Known as "Big Chief 509," this 1955 Pontiac Chieftain received
a no-expense-spared, nut-and-bolt, frame-off restoration and
custom build. Big Chief has a 509 CI, 8-cylinder roller engine
with custom steel heads, an 850 CFM Holley double-pumper
carburetor and a SCAT 9000 crank. The engine is mated to an
automatic transmission that turns a Dutchman 9-inch rear end
with 3.55 gears and 31-spline axles. The engine breathes
through a custom-made air intake system with Ram tubes, air
boxes fit with K&N filters and a custom-made carburetor hat. It
also has a customized radiator overflow tank. Custom headers
are attached to a 30-inch side-exit exhaust system with
performance coatings using Flowmaster American Thunder
Series 30 mufflers. It also has a custom-built 26-gallon fuel tank.
Big Chief 509 has a boxed frame, custom body mounts,
transmission cross member and engine mounts. It has a Fat Man
Fabrication Stage III front suspension system, while out back is
a TCI 4-link rear suspension with a Panhard bar and adjustable
coilovers all the way around. The car sits on chrome plated Torq
Thrust II wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich tires.
Tasteful body modifications give this car a clean and simple
look, such as the smoothed one-piece bumpers and frenched
headlights raised to the top of fenders and upgraded with
halogen units with integrated amber turn-signal lights.
Additional modifications include deleting the hood chromestrips, wing windows, door handles and gas-filler cap, now
behind a swing-out tail light on the driver's side. Modern
conveniences include power steering, brakes, doors and
windows, air conditioning and heated seats. Featured in Pontiac
Enthusiast magazine and at Goodguys Nationals, Big Chief 509
is an extraordinary custom ready for its next car show.
