ZR1-Powered 1979 Chevy Camaro Brings The Noise: Video

With a modern, supercharged powerplant under the hood and some head-turning ’79 lines up top, this custom Chevy Camaro mixes show and go, with generous portions of each. Now, we’re getting an in-depth look thanks to the following feature video.

Taking responsibility for the build are the folks at the Roadster Shop, while AutotopiaLA is on deck to handle the video. Clocking in at about 25 minutes, the video includes an in-depth look at the work that went into making this thing a reality, plus some driving action to cap it off.

When the shop first got their hands on this Chevy Camaro, the customer was adamant about installing an LT5 under the hood. Originally equipped by the C7-generation Chevy Corvette ZR1, the supercharged 6.2L V8 LT5 is a beast of an engine, delivering 755 horsepower straight from the crate, with potential for even more power with minor modifications. However, this Camaro’s LT5 remains stock beyond a simple a Holley serpentine drive.

A significant modification includes the custom hood scoop, which was digitally scanned and fabricated to fit the taller LT5 engine without losing the iconic look of the original Camaro. This hand-fabricated piece ensures optimal clearance while preserving the vehicle’s classic aesthetics.

The Camaro sits on a Roadster Shop chassis, specifically its second-gen Camaro SPEC platform. This bolt-on chassis enhances the car’s structural integrity without altering the original body, allowing for larger rear tires and improved handling. The suspension setup includes a billet four-link rear, making it as capable on the track as it is on the street.

The interior retains the nostalgic feel of the original 1979 Camaro, but is entirely modernized. The light blue color, a bold choice by the customer, stays true to the era while incorporating contemporary materials and technologies. The cabin features Vintage Air Gen 4 HVAC, a custom American Auto Wire harness, and a redesigned dashboard to accommodate new components without losing the classic vibe.

One of the standout features is the car’s sound. The exhaust system, custom-fabricated by Roadster Shop, incorporates Borla mufflers and Helmholtz resonators, which deliver a symphony of pops and growls that are music to any car enthusiast’s ears.

The Camaro’s drivetrain includes a T-56 Tremec Magnum transmission with a Bowler carbon upgrade for enhanced durability. The power is transmitted to a heavy-duty nine-inch rear axle with 3.50 gears, ensuring robust performance and reliability. The braking system comprises 13-inch Baer brakes on all four corners, providing exceptional stopping power.

The exterior modifications are minimal, maintaining the car’s Survivor Series ethos, which emphasizes mechanical upgrades over cosmetic alterations. The original body lines are preserved, with only necessary tweaks to accommodate the powerful LT5 engine and modern performance components.

Check out the full feature video right here:

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