Project: High School Dream
This project has taken a very long time to get off the ground. My wife and I bought this car the year we were married (1996) as a daily driver. The first year I spent more time under it than I did in the driver's seat. I rebuilt the suspension at all four corners, back to stock form. During the next seven years, the car proved to be one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned, despite my daily abuse racing, sliding, and snow rallying.
In 2004, I decided to park the car in the garage. The drivetrain was finally worn out (though still running). The car sat untouched until 2007. My wife, never the type to beat around the bush, demanded we either sell the car or restore it. That was all I needed to get motivated! We decided to go with a G-Machine (Pro-Touring, if you like) theme for the car.
Starting at the core, and working our way out was our game plan. For the drivetrain, we chose Smeding's 383 Extreme backed by a Dodge Viper 6-speed from Keisler. We were very pleased that the crate motor produced more power than advertised (460 hp, 460 tq). With the tranny rated at 650 ft-lbs, we think this will be a bullit-proof combo.
Short on funds after the expensive drive train upgrade, we focussed on some of the little things. The gauges were swapped for a set of Autometers in an aftermarket instrument panel made to fit the 68's otherwise stock dash. We also replaced the grill and all of the exterior lighting. The tailights were upgraded to an LED setup that is as bright as a late model Cadillac (after all, who wants to see their high school dream rear-ended by someone talking on a cell phone). I also installed a set of Mitsubishi Eclipse racing buckets for added comfort.
We are about to begin replacing the electrical system with a Painless kit. A Vintage Air kit will go in at the same time, since we will have to take the dash apart anyway.
Future plans for the Camaro include a shortened Chevelle 12-bolt with 4:10 limited slip gears, 4-wheel disk brakes, and new wheels. At the moment, my plan is to use black 18" ASA AR-1 wheels, wrapped in 245-45-18 Kuhmo MT's.
If anybody has insight as to any fitment problems with this tire size on a stock height camaro, I would be very interested (I will, of course, look for this info in the abundant Lateral-G forums as well). The car currently sits on 15" rally wheels with 245-60's in the rear and 235-60's in the front. The rears rub on the inner wheel well a little, but I think I can correct that with a little less backspacing on the new wheels.
I hope you enjoy watching this car come together, and look for me in your rear view mirror soon!
Herb68
Sonora, Ca.
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