Transforming a 1971 Camaro into a Modern Pro-Touring Beast
Posted by D. Brian Smith on Dec 17th 2025
American muscle cars are being maintained, restored, renewed, and restomodded on a daily basis around the globe. From amateur DIY'ers to pro-builders that have last names like: Worman, Johnson, Trepanier, Strope, Brizio, Foose, and etc. - these American muscle car artisans are to be commended for preserving automotive history and keeping these rolling works of industrial design, magnificent mechanization, and art looking great and running strong.
Suspension Upgrade Assigned to OLD2NEW
Suspension, performance, and auto accessory shop Signature Performance, in Costa Mesa, California, contracted some suspension upgrade work on a 1971 Chevrolet Camaro they were improving to OLD2NEW, owned by burgeoning restorer/restomodder/fabricator Nick Andreos. OLD2NEW deinstalled the GM 12-bolt positraction rear axle/differential before welding in a four-link suspension system to optimize traction and handling. Andreos then installed QA1 shocks with coilovers at all four corners and a beefy sway bar for the front.
OLD2NEW's enhancements didn't stop there. Wilwood four-piston caliper disc brakes at all four corners paired with a CPP hydroboost power braking system and Right Stuff brake lines, purchased at Classic Industries, transformed the Camaro's chassis to modern, pro-touring, corner-carving status, thanks to the addition of a Borgeson quick ratio steering box.
The Camaro now rolls righteously on 225/45R18-inch radial shod US Mags in the front and 275/35R20-inch radial wrapped US Mags in the rear. Appreciating OLD2NEW's (O2N) suspension, wheel, and tire work so much, the Camaro's caretaker instructed Signature Performance to have O2N pull the Chevy's engine and swap in a Blueprint LS3 mill that makes 540-horsepower. O2N then further upgraded the engine with a Holley intake, 48-lb. injectors, MSD coils, and V-band equipped stainless steel headers. A GM 4L70E automatic transmission from Monster Transmission that's rated to handle 600-horsepower now backs the powerplant. A Drivelines Inc. driveshaft transfers the power back to the 3.55:1 final drive ratio GM 12-bolt posi.
Before installing the Blueprint V8 lump (as they say in the U.K.) back in the bay, O2N performed some sanding of the firewall and installing of a Detroit Speed firewall A/C delete plate and relocated the windshield motor into the cowl, which created a smooth, uncluttered look. Applying some semi-gloss black engine paint finished off the firewall just fine. For full on comfortable climate control, Nick also installed a Vintage Air Sure Fit HVAC system.
Above and below: These before and after photos represent the pro-touring, restomod transformation, accomplished by Mr. Andreos, owner of OLD2NEW Classic Car Restoration and Repair. The O2N business card looks like a school bus yellow all in caps printing on black background California vintage license plate (which is a pretty creative and clever sort of calling card for an automotive artisan).
Above and below: With the old engine removed, some sanding ensues.
Above and below: Firewall painted, Detroit Speed block off plate attached, and the new CPP hydroboost master cylinder/dual reservoir installed - as the name implies - going from old to new.
Above: A Cold Case aluminum radiator with electric fans keeps the 6.2-liter, LS3 V8 engine running at the optimal temperature for cruising, canyon cavorting, or even grocery getting.
Above: O2N also equipped the cockpit with Dakota Digital gauges, integrated with a Dakota BIM module that connects directly to the Holley Terminator X Max system.
Above: O2N installed an oil catch can for proper crankcase ventilation. The billet aluminum hood hinges were also Mr. Andreo's handiwork.
Above: Professional craftsmanship and attention to detail are readily apparent throughout the '71 Camaro's pro-touring restomod build. All of the engine's plumbing and fittings are Evil Energy AN fittings. The engine brackets are Trans-Dapt.
Above: The OLD2NEW installed Shiftworks conversion kit permits the use of the GM factory shifter with the modern GM 4L70E Monster Transmission - for smooth, precise, automatic shifts.
OLD2NEW's work started in January of 2025 and culminated by the end of July. On a chassis dynamometer, the second-generation Camaro made a solid 400 horsepower at the rear wheels on the chassis dyno's rollers. Thanks to O2N's handiwork, the pro-tourer goes as well as she sounds and looks. Well done, OLD2NEW!
Parts Unlimited Interiors and the Chevy Camaro - Cockpit Components Made in America
Most of the interior components that Parts Unlimited Interiors manufactures are made right here in the USA! If you have a 1971 Camaro, you came to the right place. In fact, if you have any year Chevrolet Camaro, you're where you should be.
