Autotopia LA features Tom’s 1967 Camaro, a 20-year build that has gone through four engines, three chassis setups and endless tuning.
Much of that progress came through trial and error. Suspension, brakes, wiring and drivetrain parts were changed again and again until the car finally worked the way he wanted.
Tom says he spent more than twice as much time dialing the Camaro in as he did building it. That matters when the current LSX 434 with twin 66 mm turbos is making more than 1,000 horsepower at the tires.
Putting that power down became another challenge. Traction control allows a small amount of wheelspin instead of cutting power completely, while 335-section rear drag radials help the Camaro hook much harder than before.
Inside, the car keeps a cleaner and more restrained feel. Red accents, black trim and familiar Camaro details stop it from feeling overdone, while the driving position was set up to stay comfortable.
After 20 years with the car, Tom is even considering selling it. Part of the reason is a 1963 split-window Corvette inherited from his father, which he would like to build with his son.
How much value do 20 years of development really add to a Camaro like this?
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A rough-looking 1970 Chevelle with a twin-turbo Ford Coyote, a hand-built cooler and a steering wheel from a family boat.
