1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS LS-3 & 6 Spd manual

Description

1968 marked the second year of production for the now iconic, first generation, Chevrolet Camaro. Introduced the year before as GM’s answer to the Ford Mustang. The Camaro was Chevy's entry into the pony car arena. This '68 is a great example of the car with many modern features to improve and enhance the driving experience. The paint is very similar to the classic red, but is not an exact, original color. I bought this car in 2010 and immediately started a near body-off rebuild. The build took about 4 years to complete (2014). I started with the Drive train and finished with the interior. Though this Camaro started life like the majority of the '68’s with a cast iron small block, this one has been improved in both the drive train and the suspension to Pro-Touring levels. I wanted a modern driving, high performance, hot rod to tour around sunny Southern California.

DRIVETRAIN: I replaced the cast iron small block and found a pristine 435 hp, LS-3 engine mated in the GM factory to a 6 Speed manual transmission as the heart of the build. When you pop the hood and lay your eyes on the 6.2 litre, LS-3 computer controlled engine strapped to the Tremec TR-6060 6 speed manual transmission it is a beautiful sight. Both of these were removed from a 2010 Camaro after it was side swiped and totaled out at about 20k miles. I've since added about 2600 miles since the build was completed. This car is well sorted. The installation of the motor and trans were carefully thought out with months of research to facilitate an installation that DID NOT require cutting the frame. If you're a student of this modification, you'll know that almost all LS installations cut the frame. I wasn't satisfied with that so I spent lots of time and money having special brackets and fittings made to get the AC compressor and alternator down low without hitting the frame. I really didn't want them sitting high on the engine and distract from the beauty of the LS-3. This modification to a manual transmission required changing the car from an automatic to a manual foot box to include the clutch pedal. The conversion also required a new high pressure fuel pump and adding a return line to the new fuel tank. This build includes the stock ECU to keep things super simple when it comes to tuning. Street and Performance provided the LS wiring harness. American Autowire provided the new all-car wiring harness. Yes, every inch of wiring is new on this car. I removed all original wire to improve reliability. The dash gauges are all Auto Meter electric and include the gauge cluster kit layout. This car is, by design, a 2010 Camaro SS including the original radiator. As a extra feature (more for looks than anything else) I added an external oil cooler complete with Stainless Steel braided lines and AN fittings. Energy Suspension Polyurethane Motor Mounts hold this beast in place. A set of ceramic coated, headers feed the dual exhaust with a pair of Flowmaster 2.5", 40 series, mufflers to give it a nice deep, powerful sound without being too loud to talk while you drive. In addition to the engine and trans installation, is an aluminum, custom made drive shaft feeding a 12 Bolt rear end (4.11s). Rear end was completely rebuilt by Pro Gear with new clutch packs and seal in 2014. I also added a Tick Performance SS braided clutch line and speed bleeder.

SUSPENSION: Savitske Classic Stage 2-Plus suspension. SPC Performance Pro Series adjustable upper A Arms. Hotchkis Sport Suspension front springs & front and rear Sway Bar. Competition Engineering Traction Bar Set. Lee's Performance Power (12.7:1) Steering Box with associated Flaming River Nickel u-joints and steering column shaft. Also upgraded Energy Suspension polyurethane body mount set replacing all old rubber holding the body to the frame.

BRAKES: Wilwood Disc in Front and original Drum in Rear.

OTHER: Alpine IDA-X305S Radio/Digital Player Stereo with extra Alpine KTP-445 amplifier feeding the 2 JBL 6" 2-Way Speakers in the Doors and 2 6x9 2 Way speakers in the rear deck. In the trunk are a pair of 10" Alpine Sub-woofers powered by their own 100 wpc Alpine amplifier mounted behind the back seat. Vintage Air Air Conditioning and Heating system that retains the use of the original vintage slide switches. Rebuilt door windows using Classic Industries rebuild kit. Also new from Classic Industries are both right and left door mirrors and front spoiler. New Seat Belts (including shoulder belt) in the front seats, New, reclining, Carbeau bucket seats, Tilt steering wheel, Power Steering, wood brake reservoir, center console out of the 2010 Camaro includes 12v and USB connectors (iPod), and Nitto rear drag Radial Tires and Nitto front radial tires. Wheels are American Racing.

• Build started in 2010; completed in 2014

• LS3 motor with 2600 miles since restoration was completed

• Factory (OEM) original radiator, fans, alternator & power steering pump operate exactly as GM designed

• Tremec TR-6060 6 speed manual transmission

• The Driveshaft Shop Aluminum Driveshaft

• 12 Bolt rear end with 4.11s

• Hydratech Power Brake System

• Wilwood Aluminum Tandem Master Cylinder

• rear suspension with Bilstein shocks all around

• Wilwood front disc brakes/rear drum, Power steering, Lee Steering Box
  

• New American Racing Wheels with Nitto tires. Rear: 275/40 R18 (18"); Front 245/40 R18 Tires

• New Vintage Air AC & Heater

• New gas tank for Fuel Injection (return line), Filler neck and locking gas cap relocated in Trunk to resolve fuel spillage during refueling
  

• New Carbeau (90010) black sport seats

• Flaming River Tilt Steering Column

• Lokar Throttle Pedal

• New Vinyl Trunk Mat

• New FlowMaster 40 series mufflers

• Custom interior, New Auto Meter gauges with GPS speedometer, GT steering wheel, Lots of DynaMat Xtreme on nearly all interior panels, floor and doors to keep down road noise.

• Rear lights (brake and driving lights) are all LED

Now, if you haven't already, please check my eBay feedback rating. It is 100% and I work hard to keep it that way and explain to the best of my ability, the pros & cons with the items I sell. This car ad is no exception. Mechanically this car is fantastic and I can confidently say it will provide years of excellent, reliable service to the buyer. The interior is fine, but the carpet is original as are the rear seats. You can see in the pictures, the rear bench has a tear in it and the carpet is original. If you choose, these are relatively easy and cheap things to fix or upgrade. I've driven it for years without and it doesn't bug me so I never changed them out. However, the scrutinizing person will observe that the paint is the only real item to mention that is not in show room condition. There are chips and scratches, they are all shown in the pictures. The color is great, but during the build process, mistakes happened and there was some damage to a few areas. I decided rather than invest the money in the paint to sell it, I'd leave it up to the buyer in case they wanted to go with a different color altogether. Of course, my decision to not get the chips fixed is reflected in the lower starting price.

Lastly, I have a 3 ring binder, build manual with all receipts, manuals, instructions and wiring diagrams!

I am glad to accommodate your inspector at your expense to give you an independent review of the condition of the car but rest assured, I have described everything as is without embellishment. Please feel free to ask as many questions as you'd like. I know this is a big decision.

1968 Camaro SS LS-3 / 6 Spd California Car - YouTube

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