What’s your real name? (What’s your online screen name?)
Tony Price and my online screen name is Bad6772

Where do you live?
Indianapolis, Indiana

What do you do for a living?
I build hot rods and classic cars for a living. sheet metal fabrication, chassis fabrication, painting, body work and mechanical. Pretty much anything involved in restoring or restyling classic vehicles.

What GM(s) do you drive?
Well obviously my  1972 Cheyenne and I still have my ole faith full ’97 Grand Am GT it’s my beater. My wife has a ’99 blazer and her toy is a ’49 Fleetline Deluxe. It’s next on the chopping block.

How long have you had your GM(s)?
The ’72 about 12 years. The ’97 about 10 years. The wife’s blazer since new. The ’49 we got roughly 6 years ago.

What got you into GM(s)?
My father mainly. We had a ’84 Monte Carlo SS that we redid together. It was a blast.

Have a favorite story to tell about your truck?
I did a mini spool upgrade back in the day with 4:56 gears. Took me all day to get in just right,or so I thought. While driving on an on ramp to get on an interstate . . . to test drive the steep gears . . . I mashed the gas as hard as it would go. Everything felt nice and tight, until 2nd gear hit. The whole truck went side ways roughly doing 65. Seems the 30 year old welds on the housing did not like the newly added gears. It spun the axle housing and broke 3 of the 4 U bolts with the added drive shaft twistedge. Needless to say, it”s the only time Sweet Pea left me stranded. The following weekend she was all fixed and tearing up the roads again.

Frame off restoration, that’s a lot of work! What made you do it?
I have had this truck for 12 years. I got her from the original owner and it was a rough ole farm truck when I got her. About 8 years ago I did a quick redo, mainly body only. I was never really happy with the way it looked. So while having carb issues one summer I just got frustrated with everything. I really nit picked the truck as much as possible. Things I did not like, things I thought GM should have done as far as styling cues. It just piled up and I knew unless I totally redid everything I would never be happy.  The choice was made. The wife was totally on board and it just all evolved. I never set out a finish date or a budget, simple and clean was my main motto and I think I have achieved that.

What have you learned about yourself while building your truck?
That’s a hard one. I built this truck for me, my vision, what I wanted. 99% of the time I have to build cars from a sketch or an idea. Sure I can modify it to some degree but at the end of the day you have to make the customer happy. Form and function is key when building a hot rod of any kind. For the most part it’s already laid out in a customers build. So I had to really step back and teach myself form and function. It’s a hard thing to do, so I guess what I really learned was . . . you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Who has helped you the most along the way?
I would say my wife Alicia. She has been a major part in Sweet Pea. She has no reservations about voicing her opinions about something. Whether it be a shave here or chop there, whatever. I know that with out her this thing would not have gotten done. I have O.C.D. when it comes down to it. With her input and support it made things easier to put a stamp on it, call it done and move to the next tasks.

Whats next for your truck?
I would really like to do a centrifugal supercharger in the near future. The things that Vortec is doing  for carb engines is crazy.  I’d like to do a four link as well.

Why?
Lol, more power and a way to plant it.

Do you spend time on any GM sites?  Which ones?
I am a member of 67-72chevytrucks.com. It’s a great truck forum and it really feels like a family there. I also visit C-10 Forum. There are a lot of more radical trucks there and it has a great atmosphere as well. Really good, down to earth truck guys and gals.

Modification List?
Engine -  I run a GMPP ZZ3 350 with AFR heads, a port matched Edelbrock RPM Performer intake, GM Hot Cam, Mallory Billet Dist, Edelbrock 700, Pete Jackson Gear Drive Sanderson Headers with 2.5 flowmaster 40 series.

Transmission -  I run a TCI Street Fighter with a Coan 3,500 Converter. Shifted through the column with 2 speedway motors trans coolers.

Rear end -  I run a stock housing 72 C10 with an Eaton Posi, 4:10 gears and strange axles.

Body modifications – I shaved the firewall, lock cylinders, stake pockets and the tailgate. I’ve also added an Extang cover.

Interior – I shaved the dash, relocated the ignition and painted the Stock door panels. Removed the factory headliner, added new A.C.C carpet, LMC pedals and bezels.  Elwood Yoden is the man behind my seat. It really sets my int off in my opinion. He did a great job on the seat. It’s ultra leather black and he totally rebuilt my seat frame and added Memory Foam. It makes those long drives comfortable.

Exterior – The paint is Dupont Waterbourne, Lime Green Effect with some pearl added. Stan Nolan made pretty much all the paint work possible. He is a wealth of knowledge and talent. It has Dupont 7900s clear on it that I still need to wet sand and buff a little. I will get to it one day, lol. The bed is lined with Al’s Liner, special thanks to Dana Mitchell from Al’s on the liner. I called him up a few days before the Good Guys Indy show last year and told him I needed help FAST. He had everything to me the the next day. So me and a good friend Steve Maur got crackin’. I think it was still a tad wet when we headed out, but we made it so it was worth it.

Brakes -  I run stock 72 disks with a C.P.P prop valve, works great for those long smokey burnouts.

Wheels – Boss 304s 20×9.5 with Falken 255/35/20s up front and the rears are  Boss 304s 20×10 with 275/45/20s Falkens as well.

Suspension – I am on bagged, slam Specialties RE-7s up front with 2.5 dropped spindles. In the rear I also run RE-7s with 3 inch blocks in the rear. Two Viar 380 compressors. I run an 8 valve set up 3/8s valves and a 9 gallon tank.

Frame -  I welded up all unused holes, C notched the rear, painted it with POR 15 and did 3 coats of Dupont 7600 clear.

Visuals showing how far Tony has come with this ’72 – Here are some in progress pictures:

What’s your real name? My real Name is Mark Selig

(What’s your online screen name?) My screen name is Tachout.  I had that name hung on me a long time ago when I was in High School.  It means driving past the red line.  I had this 1977 Camaro and I would drive around in first gear, running it until I could hear the valves start to float, and then just step on the clutch and letting it coast.

Where do you live? I live in Sandy, Utah

What do you do for a living? I do custom home designs and work for a production home builder.

What GM(s) do you currently own? I have a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban that I have had for 5 years.  I also have a 1990 Corvette convertible that I have had for about 2 weeks and a 1990 Chevrolet Corvette coupe I have had for about 5 Years.

What originally attracted you to the Corvette? When I was much younger my dad used to say that the true sign of success was a Mercedes, and at that time I would look at the C2 and C3 Corvettes and say to myself that is the true sign that you are successful.  The guys I saw driving those cars all seemed to be successful.

You’re doing a pretty immense build on your 1990 Corvette coupe. Can you tell us about it (time frame, goals, etc)? I really should start by saying that originally I wasn’t planning on doing this much.  Driving home from work one night, not doing more than 30 I started to hear a knock and I knew what it was.  I did ask someone to come over to look and listen and then confirm that it was at least one rod knock.  Well I sat down for a week or so thinking, and as I start prep and planning I took a look at the weak points.  Sure enough it started to get out of hand fast.  First it was “I will just build a 383 and go from there”.  Well the transmission was questioned, and yes I know it was going fast. Well let’s go with a TH400.  From there I thought about a week on going Pro Street or just keeping the stock look.  At the same time I knew that if I were to do much to it, I should put some sort of a roll bar or cage in the car if I were going to go out and beat on it much.  If I planned on doing Pro Street I would need to back half the car.

Well let’s move to now.  I bought a used Motor that needs to visit the machine shop but is top shelf on parts.  I have a TH400 core that has been dismantled so I can get under the car with it and build a cross member.

What work is completed?  I have a full 10 point cage in the car.  I need to add two front frame to front down tube supports and then it will be an IHRA Certified cage down to 8.5 Seconds.  I do not plan on the car going that fast, but I like to know it is safe.  I have the car back halved, and the rear end has been replaced with a Narrowed Ford 9”.  It is set up for rear coil overs.  I need to make a few changes to the rear suspension and add in the wheelie bar mounts.  I have to also add a receiver hitch for the Parachute mount.  Soon I will be adding in the tubs and the interior sheet metal.  Once that is completed, I am going to put the full interior back in the car and set it up for the transmission mount inside the car.

Then things start to get expensive.  The engine will be off to the machine shop, the transmission off to my transmission guy. The engine machine work and short block assembly should be done about the same time as the transmission.  So far I have done 100% of the work myself, and I plan on doing most of the hands on with the guy rebuilding my transmission.  I am having the short block build by a pro engine builder just because of what I am planning for the rest of the build.  Once the short block and transmission are in, I am going to have a driveshaft built for the car. I’ll work to finish the buildup of the engine and then start the fabrication of the custom exhaust system.  Mind you, a large part of this build is a pair of twin GT3788 turbochargers, an intercooler and a 3 stage meth injection system.  I already own the Gen VII for the computer controls.  There will be a ton of electronics to take care of on this car, so I will have my work cut out for me there.

As for a time frame on this car . . . a lot of that depends on the economy and parts availability at the right price when I have the cash. I am guessing it will start to come to final assembly by the spring of next year.

Have a favorite story to tell about your Corvette? A favorite story about my Corvette, no not really, however I do love to push it out into the driveway on the weekend, and enjoy a cup of coffee while I plan on what I am going to do that day.  It amazes me how many people stop, look, and even take pictures of it.  No interior, no engine, some of the body missing and they still stop.

Who has helped you the most along the way with the car? Any mentors? I would say that Vince Lung has been one of my biggest help with the car. Bruce Osborne would be my true mentor, and I get a ton of support from the Utah Vette’s Community.

What’s the best part about being a Corvette owner? The best part of being a Corvette owner is the others in the community.  I just love listening and talking with other Corvette owners.

The most challenging? So far I’ve done 100% of the work myself and will have very minimal help throughout the build by my choice.  Hardest part is getting people to understand I can do this myself. Everyone seems to look at me like he is just a guy who works on a computer.  Before I worked on the computer as a home designer I built all kinds of different cars. From full on race cars, street cars and show cars.  I am a Lincoln Tech Grad, and graduated with Honors. I worked as a mechanic  for a Lexus dealership. I’ve also worked for a couple of California general repair shops and ran a mobile mechanic service for a couple of years.  I was ASE certified and although it has been quite a few years since I did this heavy a build, I have built several of these from the ground up.  Mind you a C4 is not like doing a first gen Camaro.  I have built a couple of these out of C2 bodies when I worked for Bruce Osborne Corvette Specialties and BOSS Racing.

How often do you get together with other Corvette owners in person? I try to get together with other owners as often as possible.  I am going to be a regular at a Saturday morning cars and coffee, and once the coupe is completed, at least every other Friday I will be out at the track having fun with it.

Do you spend time on any Corvette sites? Yes Which ones? Corvette sites would be the National Corvette Forum and Utah Vettes. Other sites I frequent would be the Utah Muscle Car Association and theFoat.com

Modification list?
377 Small block Chevy, Tuned Port Injected (One off Lingenfelter), stage 3 Snow System (Meth Injection) with Twin GTC3788 Turbochargers.  I also have an intercooler planed for this build.  This motor runs a dry sump oil system and will include a custom separate oiling/cooling system for the Turbo System.  Replace the TH700R4 with a TH400 with manual valve body.  Narrowed Ford 9” Rear, 4-Link rear suspension with Coil overs.  Upgraded front brakes to C5 brakes and upgraded rear brakes to something aftermarket.

On this car, just about everything drive train is going to be upgraded.  Rear tires are Mickey Thompson Sportsman Pro Tires (33X21.5X15’s) on Centerline Comp Rev Wheels.  Fronts will be M&H Frontrunner tires on Centerline Comp Rev Wheels.

Are you on Twitter?  Facebook?  How can people find you online? I am not on Twitter, but am on Facebook.  I am also on several forums and can be contacted by either my name or screen name.  Just do a search for Tachout on any forum and most of them are me (there is a guy out in Cali that uses my name).  If you are on Facebook or want to Yahoo me I am markselig on both of them.  I welcome all questions and comments, good or bad.  If you would like to follow my build with pictures and comments look on Utah Vettes, Utah Muscle Car Association, or theFoat.com.

What’s your real name?  (What’s your online screen name?)
Brent B or MNBrent on most forums

Where do you live?
Ramsey, a suburb NW of Minneapolis

What do you do for a living?
Application Engineer in Semiconductor Industry (electronics degree)

What GM(s) do you currently own? How long have you had it/them?
2001 ZR2 Blazer 3 yrs
2004 Chevy Tahoe Z71 3 yrs
1982 Corvette 9 yrs

What originally attracted you to the Corvette? What keeps you going today?
I had a few Gen2 F-bodies and an 86 IROC Camaro previously. I was looking for something more sport car oriented and fell for the lines of the C3 Corvette. This is the only car I have ever owned this long and I never tire of the body lines. The aftermarket support is amazing for all generation Corvettes, and that’s part of what keeps me hooked as well.

Your Corvette has a LS1 swap in it. What made you tackle this project?
The 82 Corvette with the CFI motor was a “gentlemans cruiser”. I had updated all other items to the car and the motor was the last item left. Although I had no issues with the CFI for reliability, I needed more power. I did not want carburetion, and the LS swap has been proven very successful in many types of cars, even C3s. So to me the power, weight, and drivability of the LS powertrain put me over the edge. The costs to do this are relatively low, and the results are stellar!! The car is now a blvd screamer!!

What was the easiest part of the LS1 swap? The hardest part?
The 82 Corvette has an EFI fuel system that already has an in-tank fuel pump, making the fuel system conversion part of the swap very simple. The available motor mount adapter plates makes mounting the engine in place almost child’s play. The existing transmission crossmember is setup for a 700R4. The 4L60E has the same external dimensions as a 700R4, so only slightly elongating of the mount holes required to bolt up the 4L60E tranny. It did require a 1 inch longer driveshaft.

The hardest parts were figuring out the wiring, which involved intermixing the LS system wiring to the existing CFI computer wiring and finding an air intake setup that fits in the tight underhood space.  The wiring took the most time of any single task and LS1Tech forum has lots of info with plenty of experienced people to let you get this correct on the first pass.

What are your goals for your Corvette and how close are you to achieving them?
My goal has been to build a lightweight performance oriented street car.  The LS1 swap, AC delete, C5-Z06 seats, and removing the rear spare tire have probably dropped close to 200lbs from the curb weight of the car. You can really feel this in the overall feel of the car. The LS1 swap made a considerable difference in acceleration, especially from the 3K+ RPM level!! The Hydroboost brake system has taken the braking of the car and put it into a new level for the street. The control is far superior to the original vacuum assist and has to be experienced. Next items for me would be more modern rubber and possibility of a big brake kit for even greater braking control.

Have a favorite story to tell about your Corvette?
When I bought it, I had it delivered from Anaheim Ca to Mpls Mn on a car hauler. The brakes were bad, so I got a great price on it. Turned out after all the hardware was replaced with no luck by the previous owner, it all came down to just one more component, the only item he did not replace, which was the vacuum power booster. Great brakes after replacing that!!

Who has helped you the most along the way with the car? Any mentors?
I can’t really say I have a single mentor, but there have been many folks along the way that have been inspirational to me keeping the car and effectively upgrading it for real performance. Those folks are mostly Corvetteforum members going back to 2001.

What’s the best part about being a Corvette owner? The most challenging?
Love the feel of driving the C3. Something about the front fenders riding high up and the feel of the torque coming up through the chassis. There is also frequently looks, stares, and positive comments made about the car that let you know you have something special.

The most challenging thing is trying to keep the car nice when I’m driving it so much!!

How often do you get together with other Corvette owners in person?
A few Corvette only type shows a year, but enjoy many “all car” type shows

Do you spend time on any Corvette sites?  Which ones?
Spend most of my time on the CorvetteForum, but do visit LS1Tech, Digital Corvettes, VetteMod, and Corvette Action Center.

Modification list?
The memorable items are:
Drivetrain
LS1-4L60E swap, 3.07 rear gears, AC Delete
Exhaust
C5 Shorty headers, 2.5inch dual exhaust with C6 Corvette X-pipe, Pacesetter Monza style mufflers
Wheels
Torque Thrust II wheels with 3.75 inch backspace for ½ inch total wider track front/rear, Dunlop 255-60-R15s.
Steering
VBP “Rack Attack” rack and pinion kit with a C3 version Lecarra steering wheel
Brakes
VBP O-ring brake calipers, braided SS Teflon brake flex lines, 94 Astrovan Hydroboost power booster conversion
Chassis
100% rebuilt front/rear suspensions, poly bushings, Moog components, Bilstein Sport shocks, lowered 1.5 to 2 inches, VBP Spreader bar linking the upper control arms mounts together
Cooling
PCM controlled Lincoln Mark VIII fan, 4 core Big Block radiator
Interior
All new interior changed from Camel to Black color, C5-Z06 Corvette seats, Chrome shifter hardware, Redline extra tall leather shift boot, Subwoofered stereo
Body
Repaint to Black by previous owner from code 59 Gold, FormulaOne Pinnacle window tint

Are you on Twitter?  Facebook?  How can people find you online?
Facebook and you can usually find me on the Corvette Forum in the C3 section.

What’s your real name? (What’s your online screen name?)
Jesus Villarreal (jesvilla)

Where do you live?
San Lorenzo California, SF Bay area

What do you do for a living?
I am a Co-owner of La Mexicana Inc., we specialize in Corn Tortilla products.

What GM(s) do you drive?
I have a small collection of GM cars. A ’69 Camaro 327 auto, ’69 Corvette rdstr 350 4 speed, ’96 Camaro SS, ’06 GTO, ’04 2500 HD crew cab and the 98 Camaro Racecar (for autox).

How long have you had your GM(s)?
I have had GM cars since 1968. My first was a 57 Chevy, I wanted a ’68 Camaro but at 16 years old I couldn’t afford one.

What got you into GM(s)?
When I was 11, my neighbor bought a new  ’63 Impala, I fell in love with that car. Then one of my uncles bought a ‘64 Olds 442, he took me for my first fast ride on a freeway onramp. I was instantly hooked.

What made you want to AutoX your Camaro?
Well, I’ve been autoxing since 1979. I started with a ‘66 Vette Coupe. I drove several different types of cars in 5 or 6 different classes. I bought the autox Camaro as a roller with no drivetrain to build it specifically for autox.

Have a favorite story to tell about your Camaro?
Whenever I go to an autox where not too many people know me, I almost always have guys come over after my runs to see the car. They always want to know what I have done to the engine because it sounds “different”.  When I tell them it’s a V6 and that might be why it sounds different, their jaw usually drops, they also won’t believe me until I take the hood off and they can see it for themselves.

What are your goals for your Camaro and how close are you to achieving them?
The ultimate goal would be to win an SCCA Solo2 National Championship, last year I got pretty close  and got a 2nd place.

Who has done most of the modifications on your Camaro?
I did the bulk of the work myself. I got a lot of help from Mike Maier of Maier Racing in Hayward California. He and I would discuss the things I wanted to do and he would tell me how to do it and then help with the welding after I had fabricated the parts. I’m not a welder and I also didn’t have much experience with fabricating, so I got a lot of help from Mike.

What was your favorite modification?  Why?
The rear suspension is probably the most important mod that has been done to this car. Camaros have a history of wheel hop when doing hard braking maneuvers. Mike Maier designed a 3 link setup like many of the SCCA TransAm roadrace cars had in the timeframe that we were building my Camaro, in early ’03.  Getting the complete car to 2690lbs race ready is something I’m proud of too.

Is there a particular shop you’d like to recommend?
Maier Racing Enterprises, they provided the shop space and let me work with all their equipment as long as I bought all the materials from them. Yes I know it’s a Ford shop, but I have known Bill Maier since 1970, and he is a good friend who has saved me thousands while I was building this Camaro.

Who has helped you the most along the way with the car?
With this car, Mike Maier has been a tremendous help along with his Dad Bill.

Any mentors?
The people I would consider my mentors would be Manny Pretty and the late Larry Park, they started me in autox when I had Manny paint my ’66 vette. Manny simply said, “OK Jesus, now that you have this nice Vette what are you going to do with it and would you like to run the autox coming up in a few weeks?” I ran that autox and have been autoxing ever since.

Do you spend time on any GM sites?
Yes, I visit several sites: Ls1tech, Corvette Forum, Norcal-LSX, and one of the GTO LSX forums.

Modification list?
It might be simpler to list the things I haven’t done LOL
Full Rollcage with Subframe connectors and strut tower brace
3 link rear suspension, Speedway Eng. Full floater axle housing with Wilwood calipers and rotors
Tubular upper and lower front A-arms, Willwood 6 pot calipers and rotors
Penske 3 way adjustable Coilovers on all four corners, H&R springs
Full race, dry sumped, Bowtie 4.5 liter V6 putting out 415 RWH, (late 90’s ASA engine)
Weaver 4 stage oil pump with custom oil pan, Coleman Racing 10 Qt sump tank
Jericho 4 speed, McCleod dual disk clutch with custom aluminum driveshaft
Corbeau racing set, Momo removable steering wheel, Autometer gauges, Painless Wiring system
Coleman Racing pedals with Hydraulic dual masters, balance bar and proportioning valve
Radiator is moved to the rear just in front of the rear axle, with dual electric fans
5 gal fuel cell, Holley fuel pump, all aeroquip braided lines everywhere

Where do you live?
Ferndale, Washington.

What do you do for a living?
I’m a United States Border Patrol Agent.

What GM(s) do you currently own?
The one I’m most proud of is my 1968 Chevy K10 short bed stepside 4×4 , but I also have a 1969 4×4 that my youngest son and I are working on.  He wasn’t crazy about the ‘69 at first, but he really enjoys it now because of the good comments and thumbs up he gets on his way to school and around town.

What got you into GM(s)?
Growing up my father had a mechanics shop, and I worked there every day after school and on weekends.  Chevrolet motors and trucks really appealed to me as they were the easiest to work on. My first truck was a 1969 SS 396 El Camino, not sure why but I traded it for a non running 68 stepside 4×4, and have been 4×4 crazy every since.

Have a favorite story to tell about your truck?
In 2008, I trailered the truck to my home state of Texas and met up with family members for a car show.  I had planned on entering the truck in the mud races but when we got there we found the mud portion of the show had been canceled.  I entered into the burnout contest instead, uncorked the headers and took 4th place out of 18 vehicles.  I was the only 4×4 and the crowd really enjoyed it.  We drove 3,200 miles just to burn up some rubber.  I loved it.

What’s next for your truck?  Why?
We all dream of some day.  I would like to build a much bigger motor starting with a 572 block.  I have started using the truck at the local truck pulls and have done fairly well with some 2nds and finished last year with a 1st. Most likely I’ll do some body work and shoot it with some fresh paint, same color.  It has been almost 11 years since I painted it.

Who has done most of the modifications on your truck?
Every bit of the work from fabrication of ladder and link bars, engine building, to paint and body work was done by myself over several years.  My boys are old enough now and have started to help some . . . when I can pry the PS3 out of their hands.

What was your favorite modification?
The best modification was building and installing the 454 big block. I had to move all cross members forward 1-1/2 inches and trim a bit for the headers.  There were a few other unforeseen problems that slowed me down a bit but it all fit in the end.  Of course, I ended up destroying both ½ ton axles and ended up installing a 14 bolt in the rear and a Dana 60 up front.

Why? More power, no one ever has enough.

Who has helped you the most along the way?
My wife, Marylou, has helped me the most, she really likes the truck, although I can’t remember the last time she rode in it.  I’ll be moping around the house and she tells me to get into the shop and get busy.  I also get good support and great ideas from the guys and girls on the 67-72 chevy truck forums.

Is there a particular shop you’d like to recommend?
Well like I said I do all the work myself but I do get some advice from time to time, as well as parts, from Tim at MPS (Meridian Performance Service) on the Guide Meridian in Bellingham.

Do you spend time on any GM sites?  Which ones?
I really enjoy the folks at 67-72chevytrucks.com and we have had some fun get togethers with the NORTHWEST bunch. I have also been getting some great truck pulling advice at truckpulls.com

Modification list?
454 +30, TRW pistons, Scat crank, stock heads with crane springs
Crane cam, Air Gap intake manifold, Holley 650 carb.
MSD distributor, MSD 6Al ignition module, MSD coil and wires.
Summitt aluminum radiator.
Flowtech headers with Summitt mufflers and 3” pipe.
SM465 transmission with dual friction Center force clutch.
GM 14 bolt rear, Dana 60 front, both with 456 gears and lockers.
Custom rear tube bumper,  Front Warn bumper modified (from a Ford, whaaaaaT!!!)
with an old 8274 Warn winch.
Drive shaft loops,
Dual shocks on front.
Front and rear disk brakes.
Ladder bars on the rear.
Recently added link arms on the front (I have been trying to stop the front from hopping during the truck pulls).
M/T  CLASSIC LOCK WHEELS WITH 39.5” Trxus STS tires.
I use a set of 35” BFG All terrains when I pull with the truck.

Most people who look inside the truck are really amazed to see the stereo system . . . the original 8-track player, and it works.

Where do you live?
I live in Lehi, Utah.

What do you do for a living?
I’m a mortgage consultant and also the proud owner of Chief the skate boarding bulldog.

What GM(s) do you currently own?
I currently own A 2009 Malibu LTZ limited, 2010 2SS RS 426 horse 6 speed manual transmission Camaro and a 1969 SS 396 350 horse convertible Camaro.

What got you into GM(s)?
Way back in High school in the mid 70’s I loved Camaros and all the neat 60’s Chevrolets that are classics today. The Camaros were too expensive to buy then because they hadn’t been out very long, so my first Chevrolet was a 1965 SS 327 Impala 4 speed for the very hefty sum of $500.00. A lot of money for a 16 year old kid.

How many Camaros have you had and how long have you been collecting them?
I have owned approximately 25 first generation Camaros! I went to a car show in the mid 80’s and met a man named Randy Young who owned A 1969 Camaro Indy Pace car convertible. It was the neatest car I had ever seen! I asked him if he would sell it and he said no, but he had another one at home. I went there, bought it and the rest is history! I have since owned three Indy Pace cars, two original Z/28’s, multiple convertibles, many hardtop SS’s and I will probably be buried in one.

What made you buy your 2010 Camaro?
I was going to wait for the convertible model to come out, but I have a great relationship with Greg Paulos and Clay Lyon at Gus Paulos Chevrolet. Clay called me one day and said another GM dealer had ordered a fully loaded red 2010 Camaro then GM canceled his franchise so he got mad and canceled the car. Clay knew if he sold the Camaro to me he would get a lot of good publicity and more sales out of it because I am well known in Camaro circles. I found out later it was the second 2SS in the state and the first 6 speed manual!

Have a favorite story to tell about your 2010 Camaro?
The car was a hit from the moment it hit the street. I would pull in to get gasoline and a crowd would surround the car. People in German luxury cars were taking pictures of it as I went down the freeway! The Camaro is well loved all across America and people were proud that such a great Icon had returned to the road! The best part was its reputation had proceeded itself and most Mustang owners would just wave as I went by knowing that I could blow their doors off!

What’s next for your 2010 Camaro? Why?
I will continue to enjoy the car and next summer I plan to show the 2010 Camaro and the 1969 Camaro together in car shows. I love to show particularly young people the cars. I had a bunch of teenage boys surround the 2010 at a show last year and they were talking about the stats of the car and knew all about the cars great performance. That was a great feeling to see American kids liking American cars instead of the Japanese tuners. That’s what it is all about!

What makes you keep buying the GM brand?
It’s the best bang for the buck in the world and Camaros are magical!

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the GM community today?
They have to become economically solvent again and we as Americans need to buy American.

Do you spend time on any GM sites?  Which ones?
I spend a lot of time on RacingJunk.com, Hemmings Motor News and any sites that has Camaros or Camaro parts for sale.

Any modifications to your 2010 Camaro?
I don’t modify my Camaros, time has proven that the clean original cars end up being the most valuable. However, I know that there are a lot of fans out there trying to find all the parts that will give them street supremacy and that’s OK to. My motto has always been leave it the way the general built it!

What’s your real name? (What’s your online screen name?)
Arthur Morrow (morrowSS  or  SSmorrow)

Where do you live?
Granger, Indiana

What GM(s) do you drive?
2001 SS Camaro and restoring a 1971 Z28.

How long have you had your GM(s)?
The SS I bought new in 2001 and the 1971 I’ve had since 1986.

What got you into GM(s)?
I’ve always liked Camaros and bought my 71 Camaro in high school.

Have a favorite story to tell about your Camaro?
Well, one day I was heating up the tires and testing my launches on some new drag tires when I saw this sport bike coming toward me, then revving up a wheelie. At the time I was busy testing and didn’t pay much attention. Then later that night I was hanging out with some friends when a group of bikes rolled up and parked to check out my car. After they looked it up and down I heard a guy say, “Yep, that’s the one.”  I asked if there was something I did or how they knew me and the guy said “I was the one that pulled a wheelie at you to taunt you, but to my surprise you pulled the front end off the ground right back at me.” We all had a good laugh and I felt pretty good showing up his taunt without even knowing it.

What’s next for your Camaro? Why?
Definitely a built block. I plan on spraying a much bigger shot and need the block to stay together. I’m also still toying with the idea of turbo charging it. Right now I’m pushing the lower end of the block to the limits.

Who has done most of the modifications on your Camaro?
My buddy Dan Baber and I have done most of the work.

What was your favorite modification?  Why?
The cam. It actually put down a lot of horsepower and has an old school lopey sound; with the six speed, it is still very drivable.

Is there a particular shop you’d like to recommend?
Not really, I haven’t had any good experiences with shops doing the work.

Do you spend time on any GM sites?
LS1TECH.com & CamaroZ28.com

How much horsepower are you putting down?
When it was tuned for a 100 shot on Exotic Performance’s mustang dyno, it put down 608 lbs of torque and 533 rwhp. I took it to the strip with a 100 shot and managed a 10.9 @122 – all on a stock bottom end and the baby seat in the back. Now I’m running a 150 shot.

Modification list?
Engine:
90 mm fast intake
90 mm TPIS throttle bottle
G5X-2 cam
AFR 205 heads
ASP under drive pulley
Nitrous express 150 shot wet kit with 15 lb bottle

Drivetrain:
Pro 5.0 short shifter
McLeod twin disk clutch and scatter shield
D&D built t-56 trans with 30T viper output shaft
Custom 4″ drive shaft
Moser 12 bolt 33 spline 4.30 gears

Suspension:
Hotchkis polished strut tower brace
BMR tubular k-member and upper and lower A arms
QA1 double adjustable coilovers
Kenny Brown double diamond sub frame connectors welded
Spohn double loop torque arm
BMR adjustable control arms and panhard bar
Wolf 6 point roll bar

Exhaust:
Ceramic long tube headers
3.5″ exhaust with QTP electric cutout
SLP Quad tips

Brakes:
Baer drilled and slotted rotors with hawk pads

Electronics:
Harlan 2-step and mini led shift light
Innovate Motorsports wide band
SLP line lock

Fuel:
Racetronix 255lph fuel pump
Polished high flow fuel rails
42 lb injectors

Appearance:
Wings west ground effects

Wheels/tires:
Stock chromed 10 spoke rims the backs widened to 11″ with Nitto 555R 315/35R17 for street
Bogart rims 3.75″ fronts and 10.5″ rears with MT runners and ET street 325/50/15 for strip

What’s your real name?  (What’s your online screen name?)
Chris Mays (NASTY55)

Where do you live?
Southaven, MS

What do you do for a living?
Account Manager for Competition Cams.

What GM(s) do you drive?
1955 Chevy Belair, 2003 Chevy Tahoe.

How long have you had your GM(s)?
Three and seven years, owner of Chevy’s for over 20 years.

What got you into GM(s)?
I love Chevrolets; my first car was 1967 Chevy II.

Have a favorite story to tell about your Belair?
My kids love it because of the “airplane” on the hood.

What was your favorite modification to your Belair? Why?
The Vintage Air, because in the summer it is 110 degrees in Memphis.

What’s next for your Belair?  Why?
Billet hood and trunk hinges from Fesler, because they are really great engineered parts.

What was the hardest part of building your Belair?
The Air Ride suspension modifications.

What was the easiest part of building your Belair?
The stereo system.

Who has helped you the most along the way?
Tracey, my wife, with patience and understanding.

Is there a particular shop you’d like to recommend?
Kenny Davis Hot Rods in Rogers, AR

Do you spend time on any GM sites?  Which ones?
Pro-Touring.com

Modification list?
The car was a frame off restoration. The frame has been dipped and painted body color, the underside of the body has been rhino lined. Crate ZZ4 powerplant, all Comp valvetrain, 700R4, 8” disc rear end and front disc brakes. The suspension consist of a set of tubular uppers and lowers, it gets its stance via Air Ride Bags with a four link rear.

The interior has stayed pretty much a stock configuration with a little flair. Custom front & rear panels, ’57 GM upholstery on the benches in the front & rear. Daytona black carpet and mats to match. Dakota digital dash, Flaming River steering column, Billet Specialties steering wheel and a 600 watt Pioneer/Kicker sound system unseen and the coldest Vintage Air that I have ever felt. 18” and 20” Billet specialties wheels.

The only other special features are a smooth deck lid with hide-away license plate, shaved side mirrors, one-piece door glass, custom radiator support and cover, smoothed firewall, body color matched engine components.

Copyright 2009 Streetsourcemag.com | Picture by: hotrodgixxer