Body
Aside from the preparation that we've already discussed, the trunk opening was rendered keyless and the gas cap was raised. Bob Swarm (Youngstown, Ohio) rubbed the body and applied the Glasurit LeMans Blue, a stock '68 Camaro color, code UU. Note the ZL2 hood. Matt Smith whispered the ghost flames over it and over the front end. Unless the light is "sweet," they're so subtle you can barely see 'em.
Chassis
Ray estimates that his 383 is puffing out a modest 420 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, so the chassis isn't even straining when he thrashes the bejeesus out of it. The DSE six-point 'cage firms up the construction and keeps it rigid, which in turn keeps the front wheels relatively straight up and down and maintains geometry. DSE rewelded the frame completely and tied the front and rear of the car together with connectors. Ray's tried out the Camaro at the Year One Experience and at Goodguys events, so he knows it all works as it should. But there's more to it: The front of the car is supported by DSE tubular upper control arms and Koni adjustable coilovers with 550-pound spring rates that work with a Hotchkis 11/8-inch antisway bar. Ray elected to keep the leaf-spring rear suspension and did so with 2-inch drop DSE/Eaton bundles, put in with offset shackles. Koni adjustable shock absorbers damp untoward wheel movement. Ray changes the Camaro's direction quickly with a DSE 12.8:1 ratio steering box.
Inside
Since this is a real road car, not having creature comforts was unthinkable. The plan included an American Autowire harness in place of the 40-year-old spaghetti and then Ray proceeded with a Vintage Air HVAC system, a Kenwood head, hidden 3-inch speakers in front, and a pair of 6x9 tri-axial Alpines in the rear. Ray needed Auto Meter gauges but didn't want to mess with the original instrument panel. He made a gauge pod for them and moved on to the seats and side panels. Year One reproductions got the doors and rear panels looking like new while Curly and Bill Brannon (Tallmadge, Ohio) worked the '88 T-bird Turbo Coupe seats in Brite Blue leather.
Wheels/Brakes
Engine output is balanced nicely by the correct wheel and brake companions. Uprights from a '67 drum brake car accept 13-inch Baer Track rotors. A power brake booster and master cylinder retain the system's proportion through stainless steel lines and a Baer front/rear bias valve. The rear Track rotors are 12 inches in diameter. While the springs and adjustable front coilovers help with this car's faultless stance, the wheels are paramount in the presentation through the exact offset and width. Alan Budnik's 17x8 Famosa Dishes take the front with a 4.5-inch backspace and combo with 255/40 Michelin Pilot Sports. The rears are 17x11 with a 6.88-inch backspace and widebody 315/35 Pilots.