The story
This 1997 Chevrolet Camaro 30th Anniversary SS represents an interesting middle ground between preserving what made the fourth-generation F-body special and bringing its electronics and drivability into the modern era.
At its core is the Gen II LT1 small-block Chevrolet, the engine that defined the performance F-body before the arrival of the LS1. Rather than abandoning the LT1 for a newer engine platform, this car has been developed around it—retaining the character of the original powerplant while replacing many of the limitations of its factory engine management. To that end, the engine was bored and stroked to 383CI with forged rotating assembly. AFR LT4 Cylinder Heads were added, as well as a Comp camshaft. When purchased it had an old school SN93 Paxton blower, that was then upgraded to the infamous VR-4 racing unit, but more power output was desired, so this was replaced with a Procharger F1A 12 rib setup.
Behind the LT1 is a six-speed manual transmission, with a McLeod hydraulic clutch conversion and their twin disc RST clutch keeping the car very much a driver's car. The result isn't an LS-swapped fourth-gen trying to become something newer. It's an evolution of the car Chevrolet actually built in 1997.
One of the biggest changes is the conversion to a Holley Terminator X EFI system. The factory LT1 ignition architecture has also been substantially modernized using an EFI Connection 24x crank and cam conversion, allowing the engine to operate with modern crank/cam position information and coil-on-plug ignition rather than relying on the LT1's Optispark.
Fueling has been similarly updated. The Camaro runs E85 essentially full-time and is equipped with a flex-fuel sensor, giving the ECU ethanol-content information directly. Fuel is delivered through Injector Dynamics stainless-body injectors, making the fuel system much better suited to ethanol than simply adapting the original 1997 hardware. An AEM wideband oxygen sensor provides accurate air/fuel-ratio feedback and another important piece of data for tuning and diagnosing the combination.
The remaining driveline is comprised of a modular Ford 9" rear end from Midwest Chassis. Stopping power is provided by C5 Corvette front brake conversion, and factory LT1 style rear brakes that can easily support a 15" drag pack when desired. Its still sporting the iconic white powder coated Corvette ZR1 "A-mold" wheels, and black lug nuts.
The engine bay and undercarriage were meticulously cleaned, restored and painted during the initial tear down and build up. Paint correction was completed by Ryan and Chris @SVT Garage who did a wonderful job, sealing it with a ceramic coating.
AutoStylez helped us out with replacing the worn and torn factory light gray headliner. We upgraded to Alcantara style short suede in dark charcoal, which matches the car much better. The T-Top shades and Sunvisors got a similar treatment.
A Kenwood Apple CarPlay HD radio was installed with NVX Marine (Stealth) amplifiers that were tucked behind the rear side panels in the hatch area. The Doors and rear quarters were treated with sound deadener and insulation, and new 6 1/2" speakers. A 10" stealth box subwoofer resides where the factory CD Changer used to mount.