Phoenix Enthusiast Modified 1969 Camaro for Racing
A custom LS7-powered Chevrolet Camaro has been engineered for high-performance autocross competition.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Performance Vehicles
In 2012, Phoenix resident Victor Figueroa purchased a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro and transformed it into a custom-built autocross machine. The vehicle, which he campaigned in the 2026 DriveAutoXtreme series, features a high-revving engine built for track performance.
Why it matters
The project demonstrates a specialized approach to vehicle modification, prioritizing a naturally aspirated, high-revving engine setup over the traditional torque-heavy configurations favored in autocross.
The custom LS7 engine features a sleeved Dart block and hits an 8,000 rpm redline. It sits on 18-inch HRE wheels wrapped in 335 tires, with 14-inch Wilwood brakes providing stopping power.
The players
Victor Figueroa
He is a Phoenix-based automotive enthusiast who engineered and built a custom 1969 Chevrolet Camaro for competitive autocross racing.
The details
The owner personally fabricated a 3-inch stainless exhaust system and assembled the engine, utilizing a Tick Performance T56 transmission and 4.11 rear gears to keep the engine in its powerband. He also utilized a TCI Pro Touring IFS front suspension and a Detroit Speed QUADRALink rear system to manage the car's handling.
Timeline
Victor Figueroa purchased the Camaro in 2012.
The owner competed in the DriveAutoXtreme series in 2026.
Roadmap
This build highlights the ongoing shift toward using legacy muscle car platforms as foundations for modern, track-focused engineering projects. It represents a broader trend in the performance aftermarket where builders adapt high-revving powerplants to compete in technical handling courses.
For local enthusiasts, this build underscores the significant time and fabrication investment required to optimize older chassis for modern track environments. Builders looking to replicate these results should expect substantial costs for specialized components like HRE wheels and upgraded IFS suspensions.
The takeaway
Achieving competitive autocross performance in a vintage chassis requires a cohesive integration of suspension geometry and engine power delivery. Enthusiasts should focus on balancing high-RPM powerbands with precise chassis components to maximize handling on technical tracks.
Further reading
Explore more builds and technical modifications in the Performance Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by HotCars.
