Author: V8 Staff
Are Your Wishes Known For Your Classic Car, Truck, Motorcycle, Or Other Vehicle Property?
Thinking about the legacy of our classic cars is not a topic often discussed, but why not make it easy for heirs to do what’s best for them and the vehicle should something happen to you? We’ve created a FREE downloadable guide (below) to help you document your car’s details, history, and your wishes for its future. From VIN numbers and special features to personal stories and key contacts, this guide ensures your family or heirs know exactly what your car means and how to handle it—whether they keep it as a family heirloom car or sell it to someone who’ll value it as much as you do.
In this video, you’ll learn:
- Why documenting your car’s history and value is critical
- How to share personal stories to keep memories alive
- Tips for identifying trusted resources (friends, clubs, shops) to guide your heirs
- Options for selling or passing on your car to maximize its value
- How to include your wishes in your estate planning for peace of mind
Watch The Video: What Happens To Your Collector Car If Something Happens To You?
INSTRUCTIONS:
Download and print the document. Fill out the appropriate sections and then provide a copy of this sheet to your attorney for inclusion in your estate documents or will. This is not a legal document, but rather a planning tool to help beneficiaries make informed choices about how to handle the wishes of a classic car owner.
As always, we’re happy to help at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop to answer questions, perform maintenance, or even restore a prized family heirloom to keep or sell. Reach us anytime:
V8 SPEED AND RESTO SHOP
817 S. Main Street
Red Bud, IL 62278
314.783.8325
info@v8tv.net
https://www.v8speedshop.com
Subscribe for more car builds, tech tips, and stories from the road!
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🌐 Website: https://www.v8speedshop.com
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From stock rebuilds to high performance, the V8 Speed and Resto Engine Shop is fully equipped to do it all – in house.
The V8 Speed and Resto Engine Machine Shop is a full-service facility handling all aspects of original and high performance engine rebuilding for classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, and other enthusiast vehicles.
Click To Contact The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Engine Shop!
Some Of The Engine Services We Provide:
- Engine Disassembly, Cleaning, Measurement
- Cylinder Block Boring, Line Boring, Honing, Resurfacing
- Cylinder Head Machining, Valve Machining, Decking, Reconditionng
- Connecting Rod Resizing and Refurbishment, Piston Installation
- Crankshaft Grinding and Balancing
- Precision Engine Assembly, Run-In, Leak Checks, Dyno Tuning
- Complete Engine Detailing and Appearance Restoration, Painting, and Custom Finishes
- Photo Documentation of the Reconditioning Process
Contact us today for your engine needs!
The Art Of Power
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is not only home to an award winning restoration shop complete with mechanical, fabrication, body, paint, and interior departments, but also a complete, in-house engine machine center capable of refreshing original as well as building complete custom high performance engines.
We tailor each engine to the unique specifications of the customer. Whether it’s a meticulous, 100% concours-correct restoration or a high-performance engine for the street or track, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional results. Our in-house engine machine shop and world-class fabrication, body, and paint departments enable us to create engines that meet the highest standards of quality and performance, including custom designs for one-of-a-kind vehicles.
Ready To Rock
Our goals include making the engine building and installation experience as enjoyable as possible by including many elements often overlooked in traditional rebuilds, such as the starter, engine mounts, linkages, and fasteners. Our process includes running the engine and verifying proper oil pressure, cooling system function, ignition timing, carburetor or fuel injection settings, and providing the customer with video footage of the engine running demonstrating leak free performance. We also provide a-la-carte engine machine services, such as flywheel surfacing, valve jobs, block boring, parts cleaning, and more.
Our Process
The process begins by our team learning all we can about the performance and appearance aspirations of the customer and the engine. Many questions are asked and answered, including intended usage, power desired, appearance desired, custom aspects, and more. Once the usage and performance targets are determined, a build plan is drafted to select the required parts and components required to meet the goals of the project. We work only with top manufacturers and reputable companies to source the parts required to build a performance engine.
Next, each engine is carefully cleaned, disassembled, measured, and analyzed before the machining and reassembly processes begin. This allows us to evaluate the condition of each component and decide the best course of action to achieve the customer’s goals. New parts are proposed and ordered, and the machining process begins. Machining tolerances are corrected to factory “blueprint” specs. Once machining and assembly are complete, each engine is run on our test station to ensure proper and leak-free performance. Optionally, engines can be run, tested, and tuned on our dynamometer as well. From there, engines progress to our world-class body and paint shop for proper polish, colors, and finishes. Accessory brackets are restored and installed, and custom parts are completed and the engine final assembly is completed. The end result is a ready-to-install engine that delivers performance and aesthetics worthy of a concourse restoration or a full custom build.
Our customer experience and machine shop team will bring you along for the full experience through photo updates and videos of milestone moments, including video of the machining process, first start ups, and dyno tuning sessions.
ENGINE PACKAGES
CLASSIC RENEWAL SERIES
Original Looks With Fresh New Performance
This package renews your vehicle with a correct appearing engine, with performance restored to as-new. This can be the original, numbers matching engine the car was born with, or if not available, a correct replacement. Our team restores the original engine to have the correct finish, color, and internal specifications. Rebuilding focuses on conservative machine work to preserve as much of the original block and cylinder head material as possible. Classic Renewal Series engines can be expected to make a similar power level to the original, but with blueprinted machine work, and all new internal wear parts like bearings, rings, and any other parts requiring replacement such as camshaft, lifters, oil pump, timing set, and gaskets. Cylinder heads are cleaned and inspected, and machined as needed with a new valve job, springs, seals, and rocker arms. The carburetor and distributor are rebuilt and tuned to match the engine. Research to correct previous modifications and to obtain factory original or NOS parts is also part of this package.
Classic Renewal Series engines utilize all the original and correct equipment, including the front accessory drive system, carburetor, ignition system, spark, plugs, plug wires, sensors, connectors, and wiring. The accessory drive brackets and components are restored and installed with correct belts, hoses, and fluids.
The Classic Renewal Series is the perfect option for a correct restoration or an original surviving vehicle that needs an engine refresh. We can even work to preserve the original paint on the engine block, intake, manifold, and valve covers where possible.
This series pairs well with the Day Two Period Correct appearance packages, which rely on authentic performance parts matched to the time period of the engine. For example, should the customer seek a “Day Two” appearance featuring as-then-available performance parts, valve covers, and other items to reflect the look of a 1968 Camaro back in 1968, our team will locate and install proper examples of these vintage speed parts.
RESTO MOD SERIES
Familiar Appearance, Modern Technology And Performance
When you open the hood, Resto Mod engines lead people to believe that there’s not much difference from the original… until you take them for a ride! This series delivers an engine that appears to be mostly factory correct and original, but is hiding modern technology and performance modifications under the skin. Once the architecture, performance, and appearance plan is hatched, our team goes to work amassing the parts. The original or a replacement block is used, cleaned, and machined for proper tolerances. A stroker crankshaft may be added, along with custom pistons featuring ceramic coatings and upgraded ring packages. The block might be treated to a hydraulic roller camshaft conversion. A double roller timing chain, improved oil pump, new gaskets, roller rockers with modern springs, and other improved performance parts are used throughout. Modern, high-performance aluminum cylinder heads, and an aluminum intake manifold are used to reduce weight and increase performance, all while being painted to match the original finish of the cast-iron pieces. Original cast-iron heads can be machined and improved through porting and valve improvements for a completely stealth appearance. Performance exhaust manifolds or headers are treated to high-temp ceramic coatings for heat management and appearance. An electronic ignition system hidden under a stock appearing distributor or other electronic ignition system is utilized. This engine can be expected to make 50 to 100 more horsepower over stock and sometimes far beyond that.
This is a great option for a person who wants to truly drive and enjoy their classic vehicle while retaining a familiar appearance under the hood. Our team couples these engines with an optimal, modern serpentine accessory drive system incorporating the proper water pump and power accessory units to ensure smooth and trouble free operation under the hood. These engines may be carbureted or rely on any number of electronic fuel injection systems, ranging from throttle body style to multi point with injector bosses machine into the intake manifold. All the components, including the front accessory drive are color-matched in our paint shop to achieve the desired appearance. The engine is test run to verify leak-free performance, and dyno tuning is also an option. These engines are built to drop in, ready to go in your hot rod, street machine, Pro-Touring car, truck, or street cruiser!
STREET PERFORMANCE SERIES
Let’s Have Some Fun!
The Street performance series is a fully custom built engine that can be of a different architecture than what originally came in the car, or a highly modified version of the original. For example, this could be a modified modern LS engine fitted with a performance camshaft, improved cylinder heads, supercharger, and the accompanying electronics to make it sing. Or, it may be a vintage Ford FE series engine that has been bored, stroked, and treated to premium forged internals, block oiling modifications, high-tech coatings, a roller camshaft, cross-bolt main cap modifications, and more. Our team works with the customer to custom design an engine that delivers the performance desired, targeting horsepower levels, torque, torque curves, transmission, and gear type, sanctioning body rules, and more. These engines feature a variety of exterior finish choices, from clear coated raw aluminum to painted finishes and ceramics. Each is seasoned on our engine testing fixture, dyno tuned, leak checked, painted and detailed, and ready to install.
CUSTOM SERIES
A One-Of-A-Kind Power Plant Designed To Stand Out. Or Not.
Our top offering is a fully custom built engine, both inside and out, featuring the elements from the STREET PERFORMANCE SERIES but adding a custom designed appearance to match your high-end, custom built car or truck. CUSTOM SERIES engines are nice enough to bring home the cup at the big shows, but also deliver power and performance on the street or track.
These engines can be of any architecture, deliver performance from smooth and quiet to extreme, utilizing superchargers, turbochargers, stack injection, multiple carburetors, vintage or modern induction… the sky’s the limit. They feature custom exterior components, like valve or coil covers, air intake systems, brackets, housings, and accessory drive systems. Custom Series engines flaunt the details, like deburred blocks and heads, custom mixed paint with gloss or satin finishes to match the other colors and finishes on the car, custom fabrication, and more. Our world class body and paint team can match any color or finish desired. We deliver an engine that has been designed, engineered, broken in, dyno tuned, leak checked, cleaned, prepped, and painted to show ready condition, ready to install in your show car or truck.
Selected Services – Not A Comprehensive List
- Disassembly
- Hot Tank Cleaning
- Shot Tumbler Parts Cleaning
- Magnaflux Crack Detection
- Measuring / Dimensioning
- Engine Design / Parts Selection
- Blueprinting
- Deburring
- Block Surfacing
- Block Boring
- Block HoningAlign Honing
- Cylinder Head Surfacing
- Valve Seat Refacing
- Valve Guide Replacement
- Valve Grinding
- Connecting Rod Reconditioning
- Piston Installation
- Crankshaft Grinding
- Crankshaft Balancing
- Cam Bearing Installation
- Complete Engine Assembly
- Custom Paint / Finishes
- Test Run / Leak Check
- Engine Dyno Tuning (3Q 2025)
- Installation / In-Car Tuning
- And Many More Engine Building Services
LET’S DO THIS!
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Engine Machine Shop is our in-house engine lab where we control every aspect of the engine building process. This allows us to keep stringent quality control standards along with our focus on the customer experience for a smooth and rewarding engine building journey.
V8 SPEED AND RESTO SHOP ENGINE SHOP CONTACT FORM
Please take a moment to complete this form to let us know your needs and expectations for your engine build. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible to chat and learn more.
The Top 10 According To Performance Car Magazines of 1971!
Get ready for a thrilling ride as Muscle Car of the Week dives into the quickest muscle cars of 1971! 🚗💨 In this episode, we’re counting down the top 10 fastest cars based on published quarter-mile times from magazines like Hot Rod, Car and Driver, and Super Stock. From the iconic Plymouth Duster 340 to the powerful Pontiac Trans Am 455 HO, we’re showcasing the legends that ruled the dragstrip in ’71. 🏁
Join us as we explore the horsepower, rear gears, and performance stats of these classic muscle cars, including the Plymouth Cuda, Ford Mustang Mach 1, Chevrolet Corvette, and more. Did your favorite make the list? Drop your thoughts, stories, or debates in the comments below! 💬 Don’t forget to subscribe for more muscle car action and check out our previous episodes on the quickest cars of 1969 and 1970. 🔔
And just like in our Quickest of ‘69 and 1970 videos, We didn’t actually test these cars ourselves, but we’re utilizing the published test results from performance car magazines from 1971 for these numbers. We all know there are stories of these same cars going much faster on better tires, with hot tunes, better drivers, and all that, but again, we’re sticking to the printed articles by the top car magazines of the day. OK? Ready? Let’s GO!
10 1971 Plymouth Duster 340 – April, 1971 Super Street Cars Magazine –
340ci/275hp, 3spd auto, 3.91, 1/4 mile – 14.26 @ 98.30mph
9 1971 Plymouth Cuda 340 – January, 1971 Hot Rod Magazine –
340ci/275hp, 4spd, 3.55, 1/4 mile – 14.18 @ 100.33mph
8 1971 Chevelle SS454 – January, 1971 Car Craft Magazine – (NO VIDEO)
454ci/365hp, 3spd auto, 4.10, 1/4 mile – 14.0 @ 100mph (slicks)
7 1971 Mustang Mach 1 429 February, 1971 – Super Stock Magazine –
429ci/370hp, auto, 3.50, 1/4 mile – 13.97 @ 100.22mph
https://youtu.be/EklIuXzBAWo
6 1971 Mustang Boss 351 February, 1971 – Car and Driver Magazine –
351ci/330hp, 4spd, 3.91, 0-60 – 5.8, 1/4 mile – 13.80 @ 104mph
https://youtu.be/wvs9q-BG1Go
5 1971 Dodge Charger 426 Hemi Super Bee December, 1970 – Motor Trend Magazine –
426ci/425hp, 3spd auto, 4.10, 0-60 – 5.7, 1/4 mile – 13.73 @ 104mph
Muscle Car Of The Week Episode: https://youtu.be/-uBK0ZGQ4dw
4 1971 Plymouth Cuda 440 – Super Stock Magazine –
440ci/390hp, 3spd auto, 4.10, 1/4 mile – 13.72 @ 106mph
https://youtu.be/HDUHvoa5o2g
3 1971 Corvette 454 – August, 1971 Car Craft Magazine –
454ci/425hp, 4spd, 3.36, 1/4 mile – 13.72 @ 102.04mph
https://youtu.be/QRJ7fIRYVVw
2 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440 January, 1971 – Car Craft Magazine –
440ci/390hp, 3spd auto, 4.10, 1/4 mile – 13.71 @ 101.2mph
AND THE WINNER:
1 1971 Pontiac Trans AM 455 H.O. Supercar Annual ’71 – Super Car Annual
455 V8 (HO) 335 bhp @ 4800 rpm, 480 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm. 13.70 @ 104 MPH
OTHER TOP 10 LISTS:
TOP 10 QUICKEST MUSCLE CARS OF 1969: https://youtu.be/grGJA-61ycI
TOP 10 QUICKEST MUSCLE CARS OF 1970: https://youtu.be/4pqxMqDOHBU
Most repair shops won’t touch your classic car.
Most repair shops won’t touch your classic car, but at V8 Speed and Resto Shop, we specialize in classic car repair and upgrades. These prized machines often present challenges that demand rare skills—expertise that chain repair and tire shops often lack. They don’t have the time to diagnose, research, and properly fix a vintage car or truck. That’s where we come in. Of course, we perform complete restorations and custom builds, but we also perform all kinds of repairs and upgrades.
Here’s Why:
At the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, we can make your classic, hot rod, or muscle car safer, faster, and more fun to drive.
Click or call 314.783.8325 to make an appointment!
We’re dealers and installers for:
– Vintage Air A/C Systems
– Holley EFI
– LS, Coyote, and HEMI Engine Swaps – With Warranties
– American Autowire Harnesses
– Wilwood Brakes
– Detroit Speed Suspension
– Dakota Digital Gauges
– Borgeson Steering Upgrades & Tilt Columns
– COMP roller cam conversions
– Carburetors, Intakes, Cylinder Heads & Headers
– Tremec Transmissions
– Roadster Shop Chassis
– Complete Front Suspension Systems
– Forgeline Wheels
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team:
– Fabricates mandrel-bent stainless exhaust
– Builds Custom headers
– Installs superchargers
– Performs cooling system upgrades
– Installs Electronic Ignition Systems
– Installs Differential Gears
– Performs Custom Alignments
– Installs Custom Audio systems
And, we even build Custom Engines at our in-house Machine Shop.
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop does all the things to make your classic car, muscle car, hot rod, or custom be everything you’ve dreamed up. We’re making appointments now, so click to contact us at v8speedshop.com today to take your ride to the next level!
At V8 Speed and Resto Shop, we focus exclusively on specialty cars and trucks. Whether it’s renewing and restoring original equipment or upgrading with modern drivelines and performance enhancements, we’re here to boost enjoyment and safety. From simple carburetor tuning and maintenance to full custom builds, our dedicated team of professionals has the experience, tools, and know-how to make your classic safer, faster, and more fun to drive.
Ready to give your prized classic the care it deserves? We’re booking appointments now! Visit us at v8speedshop.com to schedule your service today. When chain shops turn you away, turn to V8 Speed and Resto Shop. From minor repairs to complete restorations, we’re excited to get you back behind the wheel, enjoying your classic once again. See you here!
V8 Speed and Resto Shop
817 S. Main Street
Red Bud, IL 62278
314.783.8325
https://www.v8speedshop.com
#classiccars #classiccarrepair #classiccarrestoration #v8speedshop #v8speedandresto
A Fun and Creative Hot Rod Built To Drive
We’re working on a cool 1938 Chevy pickup truck rat rod bobber that rolled into our fab shop with a chopped cab, a tubular chassis, zoomie pipes, and a vision to blend vintage patina with a solid foundation. At V8 Speed and Resto Shop, we’re connecting the dots to make this 1938 Chevy rat rod safe, stylish, and a total blast to drive!
1938 Chevy Hot Rod Intro Video
Key Highlights:
- New dropped axle and hairpin suspension for smooth handling.
- Disc brakes for reliable stopping power.
- Focus on safety and functionality while maintaining the raw, vintage look.
- Discussion of top chop techniques and resources.
- The importance of stance in hot rod builds.
Builder’s Resource: “How to Chop Tops” by Tony Thacker
(Check out our Bonneville Up to Speed podcast for an interview with Tony!)
Chopping tops is an art, and the book “How to Chop Tops” by Tony Thacker is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to lower the lid on their Hot Rod or Kustom. Check our Bonneville Up Top Speed Podcast for an interview with the man himself!
https://www.bonnevillepodcast.com
Get your copy of How To Chop Tops Book Here:
🔥 Got a Project?
From rat rods to muscle cars, we’ve got you covered. Visit us at https://www.v8speedshop.com or call (314) 783-8325 to bring your dream ride to life!
1938 Chevy Hot Rod Truck Build Photos
V8 SPEED AND RESTO SHOP
817 S. Main Street
Red Bud, IL 62278
314.783.8325
Mike “Q-Ball” Clarke and Kevin Oeste chat about how you can find far more enjoyment and success when working on your car – or any other part of life – by channeling your “inner labrador” and keeping a positive frame of mind and focusing on the outcome. You control your thoughts, thoughts control feelings. We’ll explain. Also, hang around for Q’s LED headlight upgrade on the ’67 Pontiac GTO and Kevin’s triumph over silent horns on the ’62 Ford Galaxie, Automotive Trivia, and much more on the V8 Radio Podcast!
#carpodcast #v8radio #postiveoutlook

Flipping the Bird some Boost
At the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, we’re pumped to work on a 1976 Pontiac Trans Am that’s already a standout. With an LS3 engine and T56 6-speed manual transmission pumping out 485 rwhp on the dyno, this TA is a solid performer. The owner wants more power, and we’re delivering with an Edelbrock E-Force supercharger.
The customer’s plan? “I currently have an LS3/T56 6-speed manual transmission in my TA. The motor made 485 rwhp on a dyno. I would like to supercharge this motor. A low-profile blower is needed as I have the hood scoop attached to the hood, not much clearance.” We love the vision—this car’s LS3 swap and hood scoop setup are cool choices, and we’re excited to take it up a notch.
The Edelbrock E-Force is perfect here: low-profile for the tight clearance, yet powerful enough to transform this LS3. We’ll integrate it seamlessly, tuning everything for peak performance. The V8 team can’t wait to hear this TA roar with its new boost.
There’s talk of a paint job too—maybe 2022 GM Shadow Metallic with gold decals and 17″ x 9″ Yearone honeycombs in gold-bronze. If it happens, this weekend driver will look as fierce as it runs. Stay tuned for updates!
1976 Pontiac Trans Am Project Photo Gallery at V8 Speed and Resto Shop

V8 SPEED AND RESTO SHOP
817 S. MAIN STREET
RED BUD, IL 62278
314.783.8325