Features

Part II: The Track 1 1970 Camaro Project

Racing is a critical component in RideTech’s product development strategy.  While you may never race your RideTech-equipped car or purchase our racing-oriented Track 1 components, RideTech’s racing efforts are likely to benefit your project. RideTech absolutely, positively torture tests parts on a weekly basis. It’s fun. We tweak geometry and shock calibrations based on lessons learned.  Most of all we get to see how our products stack up against parts on offer by our top competitors. With three wins out of five competitions entered to date in 2017, we’re darn sure that RideTech suspension products are among the best in the business.

Racing matters, but what about the cars, themselves? Are they more street car or race car? RideTech team cars maintain stock frames, stock floors and stock firewalls. While we have the resources to build anything from a mild restomod to a rocket ship, we’re making a statement by working with the stock platform. RideTech is here to help you make the most of your car regardless of its degree of modification. We are here to tell you that your stock frame — including the recirculating ball steering box — when upgraded with Track 1 components is highly competitive.

As the new Track 1 Camaro is a true street car, it will have Vintage Air AC, a stereo, heat and sound insulation, carpeting, wipers, mirrors, full exhaust and DOT legal lighting. Everything else is hardcore high performance speed equipment. Our partners are providing the best products in their catalogs such as Holley Terminator EFI, Currie Enterprises full floater rear , Forgeline wheels and a custom-built LS7 engine from SDPC Raceshop.  A growing list of partners is presented below.

The Track 1 Camaro has one more weapon in its arsenal: RideTech Instinct Electronic Shock Absorbers. To quote driver and RideTech Motorsports Team Manager, Chris Smith: “Instinct Shocks are like racing on velcro and riding on velvet” With an AB mode switch the shocks can be toggled between a soft street calibration and an aggressive race mode. Together with our Track 1 Suspension, RideTech has a winning combination for 2018. Stay tuned for the next chapter in the Track 1 Camaro build series.

The stock cowl is maintained with the exception of modifications for modern Vintage Air AC. The cowl is in great shape.

 

Your build is probably using a stock frame. The same is true for the Track 1 second-gen project. The welded and smoothed subframe is primed prior to mock up.

 

The subframe is squared and mocked up with bare block and heads as well as core suspension components prior to being mated with the unibody. A Turn One Steering Box will be utilized.  Of course, everything will be blown apart for painting at a later date.

 

Work proceeded on the unibody as well with DSE mini-tubs installed to make room for fat wheels and tires.

 

It’s always a shame to cut pristine floors, but it’s fun, too. DSE Subframe Connectors are welded to the floors and bolted to the front subframe.

 

A RideTech TigerCage is fitted along with driver Chris Smith’s preferred seating, a fabricated aluminum piece by Kirkey. The VFN fiberglass dash will house a RacePak IQ3s Street Data Center.

 

The TigerCage fits tightly to the roof line and provides proper anchoring points for the shoulder harnesses.

 

Key parts are starting to arrive including Holley’s excellent Terminator EFI system.

Track 1 1970 Camaro Products and Partners

RideTech Track 1 Products

Smitty’s Custom Automotive, LTD.

Scoggin Dickey Parts Center Raceshop

Chevrolet Performance

Forgeline

Currie Enterprises

Summit Racing Equipment

Holley Performance Products

MSD Performance

RacePak

Centerforce

C&R Racing

Hooker

Earls

Vintage Air

Quick Time Bellhousings

Dynotech Engineering

Rick Tanks

Carbon Kustoms (Facebook Page)

Spectre Performance

Turn One

Read Other Parts in the Series HERE

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