ACP will provide a desire for Bowtie fans to immerse themselves into the technical aspects of vintage-to-modern Chevrolets, whether it be a muscle car or restomod.
In the early ’60s it seemed just about every American-made muscle car from that era had a brawny and attractive performance appearance–the sexy lines and eye-catching trim, along with blinding chrome bumpers commanded your attention. Growing up in SoCal, I was introduced to muscle cars at around 9 or 10 years of age, and I liked them all. I had no brand loyalty, as to me Mustangs, Camaros, Novas, Chevelles, Chargers, Darts, Firebirds, GTOs, and even big ol’ Oldsmobiles with the proper stance combined with a deep rumbling exhaust tone were equally impressive. Back then it was apparent that auto designers were on point, as just about any ’60s car could be transformed into a cool-looking ride by bolting on a set of mag wheels wrapped in wide white-lettered tires,…
1. STAINLESS STEEL LS EXHAUST MANIFOLDS Hooker Blackheart now offers stainless steel versions of their popular cast-iron lineup of LS swap exhaust manifolds based on the 8502HKR and family. The new stainless steel manifolds offer a number of advantages over the cast-iron version, including increased durability, reduced weight, and improved corrosion resistance. The shorty tight tuck design means you can route exhaust tubing close to your frame/floorpan for maximum ground clearance. These are available in both natural cast and polished and all hardware is included (gaskets, bolts, and flanges). For more information, contact Holley by calling (866) 464-6553 or visit holley.com. 2. FIRING ORDER Small-block Chevy performance cams are nothing new. What is new is phasing them in the GM LS engine’s 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 firing order. The benefits include improved combustion…
Convertibles didn’t used to get a ton of attention, but now thanks to modern chassis technology you can add back that lost rigidity and create a potent performer. That’s exactly what’s happening with this ’69 Camaro being built at A.P.S. Muscle Cars. A Roadster Shop chassis will allow for modern LS power along with the ability to run big brakes and wheels with better suspension than ever before. On the outside the car will be blacked out from front to back except for a bright blue accent on the calipers and stripe. HRE S207 wheels will be blacked out as well to match the look. BBT Fab side mirrors have an updated appearance without being too modern. A stinger hood and some custom side vent trim rounds out the package.…
Joe Rasnick is one of those guys whose imposing frame might be a bit intimidating to some at first sight, but at an impressive 6 feet 8 inches, his size doesn’t define his personality. He’s pretty easy-going until he sets his sights on something, and that’s when focus takes over. “I have always wanted a ’70 Chevelle—big-block powered, of course. When I was a young high school kid, I remember seeing the guys with cool cars getting the cool girls, and that’s pretty much what got me interested in cars,” Joe laughingly says. “Today, it’s mainly about having the car I’ve always wanted.” To fill that desire, Joe made the trek from Florida to the Barrett-Jackson auto auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, in hopes of finding just the right ’70 Chevelle.…
There comes a moment in every buildup where you need to address the status of the body. Many times it can be when all of the mechanical and chassis fabrication upgrades are finally completed. It’s always good to have a plan of action regardless of whether you’re going from ground-zero or taking it on in steps to reach your goals. Regular readers of All Chevy Performance will recognize the ’71 Camaro laid out across our pages as having started its journey as a picked-down shell that was totally bare bones and barely a roller. It’s certainly come a long way through past articles addressing the suspension, brakes, LS driveline, cooling, and exhaust. We recently followed up at Procision Industries in Taunton, Massachusetts, where shop owner Pat O’Brien was preparing to…
Embarking on the monumental task of crafting a custom car is more than a mere project, it’s an exhilarating voyage of self-expression echoing through the curves and contours of metal and machinery. Whether one immerses themselves as the hands-on artisan or entrusts the creation to skilled craftsmen, the end result becomes a masterpiece of individuality. Yet, in the labyrinthine realm of car building, the term “finished” becomes a paradox; a puzzle that perplexes both creator and observer alike. While some endure what feels like an eternity for completion, others, even upon reaching the finish line, find themselves haunted by the specter of alternative possibilities. These contemplations serve as the seeds of perpetual metamorphosis, revealing that for some, a build is never truly finished but rather an evolving work of art.…
