On the driven end, West installed the Heidts subframe connectors linking the front of the car to the bolt-on four-link suspension setup. Adjustable AFCO coilovers dropped the rear 1 inches and a Panhard rod (which must be parallel with the ground at ride height) centers the John's Industries 9-inch axle (www.9inchfactory.com) The housing is fabricated and was fitted with 3.70:1 gears riding on a limited-slip. Marc burns off energy with Wilwood companion 13s. Shiny side up, those Nitrous hoops are 9-wides, but this time with a 5-inch backspace and Nitto 275/35 quasi-slicks.
Vaughn West dropped in a steel-crank ZZ383 crate engine (comes without carburetor, ignition, alternator, intake manifold, fuel and water pumps, and starter) that he completed with the following items: Edelbrock Victor Jr. manifold, Holley 770cfm Street Avenger carb, Carter mechanical fuel pump, GM water pump, and MSD Pro Billet ignition system. Requisite tube headers dump into a 2-inch exhaust system. Output is about 425 hp at 5,500 rpm and 450 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm. The engine-driven fan blows through a Griffin aluminum four-row core.
An overdriven top gear was mandatory for the Pro Touring gig. West ordered up a TCI 700R4, equipping it with a 2,200rpm stall speed converter and a manual-shift valve body. Quarter Master Industries shortened the stock driveshaft 2 inches and suddenly the boys were in business.
As partners, Marc and Frank represent yin and yang, Marc being the in-the-blood car guy, Frank the business and manufacturing acumen. So let's put Marc behind the wheel. After our own heart, the Camaro is a radio delete car so all visceral input seethes strictly from the tires and the 383 stroker. See him strapped in the Scat Procar seat, one hand lightly grasping the Grant GT Rally steering wheel, the other on the stock horseshoe shifter handle. In front of him a phalanx of Auto Meter Sport Comp gauges. For mule duty, air conditioning and most other creature comforts became a fond memory.
P.S. Frank and Marc extend their thanks and gratitude to the Wauconda PD for their liberal attitude and understanding during early "testdrives" (no further details available).