Norwegian 1967 Camaro SS

The Project

This 1967 Camaro SS was imported to Norway in 2001 and had 2 previous owners before i bought it. I had been searching a while for a 1967/68 Camaro and finally bought this car in 2005. I did not have any immediate plans to restore it the first years as it was in a fairly good drivable condition. However after experiencing some leakage into the trunk i found that the car had more rust than I was aware of, so plans changed and the project started. This was originally a vinyl roof car and the damages was in the areas such as roof rails and rear panels. I decided then to tear the car completely apart as I wouldn't spend a lot of hours and money on performance parts if the body was not ok. After disassembly of the car, the body was taken to Etne Auto for stripping and painting. The rest of the overhaulin was carried out in my Garage over the next 5 years.

I always wanted to build a street car that could cut corners. The usual assumption you meet in Norway is that US cars are good going straight forward and cannot handle corners. My inspiration for the build was from a 25 year old movie called "Better off dead" were a black Camaro outruns this Japanese car in a street race. In addition i wanted a street racer that would be a challenge to European and Japanese street cars that is what you usually find around my area.

The built was developing as I got along. I had a rough idea how i wanted the car to be but was searching books and internet for good ideas and experiences with different parts/setup.  During the build i used Tony Huntimers "How to Build Pro-Touring GM Street Machines" and eventually when i was familiarized with the forums at Lateral-G I got a lot of great input from there as well. All the parts for the project I have imported myself from US vendors. And the service provided has been great. So as a tip to anyone who plan to do a project in Europe, be your own dealer as prices and service with direct shipping from US has been great.

The car was built to be used, no trailer queen. So after finishing the project this spring i took it for a real road trip. We drove from Norway through Denmark and down to Germany this summer, over 1200 miles without tightening a nut or without any leaks or problems. Being in Germany we got to test it on the Autobahn where there are sections with "Freie Fahrt" or no speed limits. Got the car easily up to 145 mph and it handled good, tight and precise, just as i hoped for. The car has a theoretically top speed of 160mph, but due to heavy traffic we did not get to test it to the max. With regards to road racing i have not had the opportunity to try it on a track yet, but Norwegian roads are quite curvy and steep so it has proven well there. The car has been to 2 car shows this summer. With one prize for "Car of the Show" and one prize for "Jury's Favourite" it's nice to see that people recognize these great American Muscle Cars. Ended up with driving the car nearly 3000 miles this season. So now its tucked away in the garage for the winter, all polished and prepared for the next season.

As for the future, the plan/wishes is to put EFI on the engine.



Thanks to:
Family for their patience.
Friends for helping out, when 2 hands just aren't enough.
Leif Rossebo for welding supplies and subframe restoration.
Geir Olav Pihl for Chevy "Know How".
Ole Martin Grindheim at Etne Auto for a great paint job.
Jan Krakevik for doing a great job on the seats.
Andr� Nesheim-Hauge for setting up the suspension and getting the car "approved".
Ronnie Krabberod for great pictures and story in the "Bilsport Car Magazine"
Lateral-G for providing lot of information and know how for "Gear Heads" abroad.



TECH SHEET:

MOTOR:
383 cui Small Block Chevy by Sverre Kahrs Racing, Norway.
Dynoed: 472HP @ 6100 RPM / 640Nm (472Lb-Ft)@ 4700 RPM
World Sportsman II 64CC Cylinder Heads
Compression ratio of 10:1
Edelbrock Victor Jr intake manifold
Comp Cams Magnum� Mechanical Roller Camshaft AR300
MSD Ignition system
Holley 750 DP carburator
Holley 170gph mechanical fuel pump
Melling high volume oil pump
Hamburger road race oil pan
Be Cool Aluminum radiator
March Performance pulley system
Hedman�s Shorty Headers 1 � - 3�
Magnaflow Performance stainless exhaust system 3� w/ crossover.

DRIVETRAIN:
Tremec TKO 600 5 speed gearbox. Ratio: 2.87, 1.89, 1.28, 1.0, 0.82
Hydraulic Clutch System
Moser Engineering 9� rearend 3.50 gears
Detroit True Trac posi

SUSPENSION:
Global West Tubular A-arms
Global West Subframe connectors
Delrin-Aluminum bushings
Hotchkis 2 inch drop springs
Hotchkis 3 leaf rear springs- 1,5 inch drop + 1 inch lowering block
1 � front sway bar
Rear sway bar to be decided
KYB gas shocks
AGR 12:1 quick ratio steering box

BRAKES:
Front Willwood 12.19� vented disc brakes, slot drilled
Rear Willwood 12.19� vented disc brakes
Willwood 4 piston callipers
Power Brake Services Hydroboost braking system.

WHEELS:
Front: BozeForged ZE Mesh, Black Satin Center and polished lip
18x8�, 4.5� Backspacing
Tire: Toyo Proxes R888 235/40R18
Rear: BozeForged ZE Mesh, Black Satin Center and polished lip,
18X9 5.25� Backspacing
Tire: Toyo Proxes R888 275/35R18

EXTERIOR:
Anvil Carbon Fiber Front and Rear Spoiler
Marques Design Taillights
Precision Coachworks Billet fuel cap
Ring Brothers Black Anodized Hood hinges
 
INTERIOR:
Seats by Jan Krakevik (www.jancarfactory.com)
Anvil Carbon Fiber with 5� Autometer Phantom gauges
Covan Carbon Fiber center dash with 4 ea 2 5/8� Autometer Phantom gauges
Modified original center console
MOMO Millenium steering wheel
MOMO 4 point harness
IDIDIT adjustable steering column
Lokar Performance Products pedals
Billet Specialities mirror, window and door cranks.
New Gaskets
New headliner
Dynamat Extreme
Detroit Speed & Engineering delay wipers

BODY:
Paint by Etne Auto
Color: Tuxedo Black