No Show Queen: This Pro Street Camaro Runs As Good As It Looks
In the world of high-performance street machines, few have left as enduring a mark as the Pro Street Camaro. Abel Garza, hailing from Overland Park, Kansas, embarked on a journey that began over three decades ago when he acquired his 1970 Camaro. Back then, it was nothing more than a humble primer gray Camaro, but little did Garza know that this would become the canvas for his automotive dreams.
A Dream That Spanned Decades
“I’ve had it for 33 years,” Garza reminisces. “I bought it in 1990, and it was a basic, primer gray Camaro back then. I daily-drove it for the first five years and raced it every weekend. Eventually, I put a big-block in it and then a blower.”
Garza’s journey with his beloved Camaro was a patient one. He initially envisioned it as a retirement project, but fate had other plans.
Inspiration Strikes
“My dream was always to have a Pro Street car, and when ‘Street Outlaws’ came out, and Monza had the black Camaro, I said I’m doing it for sure.”
With newfound determination, Garza set the wheels in motion to make his dream a reality sooner than anticipated. Six years ago, Allegro Racing in Missouri undertook the back-half upgrades, a pivotal transformation for the Camaro. Part of this upgrade included swapping in a fabricated 9-inch housing with 4.30 gears.
The Heart of the Beast
Powering this Pro Street legend is a monstrous 540 cubic-inch, big-block Chevy engine featuring a classic B&M 420 Mega Blower. Running on 93 octane pump gas and generating 850 horsepower at 12 psi of boost pressure, the Camaro’s performance is nothing short of jaw-dropping. And it retains the convenience of power steering, a rarity in the Pro Street world.
True Pro Street Performance
In true Pro Street fashion, Garza’s Camaro boasts a reverse valve-body, transbrake-equipped Turbo 400 transmission, coupled with a CW bellhousing and a Hughes Performance 4,500-rpm stall torque converter.
A Work of Art
Around two years ago, the Camaro underwent a stunning transformation in the hands of Jones Customs in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. Garza chose the iconic Baldwin Motion paint scheme, a choice that sets his Camaro apart. This scheme is a rare find, with only three known to exist today.
To complete the Pro Street look, Garza opted for the classic big-and-little wheel combination, featuring pizza cutters up front and massive 15×15 hoops in the rear. The dirt track tires, a unique touch, add an extra layer of character to the Camaro, ensuring it garners attention wherever it goes.
On the Road Again
Garza isn’t content with letting his Camaro gather dust at car shows. He’s been putting approximately 1,000 miles on it every year, attending major cruises and shows across the United States. Notably, over 100 Pro Street cars are gearing up for the turkey rod run in Daytona to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
The Pro Street Renaissance
There seems to be a revival in the Pro Street trend, with numerous Facebook groups dedicated to this unique automotive subculture. Garza is an active member of the Pro Street Era, Pro Street Mafia, Pro Street Brotherhood, Outlaw Garage, and Fat Tires and Blowers pages. He’s also the proud owner of Main Street Muscle Cars, his own Facebook community.
Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Most Pro Street machines find their forever homes at car shows, but Garza’s Camaro defies this stereotype. It’s been a part of his life both on and off the track. With a blistering 1.31 60-ft time, Garza has piloted the Camaro to impressive 9.30s at 145 mph, proving that the Pro Street spirit is alive and well in the heart of Kansas.
In a world where old trends often make comebacks, Abel Garza’s Pro Street Camaro stands as a testament to timeless style and unbeatable performance.
Conclusion
Abel Garza’s Pro Street Camaro is more than just a classic car; it’s a symbol of passion, dedication, and the enduring allure of Pro Street culture. With its roaring engine, unique design, and a driver who refuses to let it be a mere showpiece, this Camaro embodies the spirit of the streets. As Pro Street finds its resurgence, Garza’s Camaro is leading the way, reminding us all that some classics never go out of style.
FAQs
Is the Pro Street trend making a comeback? Yes, there seems to be a resurgence in the Pro Street trend, with many enthusiasts embracing the classic style and high-performance culture.
What makes Garza’s Camaro unique? Garza’s Camaro features a rare Baldwin Motion paint scheme and a distinctive choice of dirt track tires, setting it apart from the rest.
How powerful is Garza’s Camaro? It boasts a 540 cubic-inch, big-block Chevy engine with a B&M 420 Mega Blower, delivering a staggering 850 horsepower at 12 psi of boost.
Does Garza race his Camaro? Absolutely. Garza continues to race his Camaro at various grudge events, showcasing its impressive performance capabilities.
Where can I connect with other Pro Street enthusiasts? You can join Facebook groups like Pro Street Era, Pro Street Mafia, Pro Street Brotherhood, Outlaw Garage, and Fat Tires and Blowers to connect with fellow Pro Street enthusiasts.