Owner Modified Chevy Camaro to 1,800 Horsepower
A custom-built sixth-generation Chevy Camaro ZL1 now boasts 1,800 horsepower and mid-seven-second quarter-mile times.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Performance Vehicles
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Owner Justin Keith has transformed a sixth-generation Chevy Camaro ZL1 into a custom performance machine producing 1,800 horsepower. The vehicle features a modified 390-cubic-inch LT-based engine with twin turbochargers.
Why it matters
The project demonstrates the extreme capabilities of custom aftermarket modifications compared to factory stock configurations. This build pushes the limits of a street-legal chassis by incorporating heavy-duty powertrain upgrades.
The 3,900-pound Camaro utilizes twin 80-millimeter Garrett G45 turbochargers and a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission. It achieves quarter-mile runs in mid-to-low 7 seconds at a trap speed of 180 mph.
The players
Justin Keith
He is the owner and customizer behind the modified sixth-generation Chevy Camaro ZL1.
General Motors
This multinational corporation is the original manufacturer of the Chevrolet Camaro brand.
Garrett Motion
This company is a leading manufacturer of turbocharger systems used in high-performance automotive engines.
The details
Justin Keith replaced the factory supercharger with a custom-built 390-cubic-inch engine and added a roll cage to the chassis. The vehicle is also equipped with a parachute for safety during high-speed drag strip runs.
Timeline
General Motors introduced the Hugger Orange paint in 1969.
Justin Keith purchased the vehicle from a showroom 8 years ago.
The owner began daily driving the modified vehicle 7 years ago.
Roadmap
This build reflects the ongoing trend of owners pushing modern muscle car platforms to extreme outputs through heavy aftermarket engineering. It highlights the divergence between factory-tuned performance and the specialized, custom-built powerplants favored by drag racing enthusiasts.
Drivers looking to replicate these performance gains should expect significant decreases in fuel efficiency and increased maintenance requirements for custom components. Achieving these power levels requires extensive modifications to the chassis and drivetrain that exceed typical consumer aftermarket upgrades.
The takeaway
Pushing a vehicle to 1,800 horsepower requires specialized engine components and structural reinforcements like a roll cage for safety. Owners should carefully consider the balance between extreme drag performance and the practicalities of operating a high-maintenance vehicle.
Further reading
For more on high-output automotive engineering, visit the Performance Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Autoevolution.
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Should highly modified vehicles be allowed to drive on public roads?
