This deep blue 1977 Chevrolet Corvette came to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop for a new driveline including an LS3 V8, a Tremec TKX 5-Speed manual transmission, and more. These Corvettes look cool and handle well, but the often anaemic, low-compression “smog motors” from the mid 1970s leave much to be desired in the performance department. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop installed a Chevrolet Performance LS3 430 HP crate engine and the Tremec TKX 5-Speed transmission from Modern Driveline designed for high RPM shifting. Dakota Digital RTX gauges provide the driver with the vitals without looking like an add-on. Other suspension upgrades, new wheels, tires, and brakes, sidepipes, and a complete interior restoration by V8 Speed and Resto all add up to a great looking and performing Corvette. If you didn’t think you were a fan of mid 1970’s Corvettes… you are now!
Our hosts Kevin Oeste and Mike “Q-Ball” Clarke are joined by Ross Berlanga of TMI Products on this special episode of the V8 Radio Podcast! They cover the long friendship of Ross and Kevin and lots of hot rod stories along the way, all the way up to the upcoming 2023 TMI TRIM Award to be held at the 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The TMI TRIM Award celebrates outstanding interiors of show cars and trucks, and provides great content and even market research for new TMI interior product ideas. Kevin acts as a judge and Emcee of the TRIM Award, and you’ll learn all about it here. And don’t worry, there is plenty of silliness and Automotive Trivia as well, on this unrivaled episode of the V8 Radio Podcast!
Well wouldya look at that! V8 Speed & Resto Shop‘s very own Kelle Oeste featured as a Select Committee member of the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)! Kelle is very active in the industry and is quick to volunteer to help members and their families flourish in the automotive world, and in life. Congrats Kelle on the spotlight, we’re all very proud of you and appreciate all you do!
We’re honored our friends at Street Muscle Magazine chose to feature the 1964 Chevrolet Corvette custom restomod we built at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop! They clearly understand the concept behind the car, and said some very kind things about it. Read the article here, or watch the build video on this fun Corvette!
Contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop for your latest custom Hot Rod or Muscle Car!
This 1968 Dodge Coronet 500 has had extensive metal work done to it, and before it goes to the body and paint shop, the team is test fitting all the trim to make sure it fits properly. This is an important step to ensure that the final product is everything the customer wants it to be.
The video shows the car in the fabrication shop, where it is completely media blasted and sprayed with a gray epoxy primer. Certain areas are bare steel where the team has been doing welding, panel gap fitment, and rust repair. However, the car is now at the point where the team wants to see how the trim fits before it goes to the body and paint shop.
This step is essential because it allows the team to identify any potential problems early on. For example, if a new or reproduction part doesn’t fit properly, the team can make the necessary adjustments before the car is painted. This saves time and money in the long run.
The 1968 Dodge Coronet 500 is a cool project car, and the team at V8 Speed and Resto Shop is excited to see it finished. The car has a 383 engine, 330 horsepower, and 425 foot-pounds of torque. It also has a fresh suspension. Everything on the car will be essentially brand new when it’s finished.
If you have a project car that you’re thinking about restoring or customizing, the team at V8 Speed and Resto Shop would be happy to chat with you!
Join Our Team as an A-Level High Performance Auto Mechanic for Restoration and Custom Cars at V8 Speed and Resto Shop, now in our 20th Year Of Business!
Are you passionate about breathing new life into classic cars? Do you have a keen eye for detail and a skill set that transforms vehicles into automotive masterpieces? If so, the V8 Speed and Resto Shop is looking for you! We are a renowned automotive restoration and customization shop, and we are seeking a talented and experienced High Performance Mechanic to join our dynamic team.
Join Our Enthusiastic Team!
If you have a deep love for classic cars, take pride in your craftsmanship, and possess the skills to elevate automotive restoration and customization, we want to hear from you! At the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, you’ll have the opportunity to work on remarkable projects and collaborate with fellow automotive enthusiasts.
To apply for this exciting opportunity, please click the application link below. We look forward to speaking with you and welcome an exceptional Auto Body Technician like you to our team!
High Performance Mechanic Role:
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced A-level High Performance/Restoration Mechanic to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of experience in a high-performance or restoration automotive shop environment, showcasing exceptional technical prowess, diagnostic skills, and a passion for precision work. If you thrive in a culture-rich, detail-oriented, and collaborative setting, this opportunity is perfect for you.
High Performance Mechanic Position Responsibilities:
Perform advanced diagnostics, tuning, and maintenance on high-performance and restoration vehicles.
Demonstrate expertise in carburetor diagnostics and tuning, ensuring optimal engine performance.
Conduct engine performance diagnostics using troubleshooting guides and independent problem-solving skills.
Possess comprehensive knowledge of factory and aftermarket EFI systems, including installation and tuning for systems like Holley EFI, FAST EFI, Megasquirt, and HP tuners on generation III-V GM platforms.
Execute engine and transmission swaps, specializing in LS-based and Coyote engine installations.
Proficiently handle aftermarket brake installations and diagnose hydra boost systems.
Utilize MIG welding skills to create and modify brackets, motor mounts, exhaust systems, and suspension components. TIG welding capabilities are a plus.
Demonstrate strong drivability and diagnostic skills, addressing a wide range of automotive issues.
Diagnose, install, and troubleshoot air conditioning systems and aftermarket upgrades.
Expertly diagnose and perform custom electrical installations, while possessing knowledge of electrical noise, interference, and aftermarket component integration.
Participate in performance engine assembly, including head swaps, cam swaps, and supercharger installations.
Diagnose and perform minor repairs on both manual and automatic transmissions.
Address leaks and conduct necessary repairs with precision.
Showcase proficiency in ring and pinion setup, optimizing vehicle performance.
Conduct tire mounting and balancing with precision and accuracy.
Possess expertise in driveline angles, adjustments, and vibrations, diagnosing and rectifying issues to ensure optimal vehicle performance.
Uphold the highest standards of care, safety, and quality in all tasks performed.
Demonstrate the ability to operate manual transmissions smoothly.
Prioritize safety and precision, maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
High Performance Mechanic Technician Requirements:
A minimum of 10 years of experience in a high-performance or restoration automotive shop, or 6 years of repair experience with at least 4 years in a restoration or performance environment.
Proficiency in carburetor diagnostics and tuning, engine performance diagnostics, and EFI systems installation.
Solid experience with LS-based and Coyote engine swaps, aftermarket brake installations, and hydroboost systems.
Strong MIG welding skills; TIG welding skills are a plus.
Exceptional drivability, diagnostic, and troubleshooting skills.
Comprehensive knowledge of air conditioning systems, electrical diagnostics, and aftermarket installations.
Experience with performance engine assembly and upgrades.
Ability to diagnose and repair manual and automatic transmissions.
Familiarity with ring and pinion setup, tire mounting, and balancing.
Strong understanding of driveline angles, adjustments, and vibration diagnosis and repair.
Passion for high-performance driving, racing, or attendance at performance driving schools is a plus.
Clean driving record.
Detail-oriented with a commitment to precision and quality.
About The V8 Speed and Resto Shop:
We value the well-being of our Team and their families above all else, and we all focus on generating the best employee and customer experience possible. Our core values center around the way we treat people and would like to be treated. We live and breathe classics, customs, restored and modified muscle cars, restomods, pro-touring cars, and more at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. We take pride in meticulously restoring and customizing vintage vehicles, and our commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail sets us apart in the industry. We understand the significance of these cars to their owners and treat them as such. Our team is composed of highly skilled professionals who share a common passion for automotive excellence.
V8 Speed and Resto Shop Purpose:
We believe in the importance of classic vehicles not only as historical objects, but for their personal significance to enthusiasts and their families, and for the joy they bring to the world.
We believe in the importance of the automobile industry as a workspace where people of all skill sets and in all areas of business can thrive working around special vehicles that ignite their passion.
We believe that dream cars can and do exist, and that our team is here to build them.
V8 Speed and Resto Shop Mission Statement:
To connect people with the best times of their lives through things with wheels.
Values Statement:
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop achieves our goals and the goals of our customers by applying the following core values to everything we do:
Happiness
Quality
Respect
Honesty
Loyalty
Teamwork
Passion
Innovation
V8 Speed and Resto Shop Vision Statement:
To ensure that automobile enthusiasts will always have a trusted, talented, and passionate source to provide services they need to enjoy their special vehicles.
To always provide a healthy, safe, creative, and respectful workplace where our team can enhance their skills and abilities and enjoy satisfying and rewarding careers.
At the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, we live and breathe classics, customs, restored and modified muscle cars, restomods, pro-touring cars, and more. We take pride in meticulously restoring and customizing vintage vehicles, and our commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail sets us apart in the industry. Our team is composed of highly skilled professionals who share a common passion for automotive excellence.
This Mechanic Technician job opening requires experience. This is not an entry level position.
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is a great working environment with awesome teammates and lots of cool tools and equipment to grow your abilities. We have a backlog of work and are always looking to build better, more creative hot rods, customs, and muscle cars. We are located in a small, safe midwestern town of Red Bud Illinois.
If you want consistent, rewarding work every day, every week, building award winning show cars this is a job for you! We are hiring for this auto body shop job opening now.
Benefits:
We offer a competitive compensation package, including benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development and growth within our organization.
We provide PPO Health, Dental, Vision insurance 75% company paid.
Paid time off after 90 days
Paid Holidays
401(k) 3% matching
Flexible schedule
Company Paid $50K Life insurance
Employee discounts on parts
We provide in-house and out of shop training.
Shop hours are 8-5 Monday – Friday (Technician Hours 7AM – 3:30PM optional) – No Weekends
Join Our Enthusiastic Team!
If you have a deep love for classic cars, take pride in your craftsmanship, and possess the skills to elevate automotive restoration and customization, we want to hear from you! At V8 Speed and Resto Shop, you’ll have the opportunity to work on remarkable projects and collaborate with fellow automotive enthusiasts.
To apply for this exciting opportunity, please click the application link below We can’t wait to welcome an exceptional A-Level Mechanic like you to our team!
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
This deep black 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass SX Convertible is powered by a 455 Olds V8 and arrived at the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with a turbo 400 automatic transmission. The owner wants to use this car often and make it a comfortable and reliable driver, so plans include a Holley EFI system and an overdrive transmission. However, he does not want to deviate from the classic original appearance of the car. Follow along as we improve the drive ability of this extremely sharp Cutlass!
Or show starts off with Kevin Oeste and Mike “Q-Ball” Clarke sharing the story of his Kevin’s recent invite from Jimmy Shine and Billy Gibbons to be a guest at a recent ZZ Top concert! Kevin was super excited, and it only escalated when the topic shifts to recap the amazing new Hot Rod, Kustom, Street Machine, and Truck event called the Triple Crown of Rodding! Kevin, Kelle, and some of the V8 Speed & Resto Shop crew had an unbelievable time seeing some of the hottest cars in the country and hanging around with great friends and builders like Troy Trepanier, Alan Johnson, Gary Case, Chip Foose, Dave Kindig, Jesse Greening, Ken “Posies” Fenical, Roy Brizio, Mike & Jim Ring, Troy Ladd, Bobby Alloway, Phil and Jeremy Gerber, Johnathan Goolsby, and many more. While there, Kevin connected with Larry Erickson.. you know, the guy who designed CadZZilla… and his documentary project got a shot in the arm! It’s a heavy episode book-ended by Automotive Trivia and the usual nonsense, so we’re hope you’re fueled and ready for the V8 Radio Podcast!
The Triple Crown of Rodding event celebrates Hot Rods, Customs, Classics & Muscle Cars thru 1972, AND…. American-Made Trucks thru 1998! We’ll be there September 8-9, will you?
HERE’S JUST A SAMPLE WHY THIS EVENT WILL BE WHERE ALL THE PLAYERS….. COME TO PLAY!
• Brand New 2023 Chevrolet Pickup Hot-Rodded by Alloway’s Rod Shop to be given away by LUCK-OF-THE-DRAW to one lucky registered participant! • 50/50 drawing with 1/2 the proceeds going to one lucky winning ticket & the other 1/2 going to charities. • Over 40 State-Of-The-Art Beautifully Machined Billet Aluminum trophies and show chrome plated (6) of the Triple Crown Winners… Best Street Rod, Best Street Machine, Best Street Cruiser, Best Truck (up to 1972), Best Truck (73-87). Best Truck (88-98) • Win the Prestigious Triple Crown Trophy & a Gibson guitar! (gotta give some guitars away we’re in Music City USA) • The top (3) cars will be featured on the cover of Modern Rodding magazine and the Top (3) Trucks on the cover of Classic Truck Performance magazine with full inside features on all 6. The Top 6 Triple Crown Winners will be invited to compete for the Barrett-Jackson Cup & $20,000.00 Jan. 21-29, 2024 in Scottsdale, Az. (Only 50 vehicles Nationally invited with a minimum of 6 from this show!) • “Huge” Exhibitor Midway – Over 100 Vendors Large Swap Meet & Car 4-Sale Corral Nostalgia Nitro Dragsters Demo • Concerts and fun for the whole family! • AND MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!
TRIPLE CROWN OF RODDING • SEPT. 8 & 9 • 2023
Nashville Superspeedway Event will be held at the Nashville Superspeedway 4847-F McCrary Rd, Lebanon, TN 37090
Friday Sept 8 from 7am – 5pm Saturday Sept 9 from 8am – 5pm
Event is open to all Hot Rods, Street Rods, Street Machines, Classics & Customs up to 1972 AND All American-Made trucks up to 1998.
New Zealander Burt Munro is a very famous motorcycle land speed racer, and was the subject of a film called the World’s Fastest Indian. We recently had the pleasure of meeting Burt’s granddaughter Robyn Munro at the 2023 SCTA Speed Week at the Bonneville salt flats. It was Robyn’s first time to the salt, and you could tell how much the experience moved her. Her next stop was to accept the Sturgis Hall of Fame induction for her legendary late grandfather Burt. Recorded in the tech inspection lanes at the Wendover Airport.
