Since Duane’s plans for the car were strictly drag racing, he selected a Lunati solid roller camshaft spun by a Jesel beltdrive. Atop the block is a pair of Brodix Track 1 cylinder heads with 227cc intake runners and CNC-machined ports making for a deep-breathing small-block. This thirsty combination gets quenched by a Quick Fuel 1050cfm carburetor and Brodix intake manifold combusted by an MSD ignition system with all the goodies for track use. For snappy exit, the spent gasses travel through a pair of Dynatech headers and Borla mufflers.
Duane had no doubts about the engine’s powerful potential, proven once on the Eagle Racing Engine’s dyno, then again on the chassis dyno after the car was completed. The 421ci small-block made 690hp at the flywheel and put down 580 hp to the wheels. Unfortunately, no dyno pulls weremade with the Nitrous Express Gemini Twin kit installed. Needless to say, those are impressive numbers for a small-block, especially if you consider the parasitic loss due to a race-built automatic transmission, and the fact this was on motor.
This momentum travels through a Powerglide transmission built by Williams Transmissions in Knoxville, Tennessee, accompanied by a Denny’s Drive Shaft 3-inch, nitrous-ready drive shaft. For extreme launches, Jamie at Pro Torque Converters provided a custom-built 4,700-stall converter.
In terms of performance, there are tons of cars that are equally prepared, but this Camaro’s most notable difference comes by way of the exterior. The majority of serious drag cars feature wild paint schemes, but the simplicity and vibrance of Duane’s car is certainly a plus. Since these cars came from the factory with fiberglass doors, they’re known for less-than-perfect bodywork, so Duane contacted Stanley Ledbetter to straighten the panels and get them ready for paint. Ledbetter worked through several cycles of block-sanding and priming before rolling it into the spray booth for a good dousing of PPG Copperhead Orange base coat. Then it was time for those eye-catching flames. They were laid out and masked by Joe Cheeks before the Orange Crush hue was applied. Several coats of clear soon followed and Ledbetter made the finish perfectly slick by color-sanding and buffing the fresh materials.
Inside, a 10-point roll cage stiffens the chassis and keeps Duane safe while a pair of Kirkey racing seats makes for a comfortable, lightweight seating arrangement. Sliding behind the Grant steering wheel gives you the full experience. With a selection of Auto Meter gauges in clear view, and a TCI shifter within reach, there is little guessing as to the proper shifting points. You won’t find a fancy stereo or air conditioning inside this Camaro—it’s all about performance. Besides, those luxuries only add weight. You will, however, see full door panels, carpeting, and the original dash. Rare for a drag car of this caliber. With all this, the F-body tips the scales at 3,150 lbs.
Obviously lots of work and money went into this ‘94 Camaro, and the real fun begins when it hits the track. But Duane points out, “on the occasional drive down the street, this car tends to command plenty of attention.”
As is usually the case with hot rods, a mix of vibrant colors, immaculate details, and all-out performance makes for an outstanding car. And like any car guy with an equally enthusiastic wife, we’re sure Duane will soon want to go faster. As for now, Duane and Crystal Cubberlye are pleased with the performance and style of their awesome Camaro. And you know, we just can’t blame them.