Pro-Daily Camaro

Background

My family’s passion for the Camaro was clear, with multiple second, third, and fourth-gen models alongside Blazers, Berettas, Chevelles, and Silverados. We were, without a doubt, a Chevy family. My dad’s all-original 1970 Camaro Z28, part of our lives long before I was born, left a lasting impression. I remember how much he loved that car and how much I enjoyed riding in it. I eventually owned and drove a fourth-gen Z28 for years, which was fast and fun, but I always knew I’d come back to owning a second-gen.

I started planning the build in 2006, but it was all mostly just on paper. Time and money weren’t easy to come by back then and the lack of mechanical skill didn’t help much either. I knew only enough to be dangerous, but lacked true experience in bodywork, paint, engine building, and suspension tuning. After moving to the Bay Area in 2014, any local support I had went away and I had to figure things out independently while also trying to connect with a new Camaro community for guidance and help. Luckily, that support slowly grew.

Goals

Nearly 20 years ago, when I first began planning this project, I put my goals into writing. Here is the original text I drafted in November 2006:

“We are building a 1967-68 or 1970-73 Camaro. It will be used as a daily driver and should have modern suspension, braking, safety, and interior amenities. Targeted power will be around 400 hp and should come from a modern naturally aspirated power plant. The option to take it to a track or autocross should be present, but not focused. If there was an identity for this particular Camaro, it would be “pro touring light” or “pro daily”.”

When the time came to begin the project and review my plans in 2016, I was surprised to find how little my goals had shifted over the previous decade. The main update was deciding to focus on a second-gen Camaro exempt from California’s smog regulations, narrowing the choice to a model from 1970 to 1974. Oh, and we’re well over the 400 hp target. Throughout this process, the vision for the build has remained guided by three clear and consistent goals that balance practicality, performance, and longevity. These priorities continue to shape every decision made.

Daily Driver

I don’t believe in putting a car away just to “save” it, so this build will not be a garage queen. The goal is to create a car that can be driven daily, handling rain, everyday wear, and occasional bruises without worry. Since it will be used frequently, reliability and safety will be top priorities. Nearly all systems will be upgraded to modern standards, with the original body and select interior trim remaining. The interior will be designed for comfort, including features like air conditioning. This won’t be a dedicated race car; it will be a comparatively practical daily driver for an enthusiast. Additionally, the car will need to provide a satisfying driving experience every day, blending modern convenience with classic style. Attention to detail will ensure it remains enjoyable and dependable regardless of conditions or distance traveled.

Track Capability

I enjoy track days as much as any enthusiast, and this build will be designed to participate in several each year. While it will serve as a daily driver, it must also perform well on the track. The modern powertrain and suspension will need to be versatile and adjustable enough to handle everyday driving as well as challenging circuits like Laguna Seca or Willow Springs Raceway. The idea of competing against modern sports cars in a 50-year-old Chevrolet excites me. I’m not aiming to win everything, but I want the car to be competitive, with my own skill being the main limitation. As long as it is capable and fun to drive, I will be satisfied. The balance between street and track performance is essential, ensuring the car remains enjoyable and manageable in both environments. This blend of versatility will be a key focus throughout the build.

Reliability and Repairability

Reliability and repairability are central to this build. I’m a strong advocate for the consumer’s right to repair and reject throwaway technology. The second-generation Camaro is an ideal platform because parts are relatively plentiful and the aftermarket support is extensive. Many components require minimal fabrication and can be installed with less specialized knowledge. This car needs to be practical enough to be maintained, repaired, and rebuilt over time without relying heavily on proprietary or disposable parts. Function will always take priority over form. While the car should look great, every decision will favor durability, accessibility, and long-term usability to ensure it remains on the road and ready for anything.

Parts List

Here’s a current and comprehensive parts list of everything in the car or about to be installed.

Body

Engine

Transmission

Fuel Delivery

Electronics

Suspension

Brake

Steering

Wheels/Tires

Interior

Misc

  • TBD

Journey So Far

Coming soon…

Current State

Coming soon…

The Future

Coming soon…

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