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MR. OCTOBER’S CAMARO

Teaming with GM Performance and Others, Reggie Jackson Shapes an Extreme Camaro

To baseball fans, Reggie Jackson is one of the all-time greats, earning the nickname “Mr. October” with his stellar performance in the 1977 World Series. And yet, beyond his passion for baseball, Jackson has always enjoyed a strong appreciation for special cars, as evidenced by the extensive Chevy collection he’s explored throughout most of his life.

Author

Picture of Stephen K. Anderson

Stephen K. Anderson

Words & Photography

Reggie Jackson’s Extreme 1969 Camaro: A High-Speed Home Run

This ’69 Camaro LSX is one of Jackson’s most extreme rides, and was built with the assistance of GM Protection Plan (GMPP) and the GM Performance Division, along with the hands-on skills of multi-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Warren Johnson. After all, this is Mr. October’s ride, and everyone involved wanted it to come out exactly as he had envisioned as one of the fastest Camaros on the planet, which we feel is a definite home run.

The Birth Of A Dream: From Concept To Custom Build

Having discussed the concept of creating a modern-day version of one of his all-time favorite Chevys, Jackson pulled a prime ’69 Camaro from his collection and shipped it to Trakon Customs, where, with the support of Classic Industries, it was treated to a quick and complete restoration before it was delivered to General Motors’ development center in Michigan. From there, an intensive seven-week transformation took place that involved a number of major changes, including the installation of the newly engineered LSX-based, 454ci V-8 that was centered upon the existing LS7 engine found in C6 Z06 Corvettes.

Performance By Design: The LSX 454 Engine Build

Based upon the experience gleaned from Warren “The Professor” Johnson’s extensive experience in drag racing, the highly developed steel LSX block features a nearly square combination of a 4.185-inch bore and a 4.125 stroke. Fitted with specially designed Mahle pistons creating an 11:1 compression ratio, proprietary pushrods connected by ARP fasteners ensure exceptional life expectancy spinning at the redline on a Lunati forged billet crankshaft.

Cylinder Heads and Camshaft

To make the most of the rotating hardware, equally impressive rectangular-port LSX cylinder heads make use of six bolts per cylinder to improve cylinder-head sealing across the combustion chambers. As you might expect, these heads represent a considerable effort in CAD design to maximize airflow across the rpm range. From there, a specially ground camshaft weighing against Comp Cams valvetrain components keep the valves in step with the combustion process.

Maximizing Power: Custom Carburetion And Ignition Systems

While the LS7 engine fitted in the Z06 is fuel injected, the original carbureted heritage of this Camaro was desired for this car, so an ignition driver was fitted that allowed a simple change from the stock-type EFI system to a highly refined 950cfm Holley carburetor. In this case, a custom MSD ignition driver designed specifically for GM’s Gen III and Gen IV V-8s was connected to the distributor-less ignition system. As a result, ignition timing is automatically set at startup, which keeps things simple and accurate, allowing this particular engine package to reach an impressive 641 hp at 6,400 rpm and 611 lb-ft of torque at 4,900 rpm, which, when you think about it, is enough to tighten the skin on your face when the power is applied.

Tremec T56 Transmission And Rearend Enhancements

In keeping with the stout nature of this engine, a heavy-duty variation of the Tremec T56 six-speed transmission was fitted at the back of a high-performance SPEC clutch assembly. This joins the grip of Stage 3 semi-metallic carbon friction materials with an 11-inch pressure plate, all of which is governed by a hydraulic master cylinder and throw-out bearing intended for Gen IV Camaros. From there, a custom aluminum driveshaft from Dynotech transfers power to a 12-bolt rearend housing fitted with Eaton’s limited-slip Detroit Locker Trutrac system spinning 3.91:1 gears.

Suspension And Braking System: Power Meets Control

Joined with Detroit Speed & Engineering’s Quadra-Link suspension system utilizing Koni five-way adjustable coilover shocks, power application is nothing short of stunning. The final fail-safe between power and pavement came with the installation of Brembo 14-inch rotors and four-piston calipers incorporating an integral parking brake. It’s here that 18×12-inch Budnik rims put this capability to use through 295/35R18 Goodyear F1 performance radials.

Front Suspension And Steering: Precision Handling

The front suspension makes use of a special combination of components based around Detroit Speed & Engineering subframe connectors and solid subframe mounts. Updates were made to the original suspension components, which included using American Touring Specialties spindles, Detroit Speed & Engineering tubular A-arms, a 1.25-inch sway bar, Koni five-way shocks, and a matching set of Brembo 14-inch rotors and four-piston calipers. Enabled by a GM C6 Corvette booster and master cylinder fitted on a custom mount, the forces applied through custom stainless steel lines to the brakes at all four corners is substantial—enough to provide this Camaro with the kind of fade-free braking performance needed to match its extraordinary acceleration.

Chassis Modifications

The aforementioned chassis modifications effectively lowered this Camaro 3 inches in front and back, although the true benefits are realized on the move as this car soaks up imperfections in the road without beating up the passengers. GM looked to Detroit Speed & Engineering to refine the suspension, and there’s no question it did what was expected for a modern-day muscle car of this ilk.

Body Enhancements

With the mechanical aspects of this revitalization completed, attention turned to the body, including the addition of mini-tubs from Detroit Speed & Engineering to house the fat 295/35 F1s mentioned earlier. Moving to the outer surfaces, all of the body gaps between the adjoining panels were set at 3 mm, while elements such as the side marker lights, rocker molding lines, and side vents were removed in favor of a smoother look. All of the bumper bolts were flush-mounted, while the bumpers themselves were modified to follow the same 3mm minimum gaps seen elsewhere. Red and yellow LEDs were also mounted in the ends of the bumpers to illuminate the body near the original locations. Up front, electronically controlled Camaro RS hideaway headlights were added along with a modified front grille carrying an ’06 Impala Bow Tie emblem on a billet mount.

Rear Modifications

In back, numerous changes were made as well, including the addition of openings along the base of the rear valance to make room for the 3.5-inch exhaust tips. A reproduction bumper from Classic Industries was tightened into its surroundings, while the rear spoiler has been modified and blended into the adjoining trunk lid and quarter panels for a cleaner appeal. Once all of these areas were coated in a specially mixed red finish from Planet Color, a trick LSX emblem that was CNC-machined from brass and chrome-plated was hand-painted to suit the neighboring areas. Add to this a special Reggie Jackson logo to the right of the spoiler, matching the ones on either side of the cowl induction hood, and the original concept is better understood.

Interior Customization: A Blend Of Comfort And Performance

As you get into the highly modified Cavalier bucket seats from PJ’s Trim Shop in Hemlock, Michigan, you find yourself sitting in black leather seats with custom baseball stitching that matches neighboring interior panels and the custom carpet. Once you hang onto the Classic Industries wood-rimmed steering wheel, check over the Auto Meter Carbon Fiber Series gauges, and get ahold of the Hurst shifter set within the reproduction console, the true meaning of this car becomes crystal clear.

The Legacy Of Reggie Jackson’s Camaro

Spin the starter, and when the LS7 comes alive, the added assurance created by the evolved Detroit Speed & Engineering roll cage is a welcome feeling as the drivetrain is put into motion. Then again, this is Mr. October’s Camaro, not some wannabe Camaro. This one has the full capability of making things happen fast and underscores its real purpose, as you are overwhelmed with excitement, and, in Reggie Jackson’s case, history. This LSX Camaro represents the dreams of one of America’s most celebrated athletes, whose true passion centers on some of the best-ever Chevys, including this latest one.

See It in Person

If you would like to see more of this evolutionary Camaro up close and personal, stop by the GM Performance big rig at your next big event, as it is presently a part of that traveling road show. Once the tour is over, Mr. October’s ’69 Camaro will take its place within his coveted Chevrolet collection, where it will remind visitors of the history, capability, and passion that is a part of everything car enthusiasts everywhere live for—even Reggie Jackson.

LEGENDARY CAR GUY

Known to sports fans everywhere as “Mr. October,” Reggie Jackson earned his reputation as one of the all-time post-season clutch hitters by hitting three home runs off three different pitchers in Game 6—the deciding game of the 1977 World Series.

Jackson was also the first player to hit five home runs in one World Series, and he batted an incredible .357 with 24 runs batted in over 27 World Series games.

With 563 home runs during his 21-year career, Jackson ranks 11th among major league home run hitters. Add to this his involvement with 11 major league division winners, six pennant-winning teams and five World Series champions, and there’s no questioning Jackson’s place in baseball history. As American as apple pie and…well, you get the picture. It fits Chevrolet so perfectly.

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