Man Builds 3rd-Gen Yenko Camaro With 1,150 HP And Japanese Wide Body Kit

Some project cars are built around a single bold idea. ScrapLifeLee‘s third-generation Chevrolet Camaro has become a rolling experiment that combines modern supercar-level power with styling inspired by Japan’s most recognizable widebody builders.

The battered F-body first grabbed attention after receiving a supercharged 6.8-liter LT V8 sourced from a modern Yenko Camaro. Producing around 1,150 horsepower, the unlikely combination proved its capability by winning the Throtl Throwdown before the team even considered the next stage of the build.

That success, however, came at a price. Following the event, the builders noticed signs that the engine had suffered from the punishment, prompting a complete teardown before the Camaro could move on to its next transformation.

Instead of simply repairing the mechanical issues, the team decided to dramatically change the car’s appearance as well. The second phase of the project, appropriately nicknamed “Double Wide,” introduces a Japanese-inspired widebody kit that turns the already outrageous Camaro into something even more extreme.

American Muscle Meets Japanese Styling

The widebody conversion is the centerpiece of the Camaro’s latest evolution. Inspired by Liberty Walk-style designs, the package includes a new front bumper, oversized fender flares, side skirts, rear extensions, and a larger rear spoiler that completely changes the car’s proportions.

The builders have long admired Japanese tuner styling and wanted to apply that same philosophy to a classic American muscle car. Their goal wasn’t to create a replica of an existing build but to blend two automotive cultures into a unique project that stands apart from traditional Camaros.

Although the kit is impressively well made, fitting it has required far more work than simply bolting on new panels. Hours were spent trimming fiberglass, modifying mounting points, adjusting body panels, and carefully refining the fit to achieve factory-like panel alignment.

Chasing The Perfect Stance

Once the front bumper and flares were in place, attention shifted to the rest of the body. The side skirts, rear overfenders, spoiler, and bumper extensions were repeatedly test-fitted to ensure every panel lined up correctly before the car headed off for paint.

The widened body also demanded an entirely new wheel setup. Using measuring tools and mock-up equipment, the team calculated aggressive wheel specifications that will allow massive tires to fill the enlarged arches while maintaining enough suspension and steering clearance for real-world driving.

Rather than building a showpiece that only looks good parked, the intention is to create a functional performance car capable of handling its enormous power output.

Tearing Down The 1,150-HP LT V8

Before the Camaro can return to the road, its supercharged LT engine needed a thorough inspection. Compression and leak-down testing revealed that several cylinders were no longer sealing properly, confirming that internal damage had occurred after repeated hard use.

Disassembly uncovered multiple issues, including damaged valve seats, worn bearings, intake gasket failures, cylinder wear, and evidence of excessive heat throughout the engine. While none of the problems appeared catastrophic on their own, the collection of smaller failures explained the metal contamination previously found in the oil.

The builders believe the engine endured far more stress than originally intended, particularly after combining high boost with nitrous oxide during competition. Even so, many of the major components remain salvageable, allowing the engine to be rebuilt rather than replaced entirely.

Bigger Plans Still Ahead

With the body now prepared for paint and the engine headed for a complete refresh, the Camaro is entering another chapter of its already remarkable transformation. The rebuild also gives the team an opportunity to revise the engine combination with new components better suited to the demanding power levels they expect to run in the future.

When complete, the Camaro promises to be one of the most distinctive third-generation F-bodies on the road. A junkyard rescue powered by a 1,150-horsepower Yenko-derived drivetrain and wrapped in Japanese-inspired widebody styling is an unusual combination, yet it perfectly reflects the project’s philosophy of ignoring convention in favor of building something truly unforgettable.

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