Hello everyone, I started this thread to document the rebuild of my new to me 69 Camaro. Let me start off by saying that this will be a slow build. With my job as a Domestic Engineer it does not leave alot of time for my hobbies.

I had a 69 Camaro as my first car that I rebuilt under the guidance of my Dad back in the late 80's. The car was slow and handled just awful, which is probable best as I totaled it in 1990. I hope to address some of these issues with the new car.

Here is a few pix of my old car.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_1947.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_1949.jpg

The car I bought has had some work done to it in the past which is making it kind of hard to figure out exactly what it is or was.

The car has a RS front clip, a 12 bolt with 4.88's and a posi (out of a 70/72 Chevelle). The original motor and trans are long gone and in fact it came with no motor or trans let alone the original stuff.

I have not had a chance to get any pictures of the car seance I brought it home. These are are all from when I picked the car up on September 5th.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_1939.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_1943.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_1941.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_1940.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_1951.jpg

The reason for the thread title is that to be able buy the car I had to sell some of my other toys. For the past few years I have been building a Jeep to compete in a local Rock Crawling competition up at Raush Creek Offroad park in Pa. We the little comp Jeep was the first to go.

http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk300/ballpeenracing/Ballpeen%20YJ/IMG_1855.jpg

The next to go will be my CJ2a and then my XJ that is in the background.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/IMG_1952.jpg

Good luck with the build. BTW, cool picture of the jeep :thumbsup:

Good luck with the build. BTW, cool picture of the jeep :thumbsup:

Thank you. I do love the jeeps but I felt the time was right to get back into a Camaro. I will be keeping my Scrambler though.

Older picture of the Jeep but you get the idea.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/WheelingatRCOct024-1.jpg

81 Scrambler 400 SBC, Dart heads, Howell MPFI, T350 with a 10" converter, gm 203/Ford 205, HP Dana 60 with 5.13s and a E-locker, 9" rear with a Detroit and 5.13s. 37" Krawers.

Think of it as a 1 ton Jeep.:D

I wanted to give a little bit more info on the car.

Trim tag is there.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_1950.jpg

Decode for body number: 155192

10C = Built the Third week of October.
69-12437 = Coupe.
NOR = Built in Norwood Ohio.
713 = Custom Houndstooth Black Bucket Seats.
72-B = Lower Color is Hugger Orange and the Vinyl Top Color is Black.

The rear is a 1970-72 Chevelle 3969278NF

Vin is = 124379N525661

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_1953.jpg

Car left the factory with AC and Automatic trans with a console.

If you see something I missed let me know.:)

Did you check the firewall for piercings that would help determine optional equipment? (speedo, oil line for gauges, ZL2 hood) I have a VN car too :)

Hugger orange w/ black vinyl top.... nice....

Love the little Army jeep!!! That thing is awesome!

Did you check the firewall for piercings that would help determine optional equipment? (speedo, oil line for gauges, ZL2 hood) I have a VN car too :)

The car had a motor fire 10 years ago. It had a cowl hood but it is gone now.


What is a VN car???

Oops, nevermind, VN is the Van Nuys, CA assembly plant. I got mixed up with threads :) you have a Norwood camaro.

Even with the fire, the holes (piercings) should be there to authenticate some options.

Thank you. I do love the jeeps but I felt the time was right to get back into a Camaro. I will be keeping my Scrambler though.

Older picture of the Jeep but you get the idea.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/WheelingatRCOct024-1.jpg

81 Scrambler 400 SBC, Dart heads, Howell MPFI, T350 with a 10" converter, gm 203/Ford 205, HP Dana 60 with 5.13s and a E-locker, 9" rear with a Detroit and 5.13s. 37" Krawers.

Think of it as a 1 ton Jeep.:D
Good luck with the Camaro build. Just curious to know if this pic of the Jeep was taken at Paragon AP.

Nope. That one is from Raush Creek last October. I do greatly miss PAP though. It is probably why I am cutting back on the Jeeps.:(

Good luck with your Camaro project

I have a few more pix of what I am starting with.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_1967.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_1964.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_1968.jpg

Now some more questions.

Can you tell which motor mounts these are? The only reason I ask is because I want to run a HEI dizzy and have heard of having issues with firewall clearance with one style over the other.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_1966.jpg

My steering column has a bracket for a column shifter at the base of it. The upper part of the column does not. Is that normal?

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_1965.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_1969.jpg

My steering column has a bracket for a column shifter at the base of it. The upper part of the column does not. Is that normal?


Yes that is normal. The column arm is used for the reverse light mech with floor shifters.

Yes that is normal. The column arm is used for the reverse light mech with floor shifters.

I thought that might be the case but this car has me second quessing alot of things.:clonk:

I have been thinking alot about what to do / how to build the car. Here is what I have come up with so far. Repair rust in firewall and fill and smooth at the same time. Car will have no heat for some time but hopefully I can jump right to a Vintage AC kit at some point. I plan to put a T350 back in the car and will have it rebuilt in the next few weeks. I have a stockish 350 in the shop now that I plan to do a cheep rebuild on the short block and buy a nice set of heads to top it off. Once the motor is in and running I will break down and buy a new Passenger side fender and hood if I do not run across a deal on some used parts first. I need to asses the floors and trunk pan before I get the exhaust done.

My big plan is to not do anything twice while still getting the car tagged and on the road as soon as possible. I plan to treat this car like a ballpeen hammer and the fit and finnish may reflect that at times. Picture matte black paint with a presentable interior.

Future stuff will include front and rear anti-sway bars and upper control arms. Front disk brakes, re-gear to something more drivable than the 4.88s.

Sounds like a plan right?

Since you don't plan on a full frame-off restoration, you're approach is fine. The only thing I would add is to put all the things you want to do to the car on paper and prioritize the work. That way you will know what order you want to do things and it will also support your desire of not wanting to do things twice.

Don't kid yourself, you will always be doing things twice (or three+ times), just the nature of old cars, Camaros especially! :D

I am sure all of us have plenty of stories :) Heads that dont seal, things that leak, things that just plain don't work right when you install, brand new cr*p parts that dont fit, etc.

Good luck on the build.I made an agreement with the misses to sell off a few to get my Camaro and this one needs to go.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h154/provfirescott/Jeep%20and%20stuff/DSCN0568.jpg

Write down your list man. You got to have a plan of attack not just a picture in your mind.

looks like what my 67 started as but I did a frame off restoration and am getting close now. Don't cut corners to get the thing on the road.

I personally wouldn't smooth the firewall. There is some company i lost the name and can't remember it for the life of me that I got an aluminum polished and clear coated back panel 16 ga for like 160 i think. Thing looks sweet waiting to paint the car before install though.

I have my list.

Fix firewall
Motor and trans
fix floor
exhaust
install front clip
windshield
Smokey burnouts
sub-frame converters
finish interior
body work and paint

How hard could it be.:D

Haha I said the same thing 4 and a half years ago man... The exact same thing.

4x's the amount I planned on spending and 4x's the amount of time I planned spending later. I am 85% done and the thing is just now on the road. Still need to finish fine tuning but I only get to work on it 2 weeks a year for the last 2 years but I have been buying parts in the spare time when working.

I personally wouldn't smooth the firewall. There is some company i lost the name and can't remember it for the life of me that I got an aluminum polished and clear coated back panel 16 ga for like 160 i think. Thing looks sweet waiting to paint the car before install though.

These maybe?

http://www.undercoverinnovations.com/Camaro1Firewall.htm

SWEEEETTT!!!! Yes from there. Thanks so much man. I have been looking for this place for so long glad someone knows. I want to buy the cover for under the engine bay and the space between the header panel and the core support.

I have slowly been rebuilding the firewall when time allows. Progress has been slow while I finish a bunch of other projects around the house.

On a brite note I did drop off my t350 off at Southern Automatic Transmission. When I was loading up the transmission I noticed a small crack/hole in the top of the bellhousing. Luckily I had a spare "K" (HD 4x4 t350) case I keep around as a spare for my Jeep. So when I get it back it will have a little better case than the standard car T350.

I also plan to order floor pans and a replacement upper dash panel before I put the motor and transmission in. Good times.

Thanks for looking.

KR

I still have a few more holes to fill and alot of hammer and dolly work left. So be easy on me. :)

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_2170.jpg

Good base car to work from... just set up a plan, stick to it.. and be patient.

Welcome to the TC Crew.

capt

I am so glad to have this firewall project just about done. I just need to block sand and paint.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_2200.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_2201.jpg

I decided to do the Gulstrand mod before putting the motor in and while I was at it I cut 1 full coil from the springs. 9 hours start to finish was not bad I thought with a Dinner break and putting the kids to bed.:cool:

When I pulled the Passenger side apart I found this.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_2242.jpg

Luckily the piece was still in the bottom of the control arm so I had a base to cut the springs from. I cut one full coil out and it should lower the car about 2" from the little bit of research I did.

Here is the Passenger side control arm mount after I moved it back 1/2" and down 3/4". While I had the welder out I welded up every seam I could get to.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_2240.jpg

I also picked up a rebuilt 3rd gen Z28 steering box from my local auto parts store. Now I just need to remember to order the adapters from Lee Manufacturing to make it all work.

Car is back on 4 wheels and ready for the next project.


Thanks for the encouragement, it does help to keep me motivated. :)

Looking good man. I know you are doing this budget but you might want to look into SC&C upper arms I think they are relatively cheap and they outperform the guldstrand mod.

I would like to get upper and lower control arms at some point but it is just not in the cards right now.

Firewall is done. Converter has been mocked up on the motor and installed on the trans.

Next up is replace floor pans, install new KYB shocks and install new steering box. After that is done I will be cleaning up the motor and getting it ready to put in the car.

Before picture of the motor.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_2243.jpg

Motor is a 350 that I pulled out of a old plow truck I got a few years ago off of CL. I did drive the truck around a little before I pulled it. I am hoping that it will hold me over until I can put something better together. I'm torn between a very small supercharger or a good set of heads and a huge obnoxious cam.

I'm still trying to get it running by the end of December.

A few pix of the firewall with some paint on it. I still need to paint inside the windshield wiper cavity but that will not be a big deel.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_2244.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_2245.jpg

I had a very productive day working on the car today. Subframe mounts are done. Steering box has been installed. Motor and trans are in.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_2328.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_2329.jpg

Nice! I feel like I have a sister thread to mine in the body section with this one.

Nice job on the firewall.

Nice! I feel like I have a sister thread to mine in the body section with this one.

Nice job on the firewall.

Thank you for the compliment. I will have to look your thread up.

I think I'm going to order a new Passenger side fender this coming week. My wife is going to be off the week of Christmas and I should be able to get quite alot done before the first of the year. I just don't want to run out of parts.;)

I have a quick question.

How are the factory automatic transmission lines run? Along the frame or along the motor?

I have a quick question.

How are the factory automatic transmission lines run? Along the frame or along the motor?
Along the pan rail, there should be a brackt just past the end od the starter that they clip into.

Jeff

If you haven't bought and installed those KYB gas adjust shocks you might want to reconsider. They ride like a lumber wagon, stiff is not the word to discribe it, much more firm than that.

Jeff

Thank you for the reply. I will bend up a new set of lines that go along the pan rail.:)

As for the KYB's, I have already installed them. Hopefully with the stock swaybar it will not be to bad.

Thanks for the heads up.

I am working on the car for a few hours every day. I want to drive it bad!!!

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_2349.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_2350.jpg

You either get this or you don't. :)
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_2352.jpg
I will give you a hint, I'm a cancer survivor.

The next big step if fixing the floors. I do not want to put the headers on until after they are done.

My latest question is when I weld in the floor pans do I leave a small overlap between the two panels or butt weld them together.

The butt weld looks better but I would think the overlap method would be stronger.

If you get a good butt weld it will be just as strong. The trick is to make sure you have good penetration. I tried to document my floorpans as I did mine. Like I said a sister thread to yours in the body section called something like "Front end fresh up for my 67" I think. It really depends not just on welding skills but how good the metal is that you are welding to. Especially if you are going to butt weld you need to make sure you are welding to solid, good thickness original metal. All the skills in the world dont help you from burnin holes straight through rusty thin metal.

Fresh pix.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_2452.jpg

First test drive. :twisted:

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG_2455.jpg

I think the engine is smoking a bit. How did it drive? :thumbsup:

Hi Kane,

I see you made it over here with your new project, too funny. I recognized the screen name right away. I do remember that you posted something about this on MD Creepers, looks good!!

I am in the process of rebuilding some things on my 69 RS Convt., and just re-upped my account over here.

Sooo.. Fall OCMD run with the Camaro this year?? With a little luck mine will be there...

Andy

I think the engine is smoking a bit. How did it drive? :thumbsup:

Cold with a side of stalling. Every day I find something silly that is wrong with it. On the bright side it runs a little better every day.

Hi Kane,

I see you made it over here with your new project, too funny. I recognized the screen name right away. I do remember that you posted something about this on MD Creepers, looks good!!

I am in the process of rebuilding some things on my 69 RS Convt., and just re-upped my account over here.

Sooo.. Fall OCMD run with the Camaro this year?? With a little luck mine will be there...

Andy

I do hope to have the Camaro at the May OC show. Should definitely have it there for the Fall show. Money is getting tighter with our planned trip the the EJS in Moab.

Who ever thought it was a good idea to bolt Ladder bars to the floor of a Camaro should be smacked. Rotted out the driver side floor and ripped apart the passenger side.

Outstanding work in such a short amount of time. Am I the first to comment on your air cleaner hold down (listing to starboard). I applaud your courage, ingenuity and sense of humor.

Very Nice job. Keep up the great work!

Outstanding work in such a short amount of time. Am I the first to comment on your air cleaner hold down (listing to starboard). I applaud your courage, ingenuity and sense of humor.

Why thank you :D

Very Nice job. Keep up the great work!

I am doing the best I can with what I have available.:thumbsup:

I am getting ready to buy sub-frame connectors. I am looking at getting the Competition Engineering blot on connectors and welding them on.

From what I understand the weld on connectors you need to cut into the floor?

I am getting ready to buy sub-frame connectors. I am looking at getting the Competition Engineering bolt on connectors and welding them on.

From what I understand the weld on connectors you need to cut into the floor?

Any thoughts?

I had a chance to work on the car today. Finally ran and hooked up the wire for the electric choke. Gave the car a bath and drove it up the street for a little shake down run. The car ran and drove OK for being put together with spare parts. 8)

Now for the odd part. When I was cleaning the car I noticed the brake lights were on. I pulled the peddle up and they went right out. when I went to drive the car down my very steep driveway the front brakes locked up, so I new I had some brakes at least. When I get back I notice that the brake peddle moves with the motor RPM(motor vacuum pulling on the pedal). Apparently the rear chamber of the master cylinder has been leaking into the booster and ate the rubber diaphragm. Master and booster were new in December. Parts store is taking care of it and I should have new parts tomorrow. Oddest thing I have ever seen.

b4wscrambler,

Did you ever get the sub-frame connectors you were looking for? I have a set off my 69.
It was a drag car before I saved her. I am right around the corner from you and can meet you to drop them off. I have not seen this car at Home Depot. I am also going to O.C this year. Let me know if you want the connectors.

MasterTech,
Dan.

Add us to the list! We had to sell 1 jeep in order for the camaro to happen, the black jeep's tribe had been spoken. It was a 1980 cj-7 and the red jeep is a 1980 cj7 as well. We also have a 1991 tj. It was definitely hard to see the black jeep go, but it was needed. Anyways here is a pictures of the them.
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/conman007/DSC00939.jpg
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/conman007/DSC00959.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/conman007/DSC_0032.jpg

if you can, try to see if you can read off the numbers on your motor mount frame stands. if they match mine, you will have no problem with an HEI distributor

Steven

b4wscrambler,

Did you ever get the sub-frame connectors you were looking for? I have a set off my 69.
It was a drag car before I saved her. I am right around the corner from you and can meet you to drop them off. I have not seen this car at Home Depot. I am also going to O.C this year. Let me know if you want the connectors.

MasterTech,
Dan.

I ended up getting a cheap set from Summit. I almost had the car ready to go to HD tonight. Just not enough time in the day.

Add us to the list! We had to sell 1 jeep in order for the camaro to happen, the black jeep's tribe had been spoken. It was a 1980 cj-7 and the red jeep is a 1980 cj7 as well. We also have a 1991 tj. It was definitely hard to see the black jeep go, but it was needed. Anyways here is a pictures of the them.


Your Jeeps looks great.

if you can, try to see if you can read off the numbers on your motor mount frame stands. if they match mine, you will have no problem with an HEI distributor

Steven

Not sure what mounts I have but the HEI fits. :hurray:

Fresh pictures from today.

I still need to clean the engine compartment up from sitting in the garge all winter.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/TJandCamaro009.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/TJandCamaro010.jpg

Installed the grill today. I'm not sure if it was from the fire the car was in before I got it or from sitting in storage for ten years but, the grill was almost 1" short on the driver side and 1/4" short on the passenger side. It is amazing what you can do with a heat gun. Its not perfect but much better than it was.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/TJandCamaro011.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/TJandCamaro012.jpg

Just got home from the OC cruise.

I was still working on the car after I put it on the trailer Thursday. The car ran as good as could be expected. The five of us fit just fine in the car which was a big relief.

I should have spent more time tuning it before we left for the beach. I need to up the squirter and go up in size on the primary jets and it should run much better.

Front passenger wheel cylinder is leaking bad so the car pulled crazy hard to the driver side when I would hit the brakes.

The shifter is really stiff and hard to shift.

I snapped off the new Passenger side mirror trying to adjust it just one more time. This was of course after Denise told me not to touch it.

All in all a good trip

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/CamaroBayside.jpg

Random pic of the car from the beach.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/CamaroOC.jpg

My motor ended up developing a knock at idle after it got up to running temperature. I had a friend in VA that had a motor he built for a project that he let me have cheep. New motor is in and running. Tuning will be done tomorrow.

b4wscrambler,

So you think you will have the car ready to go to Glenn Rock PA. on the July 23rd.
We made it up there last year it was quite a show. We had a blast in OC , only minor problem when I got back. I enjoyed driving her down and back. People love to see old cars on the road. I am 95% on making it up to Glen Rock at this time. If you would like to drive your car up let me know. It is about an hour and 20 from here.

MasterTech.
Dan.

I will not be making it to the July show. I cant even find the time to make it to Jimmy Cone or the HD cruise night.:(

Tunning has begun when time allows. Only problem I am having is that the only way I can get the motor to run well is to set the base timing at 45*. Good timing light, no vacuum advance, mechanical advance is working fine. I inspected the balancer before i installed it and although used it did not look like it had moved at all. I did have trouble with the intake bolts loosening up after initial start up. I tightened the bolts and it seems fine now.

Motor starts fine and seems to run fine, no pinging, power seems ok.

Just a few small updates on my car. I never did figure out why the new motor likes a ton of base timing. Seems to run best with 20*.:confused:

I also had a bad pop threw the carb that turned out to be a cross between the primary squirter being two small and the transfer slot being exposed two far.

I still have a whistle noise that I have yet to figure out.

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=183174&highlight=whistle

I hope to order new heads and a cam at the end of this week. Current setup is just not working out. :D

The latest project is fixing the gas gauge that has not work sence I got the car on the road. The gauge is actule fine the sending unit is the culprit. I pulled it today to discover that my tank had just a little bit of debris in it. I cleaned it out the best I could and ordered a new sending unit from Classic.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/summerfun040.jpg

Note the O-ring, helicopters and pieces of lead. Haha

I just ordered these. :cool:

RHS Pro Action Small Block Chevrolet Cylinder Part Number RHS-12319-01

Cylinder Head Style Assembled
Cylinder Head Material Cast iron
Cylinder Head Finish Natural
Combustion Chamber Volume (cc) 64
Intake Runner Volume (cc) 200cc
Exhaust Runner Volume (cc) 74cc
Intake Port Shape Rectangular
Intake Port Location Standard
Exhaust Port Shape Rectangular
Exhaust Port Location Standard
Spark Plug Style Straight
Intake Valves Included Yes
Intake Valve Diameter (in) 2.020 in.
Exhaust Valves Included Yes
Exhaust Valve Diameter (in) 1.600 in.
Valve Springs Included Yes
Maximum Valve Lift (in) 0.560 in.
Outside Diameter of Outer Spring (in) 1.460 in.
Damper Spring Included Yes
Number of Springs Per Valve Single
Retainers Included Yes
Retainer Material Steel
Locks Included Yes
Lock Style 7 degree
Valve Stem Seals Included Yes
Valve Stem Seal Style Viton®
Rocker Arm Studs Included Yes
Rocker Arm Nut Thread Size 3/8-24 in.
Rocker Arms Included No
Rocker Arm Nuts Included No
Guideplates Included Yes
Guideplate Pushrod Size 5/16 in.
Valve Cover Mounting Style Perimeter bolt
Accessory Bolt Holes Drilled Yes
Intake Valve Angle 23
Exhaust Valve Angle 23
Valve Guides Included Yes
Valve Guide Material Bronze
Valve Seats Machined Yes
Valve Seat Machine Style 4-angle intake/4-angle exhaust
Steam Holes Drilled No
Oiling Style Through pushrod
Machined for O-Ring No
Heat Crossover No
Quantity Sold individually.
Notes Steam holes must be drilled on 400 c.i.d. engines.


Pro Action cylinder heads by RHS deliver exceptional performance gains for all small block Chevy owners. They come available in both aluminum and cast iron and in a wide variety of intake runner and combustion chamber volumes. Pro Action small block Chevrolet cylinder heads feature straight or angled spark plug configurations, accept valve spring diameters up to 1.550 in., and work with all popular small block Chevy valvetrain components.

Additional features include:

* Multi-angled intake valve seats
* Radius exhaust valve seats
* Improved valve guide design
* Highly efficient water jacket
* Manganese intake valve guides
* Bronze exhaust valve guides
* Hardened valve seats
* Extra-thick deck faces

Just ordered the rest of the parts I need to do the cam and head swap.:hurray:

Cam spec's

Brand Isky Racing Cams
Manufacturer's Part Number CL201281
Part Type Camshaft and Lifter Kits
Product Line Isky Hydraulic Flat Tappet Cam and Lifter Kits
Summit Racing Part Number ISK-CL201281

Cam Style Hydraulic flat tappet
Basic Operating RPM Range 2,500-6,800
Intake Duration at 050 inch Lift 232
Exhaust Duration at 050 inch Lift 232
Duration at 050 inch Lift 232 int./232 exh.
Advertised Intake Duration 280
Advertised Exhaust Duration 280
Advertised Duration 280 int./280 exh.
Intake Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio 0.485 in.
Exhaust Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio 0.485 in.
Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio 0.485 int./0.485 exh.
Lobe Separation (degrees) 108
Grind Number 280 Mega
Computer-Controlled Compatible No
Lifters Included Yes
Lifter Style Hydraulic flat tappet

New heads, cam, and my original Victor Jr intake have been installed. Car is about half tuned and I have been able to drive it some. Runs much better now. I would put money on it that I added 100hp with what I have done so far. I am hoping for 50 more hp after the exhaust and big carb is installed.

Now the f*ck ups I made over the last 24 hours. Advanced the timing to about 45* initial. Forgot to tighten the bolts on one side of the water pump. Forgot to tighten the bolts holding the fan to the water pump.

Started it up and broke the cam in. Saw the water coming out of the water pump, tightened bolts. First test drive was ok, realized the trimming was way off. Second test drive did not go well. I got into it some and developed a bad vibration/ rattle. Rattle turned out to be the louse fan, caught it just in time. Almost lost the fan. Vibration was still there so I started looking further into it. Found my driveshaft u-joints are not in phase, not the issue but one more thing that will need to be addressed. I also found one of my transmission to motor bolts was gone and another was loose. Another one of those things I caught just before anything really bad happened.

After all of that the vibration is still there. I did find that that the bearings on the water pump are bad. I am quite confident that the water pump is the issue. I will know for sure tomorrow.

Thanks for reading all that. I hope me being a dumb @ss will help someone to remember to check the little thing.;)

The new water pump cured my drive line vibrations. It's like night and day.

I finaly got around to doing something about the lack of cup holders. I found the plastic drop in cup holders at the Bass Pro Shop in there boat section. Drilled two holes and a small dab of black silicone to make sure they don't move around. Total cost was about $8.00.

Sorry about the Cell phone pick.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG00336.jpg

What headers should I go with? 1 5/8 - 1 3/4" or 1 3/4 - 1 7/8"

More of a BBC guy but I wanted to say GREAT THREAD, GREAT PROJECT, and you rock.

George

kettbo thank for the reply and complement.:thumbsup:

Anyone else?

Yep. Great thread. Jaw hurts from smiling!

I try not to take the car two seriously. It is a fun car and I intend to keep it that way.:cool:

I did get the car regeared to 3.73's. I had a local 4wd shop that I deal with do the work. Great price and he was just happy to be working on something a little different. Will not miss the gear whine from the 4.88's. They looked really chewed up. We are thinking it was run out of oil in it's past life.

Really no input from anyone about the headers???

I would go with the 1-3/4" headers.

They make 1-5/8, 1-3/4, 1-7/8. I assume the ones you are listing are pipes that transistion from one size to the next size.

I would post your question about the headers in the performance section and also which ones fit the best. With all the different motor mounts and stands you could run into issues.

Sorry for not clarifying. I am trying to chose between the 1 3/4 1 7/8 or 1 5/8 1 3/4 dynatech headers

I will start another thread in performance section when I get a chance.

Thank you for the reply. :thumbsup:

I ended up ordering the 1 3/4 stepped 1 7/8 dynatech headers and the 2 1/2 Magnaflow exhaust. The headers were back ordered and I hope to have them soon.

We had a break in the weather here in Maryland the last few days. So naturally I had to take the kids to the park...

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG00454.jpg

So it just felt right to take the car.

We had some great weather the last few days here in Maryland.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG005022.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG00503.jpg

Isn't that view from the driver's seat looking out over the cowl hood the finest? Makes me wish I could drive my car, its going on 10 years this year since I drove mine.

Love the cup holders! I'm going to give that a try!

..!

Isn't that view from the driver's seat looking out over the cowl hood the finest? Makes me wish I could drive my car, its going on 10 years this year since I drove mine.

Whats keepin ya??

Combination of life getting in the way and lack of project direction. What started out as an EFI and 6 speed install took a pro touring direction with DSE front and rear suspensions, mini tubbing and some body panel replacement to eliminate some of the things that bugged me from the first restore I did back in 94.

Anyone who decides to start on one of these projects NEEDs to plan it out. The OP has done so and is now out enjoying his car!

Isn't that view from the driver's seat looking out over the cowl hood the finest? Makes me wish I could drive my car, its going on 10 years this year since I drove mine.

It was a great drive.

Love the cup holders! I'm going to give that a try!

Glad you like it. I got the idea from a picture I found in a old thread.

..!

My feelings exactly! ;)

Whats keepin ya??

Combination of life getting in the way and lack of project direction. What started out as an EFI and 6 speed install took a pro touring direction with DSE front and rear suspensions, mini tubbing and some body panel replacement to eliminate some of the things that bugged me from the first restore I did back in 94.

Anyone who decides to start on one of these projects NEEDs to plan it out. The OP has done so and is now out enjoying his car!

Thats why I am building the car the way I am. If I would have given it a proper restoration it would have been years before I would have been able to drive it, if ever. Right now the "barn find" or "rat muscle" look does not bother me one bit. :beers:

KR

Out with the old. 2" main pipes to the glasspacks and then it necked down to 1.5" in the bends over the axle. I hope to see some gaines with the new stuff. :D

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/RehobothO11007.jpg

One of the main reasons I bought new headers, the new heads angle the sparkplug's down a few degree's. I ended up having to put quite the dimple in the #1 tube...

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/RehobothO11008.jpg

New oil pan gasket is installed.

4 bolt main and everything looks as it should.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG00533.jpg

Dynatech 1 3/4 stepped to 1 7/8.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/IMG00534.jpg

On a side note. Oil pan removal 101. I pulled the radiator for a repair so that was already removed. I rotated the balancer to the 5 o'clock position and then marked and pulled the distributor. (hope it goes right back in, never does though) Pulled motor mount bolts. Jacked motor up with some blocks of wood and a floor jack. I ended up using two short pieces of 1.5" of square stock to stick between the the frame mounts and the block mounts. Just enough room to get the blocks of metal in from the top.

Oil pan came out with out any fuss at all. :thumbsup:

During nap time I got the Dynatech headers installed. I can see why they were so highly recommended. The fit and finish is excellent.

The only problem now is that the downward angle of the sparkplugs on my RHS heads puts them directly into the #1 and #3 header tubes. It is so close that I can not get a boot on #3 and can't even install the #5 plug. I think I will pick up some of the Accel shorty plugs and see how they fit before I break out the hammer. :sad:

I also got a call from the radiator shop and my 20 year old, very low use radiator is leaking everywhere and not worth the price to fix. I ordered a ebay special Champion 3 core and the brackets from Summit # sum-380660

Not sure if I can take any more good news today...

Accel shorty plugs helped but but still needed to dimple the headers to get the plugs and wires to clear. Next up, install the Magnaflow exhaust.

Any comments, criticism or sarcastic remarks???

Headers and Exhaust are in. Headers had to get a few dimples and the fit of the Magnaflow Exhaust was terrible. Tailpipes were the biggest problem. The car does run noticeable better and I have not had a chance to retune the carb yet. The one odd thing is that the car sounds much different when cold as apposed to warmed up. Sounds much better when warmed up.

Champion radiator came in and I feel I got what I paid for... The holes in the mounting tabs did not line up well at all. Nothing a Rat tail file could not take care of, but it was bad enough that I feel it is worth mentioning.

Found a good deal on a front air dam at Spring Carlisle.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/Ballpeen013.jpg

A few of my favorite pictures from the OC car cruise.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/OCcarshowO11028.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/OCcarshowO11018.jpg

I finally had a chance to get the car to the track. Got 3 runs in all within a hundredth of each other. Best run was 13.63 at 100.94 with a 2.081 60ft time with very little tire spin. Car needs shorter tires and a looser converter to get moving a little faster.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/75-80Camaro002.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/75-80Camaro004.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r69/b4wscrambler/CAMARO/75-80Camaro005.jpg

Hey come on you tease!!!!


Whats it run??? :D

Lead.

Hey come on you tease!!!!


Whats it run??? :D

Lead.

Best run was 13.63 at 100.94 with a 2.081 60ft time with very little tire spin.


Kev

Neat thread, I thought about doing one myself but its been a long a winding road. I have so many pics through the years to sort to pull it off. You did a nice job of it!

I really like doing a build thread. It is a nice place to keep all of your thoughts focused and to get some words of wisdom when you run into a hiccup or two.

I am planning ahead for some new projects in the spring.

New tubular control arms or Delrin bushing in the stock arms?

12" Disk brakes in the front.

6 speed swap or new 383 (or bigger) short block?

1" lowering blocks for the rear?

I did order a WB o2 to help with tuning the combo I have now.

I also picked up some 15x7 rallys for the front with some 225/60/15 BFGs. Not a huge difference compared to going to 17's but compared to the skinny 70 series tires and 14" rims that I had before it was a noticeable improvement.:D