AutoUrge May 2020 Feature: Street Beast z28

Street Beast z28

Written by Ryan Wagoner / Photos by Ryan Ledesma

1970 Chevrolet Camaro z28 Restomod / Street Machine

Ryan Ledesma had the opportunity to photograph this car for Driven Rods and Rides of Maryland Heights, MO a while back before it went to its new owner in Oklahoma. Enjoy a look at this one of a kind, rare split bumper Camaro.

This ride is an absolute beast of a car and only the finest parts were used in this build. Here you have the timeless, ‘70 Camaro body with all the luxuries of today’s must-have technology. With a fresh fire breathing 1,400 horse twinturbocharged 454ci LSX v8 complete with LS7 mastheads, the entire drivetrain has had no expense spared. Starting with a RHS tall deck block, Callies Magnum crank, Callies Ultra HD rods, diamond coated custom pistons, Compcam custom camshaft, Mast intake, ARP fasteners, and a Wegener front-drive system— you can basically hear the cash register dinging. The twin turbochargers are precision 72mm with Pro Charger blow off valves and an air to air intercooler. All that power is delivered through a t56 Magnum 6 speed with Spec Super twin-clutch, a quick time scatter shield, and a custom driveshaft mated to a Strange Engineering Ford 9” rear end with Detroit lockers, Strange third member (3.73 gear ratio) and 35 spline axles.

With a fresh complete rotisserie restoration, the body has been fitted with DSE mini tubs, new rear quarters, all new glass, custom L88 fiberglass hood, and beautiful custom paint and bodywork.

Additionally, the chassis received multiple high-end upgrades starting with a Heidt’s front subframe assembly, frame connectors, Flaming River rack and pinion, Wilwood 12” disc brakes, and Ridetech adjustable coilovers. Outback you’ll find a Ridetech 4 link system plus more 12” Wilwood disc brakes and Ridetech adjustable coil-overs.

All this horsepower needs tons of cooling power, new wiring, and a proper fuel system. Cooling is provided by a massive Ron Davis aluminum radiator backed by dual electric fans. The electrical system consists of a new Holley Dominator EFI system, Auto Wire classic update wire kit, Auto Meter gauges, and Holley sensors and relays. The fuel system starts with a 19-gallon DSE fuel tank, Aeromotive twin phantom fuel pumps, and Holley 160lb injectors.

Yes, of course! This ride also has a vintage air kit with full heat and air conditioning that will freeze you out! This Camaro also sounds incredible with its full custom headers and dual exhaust system.

The interior has been mildly customized with a practical roll cage which has swing-out arms and back seat section making it easy to get in and out of and much more streetable. None of that crawling over bars crap with this car to get in and out. Also, a sexy new Billet Specialties steering wheel, custom shifter, modern gauges, and carbon dash insert, plus racing harnesses round out this all-new interior nicely. The custom stereo sounds excellent with a new Kenwood Excelon AM/FM/CD/Pandora/SiriusXM/iPod/iPhone/iHeart radio/ Bluetooth unit with aux/USB plugins, with pioneer speakers and a kicker sub and amp in the trunk.

This beauty isn’t the same ole Camaro everyone else has or has been seen countless times at your local car show. It would cost well over $150,000 with paid labor and months, if not years, to have a ride of this quality and magnitude built. ■

Want More? We have even More Photos to see of this month’s Feature at AutoUrge.com! ■