Project BattleBee - Wounded Warrior Build

[EODSS]

Hey everyone. I’ve been on here for awhile but figured it was time I did a build thread. In May 2011 I was injured in Afghanistan when I stepped on an IED. I lost my left leg below the knee and my right leg was damaged so bad that it took almost 2 years to rebuild it and be able to walk again without canes or crutches. I now require a brace to walk. Bee was a gift from my wife after I was released from the hospital as motivation to get back to walking and driving. I had Bee for a year before I was able to drive again so I started building him as I began to rebuild myself. My Camaro was a huge part of my therapy.

Because of my experience and all that I had been through, I decided to build my Camaro and hope to eventually race and show it to help raise money for wounded and veteran organizations. The main organization I plan to help at first is the EOD Warrior Fund (EODWF). I had been an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) tech for almost 13 years in the Air Force and the EODWF does many things to help wounded EOD techs as well as helping the families of our fallen brothers and sisters. Anything I can do to help others going through what I had been through would be an honor.

The name I have come up with for my build is Project Battle Bee. I want to build it to look like a Bumblebee inspired COPO clone with military tribute work under the hood and trunk. I have done a lot of work already but there is a lot that still needs done. Hopefully Bee can become a drag car that I will end up racing. I figure that a combat wounded amputee racing his own car would help to draw more attention to my mission. I look forward to this build and seeing what I can get accomplished with it. If any companies would like to help sponsor my build any help would be appreciated. Now that I am medically retired from the military funds are tight so the build will start moving along a bit slower now. Thank you all for your time in reading this and I hope you follow my build and see where it goes.

MOTOR & EXHAUST

L99 to LS3 conversion
MagnaCharger supercharger w/3.6 pulley
Lingenfelter GT9 cam
Ported LS3 heads w/valve job
-Hollow stem 2.165 intake valve
-1.59 High temp heavy duty Inconel exhaust valve
Halltech Yellow Jacket 102mm CAI
Boost-a-pump
ZL1 high volume fuel pump
ARH 1-7/8 x 3" headers w/o cats
Flowmaster American Thunder cat back

SUSPENTION

Pedders Supercars coilovers
Sub-Frame Bushes
Supercars End links
Radius Bush Inserts
Lower Inner Rear Steel Jacketed Bushes
Weld-In Rear LCA
Pedders Full Alignment Kit
ZL1 sway bars
BMR chassis brace
BMR Trailing Arms
BMR Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Kit
BMR Toe Rods

BRAKES

Raymond CTS/V 6 piston Brembo front brake conversion w/ front and rear slotted rotors

INTERIOR

CFD TapShift shifter
Pillar gauges: Autometer carbon fiber boost & fuel pressure

EXTERIOR

ZL1 front bumper
Hot Rod Black accents
Smoked taillights, front blinkers and side markers
Classic Industries rear SS badge

DRIVETRAIN

GForce 9" Rearend
Built Stange Pro-Iron pumpkin with 3.50 gears,
35 spline S-TRAC, Level 5 31 spline axles, 35 spline inner stubs, outer stubs
3.5" aluminum driveshaft

CURRENT NUMBERS
566 RWHP
501 Torque

[Buck Heard]

Very moving story man. Glad you found some motivation to help with your recovery. The car looks awesome. I've subscribed and hope to follow your journey and hope you realize your goals. Thanks for your service.

[JessicasCamaro]

Props to you, OP for your drive to help others in light of the circumstances you have faced! You are an inspiration. Best of luck with your continuing build of Battle Bee! Thank you for your service, sir.

[EODSS]

Thank you very much. Ive learned that there is no obstacle that you cant overcome as long as you stay positive and give it your all.

The first thing I need next is wheels and tires. I'm liking the Weld V Series wheels and not sure what tires yet. I was able to get Bee to the track but with the amount of power I'm putting down right now and with the stock tires I couldn't catch traction at all. Plus I think my hand controls need adjusting. I know I'm not able to get full brake use with them so I might not be getting full throttle either.

[Moreno1]

Hey Dan, I'm glad you posted your bill thread. You are an encouragement for all of us. Thanks

[hkittrell]

Thank you brother.

[Nzcamaro]

Great attitude mate.

[JimiBlaze]

Car looks great! Good luck with the build.
Thanks for your service and sacrifice!!!

[EODSS]

Finally found my picture of Bee when we found him at the dealership. He's come along way. I like doing subtle changes without anything too over the top.

[Behic2320]

Great story and thank you for your service sir. You have given a great deal for this amazing country we live in

[Ryanbabz71]

Very nice car. Sorry to hear what happened. Thank you for what you have done for our country! Enjoy the car.


Ryan

[EODSS]

Thank you very much. The kind words mean a lot.

[Ryanbabz71]

Are you going to be joining everyone at camarofest in August?


Ryan

[HP_Therapy]

Great looking ride! Keep it up.