Photo: Justin Smith

It might come as a surprise to many car enthusiasts that the world of high performance computers is actually quite similar to the world of high performance cars. Enthusiasts in both arenas are constantly seeking ways to maximize the performance of their machines, looking for even the most miniscule gains by constantly pushing the limits. And, with both computers and cars, the harder you push your machine, the harder it is to find that next level of performance, and the more trade-offs you find yourself facing.

Take for example the computer processor modification known as “overclocking.” Overclocking is basically like supercharging a processor, giving it incredible performance. But there are drawbacks; excessive heat that begins to build resistance being the main one, which causes the need for a better cooling system. It forces the builder to strike a balance between performance, and limiting the negative side effects that come along with it.

That is exactly why performance enthusiast and computer buff Justin Smith, from Houston, Texas decided to name his Pro-Touring 1967 Camaro, “Project Ove®©lock.” Justin says, “I use the term as an analogy to describe what’s been done to the Camaro on every level.”

Photo: Justin Smith

Even though the build is still under way, this Camaro has already been “overclocked” in every aspect. Starting with the suspension, the car rides on Global West control arms and QA1 coilovers in the front, with a RideTech Air Bar 4-Link in the rear. The third member is a Moser M9 turning some 3.89 cogs and a Truetrac Posi. The rear of the car was mini-tubbed to fit the massive 19×12 ZE Forged Boost rear wheels, wrapped in some sticky 345/30/19 Michelin Pilot Sports, while the front wheels are 18×8.5 with 255/40/18’s. To stop those big rollers, Justin equipped the Camaro with 13-inch Baer Brakes on all four corners that get activated by a Hydratech Hydroboost system.

The heart and soul of this first-gen is a “DIY” LS2 short block, topped off with TSP Stage 2 L92/LS3 heads, bolted to a GTO T-56 transmission. Justin says, “I have had a several cars with LSX motors and noted the potential the motors had back in 2000 with my 5.3 Silverado truck. Once the disease took hold, I sold it and picked up a 2002 Camaro SS. Didn’t take long with a visit to MTI during the time with a slew of bolt-ons and was putting down 500 HP for a daily driver. It was only fitting that an LS based motor was going to be used in this build.”

Photo: Justin Smith

A TSP 228R-112 cam opens the valves stuffed in those big L92’s, and a ported and matched L76 intake helps them breathe. A set of BRP long tube swap headers with 1-7/8-inch primaries, and an LH8 oil pan help to fit the LS2 in the Camaro easily, and a full stainless steel gas tank from Ricks feeds the hungry EFI system tweaked by LMR Tuning. Justin is hoping to have some dyno numbers by the beginning of September, and hopes to have the car completely finished soon after.

Photo: Justin Smith

Justin hinted to us that there are still a few secrets of the build that we won’t get a look at until it is completely done. “Working in IT for all of my professional life has rubbed off in the build, making it perform better, injecting the newest technology with fabrication and design has been my challenge. I still haven’t made public some of the major components that make the name ‘Ove®©lock’, but I’ll give you a hint: Its Android backed.”

Stay tuned LSX fans….