Vehicle Description
In 2004, SO-CAL Speed Shop began work on a custom Resto-Mod for a
former Ford and GM executive with a vision. Starting with a clean
donor vehicle, a bone stock 283 whose odometer never crested 15,000
miles, the client's dream was to transform the Chevelle into a
modern super car using a contemporary Z06 powerplant. With the
incomparable vision of legendary designer Pete Chapouris, that
dream became reality. Subtle body work incorporated design elements
from the Corvette via an extended center strip and tasteful crossed
flag emblems on the hood and trunk lid. But the real infusion of
the Z06 DNA is only apparent from behind the wheel. The Chevelle's
LS7 7.0-liter V8 engine provides abundant power and a menacing
exhaust note. That power is channeled to the rear wheels via a T56
6-speed manual transmission with a Z06 clutch and an Inland Empire
driveline driveshaft. The 31-inch-long, 171/48-inch stainless-steel
headers were custom-fabricated to fit the stock Chevelle chassis,
and exhale through MagnaFlow mufflers. To direct all that power, a
steering box conversion gives the steering a laser-focus. The
suspension incorporates 2-inch-drop B-body spindles, tubular
control arms, rear 1-inch drop springs and numerous other Global
West parts to provide a comfortable yet precise ride. Stock pedals
actuate big 14-inch front and 13-inch rear Baer brakes with a
booster and master cylinder from a C5 Corvette, and more Global
West parts secure a Currie 9-inch rear end with 3.89 gears and a
Tru Trac differential. Bilstein shocks on all four corners soak up
the bumps, and the full Z06 electronic-management system was
incorporated, including the cruise control. Inside, the original
Chevelle layout was largely preserved, but the stock front and
custom rear seats were dressed in supple leather, thanks to Gabe's
Custom Auto Interiors, who also laid down German square-weave
carpet. The interior features Snake-Oyl seat belts, a stock dash
with a Haneline engine-turned insert and a stock steering wheel.
Creature comforts include a Vintage Air system and an iPod-ready
stereo tucked discreetly out of sight. Finished in PPG black paint,
the Chevelle rides on one-off 18x8 Budnik Muroc III wheels finished
in two-tone brushed nickel. Throughout its design, this hot rod
forgoes all chrome trim pieces in favor of understated brushed
nickel, giving it a unique and sophisticated presence. **TITLE IN
TRANSIT**
