From the V8 Archives… the build series blogs from 1997 covering the complete restoration of the 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle known as the “SS496!” This was a great car, complete with a custom 496 stroker big-block Chevy, Global West suspension, Vintage Wheels Works rollers, Hydratech boosted Baer brakes, Magnaflow exhaust, and a whole host of restoration parts from YearOne and OPGI.
We performed a complete restoration on this car from start to finish, pulling the body off the frame, replacing the floor, quarter panels, and performing other major rust repair. Fast Times Motorworks built the custom big-block Chevy engine, which sent over 550 horsepower through a turbo 400 transmission and a 3.73:1 geared 12-bolt posi rear end. Our team completed the bodywork, paint, and assembly to make this Butternut Yellow pro-touring Chevelle a standout.
But more fun was that this was one of the first cars built by the V8 Speed crew, and these videos were from a time when very few were shooting and posting blog videos about cars. The blogs take us all the way to the SEMA show, and culminate with a feature video on the car when complete. The video resolution is only 480P, but if the car still looks awesome today!
1969 Chevelle SS496 Blog Part 1 – Deadline: SEMA, 2007 V8TV Video
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1969 Chevelle SS496 Blog Part 1 – Deadline: SEMA, 2007 V8TV Video
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1969 Chevelle SS496 Blog Part 2 – Deadline: SEMA, 2007! V8TV-Video
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1969 Chevelle SS496 Blog Part 3 – Deadline: SEMA, 2007 V8TV-Video
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1969 Chevelle SS496 Blog Part 4 – Deadline: SEMA, 2007 V8TV-Video
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1969 Chevelle SS496 Blog Part 5 – Deadline: SEMA, V8TV-Video
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1969 Chevelle SS496 Blog Part 6 – Deadline: SEMA, 2007 V8TV-Video
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1969 Chevelle SS496 Blog Part 7 – Deadline: SEMA, 2007 V8TV-Video
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1969 Chevelle SS496 Blog Part 8 – Deadline: SEMA, 2007 V8TV-Video
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1969 Chevelle SS496 Blog Part 9 – Deadline: SEMA, 2007 V8TV-Video
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1969 Chevelle SS496 Blog Part 11 – Deadline: SEMA, 2007 V8TV-Video
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1969 Chevelle SS496 Blog Part 10 – Deadline: SEMA, 2007 V8TV-Video
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1969 Chevelle SS496 Blog Part 13 – Deadline: SEMA, 2007 V8TV-Video
This 1967 Chevrolet Camaro restomod is getting the whole Pro Touring treatment as we restore the body and install a GM LSA 6.2 Supercharged V8 backed by a Tremec T56 Magnum 6-speed transmission at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. We thought we’d share an update as we build the car in our latest “What are you in for” video series where we share in-process projects from around the shop!
The V8 Speed & Resto Shop Crew recently finished a complete restoration on this 1964 Chevrolet C-10 pickup truck including an LS swap, suspension, rust repair and sheet metal fabrication, and more. They installed a GM L92 6.2 liter V8 powered by a Mast Motorsports ECM and using Holley accessory drive brackets, oil pan, and Hooker exhaust manifolds. A Mast cam and valve springs were installed, yielding approximately 525 horsepower. A TCI 4L60E transmission is used to provide an overdrive gear, and the truck rolls on Mob Steel 20″ wheels. The finish is satin black with a charcoal silver roof, wheels, and side trim insert, and the bed is all new wood. The interior featured a leather seat, Vintage Air A/C, a Dakota Digital box to allow the original speedometer to work with the modern transmission, upgraded audio, and more.
We invite you to contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop anytime at 314.783.8325 for a Corvette LS Swap or any type of LS Swap in a classic or muscle car.
The V8 Speed & Resto Shop is a full-service classic car and muscle car restoration service ready to perform everything from simple maintenance on vintage cars to full frame-off restorations and modifications. Whether you are seeking a stock restoration, a pro-touring muscle car, or a custom restomod, the V8 Speed & Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL, can help. Contact us today to put the V8 crew to work for you. Transport services are available.
V8 Speed & Resto Shop 817 S. Main Street Red Bud,IL 62278 314.783.8325 http://www.v8speedshop.com resto@v8speedshop.com
The Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show is a hot topic on this episode of the V8 Radio Podcast, and our hosts Mike Clarke and Kevin Oeste review the racing trade show and scheme up a plan for next year. Next up is a chat about a Pro-Touring 1969 Chevrolet Camaro coming together at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, complete with a 775 HP LT5 engine hooked to a 10 speed automatic transmission. This one is going to be a handful! They also cover a modernized 1978 Pontiac Trans Am and a whole new way to look after the car, and wrap it all up with some tool talk. And there is also Automotive Trivia, along with a few laughs and other nonsense, on the latest episode of the V8 Radio Podcast!
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!!!!
There are lots of terms to describe classic and muscle cars these days, especially when it comes to those that have been modified. In this video, we explore the differences between stock original cars, restored cars, and modified cars… specifically those muscle cars modified in the Resto Mod, Pro Touring, and Pro Street styles. What are these styles? What does each need to have? What defines them? Watch and see.
Here’s the link to the comparison chart mentioned in the video:
If you’ve got a classic, muscle car, Resto Mod, Pro Touring, or Pro Street car that needs some modifications or performance improvements, we’re happy to chat about it! You can reach us at www.v8speedshop.com today.
This Pro-Touring 1968 Chevrolet Camaro came to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop wearing fresh paint, but the owner wanted some performance upgrades to match. The task is to install a supercharged LSA engine and a Tremec 6060 6-speed manual transmission, all without hurting the new paint. The V8 crew is also adding all the needed cooling, fuel, and electrical system upgrades required to make it all sing.
Cooling is handled by a C&R Radiator and coolers, and the cabin is cooled by Vintage Air. Under the car lives a full Ridetech coil-over suspension system, with hydraulically boosted Wilwood brakes. Our team is building a full mandrel-bent, custom-fit exhaust system for the car.
Tasks included notching the subframe to fit the LSA and the factory accessory drive system, and fabricating a custom smooth firewall and hydraulic clutch master cylinder mount, fabricating a and custom air intake system. Ringbrothers billet hood hinges support the modified hood, which was re-structured to clear the supercharger housing.
We’ll be posting update blogs along the way as we complete this Pro-Touring 1968 Camaro!
The goal of this 1957 Ford Ranch Wagon build is to add modern car handling with barely-streetable power from a Ford 427 legendary Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) V8, all while keeping a stock (ish) sleeper appearance.
A Modern Twist on a Legendary Engine
The elements include a 700+ HP John Kaase built 540-cube SOHC engine, 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission, a Roadster Shop chassis and suspension, and great brakes. The wagon will ride on 17” steel wheels – or Halibrand kidney-bean style wheels, depending on the mood. The chassis will deliver a slightly lowered, but usable stance.
A Stock 1957 Ford Ranch Wagon. Or is it?
One of the goals of this custom hot rod 1957 Ford is to make it look unassuming. No racing bucket seats for this one, as it will feature the original style bench seat and steering column mounted shifter. The Ranch will wear an original Starmist Blue and Colonial White color scheme, with a coordinating restored interior. New Old Stock or restored original trim will be used in all the original and correct locations on the car. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is handling the build, and it’s going to be an amazing ride!
Follow The Build
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team is chronicling the build of the 1957 Ford Ranch Wagon in thousands of photos and videos, and you can follow them all right here. And if you’re inspired, we encourage you to contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop to chat about your Classic or Muscle Car dream ride today!
