This bright red 1967 Chevrolet Camaro arrived at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop looking for dramatic handling, power, and reliability improvements. The recipe calls for a Roadster Shop chassis fueled by an LS3 engine swap. Follow the pics to see the build progress!
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 a 530 HP Blueprint Engineering LS3 V8, hooked to a Tremec TKX 5-speed manual transmission.
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.
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. Foose Design wheels provide a modern interpretation of the original 442 Super Stock II wheels wrapped with Nitto tires.
The 530 HP all-aluminum Blueprint Engineering LS3 V8 engine provides modern and reliable power while saving weight and eliminating old-design leaks. A Tremec TKX 5-speed transmission from Modern Driveline 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. A Magnaflow exhaust provides just enough rumble at idle, with comfortable sound levels cruising down the road.
Inside, we’ve upfitted this 1968 442 with Dakota Digital gauges in the dash, along with a Vintage Air A/C system to keep things cool. The Modern Driveline hydraulic clutch works easily and smooth, but still grabs tightly. We found this car to be very comfortable and quiet going down the road, until you mash the throttle and wake up the 530 horsepower LS3!
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 bright red 1967 Chevrolet Camaro is seeking additional power and road holding performance, and that’s exactly what it’s going ot get at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop! Power will come from a modern LS engine, and the “road holding” performance will be courtesy of a Roadster Shop Spec Chassis. It’s going to retain the classic look with a whole new personality!
This 1969 Chevrolet Camaro convertible came to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop for one of our signature transformations from a stock Camaro RS to a high-performance Pro-Touring machine! Plans call for a Roadster Shop Chassis, modern LT engine power backed by a 10 speed automatic transmission. This one is going to be jammed with lots of cool custom and performance tricks!
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If you love custom, high-performance Pro-Touring Camaro builds, you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re taking you inside the V8 Speed and Resto Fabrication Shop to share a 1969 Camaro convertible undergoing a complete transformation.
This ’69 Camaro originally sported the iconic RS hidden headlights, fender trim, and taillights. But the owner craved something truly unique, a reflection of his passion for Harley-Davidson’s CVO line. Enter a custom paint job inspired by Harley’s signature color scheme – a dark battleship gray with a black stripe outlined in red. We even had a rendering created to visualize this one-of-a-kind look.
https://www.instagram.com/jcarcustom_art
The journey began with a thorough disassembly, revealing the need for some rust and crash repair. Our talented team replaced floor panels, the dash, and wheel tubs, ensuring a solid foundation for the car’s rebirth.
The heart of this beast is a brand new 6.2L LT1 direct-injected V8 engine from Chevrolet Performance, boasting 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Partnered with a 10-speed automatic transmission, this Camaro promises exhilarating power and smooth driving. Holley accessories and a Vintage Air compressor live up front on the engine.
For precision handling and a robust frame, we’ve incorporated a Roadster Shop SPEC series chassis. This design seamlessly integrates into the car, minimizing floor modifications . The chassis also features a proprietary front suspension with rack and pinion steering, coil-over shocks, and unequal-length control arms. Additionally, a four-link rear suspension with coil-overs ensures optimal performance on both streets and racetracks .
Lifting the hood reveals a meticulously crafted engine bay. We’ve installed top-notch components like Ring Brothers hood hinges for precise fitment and ultimate style. A custom air intake system and a set of black Ultimate headers further enhance the engine’s performance and aesthetics.
Moving inside, you’ll notice a blend of original and meticulously replaced panels. The black sections signify new components, including a complete floor replacement, a new dash, and new wheel tubs.
A unique touch is the custom-made transmission tunnel, raised and widened to accommodate the 10-speed transmission. Eagle-eyed Camaro enthusiasts might recognize the 1968 Camaro dash – a specific client request for a preferred gauge layout.
Throughout the build process, meticulous test fitting ensures all modifications and replacements work seamlessly together. From sun visors and trim to door handles and billet aluminum side gills, every detail is rigorously checked before the car moves to the paint stage.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278