Prior to the debut of the twin-turbo C8 ZR1, the ZR1 nameplate was in use with the C7-generation Corvette ZR1, which was equipped with the supercharged 6.2L V8 LT5 gasoline engine. When it launched for the 2019 model year, the C7 Corvette ZR1 took the honor as the fastest, most powerful production Corvette ever made. Now, one enthusiast has stuffed the ZR1’s supercharged powerplant under the hood of a custom 1967 Chevy Camaro restomod, as seen in the following feature video.
Once again coming to us from the folks at AutotopiaLA, the video is a little over 20 minutes long and includes a look at the build, information from the owner, and a hands-on driving experience on the street.
The owner, Jake, grew up around cars, as his father is a hot rod builder. After deployment in Afghanistan, Jake knew he wanted to create something special, so he and his father decided on a classic Camaro. A car was located in Colorado in rough condition, but the father and son duo restored it with a 350 V8 and three-speed automatic.
As is usually the case, Jake eventually got the itch to upgrade for more performance. Multiple engine swaps later, Jake settled on the supercharged 6.2L V8 LT5. The LT5 was purchased as a crate engine, and installed using a GM plug-and-play harness. The engine remains stock, throwing down with a maximum of 755 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque – more than enough for a street car.
“I didn’t want to mess with the engine too much,” the owner says. “This thing is kind of the ultimate engine as it is.”
Complementing the upgrade in power is a new SpeedTech subframe with a four-link rear, SpeedTech Extreme suspension, and Detroit Speed subframe connectors. Output is sent through a Tremec six-speed Magnum transmission.
The exterior shows a flat-black finish that lends the car some serious vibes. In the corners is a set of Forgeline wheels, while in the cabin, there are Recaro seats and a Vintage Air climate control system.
Now, Jake enjoys this custom Chevy Camaro to its fullest, as demonstrated right here:
Comments
Hell yeah!
Best motor Chevy ever built and they’re complete idiots for killing it. Hopefully Mary goes away soon and the LT5 goes back on the menu. I need 2 more and I can’t get them!