The black and gold late 1970s Pontiac Trans AM SEs are some of the most recognizable American performance cars of all time. Of course, being the star of a huge Hollywood action film didn’t hurt, but these late 2nd gen Firebird Trans Ams had strong performance to match their movie star good looks.
Continue reading “1977 Pontiac Trans Am SE Upgrades and Maintenance at V8 Speed & Resto Shop”
On this episode of the V8 Radio Podcast, Mike Clarke and Kevin Oeste catch up on some updates on Kevin’s 1962 Ford Galaxie 500 XL convertible from the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. You may recall how the car broke the transmission on the way to the 2019 Drive In Cruise event, but it’s back on the road today. (Kevin is kind-of like the plumber with the leaky pipes…) OF COURSE, there is Automotive Trivia and some other nonsense, making for a well-optioned episode of V8 Radio!
We spend a lot of time tuning cars at the V8 Speed & Resto Shop, and have learned a few things to help make dyno shop tuning sessions go smoothly. If you need help with a custom tune for you car, be it fuel injected or carbureted, feel free to contact our shop at 314.783.8325 or at http://www.v8speedshop.com/tune and we’ll be happy to discuss having our technicians tune your car on the chassis dyno.
Make sure the car runs!
Is the car and the dyno shop insured?
Have a transportation “plan B” in place just in case something goes wrong!
Make sure the car doesn’t leak fluids, exhaust, etc.
Make sure the car is safe to drive, brakes don’t drag, driveshaft good & u-joints, etc.
If using your gear, make sure the computer / device can communicate with the car before you take it to the dyno shop. This can be a tremendous time waster if you have problems.
Check simple things.. Does your car achieve full throttle without the linkage binding? Is the battery and charging system working properly? Does the car’s cooling system work properly?
Have a goal… are you trying to get a power number, a driving tune, or working on something else?
If carbureted, bring jets, squirters, power valves, gaskets, etc., so you don’t have to buy or order new ones halting your mission.
Install o2 sensor bungs in pipes for better tune.
Bring distributor springs and bushings if tuning ignition.
Bring a second set of spark plugs, just in case.
If EFI, be sure charging system and battery are up to par.
Bring oil change materials if doing major tuning… you don’t want to run rich and pollute the oil.
A friend with a car at the dyno shop is a good idea, in case you need to make a parts store run to get something.
Be sure to have the phone number of the tech support department for your EFI system or tuning software should you have a question. Often times a personal extension or technician’s name will help save time waiting on hold should you need help.
If you are planning a full day, have a lunch plan in place!
Patch Panel or Full Body Panel Replacement?
If you have rust or damage in your classic car, muscle car, hot rod, or truck, you have some options when it comes to sheet metal body repair panels. One option is to replace the entire panel, be it a quarter panel, fender, floor section, trunk floor, roof skin, dashboard, or other body panel.
The other option is to replace a section of the panel, cutting it in the middle and only welding in what is needed. Which is the better option, full panel replacement or patch panel installation? This video attempts to answer that question as shown at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop.
Our team performs original factory style complete body panel replacements as well as patch panel installation, as we have the tools and experience to complete both types of repairs that are nearly undetectable when completed. Our fabrication shop uses resistance spot welders and TIG welders to install quarter panels, trunk floors, trunk drop-down panels, cabin floors, rocker panels, fenders, and more.
Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop if your classic car, muscle car, hot rod, truck, or other restoration project vehicle has rust or damage to repair.
https://v8speedshop.com/contact/
#v8speedandresto #rustrepair #quarterpanel
According to the numbers, there were only 38 of these first generation 1967 Excalibur roadsters built, and the V8 Speed & Resto Shop crew just finished a freshening on a very cool maroon version for a great customer. The car is powered by a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 327 and is hooked to a Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic transmission, and features functional side exiting pipes and dual exhaust. The chassis is basically a stretched 1964 Studebaker Lark, with front disc brakes and a third headlight that turns with the steering wheel, like a Tucker Torpedo. Inside, you’ll find an engine-turned dash with Stewart Warner gauges and an original Motorola radio. This car is showing just over 19,000 miles on the odometer, and had not run in years before being delivered to the V8 Speed & Resto Shop for a tune-up and some new wide whitewalls from Diamond Back Classics. These are rare and unusual cars, and we’re happy to keep them on the road!Click “Read More” for the complete photo gallery!
Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with all your Classic or Muscle Car needs today!
817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278
Continue reading “1967 Excalibur Maintenance at V8 Speed and Resto Shop Photo Gallery”
We’re excited about the addition of a Hunter HawkEye Elite® Wheel Aligner allowing us to perform precision alignments in-house! Often times, we like to use our own alignment specifications on classics and muscle cars, especially if they’ve been lowered or have modified, high-performance suspension systems. Now, we can truly dial-in the settings for optimal road feel or performance without relying on 50 year old manufacturer specs. Plus, we’re super careful around custom wheels! Let us know if your old ride pulls, wanders, or just doesn’t feel right and you’ve been sent home by a chain store that doesn’t want to take the time – or care – to set your classic car straight!
Top Chevelles of 1970 – Muscle Car Of The Week Video Episode 372
1970 is often considered the peak year for the first generation of Muscle Cars, as the power numbers reached their highest just as emissions regulations, fuel changes, and insurance premiums clamped down on the fun for 1971. Chevrolet was a huge player in these muscle car wars for 1970, and they offered the iconic 1970 Chevelle in a variety of performance big-block configurations to satisfy lead-footed performance fanatics. Today, we’re taking a look at some of the top Chevelle offerings for 1970 from The Brother’s Collection.
Episode 219: 1970 Chevelle SS LS-6 454 4-Speed
It’s hard not to envision a bright red 1970 Chevelle when you hear the words “Muscle Car”! If ever there was a poster child Muscle Car, this one is probably it. Boasting the high compression 454 in.³ LS6 V-8, These were capable of low 13s at 108 mph in the ¼ mile on the stock tires. The 11.25:1 Compression 454 produces a beastly 500 pound feet at 3600, and an advertised 450 HP!
The LS6 utilized a Holley carburetor and an aluminum intake manifold over the solid lifter camshaft and 1.7 ratio rockers. This one uses The Muncie M22 4-speed manual transmission and a heavy duty clutch to stay up to speed with the LS6, and a 12-bolt rear axle housing stuffed with 4.10 gears and a Positraction differential to keep both wheels turning and the car pointing straight down the street.. Or strip… when it’s time to stop messing around. You can learn more about it in episode 219 of MCOTW.
Episode #44: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS6 454 Convertible
If you were to go buy a brand-new 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, what options would you choose? How about starting with an LS6 454 and adding a convertible top? This is a super-clean 1970 Chevelle SS 454 with the 450 HP LS6 V8 backed by a Muncie M22 4-speed transmission. an awesome ride capable of burning through the first 3 gears while wind-blowing your hair at the same time. This hot ‘70 SS is featured in episode 44 of MCOTW.
Episode #8: 34.2 Mile 1970 Chevelle SS LS6
And while we’re talking about 1970 LS6 cars, we’d be remiss if we didn’t touch on perhaps the lowest mile example remaining in the world… this cranberry red 454 automatic car showing a mere 34.2 miles on the odometer! It has been called the highest horsepower and lowest mileage Muscle Car left in the world! Watch episode #8 of MCOTW to learn all about this car and how it survived in “as-new” condition all these years.
Episode #128: 1970 Chevelle SS 396 Convertible
For those who didn’t want to spring for the LS6 454, Chevrolet offered a slightly smaller big block version called the SS 396. This one is wearing some great features, ranging from the 350 HP 396 (402) under the hood, sport suspension, and SS appearance package, to the bucket seats, tilt wheel, air conditioning, and power convertible top. While not quite as quick as the 454 cars, the SS 396s certainly held their own on city streets. We also like this one because it is a survivor… a fairly low-milage car with original paint and equipment still installed. It’s one of the many unique Chevelles in the Brothers Collection, profiled in-depth in episode 128 of MCOTW.
We hope you liked our little visit to the Chevelle showroom in The Brothers Collection! We’re happy to share these cars with you, so subscribe to see more next time on MCOTW!
#Chevelle #Chevy #musclecaroftheweek
1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 – Muscle Car Of The Week Video Episode 372
1984 was a memorable year for a lot of things, and in many ways it signaled the start Continue reading “1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 – Muscle Car Of The Week Video Episode 372”
1972 Pontiac Firebird Formula 455 HO – Muscle Car Of The Week Video Episode 371
Picture if you will, you’re 25 years old, gasoline is .40 / gallon, you just bought Continue reading “1972 Pontiac Firebird Formula 455 HO – Muscle Car Of The Week Video Episode 371”
Camaro Vs. Firebird – Muscle Car Of The Week Episode 370
Two of the most popular Muscle Cars were introduced for the 1967 model year, and although they are technically cousins, Continue reading “Camaro Vs. Firebird – Muscle Car Of The Week Episode 370”
