Schwartz Performance in Woodstock, Illinois, supplied the LS7 engine, complete with Peterson Fluid Systems’ dry-sump tank and ancillary hardware. Schwartz preps its “crate” engines with align honing, squaring and decking the block, and internal balancing. It’s accepted that a stock LS7 produces about 540 hp at the crank, but modest changes provide something on the order of 675. Where does that extra oomph come from? By tweaking and refining the performance affinity of the LS engine with finite tuning, a COMP Cams camshaft and related items (springs and pushrods), and a streamlined exhaust. No duration figures available, but valve lift is 0.646/0.652 inch. The rotating assembly is original equipment and untouched. Since the cylinder heads flow like crazy right out of the box, they were also left intact, but attention to the exhaust tract produced 17/8-inch primary pipe stainless steel extractors followed by an X-pipe and a 3-inch stainless system channeled to race-oriented Borla XR-1 mufflers. For the waving of the wand, Shay dragged the car down to Lane Culver Automotive in Laceys Spring, Alabama, to get the close-tune and parameter adjustments. The drivetrain commences with a hydraulically activated LS7 clutch and flywheel that transfer torque to the Tremec T56 Magnum six-speed. A PST aluminum driveshaft is 31/2 inches in diameter and fitted with 1350 yokes. Grunt turns right in the narrowed (54 inches) Moser 12-bolt that’s been fitted with 3.73:1 gears and Positraction.
All was underwritten with an American Autowire harness, applied to the DSE dash insert and joined with a swarm of Auto Meter Ultra-Lite II gauges. A MOMO Race steering wheel circulates above it all on an ididit tilt column. The renowned Paul Atkins Interiors in Hance, Alabama, played its hand well, hanging leather all over the scene and redoing the interior panels and headliner to match. As a hedge against the torpor of Alabama summers, Shay included a Vintage Air HVAC system. Always alert, Shay winds out the Alpine deck, 6x9 speakers, and JL W3 10-inch subwoofers through a 1,500-watt Alpine amplifier. Yeah, there’s a party tonight!
Found in fairly clean attire, the Camaro got its requisite metal addendums followed closely by the 12-times-over massage. Joiners Corner Paint and Body in New Market, Alabama, rubbed on it a lot and then applied the Sikkens base clear and eyeball-scorching Viper Red overcoat.
All Camaros need a little help in the superstructure department, especially when torque output is double that of the original engine. Todd’s Rods in New Market, Alabama, is owned and operated by Todd Blichardz. He used DSE components at both ends of the car and straight down the middle. A six-point ’cage shores up the lateral wiggling along with the usual frame connectors. A DSE four-bar rear suspension employs 25-lb/in springs and adjustable coilovers. In front, the hydro-formed subframe hosts tubular control arms, 450-lb/in coil springs, and DSE shocks. DSE splined antisway bars are posted at either end of Red. Gotta say that the stance on Shay’s phosphorous puppy is low down and straight up. Phew! A nicer one we have not seen on a car with mechanical suspension.
The Pro Touring hallmark fatties include Forgeline ZX3P 18x9 and 19x12.50 modular wheels. They are capped with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 P255/40 and P345/30 skins hawking a silent challenge without respite. Nestled close behind them, big Baer six-piston calipers and 14-inch rotors all around as plied by a Wilwood master cylinder. CHP