Interview with Jeff Schwartz – Builder of the ’71 Camaro RS Raybestos Garage Build
If you’re a fan of American performance and muscle, you’ve heard the name Raybestos. The automotive parts manufacturer specializes in brakes and chassis upgrades and has been in business since 1902. With a legacy and history like that, you’re allowed to do cool stuff other companies rarely indulge in. Things like commission world-class creators to dream up and build impressive one-off pieces of automotive lust and desire.
Not only does Raybestos have incredible cars built, they then celebrate their fans and customers by giving them away. 2014 is the fifth year for the Raybestos Garage builds, and the team at Schwartz Performance has been contracted to create a stunning 1971 Camaro RS.
We recently got Jeff Schwartz to put down his wrench for a few minutes and answer some questions about this unique opportunity. We covered everything from car choice to performance parts to the color scheme.
Why did Raybestos choose Schwartz Performance for this build?
Jeff: Not sure. Could be our geographic location a few miles away from their headquarters, or the fact that we won a few awards recently like Popular Hot Rodding Magazine’s 2013 Muscle Car of the Year, and Car Craft Magazine’s 2013 Pro-Builder of the Year, or our reputation for building cars that actually perform and look good.
What sets the G-Machine chassis apart from other custom chassis options?
Jeff: It is a bolt-in application, others require removal of the entire floor of the car and fabrication of a new floor and tunnel. As far as I know it’s the only bolt in chassis available for a 2nd gen, 1970-1981 Camaro. Longer suspension travel than any aftermarket chassis or suspension on the market. We can set the car’s stance low and aggressive, while maintaining excellent ride quality. It reduces the overall weight of the car, by eliminating heavy components such as the cast-iron steering box and linkage, multi-leaf rear springs and heavy stamped control arms.
Was the ’71 Camaro chosen specifically, or was it simply fate that a ’71 was available?
Jeff: We wanted a 1970-1973 as they look the same, and I located a ’71. This year range of Camaro is becoming more popular in recent years.
Why not go with a Mustang?
Jeff: Raybestos did a Ford Mustang two years ago.
Who decided on the final color design with the black wrapping all the way over the greenhouse as well as the hood?
Jeff: It was my design that Chad from Django Studios put into an image. I always liked the Camaro RS option that was available in 1974-1979 of a similar paint scheme. Flat black is popular now, so we went with it.
Did you get to hand-pick the parts you wanted to use (i.e. engine, rear axle, etc.), or was there some insight into pieces that were chosen from the team at Raybestos?
Jeff: The brakes were obviously Raybestos products. I chose them from their inventory. Yes, we hand-picked the parts from companies that Schwartz Performance had relationships with and they were products I had confidence in.
Was there any discussion around trying to source GM’s new LT1 V8 over the LS3?
Jeff: It was not available from GM, and the software to program it was not available either. We wanted an engine with 700+ hp, which I personally assembled from mostly Lunati components. It’s an LS3 block with an LS7 crank, so 6.9 liters or 415 cubic inches.
If you had more time for this project, is there anything you would like to do differently?
Jeff: I would put Raybestos NASCAR brakes on it.
Do you hope the new owners of this machine will actually take it to a track to use?
Jeff: Yes of course. Driving this car is the only way one can truly appreciate its capabilities and a race track is the proper place to explore those capabilities.
Which of the previous Raybestos builds is your favorite?
Jeff: This one.
That wraps up our questions, but if there is anything you think we missed, hit those comments. I may be able to swing back around with Jeff and get a few more of your questions answered.
