Take a look at this, 800HP Big Block Blown 1969 Camaro Built Entirely in a Home Garage!
If you’re a true muscle car enthusiast, few things hit harder than a classic ’69 Camaro with a monster motor and a backstory as rich as its horsepower. This isn’t just another high-performance Camaro — this is an 800HP big block blown beast, meticulously built in a home garage by a passionate car lover and his family.
From Beater to Beast: A Camaro’s 34-Year Journey
Nelson, the owner and builder, first got his hands on this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro at just 14 years old. His grandfather bought the car for $1,500 — a rough shell with a blown motor. Fast forward 34 years, and the once-worn Camaro has transformed into a street-shaking powerhouse.
Over the years, Nelson poured his heart, soul, and mechanical know-how into this build. And he didn’t do it alone. With the support of his wife and twin daughters, the family turned their garage into a full-blown custom shop. Every nut, bolt, and weld carries a story, and every detail screams dedication.
The Engine: A 489ci Big Block with Blown Fury
At the heart of this Camaro lies a 489 cubic inch big block, based on a .030 over 454. It features Brodix heads, a Callies crank and rods, and an 871 roots-style blower that gives it an unmistakable presence. Though it hasn’t hit the dyno yet, similar setups easily push 800+ horsepower at the crank.
Nelson even has an extra pulley for more boost, but admits it’s almost too much power for the street. The engine was built with experience gathered from drag boat builds and was assembled entirely by Nelson himself.
Transmission, Suspension & Drivetrain Upgrades
To handle the power, Nelson went with a Turbo 400 transmission, paired with a Ford 9-inch rear end using 3.73 gears and a spool. The car is mini-tubbed, with a full roll cage and subframe connectors for added rigidity.
Suspension upgrades include Viking coilovers, CPP control arms, and narrowed leaf springs — all aimed at making this old-school muscle machine handle better than stock. The manual steering and brakes keep things raw and authentic.
Bodywork and Paint: Done at Home with DIY Grit
One of the most impressive aspects of this build is the paint. Nelson had never painted a car before. He originally planned to wrap the car, but instead masked off the garage, sprayed it himself, and nailed the deep, glossy finish. It’s a perfect blend of DIY determination and old-school hot rod spirit.
Sleeper Vibes With a Blown Twist
Though there’s a massive blower sticking out of the hood, Nelson still went for a sleeper look, using custom 15×4 front and 15×10 rear wheels that resemble the originals. The 295 rear tires struggle to keep traction, but that’s part of the thrill.
Despite the power, the Camaro retains original gauges, a retro Bluetooth stereo, and even rebuilt original seats. There’s no A/C or sound-deadening — just torque, noise, and nostalgia.
Driving Experience: Raw, Loud, and Unforgettable
The video ends with a street cruise that captures just how raw and powerful this car is. The boost kicks in hard, and the torque is instant and intoxicating. Even from the passenger seat, you feel every bit of the 800 horses trying to tear the tires loose.
It’s not just a car — it’s an emotional roller coaster built on family, passion, and raw horsepower.
