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1973 Nickey Chevrolet Big Block 454 Stage III Camaro Muscle Car Of The Week Video Episode 352
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1973 Nickey Chevrolet Big Block 454 Stage III Camaro Muscle Car Of The Week Video Episode 352
Factory-built 1973 Chevrolet Camaros were pretty dismal when it came to power. See the couple on the cover of the brochure? Know why they’re not smiling? Because their 175 HP 350 sucks. Nickey Chevrolet was out to fix that.
While some dealers were more interested in a hands-off approach to selling cars, meaning they’d offer what the manufacturers built and that was it… others enjoyed building their own editions with options not available from the manufacturers. Nickey Chevrolet in Chicago was one that built and sold cars far more powerful than what was offered by Chevrolet.
If you lived in Chicago, Nickey Chevrolet was the place to go for high performance bow-tie machines back in the day. This 1973 Nickey Stage III 454 big block Camaro is loaded with cool performance parts installed by the Nickey team.
It all starts with a Chevrolet LS6 454 V8 engine, rated at 450 HP. The LS6 big block was not available in the second generation Camaro, and especially not in a 1973 model. But that didn’t stop our friends at Nickey from bringing cars to life with one of the baddest big blocks Chevy ever made. Numerous performance parts were added, like a Holley carburetor on top of an aluminum intake manifold, a hotter cam, ignition, and exhaust headers. It was hooked to a Muncie 4-speed manual transmission with a heavy duty clutch, and a 10 bolt rear end took the twist and turned it into forward motion with the help of bolt-on traction bars to keep the Rocket wheels and sticky tires from hopping all over the place.
And the combination worked on this car, as there’s documentation of the first owner racing it to a 10.52 at 129 MPH in the quarter mile back in the day. It even won a championship, and held a 1974 world record in the 8th mile, clicking off an 8.12 ET on June 23 of ‘74. What’s even more fun is that this is the only known example of a 1973 Nickey Stage III Camaro of it’s kind.
Sure, power was dropping by 1973, but dealers like Nickey were happy to provide hot parts and service to keep the low-compression, emissions-compliant no-fun police at bay.
The Nickey Stage III big block 454 Camaro is still wearing nearly all it’s original sheet metal, save for a part of a quarter panel that was repaired. The hood is reminiscent of the L88 Corvette hood, but this is not a Z-28 split bumper fancy bodied car with spoilers and stripes and stuff. It was repainted at some point, but in the original Midnight Green… a very 1970s color, especially when contrasted with the “neutral” tan vinyl interior. Midnight Green is also a good, dark, street-racing color.
Most race cars lack interior features to save weight, but this Nickey Camaro boasts an interesting upgrade in the form of an 8-track stereo tape player, touted as the same used in Lear jets of the time. Well, you gotta have tunes if you’re going to cruise, right? Other than that, it’s got high-backed buckets, and some modern gauges were installed, indicating that this car still sees some occasional track action. We had fun with it, for sure.
The Brothers Collection keeps a watchful eye on a variety of dealer-built supercars, and we hope you enjoyed our time with this brutal ‘73 Nickey Stage III Camaro. Subscribing is the best way to stay in the loop with MCOTW, and we’ve got another cool show planned for you next time. Thanks for watching!
#Camaro #Nickey #MuscleCar #V8TV
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@V8TV 4 жыл бұрын
And yes, we realize it's a 10 bolt rear and not a 12 like stated, but it could sure use a 12 bolt, no?
@rockymontana1 4 жыл бұрын
I saw it was a 10 bolt as well,why not a nice 9 inch?
@2015_Rubicnn 4 жыл бұрын
Badass car, I have a 72 RS that I'm working on.👍
@lgrim4426 4 жыл бұрын
V8TV Not at all for this car. The 8.5 corporate 10 bolt has bolt in axles instead of C-clip retainers. The axle shafts are also not tapered diameter like a factory 12 bolt axle shaft would be. Unless you’re going to add more power, slicks , and regularly go all out racing. It’s not necessary.
@2015_Rubicnn 4 жыл бұрын
@@lgrim4426 Good luck finding a 10 bolt with bolt in axles, I think those are pretty rare.
@lgrim4426 4 жыл бұрын
2015_ Rubicnn I was mistakenly under the impression the ‘71 forward 8.5 corporate 10 bolts mostly had bolt in axles. Thanks for pointing that out. 👍 I wouldn’t recommend running any car with even moderate power , that has a rear diff with C-clip axle retainers. Especially not power shifting a manual trans!
@MrTMBa300 4 жыл бұрын
"Know why they're not smiling?" "Because their 175 horsepower 350 SUCKS, that's why." By far, the best line I have EVER heard in any of your vids! Thanks for a much needed laugh, Kevin! Stay safe!
@V8TV 5 ай бұрын
Ha, thanks for that!
@KrisVComm 4 ай бұрын
My 1973 Camaro was the standard 350, 2BBL, single exhaust that made only 135 anemic horsepower! All these years later I still have it. Today it makes 500hp and is one badass machine.
@TheGunfighter45acp 4 жыл бұрын
Agreed: Nothing sucks on this Nickey '73 Camaro, except maybe the paint off of the car in the other lane as this beast roars by.
@impslap7620 4 жыл бұрын
LOL at "their 175hp 350 sucks!"
@davernon 4 жыл бұрын
@ 1:36 the fender badge reads 350 , so the car was born with a 350 , that would explain the 10 bolt rear. @ 4:37 I think the faceplate on the radio is upside down, or I have dyslexia. Nice car , thx for posting
@dereknav400 3 жыл бұрын
It was also born with an automatic. If you look at the steering column under the hood you can see the gear selector lever and inside the car someone put what looks like electrical tape on the gear pointer? I do t think Nickey would do all that and put the wrong heater core box all backed up with a 10 bolt?? Still I like the car and it’s stance.
@brgable 2 жыл бұрын
@@dereknav400 they stopped putting 12 bolts in Camaros in 1970. Those corporate 8.5 10 bolts are about as strong as the 12 bolt.
@anthonynelson9136 4 жыл бұрын
What modern gauges? This car still has the factory 5000 red line tach for a 350. An upgrade to the 6500 redline tach used with the LS6 would have been nice. The tape player touted as the same used in Learjets has the faceplate on upside down. I bet that 12 bolt rear end with the 10 bolt cover was a super rare option, very stealthy.
@V8TV 4 жыл бұрын
We had some reference photos of this car from when it was first obtained for the Brothers Collection, and at that time, it had some Autometer gauges added. By the time the video was shot, they had been removed (along with many other items) to make the car correct from how is was new. They were all just detail items added for racing, like a blue aluminum fuel line, larger plug wires with an HEI distributor, foam air cleaner element, etc., that were easily corrected. When we produced the video, the memory of the gauges stuck, so it landed in the voiceover. We also copped to the 12 bolt slip in the first comment on the video. The inverted radio faceplate is a mystery, however. Thanks for the notes.
@erickort1987 3 жыл бұрын
i love the polished aluminum slot mag rims..very old school
@turbolivesinmyheart6328 4 жыл бұрын
You said it has a 12-bolt rear end, but it shows a 10 bolt. I'm really surprised it hasn't shredded that 10 bolt yet.
@turbolivesinmyheart6328 4 жыл бұрын
Sorry, I should have looked ahead. You guys are on it
@V8TV 4 жыл бұрын
All good Turbo... thanks for keeping us honest!
@brgable 2 жыл бұрын
It’s the corporate 8.5 10 bolt that’s why. They are about as strong as a 12 bolt.
@1972novabill 2 жыл бұрын
you aren't "shredding any 8.5 10bolts with those tires on this car...lol!
@DANTHETUBEMAN 2 жыл бұрын
if the gear play is well set and tight, and you roll on the power 10 bolts hold up.
@davidkeeton6716 3 ай бұрын
In '79 I had an everyday work car, 68 396 Camaro 12:1 L88 solid lifter cam 4 speed, 12 bolt with Summers Brothers spool and axles and 5.13 Eaton pro gears. It ran low 7s 1/8th mile with a 10 inch slick. Tires are a lot better now. I would have loved to run up on one of these, and sent him home feeling hurt.
@markkowalski3575 8 ай бұрын
This one is by far my favorite car of all time color and model
@jayf429 4 жыл бұрын
My dad used to work there.
@AutoYoung 4 жыл бұрын
Street driving a 10 second car in the 70's, INSTANT respect...
@chadkimmel8957 4 жыл бұрын
Though I’m more of a Ford guy, that is definitely a badass ride.
@ericdebisz9458 4 жыл бұрын
I love the 2nd gear rip! I think the 3 plates under the carb is weird. I also saw a hose or something that looked like it was cut by a set of linesman plyers, in front of right rear tire. None the less is has the stance and looks the part! Again love the smoke show
@boruff68 3 жыл бұрын
Three plates were carburetor heat isolator plates. Aluminum and fiber sandwiched . ;)
@1928ModelA1931 4 жыл бұрын
What a great looking car. I knew a couple of guys back around 1980 that had bare bones Camaros done like that. Fat tires, up high and big cam big blocks. Hard to imagine anymore a dealer turning out something like this. These were the Camaros of my youth. It was cars like this that made it really difficult to accept the ‘82 Camaro when it came out. It just wasn’t the same. I snubbed those Z/28s and IROCs for a long time until I drove a buddies around ‘89. Handling. Now that was fun in a way I hadn’t realized. But fat tired, lumpy cammed Camaros like this with Zeppelin playing on the 8-track were just plain bitchin’.
@mcarlkv53 3 жыл бұрын
i like that nice clean classic look, no spoilers, no sunroof, no stripes...looks and runs awesome!
@boknows3841 5 ай бұрын
The horsepower was measured at the rear wheel, not the Crankshaft. The 70 1/2 Z /28 had the 8 1/2 inch rear end but only had the M 22 rock crusher close ratio transmission. All you had to do was change the camshaft and you got 50 more hp. Split bumper was the RS option not necessary the Z 28.
@V8TV 5 ай бұрын
We don't believe that to be true, the power levels were measured at the crankshaft. In 1971 they switched to "net" HP ratings which consisted of the engine "as installed" in the car with all the accessories and exhaust, but still on the test stand. Do you have a link to show otherwise? We'd like to see it and learn. Thanks!
@denniss5512 4 жыл бұрын
I had a 71 307 3 speed I bought in 1977 that ended up with 7 different motors. Including a 427 and 2 454's. Last one was an LS-6. Should have kept that thing. Of course being in high school in 1975-1976 meant the parking lot was full of muscle cars. Man we beat the heck out of things are are worth a fortune today. Bought a convertable 69 GTO ram air IV 4 aspeed 4.33 factory rear for $225 beacuse the owner over tightened the rocker arms and a push rod went thru one. My buddy had a 1970 Chevelle big block SS and he spent a bunch to make it faster than that GTO.
@CharlieBrown-pb9xn 4 жыл бұрын
Sorry to hear your bad luck needing 7 different engines in one car.
@cooleyhy 4 жыл бұрын
Tough Camaro for a '73! That gear drive whine is sinister too. Nice shade of green. Looks to be same as earlier Fathom Green.
@erickort1987 3 жыл бұрын
the polished aluminum mags are awesome
@brendasnider7158 4 жыл бұрын
I'm old enough to remember when almost all the Camaros were done in that style ........ahhhhhhhhhh !
@matt59736 4 жыл бұрын
Naturally aspirated power!!
@rockymontana1 4 жыл бұрын
I have an LS-6 crate motor I bought in Texas from a chevy dealer and I also have an M-22,and after watching this I am gonna put in in my '80 camaro.This car had a 6 in it and I put a 350/300 crate motor in it but maybe that comes out and the big blk. goes in.I think it will have more power....ugh.
@billybob3632 4 жыл бұрын
Dump that m22 and put in a t56 6 speed
@rockymontana1 4 жыл бұрын
Hey Billy Bob.I'd love to have a T-56,because it's a nice trani that can handle around 700hp,but in a way I am old school and love the wine of the straight cut gears and the M-22 can handle almost the same amount of HP.I really want to get a nice 9 inch too but I already worked over the stock 10 bolt.So many choices so much HP to play with...
@electrichellion5946 4 жыл бұрын
That’s what a Camaro is supposed to sound like.
@deandee8082 3 жыл бұрын
10:52? good grief that was real good for the day considering pro mods were in the 9's? WOW
@gplipp6489 4 жыл бұрын
So. Chicago’s answer to Yenko? Nicely done. Awesome times for a “streetable” car
@doorkicker8507 3 жыл бұрын
Nickey Chevy was building cars long before motion was.
@bobbrinkerhoff3592 3 жыл бұрын
@@doorkicker8507 you got that right!
@jacksonmarshallkramer5087 Жыл бұрын
That car is badass. Just needs a spoiler and a black interior.
@bradnoble2855 4 жыл бұрын
Notice the lack of low profile tires love the old school tires
@tyjr14 4 жыл бұрын
..perfect build, proportioned well, would love to see a suttle rear spoiler though, cool-color, etc.
@Wildstar40 Жыл бұрын
This car don't need a spoiler. What it needs is other cars with spoilers to beat everyday at the track.
@Trebor-gw8lt 3 жыл бұрын
Oh hell yeah!
@steves4639 4 жыл бұрын
Luv cars like this. It’s how I remember muscle back in the day...all day-2 cars...and this one is at the very top of the heap. My Fav Brothers car is that Harrell Camaro but this is up there too
@dave99887 4 жыл бұрын
Incredible. The car and the era from which it was born.
@alanarmstrong2323 2 жыл бұрын
73 was a great year specialy the H.O Transam.
@unclerudy9797 Жыл бұрын
Gotta Love It !
@jacksonmarshallkramer5087 Жыл бұрын
The slots and traction bars are awesome.
@petergaznya1981 4 жыл бұрын
I enjoy all of your videos. Keep up the great work.
@V8TV 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks, will do!
@ronaldoleksy8264 3 жыл бұрын
Back then for the most part sporting over 350 horse power. One would have bragging rights lol. Grew up in a 72 Camaro. Now at the age of 60 I own a 1970 that I built in the late 80s love the car part of my life will never sell......
@TheMarcball 4 жыл бұрын
I like dumpers ! Thanks for the inspiration and keep on trucking (now from Seattle)
@dextervandemark7082 2 жыл бұрын
I was stupid three times I had a 75-72 and a 73 and what I would do to get one of those back is beyond words
@chadhasvold1872 2 жыл бұрын
Very cool I love all the copo’s thank you
@holoholohaolenokaoi2299 4 жыл бұрын
like my friend told me, "you look at old muscle cars like most men do hot chicks"
@toddclarke1580 5 сағат бұрын
I didn’t know Nickey used the “ Stage III as Motion also called their 73 Camaro the “ Stage III” name. Strange no lawsuits. The Motion looks a lot better I think.
@V8TV 5 сағат бұрын
The Motion cars used "Phase III" in their designations, so similar, but not exact. They are very cool cars too!
@unclerudy9797 Жыл бұрын
Such a great Machine !
@maximuswedgie5149 Жыл бұрын
I am a committed Mopar man through out. But if I was ever going to cheat, it would be with this car.
@TheAcarch2 Жыл бұрын
Diggin than green man.
@erickort1987 3 жыл бұрын
the mid 60s mopars drag race ready straight from the factory had a swicth on dash to actuate the exaust to run straight from the headers
@alexgolovchenko3791 4 жыл бұрын
That is one cool car!
@jeffgagnon4557 4 жыл бұрын
Kevin No netter. Great car but I do like your review
@orangetracktvhotwheels6635 4 жыл бұрын
Know why they are not smiling? Lol to funny and great video with a great car!!!
@culcune 3 жыл бұрын
Nickey really knew how to cure malaise!
@bradkeeney5236 4 жыл бұрын
I don’t know what to say except...OH YEAH!!!!
@darrinkrajenka8881 3 жыл бұрын
Omg help me with my 73 Camaro
@Red-rl1xx 4 жыл бұрын
Awesome!
@jacksonmarshallkramer5087 Жыл бұрын
Does that car have a gear drive?
@DANTHETUBEMAN 2 жыл бұрын
I'd buy that car for the 8 track if it has a ltnerd skinerd tape in it.
@jacksonmarshallkramer5087 Жыл бұрын
Needs white letter tires.
@francis.franco2413 3 жыл бұрын
This is beautiful camaro.
@deandee8082 3 жыл бұрын
that rear seat is interesting, a spit bench?
@ricktempleton3107 2 жыл бұрын
I'd like to no the tire sizes on front and back. Also what kind of rims are on this. Do they still make these rims?
@superduty4556 2 жыл бұрын
Pontiac called that color "Brewster Green."
@AndreaPalmieriit 4 жыл бұрын
I Love this Car!
@DANTHETUBEMAN 2 жыл бұрын
that's the car Chevy should have offered
@dioad1739 4 жыл бұрын
They look to much like the Vega but listen to that LS-6 scream.
@donaldedler8892 Жыл бұрын
10 bolt shown
@65armadillo 3 жыл бұрын
I have a Prius motor. Will it fit in the engine bay if I take out that loud engine?
@jeffgagnon4557 4 жыл бұрын
Great to see a new episode
@gunnutbikenut6939 4 жыл бұрын
The split bumpers were a RS thing not a Z28 thing
@cbrodine 4 жыл бұрын
I hear a little bit of heat drive whine, or is it just me?
@plymouthdie-castreplicas 4 жыл бұрын
So badass Camaro!
@bobbyjojo 4 жыл бұрын
That cars suspension is all over the place.
@nickbruni8041 4 жыл бұрын
👊🏼🍺
@chrisguerra355 4 ай бұрын
Was and is Cool
@esr4471 3 жыл бұрын
Absolutely b-e-a-utiful !!!
@sebbonxxsebbon6824 4 жыл бұрын
Any 350 can be made to roar so 175 horse power from the factory meant nothing.
@V8TV 4 жыл бұрын
True story, but the buyers in '73 were subjected to some weak engines from the factory for the first time with new fuel and emissions challenges.
@thegreatgizmo3590 3 жыл бұрын
Awsome car
@tallpaul9475 2 жыл бұрын
2:32 that really doesn't have the two bolts on the bottom, side by side, like a 12 bolt I usually see.
@joeelwell162 2 ай бұрын
the rear in this video is a 10 bolt not a 12
@V8TV 2 ай бұрын
Read the first comment...
@user-cj3gr1ox7v 11 ай бұрын
But, electric cars are so cool - Said no one ever!
@ShariaLawAllDay 4 жыл бұрын
How much would this bad boy cost today if you were interested in buying one?
@Yann396 Жыл бұрын
More like 11.52
@johnclemons780 2 жыл бұрын
Dude sounds like Ron Swanson from parks and recreations haha 175 hp sucks 😄🤣
@patf.1659 4 жыл бұрын
I'LL TAKE A BALDWIN MOTION CAR ANYDAY OVER THIS
@actsismmljcorrectlyobeyed6190 4 жыл бұрын
Homida Homida Homida
@scootosan 4 жыл бұрын
Their 350 sucked....haha
@billybob3632 4 жыл бұрын
That camaro is a slug, the best that ever came of a Camaro was the LS series engine
@alexamend4344 4 жыл бұрын
No.
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