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My First Car
My First Car
I bought this car in high school, and it’s what sparked my love for first‑generation Camaros. It’s an original 350‑cubic‑inch Super Sport with black bucket seats, air conditioning, a center console, and a 4‑speed. From the factory it likely came with a Muncie M21, but when I got it, it was already equipped with the coveted Muncie M22 “Rock Crusher.”
In the mid‑1990s, I decided to do a full color change. The car was maroon when I bought it, and I did a quick black repaint in 1988. The original factory color was Le Mans Blue, but black has always been my favorite.
March 1988
March 1988
Soon after getting the car, the clutch needed to be replaced. I had a lot of help from my friends on my first ever clutch job.
Bob and I adjusting the shift linkage
April 1988
April 1988
Oppps....
Back from the dead....
Back from the dead....
I was able to track down a subframe and all the front‑end sheet metal needed to bring her back to life. I laid down a simple black paint job just to get her back on the road, and she became my daily driver for the next few years.
1997 - Time for Better paint
1997 - Time for Better paint
Although it was rebuilt and painted black in 1988, it was time for a more complete top coat. This was my chance to repair rust and completely jam the car.
Over the years she’s had plenty of upgrades. Not long after I bought her, the engine got a mild cam and a new intake manifold. After I blew the motor on a drive up to Medford, OR at triple‑digit speeds (allegedly), I rebuilt it into a mild 500+ hp, 11:1‑compression, solid‑lifter ripper. Later on, I added fuel injection and a TKO‑600 5‑speed. The most recent updates include a full 4‑link rear suspension with 2‑way adjustable coil-overs at all four corners.
My goal has always been to keep her looking stock. Most people see a clean, original‑looking Camaro… until the engine fires up and they’re greeted by the rumble of the 3‑inch exhaust and the whine of the gear drive.
She’s also a very well‑optioned car: SS package, air conditioning, manual transmission, center console, console gauges, rear defrost, fold‑down rear seat, and front and rear spoilers.
The Camaro next to the Impala
The Camaro next to the Impala
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