 It
started when we got a call about a Camaro that was started at another
"shop". It had been there for 5 years and progress was not happening
fast enough. I was told it had an Art Morrison Max G chassis, an all
aluminum 632 w/electronic fuel injection, 4L80E trans and needed to be
finished. I had them come down with it on a trailer to check out and to
figure out what was left to do. Well none of us were prepared for the
mess that this "shop" had assembled. The extremely poor workmanship was
evident everywhere, from the crooked misaligned quarterpanels with the
flux cored mig welds to the 1/2 " gaps in rollcage fitment (the list
goes on and on). Then the biggest surprise was when looking at the
engine. It was wrapped in layers of plastic sitting in the car with a
motorplate. We first noticed the old Hilborn mechanical injection
manifold under the plastic and knew something wasn't right. We cut the
wrapping away and found that it was a plastic mock up engine painted
and disguised to look like the real thing! Right down to the taped up
exhaust ports to "keep the dirt out". I had to inform them that their
$17,000 engine was a hunk of plastic and the trans was a gutted case as
well. They had seen this engine and trans wrapped in plastic for three
years and assumed it was what they paid for. I could go on forever
about all the extremely poor workmanship and other useless parts such
as bent coilovers and completely wrong size wheels and tires but at
this point you get the idea.
Fortunately the story has a happy ending. Here's what we ended up with.
Engine
and mechanicals:
Mast
Motorsports LS3 "black label" 416ci 640
hp/560 ftlbs
Hogans sheetmetal intake EBMC airbox/induction system
Tremec t56 Magnum, dual disc clutch, hydraulic throwout bearing
Aluminum driveshaft
Winters quick change 4:29 final drive
EBMC headers 3" exhaust Magnaflow mufflers EBMC brushed nickel exhaust
tips
EBMC fuel system with Aeromotive A1000 pump, controller, regulator
Suspension,
brakes,
frame:
EBMC
modified AME Max G chassis w/C5 front suspension and 3 link
rear
Engine
set back approx 8"
Strange coilovers with Exotic Air lifters (front)
Baer 14" 6 piston, Wilwood triple pedal assembly
Wheels and Tires: Forgeline GA-3 titanium center/brushed nickel hoops
19x10 front 20x12 rear
Michelin 285/35-19 front 335/30-20 rear
List
of
body mods include:
Audi lava grey PPG paint with
custom mix
Matte finish accents and brushed nickel trim
Rocker panels and front fenders extended 3" downwards
Doors extended down 2" shaved handles
Custom front valance, bumper and spoiler
Quarters extended 2" to transition to rocker panels
Hood modified to transition into custom cowl
Front fenders extended to transition into cowl
A-pillars widened 5/8"
Drip rails shaved and new bodyline added around opening
Custom rear spoiler and quarter extensions
Fabricated rear bumper rear valance
EBMC gas filler in recessed tailight panel
EBMC wheel tubs, floorpans, firewall, engine compartment
Interior
mods:
Modified 67 Camaro dash extended back 4"
Modified Cadillac CTS center console
Modified Recaro seats
EBMC fabbed doorpanels, interior
Covered in Leather and Microsuede
Electronics: Pioneer/Memphis sound system
Push button start
LED lighting
HID headlights
Keyless entry/locks
Vintage air ac
List
of
awards and achievements include:
2012 Goodguys Street Machine of the Year Finalist (Columbus Ohio)
Builders Choice award Pleasanton West Coast Nationals (Pleasanton Ca.)
K&N booth car SEMA 2012
Named Hot Rod Magazine top 10 trend setting cars of SEMA 2012
Invite to 2012 Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational
First place finish in Lingenfelter Performance Design Challenge at 2012
OUSCI
2013 Goodguys Muscle Machine of the Year finalist (Del Mar Ca.)
Builders Choice award at Del Mar Fall Nationals
Upcoming feature car in Chevy High Performance
|
