Mike Savoie 67 Z

[juliosz]

After a few months of negotiations, the Mike Savoie Z came home with me yesterday from northern Michigan. The car has never been out of Michigan and has been off the road since the late 70s. The original owner retired from GM as VP/General Manager of the Powertrain division. The interesting part of the cars history is the paperwork showing that the Flint engine plant disassembled and evaluated the original MO motor in the fall of 68 and determined it was worn-out. Their remedy was replacing the tired MO with a brand new DZ assembly. More to come. I would like to give a big shout-out to Jon Mello as he reviewed pics from my initial visit to see the car and gave me expert guidance along the way.

Paul

[napa68]

That will be a nice stablemate to the Harry Mann car!!

Nice work!!

Tim

[1967Z28]

Thanks for the kind words, Paul. It was my pleasure to help you out. I'm glad you and the seller were able to work out a deal. Congratulations on making that happen. It is such a cool car.

[NorCam]

Congrats on the hard work paying off. Looks like it will be a great project to put back together.

[scuncio]

Congrats, I remember when we talked about this car a few months back!

[olredalert]

----Love the Deepwater Blue! By chance were those MI. plates still with the car?.....Bill S

[169indy]

Amazing! this will be a great story!
Congrats

[HuggerSS]

It sounds like an amazing Z!

[juliosz]

Unfortunately Bill, no the original plates are not with the car. They were likely pitched when he received new plates. I’ve got the original owners contact info through a retired GM employee so hoping to get a lot more of this story.

[Zedder]

Way to go Paul…that is awesome!

[RALLY]

Sweet car and enjoy your build.

[carnut4life]

What a great car, congratulations Paul. Looking forward to hearing more about this one, good luck tracking down the owner and finding out it's history!

[juliosz]

Just unloaded boxes and boxes of parts, now the task of sorting etc etc. Here’s a couple more pics I found going through all the paperwork with the car. Original owner looked like he was really into auto crossing.

[BJCHEV396]

Congrats and good luck with the restoration!

[njsteve]

If you want reproductions of the original plates made, these guys do a nice job. I had them repro the original 1971 NY plates for my Grandpa's Lincoln.

https://www.licenseplates.tv/?matchtype=p&network=g&device=c&keyword=license%20plates%20tv&campaign=1691996100&adgroup=66028053095&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0o-g6abP8AIVgsDICh0OGACtEAAYASAAEgJdT_D_BwE

[1971ls6]

How much for the trailer? Does the winch work?

[carnut4life]

Damn, that car looks mean on the track!

[cook_dw]

Looks like a great car. Looking at the vintage photos did the original owner paint the rallys body color or were they done at the factory?

[juliosz]

Your ramps and booster box worked great. That winch worked fine and thank god we didn’t have to push it up on the trailer!!How much for the trailer? Does the winch work?

[dykstra]

Congrats! Love Deepwater Blue!!

[6t7 camaro]

Awesome Z! Congratulations on your purchase.

[juliosz]

Looks like a great car. Looking at the vintage photos did the original owner paint the rallys body color or were they done at the factory?

Darrel, the original rally’s are on it right now and don’t appear to have ever been painted. In the track and street pics, it looks like the wheels & tires are much wider than stock. The rear wheel openings have had the wheel lips trimmed which confirms this.

[PeteLeathersac]

'

Big congrats, wow car and color also cool provenance!
We've looked at Mike Savoie here in past threads who sure seemed well connected w/ GM being the delivering dealer for one of the '67 L88's also vehicles for other GM personnel including Joe Pike.
:beers:
~ Pete

.

[RALLY]

Just unloaded boxes and boxes of parts, now the task of sorting etc etc. Here’s a couple more pics I found going through all the paperwork with the car. Original owner looked like he was really into auto crossing.

Yes those 302 Z28 were a beast on the tracks. High winding killer machines. Put away plenty of Ford and Mopars in its day and still do on the strip today.

[SPEEDYB]

congratulations

[MosportGreen66]

Great find and congrats!

[Burd]

Lol

[juliosz]

Now, if you have one of these just as nice as the frame, let’s talk!

https://www.yenko.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=171364&stc=1&d=1597085397

[Burd]

The frames from my moms car from the late 80’s , Geo kinda dates it, I don’t think they put B’ham on them anymore, or troy fir that matter. I’ll keep an out out at the swaps, never thought of looking for Savoie stuff. I may have a key chain.

[juliosz]

This came with the car and based on the feedback I got on the CRG forum, I’m wondering if this could be the original battery to the car. Anyone here able to decode the numbers stamped in the top of this?

[juliosz]

Okay, got the info over at the CRG, looks like it was a warranty replacement. The date code is October of 67.

[juliosz]

Closer on getting it to body and paint. Is there a good source for which firewall piercings are correct for this car? I looked in the AIM and didn’t really see any good information. Additionally, looking for ideas on hardware for the M20, any good sources for bolt sets? As always, appreciate the help.

Paul

[Too Many Projects]

Sorry for interjecting my opinion, but if you are looking to replace the allen bolts/wires, personally, I wouldn't touch them. They have been there for over 50 years and go right along with the history/provenance of it being a true race car. That is just waaaay cool to see...:biggthumpup:

[napa68]

PM sent Paul.

Tim

[TerryD]

Source for all GM original hardware here:

https://originalgmhardware.com/

You can call or text Rich for specific needs.

Great car! Looking forward to your build updates.

[Kurt S]

Piercings: http://www.camaros.org/options.shtml#id and pages 9 & 10 in the AIM.

[68camaroz28]

Okay, got the info over at the CRG, looks like it was a warranty replacement. The date code is October of 67.

Most interesting as the battery is a factory installed wet cell battery dated Sept. 67. Wet cell batteries were used for car production and warranty replacement would have been a dry cell IMO. Possible, maybe dealership took battery from another car on lot. ????

[juliosz]

Interesting observation on the battery but the car was delivered shortly after it was built. Since the original owner worked for Chevrolet Engineering, it’s likely this battery made its way somehow into his car just like the DZ engine assembly.

[juliosz]

Here’s a few more pics the original owner shared with me. The track pics I believe are Toledo Speedway and the one with a plant in the background is the GM Ternstedt plant in Flint where employee time trial would take place.

[dykstra]

So cool!!!!

[juliosz]

One more

[Zedder]

Awesome!

[L72copocamaro]

"made its way somehow into his car just like the DZ engine assembly".

Huh?

[napa68]

"made its way somehow into his car just like the DZ engine assembly".

Huh?

The car has a REALLY interesting story!!!

[napa68]

Wouldn't you love to find a set of the Blue Streak's for it?

[Crush]

are you restoring it to look like it did in its track days or back to stock? Very cool car!!

[Steve Shauger]

Okay, got the info over at the CRG, looks like it was a warranty replacement. The date code is October of 67.

The battery is an original assembly line battery . It is dated Sept 1967 and built at Anderson (Muncie) Indiana plant. Replacement batteries are dated differently because they were shipped dry (not filled). This battery was dated wet (filled) which is what was used on the new car assembly line. It was not originally installed in this car, but likely an early 1968.

[juliosz]

Well, since I’m in the ER waiting to pass a kidney stone, here goes on the engine story. In October 1968, the owner complained to a colleague of fowling #8 plug. He was told to bring the car to the Flint Engine Plant development garage for a look-see. They removed his MO disassembled and recorded their findings in the first memo below. They replaced it with a brand new DZ long block. Being a young man who used the car in performance events, he was getting the best version of the 302. They swapped over all of his engine dress, carb, distributor, alternator from the MO. Here’s the document describing their findings as well as a memo explaining to anyone else here’s the new engine number.

[Xplantdad]

Hope you feel better soon!!

[TerryD]

Great to see the vintage photos and documentation that you have with your car. Interesting to note the tire fitment changes as the car was prepped for racing. A set of early take off redlines would be a great find these days.

[juliosz]

Wouldn't you love to find a set of the Blue Streak's for it?

I would love to find a set of Blue Streaks Tim. Know wher I can find some? 😉

[1971ls6]

First cousin Steve and now you ! I passed one, water and walking

[L72copocamaro]

The car has a REALLY interesting story!!!

Completely understandable now.

[napa68]

I would love to find a set of Blue Streaks Tim. Know wher I can find some? 😉

Any idea what size they might have been? There is a fellow over on Corvette Forum that has a set of the old Sports Car Blue Streaks pictured on his replica 67 L88. I think he's been selling some things off as his health may not be as good as it once was. I can check

[juliosz]

are you restoring it to look like it did in its track days or back to stock? Very cool car!!

I’m restoring the car with many of the day 2 upgrades he made to the car within the first year or two of ownership. More research to do and many more questions for the original owner..

[juliosz]

A couple more shots the OO sent me.

[juliosz]

Another from a Corvette Club of Michigan event at Toledo Speedway. I need to ask him if he knew who owned what appears to be an RS Z in the background.

[napa68]

That car is so cool. The pics are the finishing touch!

Keep 'em coming Paul!

[juliosz]

Employee event in Flint.

[scuncio]

So awesome.

[1967Z28]

I would love to find a set of Blue Streaks Tim. Know wher I can find some? 😉

I used to have a pair of NOS Blue Streaks from the '67-'68 era but sold them. I only have a single original Firestone Indy 9.20-15 left. Blue Streaks would be very cool to have for the car. Are all your DF wheels the originals?

[juliosz]

They are John and luckily I have all 5 with original trim rings and caps.

[juliosz]

Roger Kraus shows the bias ply Blue Streak in a 5.50 15 in the G12 tread pattern (6.6 tread width). The recommended rim width is 6 inches. My question is do these resemble the period Blue Streaks?

[napa68]

I have a set of 4 7.75-15 Blue Streaks if that is of any interest Paul

[juliosz]

Would love to find better sidewall pics of this tire, anyone?

[olredalert]

----I did a double take when I saw this picture, Juliosz. I have a set of Goodyear 6.50/6.70 15 Sports Car Special Bluestreaks. Same exact tread pattern. They are mounted to American Racing real magnesium 15 by 6 on 5 3/4 inch wheels. They have been mounted for over 40 years and I don't think I want to break them down, so they would have to be sold complete. More to tell you, but we should talk......Bill S 810-420-0431

[Crush]

Employee event in Flint.

What a cool car!!

[juliosz]

So the 67 is getting closer to being out of paint jail. I’m unpacking the interior pieces in anticipation of getting it home and starting final assembly. I took a good look at the original headliner and carpets today and I was pleasantly surprised how good they both looked. No tears or wear that wouldn’t look right on a restored car. The original owner removed the interior in 1978 and wrapped it all in newspaper. My question is, what would be a good way to carefully deep clean the headliner and carpets prior to reinstallation?

[napa68]

My question is, what would be a good way to carefully deep clean the headliner and carpets prior to reinstallation?

Dry ice blasting. It does a phenomenal job in the hands of a skilled operator.......including interior.

[juliosz]

Thanks Tim, a friend of mine and his brother opened a dry ice blasting business in Pontiac just recently across from M1 Concourse. I'll give him a call to see if he has any insight as I think so far they have only done engine compartments and undersides.

[dykstra]

Excited to hear updates on this beautiful Z!!

[GM Powertrain]

Hard to believe Mike Savoie is still in business after all these years. Not too far from where the original location is.
Great car, great story and the Deepwater Blue color is the cherry on top.
Love it.

[juliosz]

Hard to believe Mike Savoie is still in business after all these years. Not too far from where the original location is.
Great car, great story and the Deepwater Blue color is the cherry on top.
Love it.

Yes, and I believe Jon M pointed out earlier in this thread that Savoie also delivered a 67 L88. My vehicle was delivered from their first location on Woodward in Birmingham not too long before they moved to their current location in the Troy Motor Mall.

[resto4u]

Who and when was the rear spoiler added to the car?

[juliosz]

The rear spoiler was added by the original owner sometime in 67. Since he worked for Chevrolet Engineering, I don't know if he got it internally or bought it over-the-counter. I'm not putting it back on the car as I like the look of no spoiler better on a 67 Z.

[Steve Shauger]

Thanks Tim, a friend of mine and his brother opened a dry ice blasting business in Pontiac just recently across from M1 Concourse. I'll give him a call to see if he has any insight as I think so far they have only done engine compartments and undersides.

Paul check with Gary Reilly ( level one restoration) he is very knowledgable all thing dry ice. He has had great success and always willing to help. You might want to post something in his sponsor forum or conact him.

Great progress being made!!!

[markjohnson]

What a great car & that’s the largest cowl plenum hole I’ve ever seen on ANY car but also trimmed open very nicely. If I was in the market for a ‘67 Z28, it wouldn’t bother me one bit having the “DZ” motor in there. In fact, I think it makes the car more interesting with that factory-authorized DZ swap and the only official 4-bolt main ‘67 Z28! Thank goodness those 50-plus year old documents have stayed with the car!

[FTC]

Great story. I'm amazed at all the high quality photos you have from when it was new. The original owner obviously loved the car, and was excited about it, to have such photos taken, and to have kept them all these years. By the way, the sub frame and engine in the recent photos look top notch. Great job so far.

[Zedder]

Keep the pics coming…love this story!

[juliosz]

What a great car & that’s the largest cowl plenum hole I’ve ever seen on ANY car but also trimmed open very nicely. If I was in the market for a ‘67 Z28, it wouldn’t bother me one bit having the “DZ” motor in there. In fact, I think it makes the car more interesting with that factory-authorized DZ swap and the only official 4-bolt main ‘67 Z28! Thank goodness those 50-plus year old documents have stayed with the car!

I always wanted a 67 Z and the first time Mean Dean showed me pics of this car + the engine swap docs from GM, I knew I had to have it. The original owner was a huge fan of Penske and Donohue so he ordered or finessed "out the door" many of the heavy duty parts that the race team used. As an example, he learned that the trans first gear was a weak link from the Penske team and also being assigned to first gear concerns on truck transmissions. He designed and validated a fix. Here's his email response when I asked about it:

"That design was my own personal design. I had the pieces made and it is a one off. The race cars had some first gear seizures to the mainshaft at extended high speed operation at places like Daytona. The Vince Piggens group designed a version that had a full width needle bearing and a special sleeve.
I know the Penske cars used it. I do not know if it was ever packaged a service parts. It was never for production.

I was working in Transmission Development at the time on another first gear seizure issue on the big top loader 4 speed truck transmission. I developed a lot of knowledge on first gear seizures.

The full width bearing closed off the oil feed slot in the gear. That design required grease packing the bearing. I did not like that. My analysis said that two narrow bearings would carry the load and not depend on grease or grease maintenance."

I am fortunate that the original owner is as excited about this restoration as I am. Going into this project I didn't realize there's a great amount of payback not specifically for the effort but for the support and enthusiasm from the original owner during this process. It's a great feeling.

[Xplantdad]

Way cool!:beers:

[RALLY]

Very nice restoration and detail. Looking great.

[juliosz]

Should be able to bring the Z home by next weekend. Sheet metal is assembled and the stripes will be painted this week. The stencil kit is pretty good but for some reason the top of the trunk stripes along the rear window are curved down so that had to be redone but overall, nice kit. Can't wait to start final assembly!

[dykstra]

Looks awesome!!!!!

[Steve Shauger]

The car is looking awesome and DWB is a fantastic color!

[cheveslakr]

This has to the first DWB Z I've seen, what a gorgeous car!! Kudos to whomever ordered this for their excellent choices.

[juliosz]

Inching closer......

[juliosz]

Almost there.....

[68camaroz28]

Agree with Steve, just one great color with those white stripes. WOW....

[napa68]

You have an awful lot to be proud of and excited about Paul:headbang:

[Charley Lillard]

That car with that color and that DZ is so fricken cool !!!!!!!

[Stihl]

Beautiful car and an awesome history/story! Awesome!!

[BJCHEV396]

Congrats,looks fantastic!!

[6t7 camaro]

Amazing car! Any chance it might make it to MCACN? Would love to see it when it’s done.

[juliosz]

The car came home almost two weeks ago. Was grateful the flatbed driver rolled it right onto my four-post. Started assembly in the rear and getting close to installing the harness. Was kind of disappointed as I pulled out the original gas tank and determined the car needed a better piece so I ended up buying a new US made tank from NPD. The original, even though I had it powder-coated the perfect color had a few dings that bothered me.

[juliosz]

Unpacking some parts getting ready for assembly. Thankful the OO bought NOS parts years ago like these:

[1967Z28]

Paul, nice to have those J56 metallic brake shoes for sure. On the original gas tank, maybe a paintless dent repair guy can get those out for you.

[juliosz]

Looking for some help on this, I noticed in a vintage pictures of my car, a Chevy bowtie in the corner of the windshield. Do any of the GM folks on the forum recognize this decal? I asked the OO and he thinks its a parking pass for the GM Tech Center but can't recall.

[scuncio]

Looks similar to a parking pass on my old L72 Biscayne (see picture). IIRC the first owner worked at the Flint engine plant.

[juliosz]

Tony, many thanks! Since Ned worked at the Tech Center and the Flint Engine Plant, it's likely the same/similar decal. Again, much appreciated!

[napa68]

How's the car coming along Paul?

[1967Z28]

Proving Ground test cars had similar Bowtie decals.

[juliosz]

It’s coming along nicely, Tim. Just finishing up on the wiring and will then dress the engine compartment. Just got a call from my stainless/chrome guy and my plating is done….need to pick it up and (ugh) pay. I’m terrible at documenting the progress and posting pics. I’ve been taking short videos and sending to the original owner.

On a separate note, I’m thankful this project came with three tubs of NOS fasteners. I didn’t realize how hard it is to find some of these like speedometer cable clips as an example.

How's the car coming along Paul?

[juliosz]

Making progress slowly but overall pleased so far:

[juliosz]

Looking for some ideas on my fan shroud. No damage other than scratches. Has anyone had any luck with reconditioning these?

[169indy]

I would try successive fine grades of wet dry sand paper on a block to attempt to smooth the gouges however I think you can not remove enough material to eliminate them.
another option

https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-parts/gm-f-s-shroud-3893812

[Kurt S]

I'd try that on an old part first. I don't think you'll be able to duplicate that molded finish.

[Too Many Projects]

I'd try that on an old part first. I don't think you'll be able to duplicate that molded finish.
Thinking the same thing. I've tried to "clean up" plastic parts in the past and it never turns out well. The gouges are part of it's history and should just be left to live on with the car. If it needs to be concourse for show, find a mint used, or NOS shroud.

[juliosz]

Okay, sanded many of the scratches out of the fan shroud, experimented buffing with various compounds and was not fully pleased with the results. I then thought about the black trim restore stuff for exterior trim. Tried a spot on the inside of the shroud….not bad. Here’s the results (sorry for the dust/schmutz from installing).

[LITTLE TOMMIE]

just wondering but why didn't GM put a CE replacement motor in the car instead of the DZ replacement

[iluv69s]

Just read this whole thread.. My 67 Z had an NOS MO302 and I thought that was cool.. but a real ‘factory’ DZ 302 67 Z-28 ! Love it !
Sweet car !! ����

[juliosz]

just wondering but why didn't GM put a CE replacement motor in the car instead of the DZ replacement

Tommie, check out my post earlier in this thread. It explains how the DZ was swapped in.

https://www.yenko.net/forum/showpost.php?p=1589550&postcount=48

[juliosz]

With only 41k miles on the car, upon closer examination then disassembly, the lower steering column bearing was shot. After some research, it appears the bearing is no longer available but several places sell a retrofitted end piece with new bearing for around $80-$100. So I started looking for a bearing that’s close and found it on Amazon. The OD of the bearing was just a little too big so I used my brake cylinder hone and after about 45 minutes of working the plastic end piece, it fit perfectly.

[169indy]

Here is What I used:
https://www.ss396.com/camaro/FBK-678.html

The Bearing is encapsulated into the Lower Bearing Housing, I never thought about extracting the Bearing ONLY and re encapsulating it into the housing - If that is even possible. Credit Darrels preservation for turning me onto this option.

I just finished Restoration of my 1968 Z Column

[juliosz]

Here is What I used:
https://www.ss396.com/camaro/FBK-678.html

The Bearing is encapsulated into the Lower Bearing Housing, I never thought about extracting the Bearing ONLY and re encapsulating it into the housing - If that is even possible. Credit Darrels preservation for turning me onto this option.

I just finished Restoration of my 1968 Z Column

That's exactly what I did. I incorrectly called the lower bearing housing "plastic end piece". I pressed the old bearing out of the lower bearing housing, using a brake cylinder hone I opened it up for the larger OD of the new bearing then pressed the new bearing in. Based on pics of your new bearing housing, it looks identical to mine so thinking Darrels, SS396 and HB City all doing the same as I did only they are likely more efficient at opening up the lower bearing housing to accept the new bearing than I am using the hone. Here's the completed column. I saved the original paint on the interior side of the column. buffed it with some 15 year old Einszett and it came out nice.

[juliosz]

I used the original grille and headlamp trim. They aren't perfect but are still pretty nice so couldn't bring myself to replace them. When I tested the original headlamps, I kept my fingers crossed and for a second I thought they were good, they were not. High beams work, low beams appear to have burnt-out when I powered them up. Bought replacement T3s at Lectric Limited and they work great.

[juliosz]

Had a few minutes to mess around with Youtube today. Here's the last and best dyno pull from last year:

https://youtu.be/lVOSkblZ1BU

Here's dialing-in timing and idle in-car (open headers):

https://youtube.com/shorts/aUArW_R5l0M?si=tJ4La7Tv8LPANC3J

https://youtube.com/shorts/FwqIw_7gi5I?si=pwKu6zB5oiLnSENw

[dykstra]

Sounds killer!!!

[napa68]

Killer killer Paul!:biggthumpup:

[Tenney]

Makin' the right racket, for sure! (cool clutch 70!!)