Jesse and Jeff Greening’s Automotive Legacy

Jesse and Jeff Greening certainly need no introduction to our family of readers, or to current-generation car enthusiasts, as they have made their mark felt time and again with each new variation they create. Their particular brand of mobile creativity and style speaks volumes of their commitment to innovation and quality, which is no small task these days when you consider how many expressive and talented people are looking to reinvent the automotive wheel. Literally hundreds of craftsmen are going to ever greater lengths to build the latest, greatest whatever, which certainly tests the vision of like-minded car enthusiasts looking to do the same.

George Jones’ Connection to the Camaro

Having appreciated this rolling passion as long as he can remember, George Jones benefited from the influence of his father, George Sr., who also happened to own a ’67 Camaro of his own. As a result, Jones wanted to express his own particular automotive tastes through one special creation that stood out among a sea of other great efforts.

The Beginning of the Project

As will happen in our business, the first shop Jones took his car to was more about talk than results, and in the end, not much got accomplished. This left Jones with an uncomfortable feeling about the project, yet he didn’t give up hope. In the days that followed, Jones’ friend, Jeff Baggett, told him about the Greening Auto Company in Cullman, Alabama, and soon discussions began concerning his expectations for this project. As the owner of a Porsche Turbo Cayenne and an awe-inspiring, 700-horsepower Renntech-modified S65 AMG Mercedes sedan, Jones was no stranger to fine production cars—or what he expected from one. He knew what he wanted, and from their discussions it was obvious to him that the Greenings were up to the task he had in mind. So the project began in earnest, and in the end, everyone came away happy. This ’67 Camaro sets new standards, both in terms of quality and ­performance.

The Heart of the Beast: Engine Details

The heart of this spectacular ragtop is a 540ci Bill Mitchell big-block Chevy engine fitted with internal components that make up a finely tuned combination of parts for a spectacular, powerful piece. Mitchell’s efforts are considered to be some of the best in the market today, and you get an awful lot of motor for the money. From the forged steel stroker crankshaft and rods to the equally capable forged aluminum pistons above, the reciprocating hardware is definitely up to the forces applied overhead, which is where the power is made.

Performance Enhancements

The heavily massaged Merlin Lite 345 aluminum cylinder heads maximize airflow by way of large 2.300-inch intake and 1.800-inch exhaust stainless valves that are maintained with a Scorpion aluminum roller rocker assembly. Meanwhile, a purpose-built, high-lift Hardcore hydraulic roller camshaft times the flow of air and high test as it speeds through the combustion chamber under the pressurized load of a Vortech Y-7 centrifugal supercharger. This highly efficient system provides upward of 1,600 cfm of airflow at a maximum impeller speed of 65,000 rpm, and while it is capable of producing as much as 30 psi of boost through the induction system, boost levels were rolled off in consideration of this car’s street-based intentions. Yes, folks, this is a driver!

Dyno Performance

Nevertheless, driver or not, onto the dyno it went, where the blown Hardcore Merlin expressed no less than 880 horsepower at just 5,800 rpm, and even larger torque figures that are truly impressive from just off idle through the entire rev range. Non-supercharged, a typical Mitchell motor of this displacement will produce from 600 to 630 horsepower, depending upon the cam you choose. Once the MSD ignition system sets off the load in this motor, the resulting performance is simply incredible, and you’d better be ready for this load of power, as it can be a handful. All of this is made only better by the sounds emanating from the Sanderson headers and Flowmaster mufflers incorporated in the custom stainless exhaust system, so there’s no denying what this car is. You cannot hide it behind the idle.

Engine Compartment Detailing

Like all of the details incorporated in the engine compartment, the level of beauty created by the Greenings solely for this car is spectacular. From the tubular ducting pressurizing the intake to the modified Comp Cams polymer valve covers displaying those RS logos, every detail has been considered. The same can be said for the surrounding points of interest, such as the adjoining inner panels extending from the firewall to the radiator core support and even the jewelry box hood latch assembly. As we said from the start, the Greenings know how to impress onlookers in very subtle ways. Nowhere is this more obvious, despite a healthy dose of understatement, than in the combination of colors and textures. What isn’t brushed aluminum is either gloss or satin black, or what can be referred to as a rusty-orange shade of paint Greening calls Havana Rust, which shows up elsewhere, including the upholstery and as detailing on the rims.

Transmission and Rearend

To ensure that this potent power source is properly applied between the chassis and the pavement, a six-speed Richmond transmission was joined through a stout Hayes clutch assembly, while a Greening-modified Long shifter keeps the gear selection quick and precise. From there a custom driveshaft spins 3.73 gears with Positraction in a Winters quick-change rearend, riding a rigid four-link assembly in combination with QA1 coilover shocks. As you might guess, everything in this assembly was designed from the start to live a long life under extreme pressure. This power is finally exerted through the beautifully finished 20×10-inch Budnik rims and extremely large 275/35ZR20 Nitto radials.

Brake System

With just a tap on the go pedal, anything resembling traction simply goes up in smoke, so Jones must show a great deal of restraint applying the power beneath his foot. Then again, this can be delegated by way of Wilwood six-piston rear calipers that have been specially adapted to this application. Larger than the calipers used in most rear applications, a proportioning valve has been utilized to balance the force applied front to rear, through large-diameter vented and cross-drilled Wilwood rotors. This, too, is an example of the kind of refinement that makes for a real-world driving experience that is more akin to late-model sports cars than to muscle cars of the past.

Front Suspension

The front suspension follows a similar approach, with another set of QA1 coilovers maintaining Heidt’s narrowed upper and lower control arms and spindles. A quick-ratio Detroit Speed and Engineering steering assembly takes it from there, providing excellent control characteristics that are on par with the best cars on the road today, both in terms of steering effort and feel. Add in an even larger set of Wilwood vented rotors spinning through six-piston calipers, and the capability of the chassis is underlined with a precise application of the steering wheel and pedals. After all, what good is all that power without the ability to transfer it earthward?

Chassis Stiffening

While the suspension is certainly vital to achieving good handling, the effectiveness of these components is dependent upon the stiffness of the chassis itself, which can be a problem with any convertible, let alone one with nearly 900 horses. To combat the torsional challenges of this topless treasure, Jesse Greening went to great lengths in his effort to stiffen the platform. The first step came in welding the subframe directly to the body, which certainly made a difference, and yet there was another option that would provide the greatest amount of rigidity. This involved creating what appears to be a rear rollcage, but for the fact that it rises no higher than the front seatbacks. Sure, it could have been extended upward, but that would have done little for the aesthetic aspects of this car, and since the intent of this addition was stiffness and not rollover protection, this approach achieved the intended goal of solidifying the entire platform.

Interior Refinements

The beauty of this method of stiffening the package is that when you’re behind the wheel, it goes entirely unnoticed, and even when you do see it, it is but another point of interest. You see, just about every aspect of the interior has been modified, although to the uninitiated it might all seem completely in stride with the Camaro’s factory surroundings. The console, for example, is reminiscent of the original, despite the fact that Greening Auto Company built it from scratch, including the milled edges that lead to “chicken handles” positioned on either side. Classic Instruments created the special gauges just ahead of the shifter to match the tachometer and speedo, all of which stand out of their black surroundings with the same Havana hues found elsewhere. Still more detail is found in the brushed aluminum plate indicating the shift pattern, while switches for the power windows are located a little farther back, just ahead of the storage recess. The dash itself is also a refinement of the original, although it retains all of the familiar elements that identify this car as a Camaro. Then again, the multipurpose monitor below the climate control is certainly a modern touch, as are the custom vents supplying hot and cold Vintage Air. Add in the milled aluminum and leather Budnik steering wheel and this clever blend of past and future is ­complete.

Seating and Audio System

While the original seating accommodations have been cut in half, the remaining bucket seats are the ideal blend of style and comfort. Created by Paul Atkins, who just happens to be around the corner from the Greenings, the seats display a two-tone blend of matte black and Havana rust that extends to the neighboring areas as well. Atkins’ fine leatherwork has been punctuated in back with a selection of speakers, including two Alpine S-type subwoofers positioned down below and other, higher-frequency versions divided above by a waterfall of black leather that secretly houses other portions of the Alpine-based audio system. Of course, in keeping with this car’s consistent detailing, the RS logo is displayed as good taste dictates, just as similar details have been applied in the trunk.

Exterior Refinements

When Jones is taking in the sights from behind the wheel (and know that he already has on numerous occasions, despite this car’s pristine appearance), the one thing he can’t appreciate is the flawless body and paintwork. Every surface is mirror-like in its presentation, and while everything appears to be as it originally came, numerous changes have been made. When compared to an original Camaro, which is about the only way you can see the differences in this car, you will then spot the shaved handles and emblems, and maybe the rear spoiler that is one with the trunklid. Other elements, such as the custom taillights and molding offsetting the adjoining panels above and below, will also stand out in their refinement, much like the reconfigured front grille and lower fascia, all of which underlines the care and craftsmanship applied. These details are only complemented by the customized bumpers, which have been smoothed and pulled in tight at both ends. However, changes such as the raised rear quarter panels often go unseen, and the modified panels around the convertible top can easily be passed over, despite the considerable effort that went into these areas.

Paint and Finishing Details

From there it all comes down to the absolutely flat body panels that provide a perfect base for the Mercedes metallic black paint that tells of the skills applied here. And, of course, the innovative spears accenting the belt line are key identifiers to this Camaro and are certain to become the rage.

Gratitude and Legacy

To say that Jones is appreciative of the effort that the crew from Greening Auto Company has applied here would be an understatement. He’s absolutely overwhelmed and couldn’t be happier with everything that’s been accomplished. In talking with Jones about what it took to achieve these results, he was quick to mention his wife, Leslye, for it was through her total commitment that the project was kept on track right from the start. As he put it, he couldn’t have done it without her. Meanwhile, keeping up with the Joneses will be difficult, as they continue to put the pedal to this metal, always keeping Jones’ father, George Jones Sr., in mind. After all, it was because of his passion for cars that his son developed his own appreciation of such things. While Jones Sr. is no longer with us, there’s no ­question that he lives on in the spirit of his son’s considerable achievements.