1969 Yenko Tribute Car

As Camaro fans worldwide celebrate the 40th anniversary of the legendary 1969 Yenko Camaro this year, the guys over at "Chop, Cut, Rebuild" decided to get in on the fun and partner with D&P Classic Chevy, Original Equipment Reproduction (OER) and Classic Industries to build a unique, never-before-seen vehicle: the 1969 Yenko Tribute Car.

The Tribute Car is actually a "new", modernized 1969 Camaro built using the best products available in the automotive aftermarket today. The build was a complete ground-up re-creation, beginning with a brand new body and using an extensive list of products and parts from OER, a leading manufacturer and distributor of classic restoration parts and the project's principal sponsor, based in Westminster, California.

The goal was to maintain the classic design and appearance of the '69 Camaro, but integrate a high level of modern components into the construction; a concept based on what D&P feels that Don Yenko himself would have done.

To complete the "What If" project, OER, a long time sponsor of "Chop, Cut Rebuild", provided an extensive list of parts including body, trim, interior, chrome, and many other reproduction components.

The completed Tribute Car is a driver-friendly, comfortable street machine that is also able to competitively handle a drag strip or road course. The vehicle's exterior looks relatively stock, but the modern drivetrain components and cutting-edge technology inside are what allows it to be very fast and far exceeding what was available in 1969.

Originally, the '60s era Yenko Camaro was a special order vehicle, available only through Don Yenko Chevrole tin Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Don Yenko used the Central Office Production Order (COPO) program, a program GM used for fleet vehicles like police cars, taxi cabs, etc. to special order the most powerful Camaros available.

Today, an original Yenko is one of the most sought after Camaros in the world, garnering five to 10 times the resale value of a regular Camaro.

Currently, Darryl and Peggy Nance, owners of D&P Classic Chevy, a full service restoration and street rod shop based in Huntington Beach, Calfifornia, own this car.

Engine:
- LS7, 427 Cubic Inch – fuel injected by GM Performance Parts (rated at 505 horsepower)
- Front Engine Accessory Drive system for the motor, computer, computer harness and engine accessories by GM Performance Parts
- Headers by Lemons Headers
- Exhaust system by Flowmaster
- Radiator and electric fans by Be Cool
- LS7 oil tank and components by Petersen Fluid Systems
- High performance battery by Knetik

Transmission:
- Tremec T56 Magnu 6 speed transmission – this was the first T56 Magnum rated at 700 foot pounds of torque
- Transmission conversion products and technical/installation support provided by Keisler Engineering

Suspension:
- Front and rear suspension by Detroit Speed & Engineering
- Powder coated 1st Generation Hydro-formed subframe, including rack and pinion steering, tubular control arms, front suspension and spindles by Detroit Speed & Engineering

Brakes:
- Complete front and rear 6-piston brake calipers with drilled and slotted rotors by Baer Brakes
- Brake master cylinder and special accumulator assembly by ABS Power Brake

Tires and Wheels:
- 18" BF Goodrich KDW tires
- D&P custom 18" wheels built by US Wheel

Exterior:
- Paint materials were provided by PPG

Interior:
- Air conditioning by Vintage Air
- Kicker stereo system
- Clarion stereo head unit
- Interior installation by Stitchcraft

WD-40 Partners with SEMA Cares to Build Custom 2010 Camaro for Charity

Vehicle to be Displayed at SEMA Show ‘N Shine Car Show Aug. 1 in Pasadena, Calif.

SAN DIEGO -- WD-40 Company is partnering with the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s charity arm, SEMA Cares, to help build a custom version of the highly anticipated 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, which will be auctioned to help children in need.

The WD-40®/SEMA Cares 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS/RS, which has a 6.2-liter V8 engine with up to 426 horsepower, will be displayed in an enhanced stock format at the SEMA Show ‘N Shine Car Show on Saturday, Aug. 1 inside the newly remodeled Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, Calif. Hundreds of vehicles will be on display at the event, and legendary automotive designer Chip Foose will serve as the event’s grand marshall. Proceeds of the event will go to Childhelp®, an organization that provides services to abused and neglected children, and The Victory Junction Gang® Camp, which provides life-changing camping experiences to disabled and chronically ill children.

WD-40 Company and SEMA Cares are partnering with a number of aftermarket auto and technology companies, which are donating parts, equipment and services to the 2010 Camaro build. Once complete, the WD-40/SEMA Cares 2010 Camaro will be featured at the 2009 SEMA Show, Nov. 3–6 in Las Vegas, appear at select West Coast auto-related events, and then be auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Show and Auction Jan. 18–24 in Scottsdale, Ariz. to benefit the same charities.

“Automotive enthusiasts have been using WD-40 for more than 50 years, and we couldn’t be happier to be partnering with such an iconic brand,” said Joel Ayres, chairman of the SEMA Cares Committee. “This vehicle will honor WD-40 Company’s dedication to the automotive industry and represent its willingness to help those in need.”

Partners involved in the building of the Camaro include: APE Wraps, Audio Innovations, Cie Studios, DynoMax, Eclipse, Forgeline Motorsports, House of Tint, Katzkin Leather, Nitto Tire, Paxton Automotive, Pedders USA, Street Scene Equipment and Top Quality Powder Coating.

“We are excited to partner with so many leaders in the automotive industry, and are grateful for the opportunity to support such worthwhile causes,” said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing at WD-40 Company.

For more information about the SEMA Show ‘N Shine Car Show, please visit www.sema.org/shownshine

American muscle outselling other GM brands

The big news surrounding the auto industry the last couple of weeks has been General Motors sales dropped 22% for the first half of 2009, all the while emerging from Federal Bankruptcy. It took 40 days for GM to ride out this storm (the last time somebody and their transportation appliance had to do the same for 40 days, the situation was much dire), however the, “new” General Motors is being touted as a lean and mean corporation, determined to bring new products to market quicker, and provide the buying public the type of small, fuel efficient vehicles they have apparently been demanding.

See the entire article here

Avis has the Camaro

Reserve the Camaro or any other Avis Cool Car and you can be sure that the make and model you request is the make and model you get. Roll in style with the Avis Cool Cars collection, fun-to-drive vehicles that can turn a regular car rental into a memorable driving experience - and always book early!

Grab the wheel and prepare to be WOWED as Camaro lives up to its reputation as a modern performance car. You'll turn heads when you take it on the road and map out your own new adventures. And with impressive fuel economy, it's a practical luxury that you deserve.

The Chevy Camaro is a popular rental. Reserve early. Available in limited quantities, click the link below for details

www.avis.com/camaro

Transformers Camaro parts available

Want to build your own Transformers Edition Camaro?

GM has the parts available from your local GM dealer parts department, see the list below.
Prices listed are GM List, not sure why the price would be different for the left and right hand decals however?

92242457 - Transformers Edition Side Fender Emblem - $ n/a
19213573 - Transformers Edition Center Cap - $15.00
92242459 - Transformers Edition Center Console - $295.56
92242458 - Transformers Edition Door Sill Plates - $70.00/set of 2
92242453 - Transformers Edition LH Hood Stripe - $184.73
92242452 - Transformers Edition RH Hood Stripe - $206.32
92242454 - Transformers Edition Decklid Stripe Package (without rear spoiler) - $185.17
92242455 - Transformers Edition Decllid Stripe Package (with rear spoiler) - $170.59

Visit your local Chevrolet dealer to order.

Camaros deliver the pizza

We caught this V6 Camaro tonight, looked like someone bought a nice affordable pony car to use on the job delivering pizza. Upon closer inspection, this turns out to be a CTF car (GM Captured Test Fleet). Somebody is moonlighting...

New Camaro SS crash

According to Jalopnik, another Camaro SS receives a facelift. Story goes guy takes delivery, day two attempts a burnout then a building got in the way leading to his arrest.

Order your own Bumblebee

Recently GM unveiled the new Transformers 'Special Edition' package available on your 2010 Camaro at the Comic-Con International festival in San Diego, California.
Yellow with black rally decals, this package is available on both V6 and V8 versions. This is an appearance only package that will not allow you to turn your car into an autobot at red lights, but it is priced at $995.00.

Features include autobot emblems on the wheel center caps, front fenders, TRANSFORMERS graphic in the hood decals, custom center console cover and door sill plates. This package is a bit pricey by our standards, but I'm sure a few will roll out of showrooms.

Want a new Camaro convertible?

Newport Convertible Engineering (NCE) is already taking orders for their 2010 Camaro convertible conversion package. The conversion process will take roughly 4-6 weeks to complete.

No pricing information has been released yet, but if you would like more details please visit their web site HERE.

MN6 Transmissions on hold from GM

If you have a 6 speed manual Camaro SS (with LS3 motors) on order, there is a temporary hold up. GM is having an output shaft failure using the launch control feature. The Tremec 6060 gearbox is not being recalled, but this is a considered to be "in production review" while the issue is investigated further.

This does not affect V6 Camaro LS and LT models at this time.

You may also join the MN6 constraint discussion on 5thgen.org

July 17th update: It appears the issue has been resolved. As MN6 cars pass inspection in Oshawa, they are being released for shipping as of today!

Hot Rod Search Engine

Finally, a comprehensive search engine for automotive enthusiasts!

Tired of the white screen on your favorite search engine, Google? There is a new search page in town www.HotRodSearch.com

We've been using it for a day or two and like the cool black background, simple display as well as the feel and results backed by the Google search engine.

Try it out today and let us know what you think!

Camaro headed to Europe

General Motors can barely keep up with demand for the new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, but that won’t stop the American automaker from bringing the car to less traditional markets. According to German car magazine Auto Motor und Sport, which cites and executive at Chevrolet Germany, the Camaro will go on sale in Europe in the near future.

Presumably the European Camaro will be available as a 2011 model as some changes will be required to meet European regulations.

Source: Autoguide.com