Anyone who has been on Hot Rod Magazine’s Drag Week in the last few years, and most all BangShifters, know that my Dad Walt has a 1968 Z28 Camaro that he bought brand new. They also know that he likes to launch the thing at 7000rpm or more at the dragstrip, and has been doing so all it’s life. Well, this year on Drag Week Dad is making some changes. The car has always been setup just like it was back in its days as an NHRA Stock Eliminator car. Meaning it still has it’s Lunati RL302 solid flat tappet cam, and stock heads, intake, carb, etc. Last year the engine got a new set of Manley rods, original .030 over pistons with some lightening, and a new set of rings, bearings, etc.
Since the car isn’t going to run NHRA Stock Eliminator anymore, we’re going with a solid roller. Billy and the gang at Comp Cams have asked for measurements, info, and dyno sheets to decide on what will be the right choice for the old 302, and we’re hoping to pick up some power and make some 11 second laps this year on Drag Week.
Last week, Dad took the Camaro down to ExaTorq in Garland Texas and strapped it to their Mustang Chassis Dyno. We weren’t expecting anything crazy out of the simple little motor, but were pleasantly surprised. Given the very conservative nature of a Mustang dyno, 306 at the wheels ain’t too shabby. So, as soon as we get the new cam installed and running nicely, we’ll strap it to the dyno again to see what kind of numbers we can put down. Until then, enjoy the video of it on the dyno, and the dyno graph below that. For more information or to check out photos of the car on the dyno too, visit www.exatorq.com.
sorry to see the graphics are gone. but glad Walt is getting it ready to abuse again on DW!!
All the lettering has been removed?
‘Hope you’ve saved a lot of pics for posterity.
Folks won’t see [long out of business] Coyle/Billings Chevrolet of San Jose mentioned, often.
I wonder if I should run similar gears behind my OHC six…..
i still get breathless when i see a68 blue and white z/28 just like the one i took delivey of 10 days after I got out of the army in 68.I still have my car to never raced it. would like te see it run. good luck. be watching more on your Z
Would be neat to see how much a modern solid roller can add. Also, a basic set of aluminum heads?
This car and family story RULE.
I look forward to seeing what the roller cam swap will deliver – all else being equal.
I also have to wonder what a set of modern aluminum heads would do to this beast.
Great car, great story.
The graphics were fun and yes I have 43 years worth of pics. You can see many of them at jameshandyphotography.com. I am anxious to get the cam changed so I can go out bracket racing to practice for Drag Week. Neal, will you be going again? I appreciated you as my crewman.
Chad your dad is awesome,Anybody that launches at 7000 is cool.