Adding Modern Performance And Handling To A Classic Envelope
This cool yellow 1968 Oldsmobile 442 looks great, but the owner wanted better handling, braking, and comfort, while adding more reliable power and a smoother shifting transmission to the car without sacrificing the classic look. The solution is the installation of at Roadster Shop chassis and an LS3 V8, hooked to a Tremec TKX 5-speed manual transmission.
Restoring As Needed
This 1968 Oldsmobile 442 had been restored once, but we discovered some areas needing attention. We replaced the rusty dashboard and performed some floor pan repairs during the process. The goal was to perform the required tasks without re-restoring the entire car.
Upgrades With Drivability In Mind
The foundation is a Roadster Shop chassis, which is not only stiffer than the original GM chassis, but it also incorporates improved suspension geometry, stroger parts, and spring, shock, and steering technology over 50 years more advanced than the 1968 design. The end result is a car that drives phenomenally well while not losing the original 442 appearance.
LS3 + TKO = Way More Fun!
The nearly 500 HP all-aluminum LS3 V8 engine provides modern and reliable power while saving weight and eliminating old-design leaks. A Tremec TKx 5-speed transmission is able to handle over 600 ft-lbs of torque and adds an overdrive 5th gear, all while capable of 7500+ RPM shifts. It is geared to match the rear axle ratio and power curve of the engine, so the hydraulically-clutched 5-speed adds to the fun while being easy to drive.
Follow The Build
The photos tell the story of how the V8 Speed and Resto Shop team transformed this Olds into a road car that the driver can enjoy all day long. Our team is very experienced in building these type of Pro-Touring Muscle Cars for those who put the emphasis on driving performance. What can we build for you? Contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop today to chat about your dream classic, Hot Rod, or Muscle Car!
This beautiful Hugger Orange 1969 Chevrolet Corvette came to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop barely breathing through the old carburetor and slipping gears with a slushy automatic transmission. The owner wants more, and we don’t blame him. The fix is in the form of a Holley Terminator X EFI system and a Tremec TKX 5-speed manual transmission. The double “X” treatment will make this a completely different car!
This restored 1955 Ford F100 pickup was restored by the owner’s father, and came to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop for some upgrades to make it more enjoyable to drive.
VIDEO: Top Camaros Built at V8 Speed and Resto Shop
We’re big fans of first generation Camaros here at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. Today we’re taking a look at 5 of our favorite restomod First Gen Camaros built here in our shop, in no particular order.
First up is a 1969 Camaro named Lou’s Change. The goal for this car was to combine modern Camaro styling and performance with the classic look of the ‘69. Dan Steinhauser created the rendering, complete with a modern ZL-1 style hood with carbon fiber insert and a 3D printed grille.
We performed all the metalwork in-house, including fabrication of the custom hood, and installation of all new floors, quarter panels, tail panel, fenders, and more. Lou’s Change rides on a complete Detroit Speed suspension front and rear. Deep tubs were installed to accommodate the Toyo R888 tires wrapped around Forgeline wheels. The engine is a modified supercharged GM LSA 6.2L V8 making approximately 630 HP, backed by a 6-speed manual transmission. The car was sprayed in Mars Red, with a black ZL1 stripe. It was a feature car at the SEMA show, the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals, and in Hemmings Muscle Machines Magazine.
This ‘69 Camaro is owned by one of the best names in performance parts, COMP Cams! When it needed a refresh, we were honored that they sent it to us at the V8 Speed & Resto Shop. Upgrades include a Heidt’s front subframe and tubular suspension and rear 4-link system supporting the Currie rear axle. Power comes from is a Butler-LS built LS 454 making 690 HP, and a TCI 6X 6-speed automatic transmission shifts the gears. The interior features Distinctive Industries Touring II seats, Dakota Digital gauges, and Vintage Air A/C.
This next Camaro is another ‘69, but it’s an all-new car with nearly 100% aftermarket parts. We utilized a new Camaro shell, added some bigger wheel tubs, subframe connectors, and a complete Detroit Speed suspension system. Power comes from a MAST Motorsports LS7 based 427 topped with an LS9 supercharger making over 800 horsepower with a 6-speed manual transmission. Inside you’ll find a full leather and carbon fiber interior, with speedhut gauges, Vintage Air, and high-end audio in a custom dash. The color is Corvette ZR1 Jetstream blue, which really makes the polished trim and Forgeline wheels stand out.
The goal of the Reloaded Camaro was to create a modern version of the dealer supercars from the late 1960s, like the 427 Camaros built by Yenko and Nickey Chevrolet. The original front subframe was modified with a Detroit Speed coilover suspension, while a QUADRALink rear suspension was added for far better traction. While the body was being massaged to perfection, our friends at Fast Times Motorworks assembled a 490 cubic inch roller cam V8. The engine is super clean, with satin colors that compliment the exterior with no messy wires or hoses. The transmission is a TCI 4L80E automatic overdrive.
This one came to us with a stock suspension system, and a carbureted big block Chevy engine, but the owner wanted more… of everything. The first time the car was here we installed a whole Detroit Speed suspension system front and rear, and an EFI system on the big block Chevy. Bigger Baer brakes were added, and a new set of Forgeline wheels was custom made for the car. The handling and braking improvements were huge, but after a bit, the owner wanted the smooth power of a supercharged dry-sump LT4 engine, so the car came back to the V8 Speed & Resto Shop for round 2! Stock LT4s are powerful, but this one is making north of 750 HP with upgraded pulleys, valve springs, and injectors. Of course, we also build less radical Camaros, but we’re always looking to push the envelope of performance and creativity. What ideas do you have for your ideal Camaro? Contact us at www.v8speedshop.com today, we’d love to bring those ideas to life!
Author: Michael Clarke Content: Awesome examples of first gen F-bodies. I’ve been fortunate enough to see a few of these Camaros up close and the video doesn’t do them justice. They’re that good.
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Author: Plymouth Die-Cast Replicas Content: It’s great to hear Kevin’s commentary again! He has swallowed the dictionary. Awesome Camaros, guys! I love that blue ZR9. Absolutely wonderful machine.
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Author: Jason Hull Content: The true heart of muscle cars and hot rodding. These are absolutely stunning examples. The level of craftsmanship and detail is above top shelf. Another well deserved hat tip to that remarkable team ! And for the record 15 minutes is the perfect length video for the octane junkie’s lunch break ! Haha 🍻 🇺🇸💪👍
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Author: William Wright Content: You guys just do awesome work! I am beyond thrilled, to know my car is in good hands!
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Author: Paul M Content: Beautiful , I take the red one 😇. I would only want it without the supercharger as the naturally aspirated LS is plenty powerful and reliable for daily use. Great builds regardless
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Author: Primoz Krajcar Content: Those are some bad ass machines. Can you do a similar list on the Corvettes? Top Corvette builds and then go to top Dodge builds and top Mustang builds. I already envision a series here! 🙂
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Author: Lawrence Atwood Content: I am fortunate enough to “Drive it like I stole it!!” Thanks for the awesome work V8 Speed Shop Team!
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Author: Gary Keenan Content: Loose Change is a work of art past n present nicely done!!! Comp convertible is a powerhouse would be fun laying down some pavement black marks!!!
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Author: Heavy Pedal Garage Content: Pure awesome! Gotta love the F bodies! I’ve got a second gen firebird that I’m restomodding over on my channel. I dream of doing a first gen one of these days. Thanks for sharing such amazing cars in some really cool videos. Motivation and inspiration!
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Author: chisel83 Content: Awesome video guys. Happy holidays from south Australia 🇦🇺
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Author: Justin Opinion Content: You had me at “Camaros”… but then you had to go and make it an awesome video anyway!
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Author: Johnny Hot rod Content: Love your work If I ever hit the lottery you guys can do my 67-LT4 with a 6 speed my dream And fix all my bad gaps One can dream…
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Author: Calvin Cooley Content: As far as ideas go I have many! Lol that’s not to be confused with money! Here is one for the one with the stack. A modern Nomad-ish build using a base of one 78 to 87 Malibu wagon and some El Camino doors & glass. Maybe a Monte SS nose. Cut the B pillars, fab some jambs and …….El Mad! You get the picture I’m sure. You’re welcome.
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Author: Calvin Cooley Content: When the hammer falls so do the jaws.
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Author: Tom Wagner Content: Tesla eat you heart out
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Author: Bruce H. Content: “We used an all new body on this one”. Really, aftermarket?
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Author: HEY BERT 1984 Content: Cool 70 imp in the background at :21 what are you folks doing to that. I have a 70 myself that i ls3 swapped
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Author: Turbo Lives In my heart Content: Agh- I can’t breathe
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Author: Big Sexy Muthashutyomouth Content: Beautiful vehicles gentlemen! The ZR9 has to be my favorite one of all!!!!
This 1970 Plymouth Road Runner arrived at the V8 Speed & Resto Shop in preparation for a major facelift. Plans include a Superbird conversion and a late-model Hemi engine swap backed by a 6-speed manual transmission! Of course, the front and rear suspension systems will be upgraded to match. The V8 Team is extremely excited to bring this car to the next level! Read More to see the photos and videos!
Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with all your Classic or Muscle Car needs today!
1967 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova Restomod Upgrades at V8 Speed and Resto Shop V8TV
This clean 1967 Chevy II Nova came to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop in need of some mechanical help, and our crew performed a lot of upgrades and repairs to this cool yellow cruiser.
Top Chevelles of 1970 – Muscle Car Of The Week Video Episode 372
1970 is often considered the peak year for the first generation of Muscle Cars, as the power numbers reached their highest just as emissions regulations, fuel changes, and insurance premiums clamped down on the fun for 1971. Chevrolet was a huge player in these muscle car wars for 1970, and they offered the iconic 1970 Chevelle in a variety of performance big-block configurations to satisfy lead-footed performance fanatics. Today, we’re taking a look at some of the top Chevelle offerings for 1970 from The Brother’s Collection.
It’s hard not to envision a bright red 1970 Chevelle when you hear the words “Muscle Car”! If ever there was a poster child Muscle Car, this one is probably it. Boasting the high compression 454 in.³ LS6 V-8, These were capable of low 13s at 108 mph in the ¼ mile on the stock tires. The 11.25:1 Compression 454 produces a beastly 500 pound feet at 3600, and an advertised 450 HP!
The LS6 utilized a Holley carburetor and an aluminum intake manifold over the solid lifter camshaft and 1.7 ratio rockers. This one uses The Muncie M22 4-speed manual transmission and a heavy duty clutch to stay up to speed with the LS6, and a 12-bolt rear axle housing stuffed with 4.10 gears and a Positraction differential to keep both wheels turning and the car pointing straight down the street.. Or strip… when it’s time to stop messing around. You can learn more about it in episode 219 of MCOTW.
Episode #44: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS6 454 Convertible If you were to go buy a brand-new 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, what options would you choose? How about starting with an LS6 454 and adding a convertible top? This is a super-clean 1970 Chevelle SS 454 with the 450 HP LS6 V8 backed by a Muncie M22 4-speed transmission. an awesome ride capable of burning through the first 3 gears while wind-blowing your hair at the same time. This hot ‘70 SS is featured in episode 44 of MCOTW.
Episode #8: 34.2 Mile 1970 Chevelle SS LS6 And while we’re talking about 1970 LS6 cars, we’d be remiss if we didn’t touch on perhaps the lowest mile example remaining in the world… this cranberry red 454 automatic car showing a mere 34.2 miles on the odometer! It has been called the highest horsepower and lowest mileage Muscle Car left in the world! Watch episode #8 of MCOTW to learn all about this car and how it survived in “as-new” condition all these years.
Episode #128: 1970 Chevelle SS 396 Convertible For those who didn’t want to spring for the LS6 454, Chevrolet offered a slightly smaller big block version called the SS 396. This one is wearing some great features, ranging from the 350 HP 396 (402) under the hood, sport suspension, and SS appearance package, to the bucket seats, tilt wheel, air conditioning, and power convertible top. While not quite as quick as the 454 cars, the SS 396s certainly held their own on city streets. We also like this one because it is a survivor… a fairly low-milage car with original paint and equipment still installed. It’s one of the many unique Chevelles in the Brothers Collection, profiled in-depth in episode 128 of MCOTW.
We hope you liked our little visit to the Chevelle showroom in The Brothers Collection! We’re happy to share these cars with you, so subscribe to see more next time on MCOTW!
We’re upgrading this C3 1972 Chevrolet Corvette installing a 530 HP LS3 engine and a Tremec T56 Magnum 6-Speed manual transmission in the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. It’s also getting some new Global West suspension and other enhancements from Detroit Speed. Read More to see the photos and videos!
Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with all your Classic or Muscle Car needs today!
