If you’re a muscle car enthusiast, you know that nothing beats the raw power of a classic big block Camaro. And that’s exactly what Omar, a member of the HMC crew, has in his garage. We had the chance to catch up with Omar and take a closer look at his 1969 Camaro – a beast that has been pieced together over the last three and a half years.
The Build
When Omar first got his Camaro, it was just a painted shell with nothing on it. He started piecing it together by going to swap meets and buying parts from Classic Industries. But he didn’t want just any ordinary engine – he wanted a big block that could drag race and drive on the street. So he called up Skip White Performance in Tennessee and got a big block 572 that generates an impressive 716 horsepower and 706 foot-pounds of torque.
To ensure that he could drive on the highway, he added a gear vendor, and now he can do 75 miles an hour at about 2,900 RPM. But don’t be fooled – this car isn’t just for show. Omar is planning on taking it to the track and using a trans brake to get the most out of it.
The Look
While the Camaro doesn’t handle like a Corvette, it certainly looks the part. Omar kept it original with dog dishes and original steel wheels, although he stretched out the back wheels to 10 inches. He also installed a manual steering box and QA1 adjustable shocks on the front, which gives it a true tracker.
The interior is just as impressive as the exterior. Omar opted for TMI seats that were a perfect fit, as he is 6’5″ and the original seats wouldn’t have worked for him. He kept the houndstooth, which adds a vintage feel to the car, and has a digital dash installed that looks great, although it isn’t always super accurate.
The Performance
When it comes to performance, Omar has big plans for his Camaro. He’s currently aiming for a 690 on the motor with no nitrous, and the fastest he’s gone so far is 704 at 99.5 miles per hour. With the trans brake, he’s hoping to get to the 696-695 range. It’s clear that he’s put a lot of effort and thought into this build, and it shows in every detail.
In conclusion, Omar’s 1969 Camaro is a true work of art. From the powerful engine to the vintage look, it’s clear that this car was built with passion and dedication. We’re excited to see what Omar has in store for the future of this pure muscle machine, and we’ll be sure to keep an eye out for it at the track.
