Sometimes life gives you lemons and you've got to make lemonade. When COVID-19 and the associated lockdowns hit, Gio, the owner of this 1969 Camaro, took it as an opportunity to finally finish the restomod project he started in 2016. The resulting build features an 800-horsepower supercharged LT5 V8, T-56 Magnum transmission, Chris Alston G-Machine chassis, 3-piece wheels, unique custom interior, and much more. The Camaro was nicknamed Apocalypse, which "seemed fitting" given the timing, Gio said with a smile.
Gio's LT5-Powered 1969 Camaro
Gio's Camaro was recently featured on the AutotopiaLA YouTube channel, where he explains some of the finer details of the build. It started as a partially-completed project which Gio picked up in 2016. After working on it himself for a few years, he decided to send it to Tony's Hot Rods in Wisconsin to complete his vision for the build.
This '69 Camaro features the Chris Alston chassis that it had when Gio bought it, but now has a Strange Engineering 9-inch rear end, T-56 manual transmission, and an engine you won't see too often — a dry sump supercharged LT5 V8 from a C7 Corvette ZR1. Until it was discontinued in 2021, this was GM's most powerful crate engine. Gio estimates it currently makes between 800 and 900 horsepower, but could make nearly 1,000 with a standalone ECU tune and a few more modifications.
The exterior has a few unique elements, such as the swooping asymmetric racing stripes on the driver's side, the custom ducted hood, and recessed exhaust tips next to a custom rear diffuser.
Gio chose three-piece Forgeline wheels, which were originally matte black, but later decided to repaint them a copper hue to match the interior colors. The wheels also accent a set of Wilwood big brakes.
Speaking of the interior, it's truly one-of-a-kind, with distressed diamond-stitched leather and woodgrain trim from Keglers Customs. The seats are fully-powered Cadillac CTS-V seats, complete with lumbar support. There's also a Billet Specialties wheel and pedals, and a custom stereo with a large touchscreen display.
Check out the video below from AutotopiaLA to see (and hear) this 1969 Camaro in action!
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