Kevin Oeste and Mike “Q-Ball” Clarke dive into achieving a state of “Flow” while wrenching, or doing anything, really, on the latest episode of the V8 Radio Podcast! Kevin was wrenching on his 1970 Buick when time whizzed by, listening to inspirational interviews, having the right tools, and the work going smoothly all contributed to the zen-like state. Have you been there? Of course, you’ll find automotive trivia and a whole lot more, and if you dig it, leave us some kind words or stars! Thanks, and enjoy the show!
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!!!!
We spend a lot of time tuning cars at the V8 Speed & Resto Shop, and have learned a few things to help make dyno shop tuning sessions go smoothly. If you need help with a custom tune for you car, be it fuel injected or carbureted, feel free to contact our shop at 314.783.8325 or at http://www.v8speedshop.com/tune and we’ll be happy to discuss having our technicians tune your car on the chassis dyno.
Tips For A Successful Dyno Session Video Part 1 V8TV
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Tips For A Successful Dyno Session Video Part 1 V8TV
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Tips For A Successful Dyno Session Video Part 2 V8TV
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Tips For A Successful Dyno Session Video Part 3 V8TV
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Contact The V8 Speed & Resto Shop To Restore Your Dream Car 314.783.8325 www.v8speedshop.com
Overlooked Tips For A Successful Dyno Session
Make sure the car runs!
Is the car and the dyno shop insured?
Have a transportation “plan B” in place just in case something goes wrong!
Make sure the car doesn’t leak fluids, exhaust, etc.
Make sure the car is safe to drive, brakes don’t drag, driveshaft good & u-joints, etc.
If using your gear, make sure the computer / device can communicate with the car before you take it to the dyno shop. This can be a tremendous time waster if you have problems.
Check simple things.. Does your car achieve full throttle without the linkage binding? Is the battery and charging system working properly? Does the car’s cooling system work properly?
Have a goal… are you trying to get a power number, a driving tune, or working on something else?
If carbureted, bring jets, squirters, power valves, gaskets, etc., so you don’t have to buy or order new ones halting your mission.
Install o2 sensor bungs in pipes for better tune.
Bring distributor springs and bushings if tuning ignition.
Bring a second set of spark plugs, just in case.
If EFI, be sure charging system and battery are up to par.
Bring oil change materials if doing major tuning… you don’t want to run rich and pollute the oil.
A friend with a car at the dyno shop is a good idea, in case you need to make a parts store run to get something.
Be sure to have the phone number of the tech support department for your EFI system or tuning software should you have a question. Often times a personal extension or technician’s name will help save time waiting on hold should you need help.
If you are planning a full day, have a lunch plan in place!
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.
Round One
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.
Stirring The Gears
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.
Stripes For This Star
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 and Resto Shop
Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop for all your restoration and performance needs!
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.
Our 1970 Buick Riviera is an all-stock and original ride, and we don’t plan on restoring this car anytime soon. However, we do like driving it, so we elected to install a Pertronix Igniter electronic ignition module and Flame Thrower ignition coil our original distributor to eliminate the mechanical breaker points and enjoy smoother starts and better performance. Read more for the video!
