What would you do?

[Mover]

So I’ve got to ask because I’m just not sure if I should modify. I’ve got a numbers matching 69 Camaro RS with a 327. Some minor dress-up things like aluminum pulley system and MSD box mounted on firewall. All of this can be easily replaced with the original brackets and pulleys. I want to modify to run autocross so this would mean updating suspension, engine and some interior things.



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With this being a numbers matching would you modify and run autocross?

[awr68]

First off, is it a TOTAL #'s matching car...or just the engine? Highly optioned car?

You can build an auto-x car with bolt ons. So you could go back to stock if need be. Are you attached to this car to the point that you wouldn't want to sell it and then start with a restored plain Jane car? There are a few options. I'm all for cutting up the plain cars...but anything of value like this one (from what you are saying) should be left alone.

[War]

I wouldn't, that's a nice car the way it is.

[70rs]

Save your original parts, use bolt on modifications, and go have FUN. No reason to not enjoy the car. It's YOURS, do what makes you happy.

But since you asked "what would you do?" I will answer. I would cut it up and modify everything. Starting with a new T56 Magnum and a LS9.:D

[rogue]

the pricing on fully restored cars dropped through the floor this year, run it and run it hard.

[GregWeld]

Don't chance blowing a numbers motor... do what I did when I was tired of babying the original big block motor in my 67 'vette... go buy a nice crate motor.

You can buy LOTS of bolt ons for the suspension and brakes so that's not a big deal - the trouble you're going to have is TIRES/WHEELS... there's just no way to stuff big enough tires under the stock sheet metal.

I just wouldn't go too far with a nice car like you've shown... because if you like 'racing' - you're going to want to beat on it pretty hard... so at some point you'd be better off putting the car back stock and buying some non important Camaro and building yourself a track car.

[Mover]

First off, is it a TOTAL #'s matching car...or just the engine? Highly optioned car?

You can build an auto-x car with bolt ons. So you could go back to stock if need be. Are you attached to this car to the point that you wouldn't want to sell it and then start with a restored plain Jane car? There are a few options. I'm all for cutting up the plain cars...but anything of value like this one (from what you are saying) should be left alone.

Yes total numbers matching except the trans. I had to replace because the original was beyond repair. I added the consol gauges , the front DX1 stripe and rear spoiler. Other than that the few options I added as it’s pictured is how it came from factory.

The thought of selling hasn’t crossed my mind as it does have some sentimental value.

[CRCRFT78]

Why can't you leave this one alone and use the TT 69 you have listed in your sig to race and run auto-x/roadcourses?

[Mover]

Don't chance blowing a numbers motor... do what I did when I was tired of babying the original big block motor in my 67 'vette... go buy a nice crate motor.

You can buy LOTS of bolt ons for the suspension and brakes so that's not a big deal - the trouble you're going to have is TIRES/WHEELS... there's just no way to stuff big enough tires under the stock sheet metal.

I just wouldn't go too far with a nice car like you've shown... because if you like 'racing' - you're going to want to beat on it pretty hard... so at some point you'd be better off putting the car back stock and buying some non important Camaro and building yourself a track car.

I’m one step ahead of you on this. I picked up a 400 small block I was going to drop in and that’s what started this whole thing. I would agree that tires and wheels are going to be an issue and haven’t even thought about that yet.

[Mover]

Why can't you leave this one alone and use the TT 69 you have listed in your sig to race and run auto-x/roadcourses?



Point taken! The thing is I don’t see that being done anytime soon.

[70rs]

I really think a good bolt on program will save the car and give you a lot of enjoyment from it. You can have your cake and eat it too!:cheers:

[tony byram]

As was said by 70RS, if the car is numbers matching I would put on the bolt ons so that if you wished to retun it back to stock it would be easy to do. You just dont find Camaros like this every day. Just my 2 cents. :thumbsup:

[clill]

First thing I would modify is remove the Ford "Caution Fan" sticker from the fan shroud. 69 Camaro's never had them. Nice car though. I would just add some suspension pieces from Hotchkis and have fun.

[tones2SS]

This is all your call. Think about hard and long and make sure you're doing the right thing, especially if it is a true numbers matching car. If you're not into that sort of thing any more than the pro-touring route is the way to go. I would love a numbers matching Camaro, but a pro-tour is where my hearts at. PLUS,...you don't have to be worried as much when driving a pro-tour as a numbers matching.

[radrambler]

my .02

leave the 69 alone.nice car...
this suggestion is if you can have fun without a 69 body.

if your wanting to beat on something and you will the more you do this autocrossing. the more youll wanna go faster.its like drag racing..any e.t. is never quick enough..i dont know your budget but what about this.

buy a clean second gen unrestored...just a 3-5 grand car ---mid 70s-81 on craigslist..dont go nuts at first. you can get a ton of bolt on handling parts and have fun .youll have to buy parts if you were doing the 69 any way.
tear into it as your budget allows ..i.e .subframe connectors.cage etc..change whatever and beat the living crap out of it...

..good luck

tom

[almcbri]

If you are set on having a 69 camaro for autox's than I would add some bolt ons and swap in a different block and trans. Personally, I would never cut up a #'s V8 camaro, but stuff that can be put back how it was then go for it.

That is a good point by Tom. You could always find another car to do whatever you want with.

Keep us updated. Nice car :thumbsup:

[Hotchkis]

So I’ve got to ask because I’m just not sure if I should modify. I’ve got a numbers matching 69 Camaro RS with a 327. Some minor dress-up things like aluminum pulley system and MSD box mounted on firewall. All of this can be easily replaced with the original brackets and pulleys. I want to modify to run autocross so this would mean updating suspension, engine and some interior things.


With this being a numbers matching would you modify and run autocross?

No matter what other people do with their cars, you should have fun with yours, that's the point! It does make sense from a resale point of view to avoid cutting up a numbers matching car, but there are so many good bolt on parts available that you can make dramatic improvements without ruining your car's resale value.

As for racing, events like the Good Guys autox series are all about having fun, not wrecking your car. Start off with a TVS (http://www.hotchkis.net/6769_camarofirebird_tvs_system_small_block.html) (springs, sway bars, shocks) a set of lightweight wheels and good tires. Put all the stock stuff in a box in the garage. Bolt on the parts, get a performance alignment and go have fun. The car will be more enjoyable on the street as well. If the racing bug bites hard then either go with a full system or build a second car, but for now around $2k worth of parts (including wheels/tires) will make it really fun to drive without any permanent mods.

Good Guys AutoX (http://videos.streetfire.net/video/2009-Goodguys-Show-Del-CA_684394.htm)

[Mover]

Man sorry about the delay, someone decided to cut the fiber optic cable and lost my internet. Anyway thanks for all the feed back! I think it might be best if I just leave this one alone and find something I can cut up. That way I can set it up the way I want and not worry about sliding off track and damaging car.

[rwhite692]

First thing I would modify is remove the Ford "Caution Fan" sticker from the fan shroud. 69 Camaro's never had them....

I was going to post the same, beat me to it Charley.

Was never a big fan of caution, myself.