Hey Ya’ll!
My name is Ivan, and I live just outside of Raleigh, NC.
While away for work in Tennessee I found a 1967 Camaro that was in great shape for the asking price, so I pulled the trigger (thank you wife)
According to the Vin it was an original V6. The person I bought it from didn’t know much about it because he got it in a recent trade.
It has a 350 with a 4 spd transmission. Body is in good shape, and runs well.
I haven’t had the chance to give her a once over, but a found a local mechanic who was willing to get her safe for the drive back to Raleigh.
I had him instal 4 Piston wilwood front disc breaks and a new wilwood master just for a little piece of mind.
I could ramble forever but I should get to the point. I’m wondering where I should start.
I think I’ll do the interior last, and paint second to last. We plan to move to Florida in the next few years which will accommodate a new paint job much better than now.
1. Part of me wants to dress up the engine a little.
1. A. I want to update the exhaust (currently has stock exhaust manifolds and cherry bombs). Any recommendations on headers?
1. B. I want to update the ignition system slightly (has an AC delco aftermarket distributor, excel wires). Nothing too crazy but feeling some MSD wires etc.
2. I think the suspension is in good working order, everything is pretty tight, but I don’t mind a slight upgrade. I don’t plan on racing or anything, but want something safe and reliable if I choose to take some turns a little faster than the posted speed limit. Any recommendations?
I’ll stop here because I feel like I’ve detected half of you because of the length (don’t get to say that too often)
One thing, your Camaro came with either a straight 6 or a V8. They didn't come with V6's.
Posting a picture of the trim tag on the firewall will help decipher the rest of your car's options.
Ignition, I currently have a 30 year old Mallory Unilite & Hyfire ignition that will be replaced by a points-type distributor and HD Blue Streak coil shortly. Some folks like the HEI's, I don't as I had 2 HEI's fail on me.
Exhaust, depending on what's been done to the engine a stock ram-horn-type manifold might not be a bad option. Do you want duel exhaust? Personally, I like the single muffler in the back as it eliminates 2 heat sinks from under the floorboards.
If you plan on moving in a couple years, I would be careful in getting too crazy with your car right now, as the project list of things to be done to it could grow to where you are in the middle of something and now have to pack it all up to move. Stuff will get misplaced/lost. Depending on it's shape, drive it and enjoy it now!
Bob, thank you for correcting my misspeak! I mean 6 cylinder.
Thank you for your input. I’ll probably run my current ignition set up because she starts right up first turn, no issues, and seems to fire pretty smooth.
I agree with you 100 percent. I’ll wait on the major stuff, to include the paint, until I make my next move.
Welcome to the site, Ivan! As long as your ignition system is in good working order, you won't see any improvement with any "upgrades". As far as headers, there is some room for improvement over the stock exhaust manifolds, but they come with their own problems, too. They are noisier, so if that is a concern you might want to listen to a few cars that are running them. They are definitely more prone to leaks, but that is not in unsurmountable problem. The more the engine has been "built", the more benefit you will see from headers. If the engine is pretty mild, you probably won't see enough benefits for the troubles. Only you can decide what you are willing to endure to run the headers. Not saying they are a bad thing, but the 50HP increase the manufacturers seem to advertise as selling points aren't typically realized in the real world on mild engines.
I had a 67 when I was younger (stolen unfortunately). I saved up for headers just to realize I needed different wires because the ones I had (90 degree) were getting burnt by the headers. Not to mention, if I drove anywhere the car would have to sit for at least 20 minutes (car wouldn’t start) so the starter wasn’t subject to access heat. All of this on a part time less than min wage budget haha.
Needless to say, I desire the sound, and the Camaro is fortunately a hobby, not my daily driver.
It’s a steep price to pay just for a little extra sound, but I think I’m fine swallowing that pill.
I would leave the stock exhaust manifolds, go with a duel exhaust, I like the Flowmaster kit from Summit. Stock disc brakes work as good as any for the most part. IROC steering box, Lee fittings, HD from sway bar. Gabriel HD gas shocks. Rule of thumb, if it ain't broke don't fix it!. You can pour a lot of $$$ into your Camaro, and some cases no real advantage. Tires and wheels make a difference as well. Get yourself an AIM and a few Camaro parts catalogs. Welcome to the sight and good luck with your car.
Thank you for the suspension tips! I’ll look those up! I might not change anything now (cause it ain’t broke) but I want to do a little research now because I’ll prob do the upgrades when it comes time to paint!
Welcome to TC <img src="http://www.camaros.net/forums/images/smilies/beers.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Beers" class="inlineimg" />
Sounds like a great find, and wife sounds like a keeper <img src="http://www.camaros.net/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Wink" class="inlineimg" />
I know I know. I don’t plan on doing too much to the engine. I’m just trying to figure out what would make sense replacing when it’s all apart for paint.
If it's got duel exhaust but a stock or mild cam, perhaps just update the mufflers to some type of Thrush to keep it quiet. Unless you're planning to do some carb work to increase the fuel air mixture, stave off of headers as the faster the exhaust leaves, the quicker fuel will have to come in.
Leave the ignition alone other than maybe changing points out and bulkhead resistor coil, maybe even change plugs & wires. check the body bushings to see if they are cracked, if so replace with either stock or upgrade. As for the turning and handling.. check if you've got a front sway bar, if so, check the mounts that they aren't worn out, if so get a replacement kit. Also consider installing a rear sway bar as well. It flattens the car our around curves. You'll know if you install one, you end up leaning and the car remains flat. Makes for a new driving experience. I think on most country roads here marked 35 for corners, I've had little issue doubling them and not skidding or screeching the tires. Not that I advocate reckless driving, but growing up in the country it's always been a safer place to check handling of ones car on country roads away from pedestrians, bicyclists and the general public. Though it is always good to know if Rosco P. Coltrain drives your road as well.
Thank you so much for the detailed tips.
I’ll be back with her in a few days so I will check everything out underneath.
I’m sure I saw a front dawg bar but am unsure if the condition. Defiantly no rear sway.
Body bushings looked good, I just need to maintain them.
I plan do just change wires and plugs until something in the ignition goes out.
Welcome, I have a 67 that started life as a 6 cylinder and now is a V8. Decide what you want to do to the car in advance and order the parts as needed. I made several mistakes before I found this site ordering parts to far in advance and bouncing around from project to project. Plenty of information on the site for about anything you want to do
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Team Camaro Tech
2.4M posts
82.8K members
Since 1998
A forum community dedicated to 1st generation Chevy Camaros owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, builds, restoration, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, reviews, and more!