Tunnel Vision

The new aluminum transmission tunnel is quickly removable for transmission service. Note the repositioned steering column, Long® shifter for the Nash® 5-speed, and the instrument cluster.

 

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To provide extra space for the driveshaft, driveshaft loops and the rear suspension torque arm, Rick “Speed” Lefever fabricated a new steel tunnel that was welded into the Camaro floor.

 

Note the high-strength torque arm that shares the area under the tunnel with the driveshaft (not in place in this photo). The driveshaft safety loops are part of the torque arm since the torque arm and driveshaft remain parallel during suspension movement. Also shown are the machined exhaust pipe supports and the handmade stainless steel mufflers.

The Floorpan Has Been Extensively Revised for Clearance and Transmission Access.

Although this '68 Camaro is intended as an ultimate street machine, many racecar features have been included to save weight, add strength and make service easier. When the firewall was relocated 6 inches rearward to accommodate the engine setback, the original floorpan and transmission tunnel had to be redone. Fabricating a new transmission tunnel also provided the opportunity to make the tunnel removable to simplify transmission and clutch installation and removal.

Rick "Speed" Lefever crafted a new aluminum transmission tunnel that attaches to a lip on the firewall and floorpan with fasteners. Since there are racing bucket seats in the car, it is unlikely the tunnel will ever have to support any weight or be subject foot abuse, so lightweight aluminum was a suitable material. The tunnel also fits around the Long® shifter that controls the Nash® 5-speed manual transmission.

Note that the driveshaft tunnel was also enlarged on the passenger side of the vehicle and behind the seats. This was done to provide room for the rear suspension torque arm and the larger Ford 9-inch rearend assembly during rear suspension movement. The additional space also makes changing the rearend ring and pinion carrier easier.