Kraus is also an expert stereo technician. The almost hidden system begins with the Panasonic CQ-VD7500U CD/DVD player and retractable 7-inch touch screen. Signal from the head unit is amplified by the pair of amplifiers hidden in the trunk. Front stage sound comes from a collection of Boston Acoustic speakers beginning with the 6.5-inch coaxial speakers in the new door panels and the pair of 1-inch dome tweeters in the dash. The two 6x9 rear fill speakers in the package tray were positioned on either side of the vent for the 10-inch sub in the trunk. Stinger wiring keeps everything properly connected and Dynamat sound insulation throughout the cab minimizes unwanted sonic intrusion.
If you open the trunk, nothing is visible except the elegantly designed fiberglass tub. Remove the tub and the stereo components and batteries are revealed. Neatly arranged are the 400-watt four-channel Alpine amp for the mids and highs, the 400-watt two-channel (bridged to mono) JBL amp for the single 10-inch sub in a bandpass enclosure, and the brain box for live TV, PS2, and GPS. Twin Optima batteries with a built-in trickle charger provide plenty of power. Clean and simple, the custom-designed fiberglass tub provides storage while keeping all the electronics out of sight.
The 572 was loaded with power but needed some work to make it a working part of the dream. Chris Nelson in Pinellas Park, Florida, went through the motor, top to bottom. The big-inch GM crate motor uses a forged crank, I-beam forged steel rods, GM 9.6:1 aluminum pistons, GM ported and polished aluminum heads, and GM cam with hydraulic lifters. A Barry Grant Speed Demon 830-cfm carb and high-capacity Aeromotive fuel pump with return system is the automotive equivalent of a Big Gulp. MSD HEI ignition lights the fire with waste gases flowing into wrapped 21/8-inch headers, especially designed for the tight confines of the Camaro engine room. Your ears get a treat, thanks to the 3-inch aluminized exhaust and Flowmaster mufflers that orchestrate the perfect muscle car sound. The rejuvenated 572 sends 620 tire-frying horsepower and 650 lb-ft to the rebuilt three-speed Turbo 400 automatic transmission, then on to the 4:10 spooled rear and 35-spline Strange axles. The firewall and inner fender panels were smoothed in order to showcase the detailed 572 crate motor.
Once the mechanicals were solid, Jack turned his attention to cosmetics. The bright yellow car was in good shape but some subtle chrome removal was first on the list, allowing the classic lines of the first-gen Camaro to show through. Body mods include a conservative lowering job, cowl-induction hood, and rear spoiler. All the metal trim on the car was polished, the rear quarter window frames were re-chromed, and all window and door seals were replaced. Fresh new bumpers were bolted on along with Digi-Tails sequential LED taillights from Spaghetti Engineering. Marquez Design made the billet aluminum taillight frames, and the motorcycle gas cap is a Matt Hoch design. Jack wanted something other than the traditional single shade with rally stripes, common to the early SS cars. His wife, Pamela, came up with the perfect color scheme: two-tone with Silver Star on top and Tungsten Gray on the bottom. Mark Mahowski from Straight Line in St. Petersburg accomplished the paint and bodywork. Fair warning: If you pull up alongside, that subtle 572 emblem on the front fender should be taken seriously!
Personalizing the car took about a year, but Jack says the results were worth it, especially whenever he hits the loud pedal and the Camaro leaps forward. Future plans include a 3.55:1 rearend with Positraction for easier highway cruising and air conditioning for Florida’s warm summers. CHP