JF's project started with a 1969 L89 Camaro that was transformed into the ultimate retro street machine. JF knew exactly what he wanted; lots of old school character with a nice helping of high end modern performance options and amenities.

All the suspension components are courtesy of the folks at Detroit Speed and Engineering. The hydroformed front sub-frame is complete with double adjustable coil over shocks and a buttery power rack and pinion set up. The front end has expertly crafted tubular upper control arms, a splined sway bar, and C6 steering knuckles. The rear suspension consists of an easily adjustable 4 link system and Ford 9" rear end housing with 31 spline axles, and a True Trac differential with 3.73 gear ratio. The brakes used are 6 piston mono-block calipers and 14" rotors from Baer brakes. The stopping force of the bidders is absolutely remarkable and we could not have asked for a better product. We fit 18x10" wheels in the front with Michelin Pilot Sport 275 tires and 18x12" wheels in the rear with 335 tires. To accommodate the monster rear tires, mini tubs were fitted in the rear of the L89. In order to strengthen the uni-body, sub-frame connectors were used to tie in the front sub-frame with the rest of the car.

In sticking with the "best of the new, best of the old" theme, the 396 motor complete with Winters aluminum heads and intake was left relatively stock. We ditched the points system for a nice reliable electrical ignition set up. For the exhaust, Hooker Super Comp. headers were connected to FlowMaster 40 series mufflers. Finally electronic exhaust dumps were added just after the collectors. With the flick of a switch, this beast really roars! Cooling the engine is a Be Cool radiator with two Spal fans which move an incredible amount of air dropping coolant temps in a matter of seconds. The gorgeous black anodized front runner kit/air condition system is from Vintage Air and blows icy cold air.

The interior was kept relatively true to form, but after driving the Camaro, we realized that the original seats were not going to cut it. We ordered a set of Recaro seats and recovered them to match the rear; white bolsters with Houndstooth inserts. Not only are these seats half the weight, but they are incredibly comfortable, easily adjustable and very supportive. The last modification performed was the transmission. The car had a freshly rebuilt M22 rock crusher that we fully intended to incorporate into the build, and we did, but the M22 is a road race transmission and lacks an overdrive gear. This means that we were seeing 3500 while cruising at 70MPH with no place to go. A Tremec TKO 600 transmission was subbed in we wrapped up the project.

Many a car enthusiast has performed performance upgrades performed on their cars - sometimes for better, and sometimes for worse. We've all found out the expensive way that it's hard to beat the original designs of engineers working for a huge auto manufacturer. In the case of the L89, we were able to achieve amazing results. The fact of the matter is simple; although 1969 Camaro body and interior designs are gorgeous and timeless, the suspension, chassis, and brake designs have become dated. By incorporating systems that were tested and designed by serious aftermarket manufactures, the end results cannot be denied. Classic lines and modern technology have been combined to build a car that flat out performs many new cars and has tuning characteristics that can be tweaked for both the street and the track. Thanks to all everyone that was involved with the build.