Day-Two Big-Block Swap Candidate: 1970-1/2 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 RS



























One of my favorite automotive designs of all-time are early second-generation Chevrolet Camaros. Featuring a bold design by Bill Mitchell, early second-generation Camaros feature a design reminiscent of Ferrari sports cars, but with a bold, American flair. Though any 1970-1973 Camaro typically has a nice appearance, I prefer the split-bumper RS Camaros to the full-bumpered Camaro Sport Coupes. This 1970-1/2 Chevrolet Camaro is not only a RS model, it also features the Z28 option; the car is also built up as a day-two style muscle car. Find it here on eBay in Kings Park, New York, with nine bids and less than a day left to bid.   


























After numerous problems delayed production, the second-generation Camaro debuted in February 1970. Available as a two-door sports coupe only, the second-gen Camaro boasted European-inspired looks and a sloping, fastback body. This 1970-1/2 Camaro is a Z28 RS, and is one of 27,136 RS models and one of 8,733 Z28 models built for the year. Resplendent in Citrus Green with black stripes, this Z28 RS is said to be 75% original, but is built in a period Day-Two style. Said to have spent 35 years sitting on jackstands in a heated garage, the car is said to be free of rust, though there is a dent to the left of the license plate and some scratches on the lower part of the driver's-side rear quarter panel. The Endura front end is also starting to deform from age, and the fornt upper valence needs to be repaired. The L88-style hood, Cragar S/S wheels, and side-mounted exhaust pipes nicely enhance the look of this car, though I would ditch the BF Goodrich Radial T/As for a set of Pro-Trac tires. I would also straighten out the dent with paintless-dent repair, polish the side pipes and Cragar S/Ss, detail the paint, and rip some long, smoky burnouts.








































Taking a peek under the hood, you'll see a built 350 SBC occupying the engine bay. Though it is not said or known if the 350 is the stock LT1 Z28 engine, mileage is said to be original at 33,000 miles. Backed by a M21 four-speed manual transmission and a 12-bolt rear end, performance parts include an Edelbrock intake, aluminum heads, MSD ignition, long-tube headers, Scorpion 1.5-inch roller rockers, and a new clutch assembly with scattershield. Having said that, the powertrain is stout and powerful, but in keeping with the car's appearance, I would swap in a big-block 427 or 454 and a M23 Auto Gear four-speed manual transmission, thusly matching the car's "show with the appropriate amount of "go".



































For a second I did a double-take; this interior looks almost exactly like the one in the Z28 Car Craft tested back in 1970. Inside, the interior of this Z28 RS is mostly stock, with the exception of an appropriate Hurst T-Handle shifter. Respledent in black cloth-and-vinyl, the interior of this Z28 RS is said to be original, albeit in need of a cleaning. Black vinyl and woodgrain finishes nicely complement each other, though the floor mat on the driver's side could use replacing. Overall, this Z28 RS is a fantastic-looking, Day-Two muscle car driver, and with minor addressing and an aggressive engine swap, should make any muscle-car enthusiast proud. I could easily see this car at the 2018 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals up in Rosemont, Illinois, next year. What are your thoughts on this Day-Two, early second-gen Z28 RS?
Location: Kings Park, NY 11754, USA

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