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Brett Anderson's
73 Camaro |
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Here is my baby, my
first car, 1973 Camaro. I got it at age 15 and have been beating on it for a
little over 12 years. A year ago I decided it was time to learn something new
and build a pro-touring car. After a few phone calls I was sure that Mark
Savitske (SC&C) was the suspension guy I would trust. I quickly ordered a Alston
G-bar and adjustable coilovers in back. For the front I chose a �one of a kind
path.� That would be ATS spindles, SPC adjustable control arms, and Alston
double adjustable (Varishock) coilovers. ATS does not make a spindle for second
generation Camaros, but Savitske fixed me up with some steering arms (1968-1972
Chevelle). He is pretty handy on suspension geometry. At this point I figured
that I better go for it. I mini-tubbed the car and picked up about 2 inches.
That is the most I could go and use the factory panels, seats, and seat belts.
Besides, I have to leave some room for the kids. Then I build some subframe
connectors and graft them into the body to make them as strong as possible. As I
looked up front I knew there was more to do. I racked the subframe square and
welded and smoothed the factory seams. Then I build some strut bars and ran them
back to the firewall. The car still sat too high, so I cut out the shock
mounting pockets and moved them up 1 �� and was able to keep my full length
coil-overs. Now the car sat right, but out back that dang stock gas tank hung
too low in it�s factory location. To fix that I fabricated a new flat trunk pan
and sucked that tank up so you can not see it anymore. I don�t have a spare tire
anyway.
For the drive train, I bought a LS1 and 6 speed transmission out of a 2001 SS
Camaro. The headers are off a 2001 Camaro and are modified by me to fit. With
Speedway engine mounts and an ATS cross member it slid right in. Then I bought
the ATS clutch master cylinder plate and some used 4-speed pedals and I was
done. The fuel system was pretty slick too. I bought a Dorman fuel line kit off
EBay and a corvette fuel filter/regulator. Then fabricated a mount and put a
Walbro high-performance fuel pump in the gas tank. After taking some
measurements I found that a late 1990�s Mustang aluminum driveline would work
great. I just had to change the u-joints. (Then I found a nice Spicer aluminum
one on eBay so I used it instead) The driveline mates to a Ford 9� with an
aluminum center section , 4:10 gears, and a True Track posi unit.
Ok, at that point I can make it go fast and turn really nice, but how could I
make it stop. I called several brake companies, but I didn�t have that kind of
money. So back to eBay I went. I outfitted the car with new Corvette C-5 brakes,
Hawk HPS pads, vented/cross drilled/zinc coated rotors, stainless lines, Wilwood
master cylinder, and Kore3 rear brackets for about $1100. Yes, it stops on a
dime and leave change. (ha ha)
Since I already knew the I was going to drive the hell out of this car, silver
seemed like the best color. I knew it needed to be smooth so I shaved the
emblems, welded up the seam on the header panel, turned a piece of junk
fiberglass hood into a nice fit, converted the car to a small spoiler, and
painted the trim black. The paint and body worked turned out nice and it�s low
maintenance too. I do paint and body work in the evenings, so this was not my
first time.
For the interior, I rebuilt it back to stock with a few exceptions. The usual
new headliner, door panels, dash, seat upholstery, and carpet. It also has
Autometer gauges, a decent stereo system and I rewired the car with a Ron
Francis Bare Bones kit. I also made a stock automatic console fit with the six
speed shifter.
Last is the wheels. They are ZE Forged Tach wheels: 20x10 out back and 19x8
upfront. I tucked them in 1 �� front and back so the tires wouldn�t rub when I
go hard into the corners. The are wrapped in BF Goodrich G-Force KDW tires.
285/30/20 out back and 245/35/19 up front
I really did build this car in my garage by myself in 12 months. It would have
been quicker, but my full time job, coaching soccer, and family trips quickly
came first. I am not a big $ guy, there was a real budget here. If I ran out of
the hotrod fund, that was it. In turn, this was a great opportunity to take a
step forward and commit to learning something new everyday. That which I could
not afford had to be figured out and done by me. Thank you pro-touring forums
and Mark Savitske you got me unstuck many times.
Anyway, the Camaro averages 21mpg and I beat the snot out of it every time I get
the chance. I am learning how to autocross. I hope I can help people realize
that you don�t have to be rich or have a great automotive training to build a
nice car. I have had no automotive schooling and work in a business office all
day. If I can do it, anyone who wants to can. Go for it, if you fail do it again
until you get it right. And for god sake have some fun!
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