This super-clean 1978 Pontiac Trans Am came to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop as a new purchase for the owner. He wanted our crew to inspect the car, make any needed repairs, and upgrade it with a Vintage Air A/C system and a Holley Terminator X electronic fuel injection system. We also performed some other maintenance items, and replaced some worn-out components so that it is ready to fly!
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!
817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278
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!!!!
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This stunning 1969 Camaro may look finished, but at V8 Speed & Resto Shop, we know there’s always room for improvement. Take a closer look as we transform this classic muscle car into a road-ready performer!
This cool green Camaro is a perfect example of how restoration and performance upgrades can come together to create a truly special car. Contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop to plan the next steps for your muscle car!
Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with all your Classic or Muscle Car needs today!
The V8 Speed & Resto Shop recently completed a modern 5.0 Coyote V8 swap into a 1972 Ford Bronco that was brought to us as a restored truck. Now, the restomod Bronco runs much stronger and is more reliable thanks to the Ford Performance 5.0 Coyote V8 engine swap and upgraded Dakota Digital Gauges. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop conversion also included installing a custom mandrel bent Magnaflow exhaust system and high-pressure fuel system to run the Coyote engine.
Now that the 2021 Ford Bronco has been revealed, it’s fun to show how early Ford Broncos can be retrofitted with modern Coyote V8 engines and technology to make the classic Ford Bronco perform like the new 2021 Bronco.
Continue reading “1972 Ford Bronco 5.0 Coyote Restomod Build at V8 Speed & Resto Shop Video”
We recently did some work on this clean 1969 Chevelle for a cool customer who’s become a good friend over the years. The car came to us with most of the pieces in place, but just not playing that well together. In fact, it’s been a repeat visitor over the years getting better upgrades each time.
The first time, we did some driveline repairs, but the fun project was creating and installing a custom contoured firewall we made in our fabrication shop. It was made from 18 gauge cold rolled steel, and the design added strength and a style that didn’t look out of place on the Chevelle. Once that was body worked and painted, we moved on to the engine.
It originally arrived sporting a crate big block Chevy, but we eventually installed a Fast Times Motorworks built 460 cube torque monster for more laughs from the right pedal. This one started as a 454 with a 4-bolt block, but was bored and stroked to 460 cubes with Scat I-beam rods, Keith Black pistons, and ARP hardware throughout. The top end relies on a Howard’s roller cam and Edelbrock heads and intake inhaling the mix from an MSD Atomic EFI system.
It’s bolted to a Tremec TKO-600 6-speed manual transmission shifted by a Hurst stick and a hydraulic clutch for smooth action. We installed 3.55:1 Motive gears in the 12-bolt housing along with a Detroit TruTrac differential for better grip. We love the sound of a rumbling big block through the stainless x-pipe Borla mufflers.
Handling is improved with a QA1 tubular coil-over suspension system up front for adjustability, a nice ride, and a lowered stance. The upsized QA1 sway bar resists body roll when you whip the Grant steering wheel and Delphi quick-ratio steering box around. The rear is hung with more QA1 coil-overs, tubular arms, and sway bar. We added Wilwood disc brakes all the easy around, which hide behind 17” Rocket Racing Booster wheels. The calipers are squeezed by a Hydratech hydraulic brake assist unit.
Inside, you’ll find Dakota Digital Gauges, a tilt steering column, Scat seats, and a Vintage Air A/C unit with it’s compressor and belt held in place by a Vintage Air Frontrunner serpentine accessory drive system.
The Chevelle wears a handsome shade of metallic charcoal gray, but it really came to life when we added some custom-made silver SS396 stripes to the sides. It’s a sharp car that drives like a champ.
You can see more photos of the work on this one by clicking on the link in the description, and please don’t hesitate to contact us if your muscle car needs some upgrades, tuning, or a complete do-over… we’re happy to help!
Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop for all your restoration and performance needs!
314.783.8325 https://www.v8speedshop.com
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.
Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with all your Classic or Muscle Car needs today!
817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278
Sometimes it’s advantageous to take over a project than to start from scratch. In this case, the customer wanted a cool ‘69 Camaro, and we happened to find him one that was already undergoing a restoration. The owner of this clean Arizona car changed his mind and decided to sell his project, so we had the car shipped to the V8 Speed & Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL, where it transformed into the Pro-Touring Camaro the new owner has always wanted. Features include a Holley Terminator EFI system, Vintage Air A/C, Scat seats, restoration parts from Classic Industries, Axalta paint, ARP engine hardware, COMP cam, and much more.
Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with all your Classic or Muscle Car needs today!
817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278
