Mail Order Camaro v2.0

The Plan - Give the Mail Order Camaro a Makeover

YearOne is teaming with GM Performance Parts to build a modern classic for this year’s SEMA show to celebrate the rebirth of the legendary Camaro nameplate. Enthusiasts everywhere are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the 2010 Camaro, the 5^th generation of Chevy’s iconic pony car, and as part of the pre-release festivities GM’s 2008 SEMA display will highlight the model in various forms.

One of the cars being prepared for the display is YearOne’s Mail Order Camaro, the first complete vehicle built from the reproduction Camaro convertible bodies produced by Dynacorn. YearOne built the car in 2006, documenting the process in a book that’s since sold thousands of copies.

For SEMA ’08, the Mail Order Camaro is getting a thorough makeover. The car is being taken down to the bare shell again, and will be rebuilt using the most modern components available in the expansive Camaro aftermarket. GM Performance Parts is contributing a state-of-the-art 376-inch LSX-based engine backed by a Tremec T-56 six-speed transmission. A Moser 9-inch rear axle will put the power to the ground.

Detroit Speed and Engineering is providing the suspension system for the car, including their incredible hydro-formed front subframe that features tubular upper and lower control arms, forged aluminum Corvette spindles, power steering rack and adjustable coil-over shock absorbers. Out back, the DSE Quadra-Link adjustable four-link rear suspension is being fitted, along with adjustable Koni coil-over shocks.

The car will be finished in GM Performance Part’s official color made famous by Chevy’s factory Corvette road racers – Millenium Yellow. The interior will feature upgraded seats, a custom instrument cluster, and of course will include a mega-watt sound system.

Mail Order Camaro v2.0 Gallery

The (Re)Build
kmaney
12/10/2008
31 Photos

The (Re)Build

MOC v1.0

MOC v2.0

The idea behind building the original Mail Order Camaro was fairly simple: Show enthusiasts what a car built almost entirely from reproduction and aftermarket parts could look like. With that in mind, we did a minimum of things like panel fitting and parts massaging - the types of details that make a really nice car. Not that the MOC in original form wasn't a nice car - it was fine for what it was. But the panels didn't fit great and the overall level of finish had more in common with a good driver than a show car. And we also built it in less that 60 days...

We knew, though, the car would have to make a major leap in fit and finish to be part of the GM Performance Parts booth at SEMA. So we stripped the car and spent quite a bit of time making sure the panel gaps were consistent, and the details were right. The car also had to reflect modern thinking with respect to suspension, brakes, powertrain and general appearance.

To update the car mechanically, we added Detroit Speed and Engineering's front hydro-formed subframe and Quadra-Link rear four-link suspension system. The DSE stuff uses Koni coilover shocks all the way around, which not only aid handling a great deal but also let us get the perfect ride height. GM Performance Parts supplied the LSX-based 376 engine making 485 horsepower, along with the strong Tremec 6-speed tranny. Stopping power is supplied by a set of Baer 6-piston calipers up front, grabbing 14" two-piece rotors. As always, we used BFGoodrich tires, in this case wrapping a set of Budnik 18" billet wheels.

Back to the body: Along with getting the gaps and panel fit right, we wanted to dress the MOC up a bit more for its debut in Vegas. We added a YearOne composite hood with late-style SS scoop along with a complete RS headlight/grille setup. Out back, we built a completely new spoiler for the trunk - similar in style to the OEM first-gen Camaro piece, but altogether larger for more presence. One of GMPP's requirements for the car was finishing it in their official color, Millenium Yellow. That was fine with us - it's a good hot rod color after all, but we decided to dress it up further with pewter accents.

Inside the car we added a new set of bucket seats, complete with upgraded upholstery, and did a few custom touches to the instrument panel and console. Of course we added a rocking sound system, and generally tried to make the interior a more inviting place to spend some time.

While it was quite a thrash - again - the Mail Order Camaro has never looked better. It's also a blast to drive, with plenty of power from the GMPP powertrain, great handling and great stopping courtesy of DSE and Baer. What's next for the car? Well, we're not quite sure. Perhaps it will stay version 2.0, but somehow, we get the feeling we'll be working on the Mail Order Camaro again some day. Like all good hot rods, they're never finished.