Ken Henderson’s red 1968 Camaro, transformed into a Pro Touring showstopper by Metal Brothers Hot Rods in Theodore, Alabama, is a true spectacle. This classic Camaro now boasts a powerful LS3 engine and numerous upgrades that enhance both its performance and aesthetic appeal.
At the heart of this red stunner is a Chevrolet Performance LS376/525 crate engine, making 525 horsepower and 486 lb.-ft. of torque. The fuel-injected engine is based on the standard LS3 crate option, but its rowdiness in power and sound comes largely from the aggressive hydraulic-roller ASA camshaft. Like all LS3-based power plants, the LS376/525 is built on a cast-aluminum block with six-bolt, cross-bolted main caps and features aluminum, L92-type rectangular-port cylinder heads. However, it also includes higher-rate valve springs for enhanced durability to complement the cam upgrade.
The engine is now mated to a Bowler T56 six-speed transmission, while the car’s undercarriage features a Detroit Speed subframe and four-link rear suspension. The modern powertrain dropped in seamlessly with these components, although a slight modification to the transmission tunnel was necessary. The Camaro rides on Forgeline wheels paired with Toyo Proxes tires, which contribute to its aggressive stance, while Wilwood brakes with 14-inch rotors and six-piston calipers ensure reliable stopping power.
The exterior of the Camaro has been meticulously finished in a fast-looking Ferrari red, with flat-black front and rear bumpers, along with a black front splitter and rear spoiler complementing the paint. Murillo and his team took painstaking steps to enhance the gaps and lines around the car, achieving a sharp, clean look before painting. The black interior, completed by Steve Holcomb at Pro Auto Custom Interiors, features RECARO seats, Dakota Digital gauges, and a Restomod Air A/C system, providing a modern, comfortable driving experience.
Francisco Murillo, the owner of Metal Brothers Hot Rods, originally from Texas and with an engineering background, emphasized the reliability and performance improvements that come with the LS platform. The shop, now in its ninth year, works on nearly two dozen cars at any given time, with a particular affinity for Camaros. Their 1968 Camaro build was a 2023 Goodguys Muscle Machine of the Year finalist, showcasing the team’s skill in creating impressive LS-powered builds. For a Pro Touring-style restomod, the LS376/525 proves to be an ideal solution under the hood, delivering modern performance in a classic package.
Engine Specs and Performance
- Engine: Chevrolet Performance LS376/525 crate engine
- Horsepower: 525 hp
- Torque: 486 lb.-ft.
- Block: Cast-aluminum with six-bolt, cross-bolted main caps
- Cylinder Heads: Aluminum, L92-type rectangular-port
- Camshaft: Aggressive hydraulic-roller ASA
- Transmission: Bowler T56 six-speed
- Suspension: Detroit Speed subframe and four-link rear
- Wheels: Forgeline
- Tires: Toyo Proxes
- Brakes: Wilwood, 14-inch rotors with six-piston calipers
Source: Chevrolet/The-Block
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