Newbie: '67 Conv SS - Rebuild/Upgrade Build List
Hey all. Thanks for the add.
Have been doing some searching for a while now - and didn't find exactly what I was looking for - was hoping some might be able to help provide some direction.
I have a 67 SS that underwent a partial restoration about 15 years ago, but needs some 'updating' as the previous owner didn't drive it much over the last 11 years that he has owned it. Also wasn't handy so he didn't do anything with it either.
My thoughts - stage one:
1. upgrade all the way around with disc brakes. Existing system isn't operating in what I view as a 'safe manner' and think it needs updating. Was thinking Wilwood kit, 4-wheel.
2. Add AC. Possible. Thoughts on kits - do we have a site sponsor that might be a good starting point??
3. Pulling the engine - car sat a lot, and I think there are some issues I the fuel tank and 'to be safe' I think the engine should be pulled and rebuilt.
**** What should I do to it while its out for HP upgrades. NOT going crazy - my daughter will drive this as well, so my request is the 'basics' - cam, lifters? Anything like that for basic performance that isn't based upon refitting every part of the engine out.
Stage two:
1. Suspension. tubular control arms, etc.
Stage three:
1. no idea.....we will see.
Any thoughts on best bang for the buck?? Best kits for the brake conversion?? Any major issues that pop up with that?? I see posts about 'dual cylinders' and single cylinders, etc. What the heck does that mean??? Thought it was pretty standard.
Thanks in advance.
Paul
Have been doing some searching for a while now - and didn't find exactly what I was looking for - was hoping some might be able to help provide some direction.
I have a 67 SS that underwent a partial restoration about 15 years ago, but needs some 'updating' as the previous owner didn't drive it much over the last 11 years that he has owned it. Also wasn't handy so he didn't do anything with it either.
My thoughts - stage one:
1. upgrade all the way around with disc brakes. Existing system isn't operating in what I view as a 'safe manner' and think it needs updating. Was thinking Wilwood kit, 4-wheel.
2. Add AC. Possible. Thoughts on kits - do we have a site sponsor that might be a good starting point??
3. Pulling the engine - car sat a lot, and I think there are some issues I the fuel tank and 'to be safe' I think the engine should be pulled and rebuilt.
**** What should I do to it while its out for HP upgrades. NOT going crazy - my daughter will drive this as well, so my request is the 'basics' - cam, lifters? Anything like that for basic performance that isn't based upon refitting every part of the engine out.
Stage two:
1. Suspension. tubular control arms, etc.
Stage three:
1. no idea.....we will see.
Any thoughts on best bang for the buck?? Best kits for the brake conversion?? Any major issues that pop up with that?? I see posts about 'dual cylinders' and single cylinders, etc. What the heck does that mean??? Thought it was pretty standard.
Thanks in advance.
Paul
Fourth Generation Moderator
October 2009 ROTM
October 2009 ROTM
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 10,560
From: Eastern PA,
ROTM Winner's Club
Is this the 350? Even with perfectly working brakes the original are not up to even the 80's cars. Upgrading the brakes is a good idea. Keep all the original parts.
No need on the suspension upgrade. The body has no structure to it. If you jack up one of the front wheels you will be amazed how high you can get before another tire lifts. If you watch a stock car go around a corner hard and one with $2000 worth of upgrade then both are going around the corner on 3 wheels. GM engineers said even putting the stronger Z28 springs and shocks on it could damage the car. Make sure your lower center support is still there. A lot of guys removed them so they could fit a standard exhaust on there. If that is removed then even turn hard or jacking the car wrong could twist the car and require a frame pull and alignment to fix it
A single piston brake caliper has one pressure point. Picture a banana like brake pad and you press on it with one soda can. You not going to get the full effect with a single can. Now picture two smaller soda cans pushing the same banana and can see how the force would brake more evenly. In 1998 GM switched all Camaro over to dual pistons. Drum brakes where standard on the 67 but if you ordered the upgraded brakes you or the duel pistons Corvette caliper. You will also see four or even six piston calipers, these have pistons on both sides of the rotor.
Keep in mind that updated after market brakes will require larger rims.
Cross brace is the metal plate with the X in the center. It is help on by 6 bolts just at the end of the trans.

1998 twin piston Caliper

Not the greatest pic but these are the 1996 single pistons calipers, 1998 Brake pad is a good bit longer.
No need on the suspension upgrade. The body has no structure to it. If you jack up one of the front wheels you will be amazed how high you can get before another tire lifts. If you watch a stock car go around a corner hard and one with $2000 worth of upgrade then both are going around the corner on 3 wheels. GM engineers said even putting the stronger Z28 springs and shocks on it could damage the car. Make sure your lower center support is still there. A lot of guys removed them so they could fit a standard exhaust on there. If that is removed then even turn hard or jacking the car wrong could twist the car and require a frame pull and alignment to fix it
A single piston brake caliper has one pressure point. Picture a banana like brake pad and you press on it with one soda can. You not going to get the full effect with a single can. Now picture two smaller soda cans pushing the same banana and can see how the force would brake more evenly. In 1998 GM switched all Camaro over to dual pistons. Drum brakes where standard on the 67 but if you ordered the upgraded brakes you or the duel pistons Corvette caliper. You will also see four or even six piston calipers, these have pistons on both sides of the rotor.
Keep in mind that updated after market brakes will require larger rims.
Cross brace is the metal plate with the X in the center. It is help on by 6 bolts just at the end of the trans.

1998 twin piston Caliper

Not the greatest pic but these are the 1996 single pistons calipers, 1998 Brake pad is a good bit longer.
Last edited by Gorn; Jun 26, 2016 at 05:42 PM.
Deleted the message contents - but wanted to quote and say thanks. That was the type of information I needed.
Will check those things tomorrow when I get a chance. THANKS.
With aftermarket big brakes you'll need aftermarket big wheels and tires.
Really only two companies that do aftermarket AC. Classic Auto Air and Vintage Air. After doing a fair bit of research, CAA seems to be a better kit.
Drop the tank, clean it out, and re-install. New plugs, wires, cap, points, and air, oil, and fuel filters. Then drive it. See if there are any improvements.
IMO, you dont need a hypo small block in a conv.
For better handling/braking ideas, check out this website:
FIRST GEN SUSPENSION
Really only two companies that do aftermarket AC. Classic Auto Air and Vintage Air. After doing a fair bit of research, CAA seems to be a better kit.
Drop the tank, clean it out, and re-install. New plugs, wires, cap, points, and air, oil, and fuel filters. Then drive it. See if there are any improvements.
IMO, you dont need a hypo small block in a conv.
For better handling/braking ideas, check out this website:
FIRST GEN SUSPENSION
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post



