Big Gear Head's '69 RS SS396 Camaro

[big gear head]

I just thought that this first picture was kind of cool. This is when I was redoing the rear suspension. The next picture was when it was waiting on it's 4th set of rear tires. I started with Mickey Thompson 31/18.50 Sportsmans, then went with Hoosier Quick Times, then Pro Trac 445s and now it has Hooser 31/18.50 street radials.

[big gear head]

In the last few months I've built a new M23 Auto Gear transmission with the 2.99 first gear http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/auto...ld-468129.html and got a new McLeod dual disc clutch. I also built 2 new chunks for the rear end. The one on the left is the street set up with a small bearing nodular case, Daytona pinion housing, 1350 yoke, Detroit Locker and 3.70 gears. The one on the right is a the race set up with a big bearing nodular case, Daytona pinion housing, 1350 yoke, spool and 4.86 gears. I also had a new 4130 drive shaft built by Strange Engineering with 1350 u joints and a 4130 yoke.

[big gear head]

This pretty much brings it up to date. I'm going through the whole car getting it ready for SCR20. All of the upgrades are just for this event. I've raised the compression ratio by at least 2 full points, lightened the rotating assembly, added strength to everything that I thought was weak and added as much power as I could while trying to keep it a street car. I didn't add any cubic inches to it because I like the 427 number. That is what the Corvette and COPO cars had and I like that. I've changed the crankshaft, rods, pistons, cam, lifters, valves, valve springs, locks, carburetor, ported the heads and several other things. The last picture shows the engine as it sits today, waiting to go to the dyno on Friday. I'm hoping for 600 HP, but I really want it to just stay together. I don't have time to go through it again before SCR20. The electric water pump is just for dyno use and will not be on the car.

[Lynn]

Have admired this car for a few years now. Freddy is a great help to (and very patient with) a lot of guys over on the the Team Camaro site. A real pro with a heart for the hobby.

I think this car is a great argument for using the Nova dash pad in a 69 Camaro. I think it looks great, and very clean. Almost did that to my 69 Z back in the late 70's.

If I had a non numbers car, I would definitley be looking at using that dash set up.

[COPO]

Cool car and great workmanship.

[mockingbird812]

Holy Moly!!!! Goal for the 1/4 at SCR?

[big gear head]

Yeah, trying to make a good showing at the strip. The car ran pretty good before, but do you ever really have enough horse power? I sold the '67 Chevelle that I was planning to fix and invested everything into this rebuild. I've been working toward this since SCR19. You guys got me hooked last year. I just hope I don't embarrass myself with my driving.

[BJCHEV396]

The dash looks great!Good job on the car Fred and thanks for sharing!!

[markinnaples]

Great pics, thanks for posting them up.

[WILMASBOYL78]

Very nice build...looks like great workmanship all the way around. That car will be a handful on the strip...good luck!

-wilma