busy back there:

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics/3link%201.jpg

Thanks again to all of our sponsors for their help in getting us to this point - American Touring Specialties, Lateral Dynamics, Heighton Restorations, Ididit, Inc., Tiltion Engineering, and Rick's Stainless. Also, thanks to Midnite Octane and Lateral-G Webdesign. All of these vendors are top notch organizations.

The fun is really starting so stay tuned, there will be more soon.

:drool: too cool
any ls7 pics? :thumbsup:

The Roll Bar looks great.

Was it custom, or a kit from someone?

Very nice,just the way I like them,an all out race car that is very streetable,and very comfortable.Looks like we're kind of on the same corse,with the same car.Ron

James, looking good! Can you please send me some construction pics? Once I am settled in the new house I will be hopefully updating my webpage and I'd like to put up some new news on the car.

Thanks,
John

Looking good!!:woot:

Mike

Wow! That is one beautifully executed roll cage. Nice work.:thumbsup:

:thumbsup: Bad 2 the Bone

http://www.onelapcamaro.com/OLC_pics/june%2016%207.jpg

Dose the exhast pipes come out the back of the rear quarter panel? O, by the way, it coming together nicely.

We built the roll cage from scratch. When I laid out the bars my main concern was keeping it tight to the body. We ended up building it so tight in some places that we wound up cutting into the body - the front down tubes, rear down tubes, and halo hoop all required some "clearancing". It came out well but I doubt that many people would be inclined to go the same route.

Thanks Steve - I think you more than anybody probably knows how hard it is to come up with something that is safe and/or certifiable and streetable at the same time. It's a difficult balance.