1969 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

This stunning 1969 Camaro RS/SS Convertible was completely restored between 2017 and 2019 and has less than 4000 miles put on it since. It perfectly marries the look and sound of a classic muscle car, with its 572 ci BBC engine, but with the responsiveness and handling of a modern vehicle with electronic fuel injection and a modern suspension system.

Starting with the powertrain, the engine is a 572 ci BBC engine crafted by Skip White Performance of Kingsport, TN. It dynoed on the bench with a max of 677 hp at 5,600 rpm and 701.4 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm. Copies of portions of the dyno report and a link to the dyno video (https://youtu.be/f5C_q1fr-VE) are included in the photos. Given how light the Camaro is, this is more than enough power to make the car feel like a rocket. Some other highlights of the engine are as follows: manifold is an Edelbrock Victor Jr. single plane; cam is by Comp Cams (with 540/560 lift; 242/248 duration; 110 lobe sep) and pistons are Wiseco fully forged high performance (with 10.5:1 compression ratio).

A top of the line Ron Davis aluminum high performance radiator with dual electric fans and integrated recovery tank has no problem keeping things nice and cool. And a Tanks, Inc. EFI fuel tank with a GPA-6 electric fuel pump keep the engine fed.

Fuel is managed by a Go EFI 8 1200HP Power Adder EFI System, that manages both fuel injection and timing (with the help of an MSD Digital 6AL Ignition Controller) on the fly from within the car, which makes things super easy to tweak. The system is constantly learning and optimizing performance based on various parameters (such as ambient temperature).

All of this power reaches the wheels by way of a Tremec T-56 Magnum close ratio 6-speed manual transmission with double overdrive. More specifically, gear ratios are as follows: 2.66(1), 1.78(2), 1.30(3), 1.00(4), 0.80(5), 0.63(6), and 2.90(R). The rear end is a Moser 12-bolt MusclePak sporting a, Eaton Detroit Truetrac helical-gear style differential and a 4.11:1 gear ratio. The close-ratio version of the T-56 Magnum was specifically chosen to compliment the 4.11:1 rear end gear ratio, and the result is pretty amazing. The car has a manual clutch so that it feels like youre driving an old-school muscle car, but that can be easily replaced with a hydraulic clutch if you want a lighter pedal.

The MagnaFlow dual 3-inch stainless steel exhaust with X-pipe really makes the engine sound like it should for a BBC and turns a lot of heads as you approach. Headers are Dynatech MuscleMAXX Drag Headers.

As far as the handling goes, the entire suspension and steering systems were completely removed and replaced with a Hotchkis TVS Stage 2 Suspension System with a 2-inch drop. And the power steering box was replaced with a Delphi 600 box with a 12.7:1 ratio. This car hugs the corners like a modern race car, and the steering is incredibly tight and responsive.

The original braking system has been replaced with a Wilwood power braking system, including a Wilwood 1-1/8 master cylinder with proportioning valve and chrome booster, Wilwood Forged Dynapro disc brakes (12.19-inch rotor and 6 pistons) on the front and Wilwood Forged Dynalite disc brakes (12.19-inch rotor and 4 pistons) on the rear. All brake lines were replaced with pre-bent stainless steel lines.

The wheels are Torque Thrust II -- 17 x 9.5 on the rear and 17 x 8 on the front. Gripping the road as hard as they can are a set of Nitto NT555 G2 tires -- 275/40R17 on the rear and 245/45R17 on the front with plenty of tread remaining.

On the electrical side of things, all wiring was replaced with an American Autowire Classic Update wiring kit powered by an Odyssey Extreme AGM battery with 850 CCA and a Tuff Stuff Performance Silver Bullet Alternator putting out 140 Amps.

The interior has been completely redone with white OE style molded deluxe door panels, deluxe white seats (with black and white houndstooth inlays) and a new dash pad. The carpet was completely replaced after sound deadening material way laid out everywhere in the interior. The center console and instrument panel (along with all gauges) were also replaced with the redwood insert versions, as was the tilt steering column and steering wheel. The tach has a 6000 rpm redline and the speedometer maxes out at 140 mph.

All glass was replaced, and Nu-Relics power windows with nostalgic switches were added. Klassic Keyless power door locks were also added. The stereo was replaced with a nostalgic looking, but modern, Retrosound Long Beach system, with an added amplifier and all new speakers and subwoofer (mounted under the rear seats). The heater box core, blower motor and heater controls were all replaced.

On the exterior, the body was painstakingly and professionally manicured and painted, and the power convertible top, motor and hydraulic cylinders and hoses were replaced. The RS doors that hide the headlights when not in use are opened and closed by electric motors. All chrome bumpers, moldings and mirrors were replaced.

Other improvements and enhancements are too numerous to mention. Basically, if something could have been improved over the original, it was. There are billet aluminum accessories and braided stainless steel hoses everywhere. But despite how amazing everything looks, the real amazement comes when driving it. The car has unbelievable power and handles like a dream. It is truly meant to be driven, not gawked at.