For this restoration, we have opted to take a 1968 Camaro Rally Sport that was previously modified for drag racing, and restore it to a stock configuration and as closely as reasonably to possible to showroom condition. The end result will be a classic that has been restored for both performance and appearance, and will be suitable as a daily driver. The engine will be replaced with an all-new crate engine. The compression ratio will be lowered, allowing the car to run on unleaded fuel. The after-market wheels and racing axle will be removed as well. For this segment, host Ron Ananian is joined by engine and classic-car expert Butch Capps for removal of the old engine from the Camaro's engine compartment. Engine removal is a job that requires an engine lift and at least two people in order to do the job properly and safely. Following are the major steps in the in the engine removal as shown in the episode.
- The first step is removal of the hood (figure A). This step requires two people in order to lift the hood clear of the vehicle without causing any damage.
- The air-filter is removed (figure B) in order to inspect the condition of the carburetor.
- With the air filter removed, the engine block can be examined (figure C). This is a small-block 327-cubic-inch engine. At this point, it's not possible to discern what internal modifications may have been made on the engine previously. The presence of a high-RPM single-plane intake and oversized alternator pulley indicate that some internal modifications may have been done. These kinds of racing modifications are not well suited for a daily driver, so the decision is made to replace the old engine with a new crate engine. The new engine will be better suited to street driving, and will have the correct compression ratio for unleaded gasoline.
- Before the engine can be removed, a number of engine accessories will need to be disconnected and/or removed. The thermostat housing is removed, radiator hoses are disconnected and the coolant is drained out.
- Battery cables are disconnected, and the battery is removed from the vehicle.
- The fan shroud is unfastened and moved back, enabling the fan itself to be unbolted. With both components loose, they can be lifted out together (figure D).
- The spark-plug wires are all disconnected (figure E). Since the engine is being replaced, it's not necessary to keep track of the order of connection. (If the wires and distributor were being retained for re-use, it would be important to label the wires and mark the distributor for proper reconnection later.)
- Remove the distributor (figure F) from the engine.
- Unclamp, disconnect and remove fuel lines -- keeping in mind that some may still contain fuel.
- Remove the carburetor (figure G) and other engine accessories such as the ignition coil and lower radiator hose.
- With radiator hoses disconnected, the radiator itself can be unbolted and removed (figure H).
- With the radiator removed, the under-the-hood portion of this phase is complete. Now, the vehicle is put onto a lift (or lifted with jacks and jack-stands) for removal of components from beneath the vehicle. The headers, cross-member, driveshaft and exhaust system will all need to be removed. Having the vehicle on a lift makes it easier to plan the order and methods for removing these components. Special consideration is given to later removal of the engine, with the transmission still attached, and how it will clear any obstacles.
- Safety Alert: When removing components from beneath the vehicle, keep in mind that the parts may be rusted and deteriorated, and there may still be fluids or fuel that can leak out. Be cautious as you remove any parts, and wear safety glasses for eye protection.
- The muffler hangers are disconnected, and the old muffler (figure I) and exhaust system is removed.
- Next, the driveshaft is unbolted, lowered and removed. To do this, unbolt the clamps and bolts at the rear axle, then slide the shaft out of the back of the transmission (figure J).
- Tip: With the driveshaft removed, transmission fluid is likely to leak out. To prevent fluid spillage, use a spare driveshaft yoke to insert and seal the back of the automatic transmission output shaft (figure K).
- With the driveshaft removed and the spare yoke in place, unbolt the shift cable and linkage (figure L).
- Next, loosen and remove the cross-member and transmission-mount bolts. With these bolts removed, the engine transmission is just about ready for removal.
- Because this is an early-model Camaro engine, there are no accessory holes in the heads for safely connecting the lift to the engine block. The lifting device must be placed directly on the intake on the carburetor-mounting pad. This arrangement makes it difficult to remove the engine and transmission from the vehicle together. For that reason, the transmission is removed from underneath using a transmission jack.
- Trans cooler lines, torque converter and bell-housing are all unbolted. With those preparatory steps finished, the transmission is raised up using the jack and the cross-member is removed.
- The transmission can now be lowered out of the vehicle using the transmission jack. A safety chain is used to stabilize the transmission as it is lowered (figure M).
- The headers are unbolted from the engine (figure N), after which they can be lowered and removed from underneath the car.
- With the headers removed, the bolts that go through the cross-mount portion of the engine mounts are loosened and removed. With those bolts removed, the engine can be lifted out of the engine compartment using the engine lift (figure O).
- Lifting the engine is another two-man operation. One person operates the lift, while the other steadies the suspended engine and assists with moving it forward and clear of the vehicle (figure P).
The engine removal completes the first phase of the restoration project. In the segments that follow in the next episode of DIY's Classic Car Restoration , the Camaro's brake system is overhauled and upgraded.
RESOURCES :
Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners ...
Model: 1557881944
Author: Jim Richardson
Order this book from Amazon.com
H.P. Books
Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
Model: 1850108900
Author: Lindsay Porter
Order this book from Amazon.com
Haynes Publishing
Camaro Restoration Handbook: Ground-Up or Sectional Restoration Tips and Techniques
Model: 0895863758
Author: Tom Currao
Full title: Camaro Restoration Handbook: Ground-Up or Sectional Restoration Tips and Techniques for 1967 to 1981 Camaros
H.P. Books
Camaro Restoration Guide: 1967-1969 (Authentic Restoration Guides)
Model: 0760301603
Author: Jason Scott
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Original Camaro: 1967-1969 (Bay View Original Series)
Model: 0760309256
Author: Jason Scott, Andy Kraushaar
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Camaro Exposed: 1967-1969 - Designs, Decisions and the Inside View
Model: 0837608767
Author: Paul Zazarine
Bentley Publishers
Special thanks for DIY's Classic Car Restoration -- 1968 Camaro RS
East Tennessee Camaro Club
President: Harold Pena
3710 Washington Pike, Knoxville, TN 37917
Phone: 865-633-8340
E-mail: jalpeno@worldnet.att.net
Smokey Mountain F-Bodies
Website: www.smokeymountainf-bodies.cz28.com
Coker Tires
Website: www.coker.com
Photos provided by:
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Website: www.brickyard.com
Year One
Website: www.yearone.com
GUESTS :
Butch Capps
Mid-South Gear Specialists
1903 Rosewood Road
Knoxville, TN 37924
Phone: 865-524-4800
Classic-car and replica-car expert; automotive engine specialist.
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