The outstanding exterior is thanks to custom three-piece wheels by KWC, B.F. Goodrich, and Stinger Fiberglass.

Mike Busutil of Yuma, Arizona, proud to send us a couple of images of his ’81 Chevrolet Camaro, and rightfully so. Just check it out! Initially he asked if there was any room to show some love for his home-built Pro Touring car. Mike, you betcha we have room. Like many enthusiasts, we have a soft spot for second-gen Camaros, and this example fits perfectly into our Home-Built Hero segment. As Mike tells us, “During the last five years, my dad and I worked together, and built this in my garage.”

A true Home-Built Hero.

Mike went on to say, “I originally found the car for sale in a newspaper ad back in 2004. The car was located in Las Vegas, so I made the trip to look at it. I have always liked the look of the second-gen Camaro and as soon as I saw it, I decided to buy it.”  The car started life as a Berlinetta with a 267ci small-block and an automatic transmission. In 1979, the LT (Luxury Touring) model was replaced with the Berlinetta, which is an upscale luxury-appointed version of the standard coupe.

Stinger fiberglass supplied the front and rear bumper fascia.

Since this Camaro sub-model didn’t garner the respect of horsepower junkies like its more muscular Z/28 brother, Mike decided to rebuild it into something a little more powerful with top of the line parts. The anemic 267ci small-block was given the proper heave-ho, and the new engine is a 540ci big-block with rectangle port heads. Mike told us, “The engine was originally destined for a race boat, but I made a deal with the engine builder and got it for the Camaro.” A set of Doug’s full-length ceramic coated headers, MSD ignition, Holley Ultra HP 950 cfm carburetor, and a Tremec TKO 600 five-speed transmission with a Hurst shifter round out the drivetrain.

Underneath is a Detroit Speed suspension with 2-inch drop springs up front and a Detroit Speed 9-inch rearend with a four-link. The classic also benefits from Detroit Speed’s mini tubs, four-point rollbar, frame connectors, and solid body mounts. There is also a set of Baer 14-inch brakes with six piston calipers installed on the front and rear.

Inside is an all-new interior that includes Autometer Phantom gauges, Driven suede steering wheel, Schroth five-point harnesses, wiring harness, Dynamat sound deadening, carpet, and headliner. Keeping the cockpit cool is a Vintage Air climate control system.

The view that most Mustang owners see.

Do you want to read about more Home-Built Heros? All you need to do is click here. If you own a Home-Built Hero, we want to hear about it. Since we’ve started the series, we have received more than a few candidates, but we still want to see more – we can never get enough. If you want to see more cars built by you the readers, send us a few pictures of your car showing the engine, interior, and exterior, along with all of the pertinent information, and we’ll make you Internet famous. You can send your submissions to [email protected].