SEMA: Chevrolet Camaro resto mod

Chevrolet has gone back to the future by installing a fresh supercharged V8 engine into a 1970 Camaro and turbo four into a 1967 Nova.

The restored two-door models have been created by Chevrolet Performance for the annual SEMA aftermarket modifications show in the States, designed to show off the ‘crate’ building possibilities of the high-tech direct injection LT4 6.2-litre supercharged V8 and 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder.

Chevrolet Performance says either engine “allows builders to use the high-tech performance engines in their hot rod projects”.

The 1970 Camaro RS makes 485kW from what is the most powerful production GM engine, available in dry- or wet-sump versions.

For the vintage beast the suspension has been upgraded to an independent front and rear set-up with coilovers, and both rack-and-pinion steering and a six-speed manual transmission have been installed.

Front and rear disc brakes take from the same model that features the LT4 V8, the Corvette Z06 supercar, placed behind 19-inch alloy wheels.

According to Chevrolet, latest Camaro RS cues such as the Hyper Blue colour, seats and gauges, “complements the contemporary powertrain that drives the vintage muscle car.” Likewise with the LED headlights and tail-lights.

The 1967 Nova (dubbed Nova 2.0) matches its smaller-than-Camaro exterior with a 203kW 2.0-litre turbo that is just 3kW from matching the 5.3-litre V8 in the original car.

Chevrolet says halving the cylinders under the bonnet - and having those pots made of aluminium rather than iron – has helped deliver 50:50 weight distribution while claiming a brisk 6.2sec 0-100km/h sprint.

The Nova 2.0 gets height-adjustable airbag suspension with multi-link rear, four-wheel discs and 17-inch alloy wheels to complete the US equivalent of a modern, restored Holden Torana from our country.

As with the LT4, the LTG four-banger is offered individually with associated accessory drive kits, air-conditioning, power steering and transmission parts to match those crate engines.