Project Car Rescue! (Hoonigan 632 Big Block Camaro Rebuild Starts NOW)

The video focuses on the "Messiah of Chop," a 632 Camaro that suffered significant engine damage in 2023 during a photoshoot involving 8,000 RPM burnouts and a World War II flamethrower. The incident damaged the head, scored the cylinder wall, and potentially caused further engine issues, necessitating a full diagnosis and repair. The car, serial number 0001 of the GM ZZ 632 crate engine, was originally a third-gen Camaro test mule used by General Motors. It was transformed in a 21-day build for the Chevrolet performance booth at SEMA 2021, featuring a custom 3D printed body kit and paint. However, the engine eventually failed and the car vanished for three years before being rediscovered in a warehouse. Now at Grim and Si's shop, the team is assessing the damage. The head was scanned, revealing a knocked-out valve seat, which is fixable. However, the engine requires a complete rebuild due to a large chunk missing from the cylinder bore and a damaged piston, which may need sleeving. The Jericho transmission will also be replaced with an automatic for drag racing, requiring an 850 circ. Further inspection revealed numerous issues: burned wiring in multiple spots, suggesting a past fire, and a need for new harnesses. The brake lines are also severely damaged, requiring replacement, along with new fuel lines, pump, filter, and regulator. The throttle cable is also "roached." The master cylinders for the brakes might also be compromised from being dry. During the engine removal, the team discovered a shocking lack of secure bolts for the bell housing, with only two bolts connecting the 1,000 horsepower engine. This raised concerns about safety and the quality of the previous assembly. The condition of the oil, mixed with a significant amount of water, further highlighted the engine's dire state. The team also noted that the brake line fire was not electrical but caused by the proximity of fuel and brake fluid to hot exhaust, indicating poor design. Despite the extensive damage, the car is still considered one of the best-looking third-gen Camaros. The goal is to rebuild the engine to reliably turn 8,500 RPM for drag and drive events. This will require significant time, money, and expensive, heavy-duty parts. The pistons themselves are massive, and the internal condition suggests prolonged exposure to elements. The engine has been successfully pulled, revealing numerous loose parts, missing bolts, and burned components. The headers present a particular challenge due to limited space and previous heat damage to the brake lines, suggesting the need for custom exhaust solutions. The immediate next step is to transport the 632 engine to Matt Field at King of the Hammers, making it his problem to sort out the extensive repairs and upgrades needed to bring the "Messiah of Chop" back to life. The car's handling is notably different with the engine removed, emphasizing the weight it carries.