1969 Camaro RS.R - a new project from the OLC Team

[James OLC]

Well since that cat is out of the bag on this one I figured I might as well start a build thread – although it’s a bit early and the real “building” is just getting ready to start.

More than anything I guess this is an opportunity to introduce you to my new ’69 Camaro project that I am calling the Camaro RS.R – the name is in large part a homage to the light weight track oriented Porsche’s that have dominated road courses since their inception but more than anything the .R stands for something a little bit different (and repetitive) – Rally. Hopefully we can capture the spirit of both and in the end meet our goal of competing in the Targa Newfoundland Rally next fall.

I first started looking at this particular car in the summer of 2009…









At the time I reluctantly passed since the OneLap car was starting to gain some steam and I wasn’t really sure what I needed to build at that point.

[James OLC]

Fast forward a year and a half and the car is up for sale again and now, after a couple of pretty decent outings with the OPTIMA Batteries OneLapCamaro I had some clear direction and ideas for where I needed to go.











The car was looked to be in great shape and after talking to the owner some more and having Best of Show give it a once over I pulled the trigger and we’re on our way.

[James OLC]

So what’s the plan?

In talking to David, Mary and some other people over the holidays my best description was a modern take on a Trans Am style car – hardly a new theme for (the collective) us but more or less correct. As we talked more I realized that it was heading towards more of a Porsche RSR theme – light weight, streetable but really track oriented, and just a bit different. This car will be 90% track focused and 10% street oriented; basically it will be street legal by necessity but not by choice.

Much like the OneLapCamaro I’m building it with one clear goal - to run the Targa Newfoundland. Because of the rules of the Targa it will end up in the “Open” class (since I can’t bring myself to build a Gen 1 SBC and keep the suspension stockish) which is really ideal since the foundation for the “Open” class more or less overlaps perfectly with the “Unlimited Class” tech rules for the Silver State Classic (did I say one clear goal… maybe two clear goals)… which would still leave it legal for the One Lap of America.

Building a car for the Targa requires some sacrifices that go against some more common PT themes and presents some unique challenges. Ground clearance is a huge issue – the Targa Newfoundland is, essentially, an open road rally race on a combination of public highways and city streets so there can be some very “unique” transitions. So don’t expect an in the weeds build here with stuff hanging low beneath the car. The exhaust will be high and even to some extent in the car, and will exit a bit… unconventionally.

Big tires front and back are a given. We’re going to work with SpeedTech and use one of their subframes and Three Link rear suspensions. We’ll push the envelope a bit on the front wheels and tires maybe running something like a 295 front and back…. maybe…. DSE mini-tubs are going in now, just in case we need more room in back… just in case…



Right now the car is at Best of Show where we’re waiting on some parts. Once they arrive they’ll swap out a rear quarter and install the mini-tubs. Then the roof comes off and the car will be shipped to Rodger at Ironworks in Bakersfield for a complete 12-point roll cage and some other “subtle” ironworks touches. The SpeedTech front and rear suspensions will go on and then we’ll work to fit a light weight clip on the car and shed whatever unneeded weight that we can.

A rendering is in the works and a few details will work themselves through as time passes but I thought it was time to let the cat out of the bag.

Hopefully this is half as fun as the OLC build (and aftermath) was.

[tones2SS]

Very awesome James. I'm sure it's going to be a great car and you can't go wrong with the guys you have behind you. Good luck!
Keep us posted.

[ironworks]

So that is what it looks like. Good to know.

[Vegas69]

Congrats on joining the exclusive group of 1969 Camaro owners. Your shirts are going to fit tighter in the chest and you will have new found confidence.

Sounds like a killer project! I'll be following along since I know you actually use and dial in your stuff. One lap going down the road when it's done? and where do you find the time?

[waynieZ]

James Nice project. I'll be watching for the rendering. With the people you have involved with this project it should be Killer.
You tell um Todd !

[James OLC]

Originally Posted by ironworks

So that is what it looks like. Good to know.

I figured you knew what a 69 looked like already and besides, it should look different by the time it gets to you anyways.

Originally Posted by Vegas69

Congrats on joining the exclusive group of 1969 Camaro owners. Your shirts are going to fit tighter in the chest and you will have new found confidence.

Sounds like a killer project! I'll be following along since I know you actually use and dial in your stuff. One lap going down the road when it's done? and where do you find the time?

Believe it it or not this is my first 1969... I've had a couple of dozen first and second gens over the last twenty years but never a 69. And just when I was getting used to saying "no, it's just a '67..."

I don't know what happens to the OLC... My hope is that next year we could field both cars in the OLoA but logistically I'm not sure how that would work.

Time? What time?

[66LS7]

Looks like it's going to be a great project James, I'll keep my eyes on this one!

[ironworks]

Well The One Lap 69 Camaro got picked up from it's drop off point in Irvine about a month and a half ago. The Speedtech stuff suspension system had arrived and we are working to get everything installed. We installed some DSE mini tubs and subframe connectors in the car and are getting the subframe mounted to the body without the subframe bushings. This will lower the car just a bit more. We Installed a Fab 9 rear axle housing on to the Speedtech torque are set up. James is selecting the seats he wants to run so we can measure for the steering column and begin rollcage construction. Last I heard James was thinking about having us try to stuff a 315 tire under the front suspension. I'm not sure if that is still the case or now. Then once that front tire with is figured we will set up the rear axle to fit the same tire all around and have the same backspace to be able to only care one spare tire. UUUMMMM Smart guy huh? Well enough BS, Lets see some pictures.