SEMA Cruise Ignites SEMA Show Cars and Sets Them Free
The SEMA Cruise is the grand finale of the annual SEMA Show, the world’s leading trade event for the $336 billion automotive aftermarket industry, held during SEMA Week (typically the first full week of November) at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This vibrant procession, formalized in 2011, features hundreds of custom-built vehicles—high-performance cars, lifted trucks, off-road SUVs, lowriders, and more—rolling out of the convention halls along a short, mile-long route down Convention Center Drive toward the West Hall parking lot. Hosted and emceed for the seventh year by automotive personality Kevin Oeste and Joe Sebergandio, the Cruise transforms the show’s closure into a public spectacle, with roaring engines, neon lights, and enthusiastic crowds lining grandstands, celebrating the artistry and innovation of the aftermarket world.
“The SEMA Cruise is a gift” Oeste says. “For me, It’s a true reward at the end of the action-packed SEMA Show week. It’s the last event I host at the SEMA Show, and it’s the loudest and most fun. I look forward to seeing all the awesome SEMA cars and trucks, but more so to share the show and interact with the thousands of amped-up car enthusiasts on-site and millions more online. I look forward to it all year!”
SEMA Cruise By The Numbers
The SEMA Cruise is a massive event, reflecting the grandeur of the SEMA Show:
Number of Vehicles: Over 1,200 feature vehicles participate, drawn from the 1,500+ showcased at the SEMA Show. These include extreme custom builds like supercharged lowriders, neon-lit lifted trucks, and off-road beasts from brands like Toyota, Ram, and Nissan.
Duration and Route: The parade, lasting several hours, begins after the show’s 6 p.m. close on Friday. The mile-long route along Convention Center Drive is compact but packed with high-energy displays, with vehicles exiting in waves for smooth traffic flow.
Context Within SEMA Show: The SEMA Show spans 1.2 million net square feet of indoor exhibits and 1 million square feet of outdoor activations, hosting 2,400+ exhibitors (including 580 first-timers in 2024) and 160,000+ attendees from 140 countries. The Cruise serves as its dynamic capstone.
This scale makes the SEMA Cruise one of Las Vegas’s largest single-day vehicle events, rivaling major motorsport parades in density and variety.
Reaching Beyond The Crowd
The SEMA Cruise extends the SEMA Show’s influence, blending trade exclusivity with public engagement:
Live Attendance: Thousands of fans, including non-trade visitors, line the route and grandstands for free, drawing locals, tourists, and enthusiasts who couldn’t access the trade-only show. The event is open to all, amplifying its appeal.
Digital and Media Amplification: Hosted by Kevin Oeste, whose commentary adds charisma and context, the Cruise generates millions of social media impressions via attendee videos, photos, and live streams. Hashtags like #SEMACruise trend globally, with YouTube compilations (e.g., 2024’s “epic lineups”) and coverage from 3,000+ media personnel via outlets like Motor1.
Broader Ecosystem: As part of SEMA Week’s “all-city” vision (since 2022), the Cruise ties into events like SEMA Fest, a ticketed music and motorsports festival featuring bands like Cage the Elephant, and SEMA Ignited (now integrated into Fest), attracting tens of thousands more. This boosts Las Vegas tourism and economy.
In 2024, real-time X posts showcasing “extreme custom vehicles” amplified the Cruise’s viral footprint, with Oeste’s lively narration enhancing its social media buzz.
An SEMA Show Staple
The SEMA Cruise, with Kevin Oeste as its charismatic host, holds profound cultural and industry importance:
Celebration of Automotive Innovation: Oeste’s commentary highlights the aftermarket’s cutting-edge products—Hemi crate engines, trendsetting truck designs, and more—making the Cruise a “final showcase” for exhibitors to connect with buyers and fans. Iconic builds, like convertible Land Cruisers or rally-inspired GR Supras, gain global attention.
Bridging Industry and Enthusiasts: While the SEMA Show is trade-only, Oeste’s engaging emceeing makes the Cruise accessible, fostering community and passion for car culture. Described as the “pinnacle of the aftermarket world,” it draws insiders and consumers, creating lasting memories and networks.
Economic and Cultural Impact: The Cruise supports SEMA’s economic impact (the largest Vegas trade show by attendance), driving job creation, product launches, and citywide activations. Oeste’s presence elevates its cultural weight, embodying the “love for cars, trucks, and SUVs” and inspiring diverse builds, from vintage racers to modern off-roaders.
The SEMA Cruise, with Kevin Oeste’s vibrant hosting, is more than an exit parade—it’s a high-octane celebration of automotive innovation, amplifying SEMA’s legacy and cementing Las Vegas as the global hub of car culture. For 2025 (November 4–7), expect even greater spectacle.
Now Hiring Human Resources Manager for Muscle Car Restoration Shop – Full Time
Rev Up Your Career at V8 Speed & Resto Shop!
Are you a people-person with a passion for building high-performance teams? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, environment where craftsmanship meets camaraderie? At V8 Speed & Resto Shop, we’re not just restoring classic muscle cars—we’re fueling a culture of excellence, innovation, and endless drive. If you’re the type who sees challenges as opportunities to shift into high gear, loves fostering psychological safety so everyone can rev their engines freely, and wants to help talented craftsmen and support staff map out their career paths, this role is your perfect opportunity. Join us in creating a workplace that’s as powerful and polished as the rides we build!
Your Mission: Build and Boost Our Dream Team
As our Human Resources Manager, you’ll be the engine behind hiring top-tier talent, nurturing a vibrant shop culture aligned with our core values, and ensuring our crew feels empowered, and geared up for growth. With your leadership and organizational skills, you’ll keep our team running smoothly, from onboarding new team members to celebrating milestones that keep morale up.
What You’ll Own (With Owner Green Light):
Hiring and Recruiting: Scout and select the best candidates to join our team—think deciding who gets the keys to our shop.
Compensation: Propose raises, bonuses, or incentives that reward performance, training, and long-haul loyalty.
Terminations: Handle tough calls after thorough checks, always with fairness and respect.
Role Evolutions: Craft or revamp job descriptions to match our evolving needs, like updating responsibilities.
Your Daily Drive:
Job Postings & Talent Search: Share openings on platforms far and wide, screen resumes, and lead interviews.
Onboarding & Offboarding: Roll out the red carpet for new hires with seamless orientations, and manage clean exits (exit interviews, gear returns) when paths diverge.
Performance Reviews & Coaching: Run feedback sessions, 1:1 check-ins, and 30/60/90-day reviews to help folks fine-tune their skills and accelerate their careers. Guide Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) with empathy and action.
Employee Celebrations: Plan epic team-building events, mark birthdays and anniversaries with high-fives and shop shoutouts, and cultivate an open, trust-filled space where ideas flow like high-octane fuel.
Training & Growth: Coordinate internal and external programs, track progress, and measure retention to ensure our team levels up—think 90-day boot camps that turn rookies into restoration rockstars.
Organization Tools & Communications: Keep our Org Chart, Bamboo Goals, Employee Handbook and CRM (Podio) updated; set up meetings with agendas, and even meal plans to keep everyone aligned and fueled.
Performance Power: Use tools like BambooHR and Traction Goals to track milestones every four weeks—keeping the team on the fast track.
Who We’re Looking For:
You’re organized, empathetic, and energized by people dynamics. Bonus if you dig muscle cars or thrive in creative, hands-on settings. If you’re ready to empower a team of craftsmen, let’s talk!
Work Location: Red Bud IL
We offer a 40 hour work week with optional overtime available. We pay holidays, vacation, and provide health insurance, 401K, life insurance, dental & vision. Excellent opportunities for training and career growth. Great crew to work with. Excellent working environment with an innovative team ready to set your creativity free!
If you have a deep love for classic cars, take pride in your craftsmanship, and possess the skills to bring engines back to life, 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.
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.
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.
Fill Out This Job Application To Schedule An Interview Today!
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 sweet 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle, bathed in tasty custom-mixed “Tropical Frees Blue”, just left the V8 Speed & Resto Shop… and we’ve got the full video coming soon!
Get ready for an in-depth look at this stunning restoration, from the classic muscle car lines to the impeccable, flawless finish. It’s a build that demands attention and a video you won’t want to skip.
Don’t miss the complete feature video—subscribe now so you’re the first to see it when it drops!
In an era dominated by electric vehicles and autonomous tech, there’s something undeniably magnetic about the thunderous V8 engines, bold chrome accents, and aggressive lines of classic American muscle cars. From the golden age of the 1960s to the resilient revivals of the 1990s, these beasts—think Pontiac GTOs, Chevrolet Camaros, Ford Mustangs, and Dodge Chargers—embody raw power and cultural rebellion. But why do they endure? And just how strong is the market supporting them today? Let’s dive into the lasting appeal, the robust economy around these icons, and the sheer scale of the industry keeping them alive.
The Enduring Popularity: Nostalgia Meets Adrenaline
Muscle cars burst onto the scene in the mid-1960s, fueled by a post-war boom in performance engineering and a youth culture craving speed. The 1964 Pontiac GTO is often credited as the first true muscle car, sparking a rivalry among Detroit’s Big Three (GM, Ford, and Chrysler) that defined the era. By the 1970s, icons like the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS with its 454 big-block engine symbolized unbridled American might, delivering jaw-dropping horsepower that made them legends in drag racing and pop culture.
Even as fuel crises and emissions regulations in the 1970s tamed their output, the spirit persisted into the 1980s and 1990s. Models like the third-generation Chevrolet Camaro (1982-1992) and the Fox-body Ford Mustang (1979-1993) adapted with fuel injection and aerodynamic tweaks, blending classic aggression with modern efficiency. Today, their popularity stems from several key factors:
Nostalgic Appeal: Baby Boomers and Gen Xers who grew up idolizing these cars now have the disposable income to own them. As one observer notes, “They are popular because the people who grew up with them have paid off their mortgages and have some spare cash.”
Raw Performance and Style: Unlike today’s homogenized crossovers, these cars offer a visceral driving experience—big engines, manual transmissions, and that unmistakable rumble. The 1960s prioritized “high-displacement engines and aggressive styling that epitomized the rebellious spirit,” while 1980s-1990s models like the Buick GNX added turbocharged sophistication without losing edge.
Cultural Icon Status: Muscle cars star in films like Bullitt (1968 Mustang) and Vanishing Point (1971 Challenger), embedding them in American lore. Even in 2025, events like the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals draw crowds, and X threads celebrate their “timeless charm” in models like Oldsmobile 442s from the late 1960s. Their evolution mirrors societal shifts—from 1960s optimism to 1990s tech integration—making them more than vehicles; they’re time capsules.
This passion isn’t fading; if anything, it’s intergenerational, with younger collectors appreciating their analog purity in a digital world.
Market Strength: A Thriving Ecosystem for Cars and Parts
The market for 1960s-1990s muscle cars remains remarkably resilient, even amid economic fluctuations. Auction data shows these vehicles holding or appreciating in value, with rarities like low-mileage 1970 Plymouth Road Runners or 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1s fetching premiums at shows and sales. Hagerty reports that muscle cars from the 1964-1972 era accounted for 5.3% of all auction sales in 2024, underscoring their solid footing.
Car Values and Sales: While some segments dipped in early 2025 (e.g., Ford Mustang sales fell 32% in Q1), overall trends are positive. Collectible muscle cars showed mixed but stable year-over-year changes, with many appreciating due to scarcity. In the sub-$50K bracket, nearly 28,000 cars traded for $547 million in the first half of 2025, slightly up from the prior year.
Parts and Restoration Market: The aftermarket is booming, driven by restorations and restomods. The global automotive restoration market hit USD 5.8 billion in 2023, with car restoration materials projected to grow from USD 5.2 billion in 2024 to USD 8.9 billion by 2033 at a 6.5% CAGR. In 2022, classics generated $1.81 billion in retail parts sales alone, as owners seek authentic components for everything from 1969 Plymouth GTXs to 1990s Camaros. This strength comes from a dedicated supply chain, including reproductions and NOS (new old stock) parts, ensuring even project cars can roar back to life.
Despite occasional slumps in certain models (down up to 15% in 2025 for some American classics), the market’s diversity—from entry-level Mustangs to high-end Hemi ‘Cudas—keeps it vibrant.
The Size of the Industry: Billions in Motion
The muscle car world is part of a massive classic car industry that’s expanding globally. In the U.S. alone, the classic cars market reached USD 12.6 billion in 2024, up from USD 7.2 billion in 2018, with projections for continued growth. Globally, the classic car market is expected to swell from USD 40.8 billion in 2025 to USD 86.6 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of about 8.7%.
Hagerty estimates around 43 million collector vehicles in the U.S., generating billions in related activities like insurance, events, and auctions (totaling $2.2 billion in one metric). Statista pegs global classic car revenue at USD 31.6 billion in 2022, with 9.6% annual growth anticipated. Muscle cars, as a subset, drive a significant portion, especially in North America where demand for 1960s-1990s models fuels international shipping and collector interest.
This scale supports a ecosystem of restorers, parts suppliers, and events, employing thousands and attracting global buyers. These cars aren’t just hobbies—they’re economic engines.
Revving into the Future
The muscle cars of the 1960s-1990s aren’t relics; they’re thriving symbols of automotive passion. Their popularity endures through nostalgia, performance, and culture, backed by a strong market and a multi-billion-dollar industry. Whether you’re a collector eyeing a pristine 1969 Camaro Z/28 or a restorer hunting parts for a 1990s Mustang, the roar lives on. In a world going electric, these V8 warriors remind us: sometimes, the classics just can’t be beat.
What’s your favorite Muscle Car? Contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop to locate, restore, or modify your dream Muscle Car!
This captivating customized 1959 Chrysler Saratoga is nicknamed “Sara-To-Go”, and for good reason. Sure, it features some excellent traditional kustom styling cues – like the lowered stance, 1957 Chevrolet BelAir trim, smoothed grille, 1958 Saratoga headlights, upper grille bar, and bumper, and other nip-and-tuck tricks. The ’58 Tahitian Coral paint and charcoal accents really pop, and the brushed modern wheels bring it all around visually. But the fun is just beginning with the look of this smooth ride. This project, penned by designer Murray Komant, is one of many bespoke Black Label concepts brewing at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop.
This Saratoga gets its “go” from a warmed over, full-roller Mopar 413 Max Wedge, because everyone has a Hemi these days, right? Bolted to a modern 10 speed automatic, or a 6-speed stick if you wish, this high-tech version of a classic Mopar torque monster featured aluminum heads and intake, high-end EFI, and a fully coated and balanced rotating assembly. Modern suspension design and steering comfortably manage the twisties, with electric assist brakes, forged wheels, and grippy rubber do their thing down low.
Features:
EFI Chrysler 413 Max Wedge Engine, 580 HP
6-Speed Manual or 10-Speed Automatic Transmission
Modern Chassis for Comfort and Handling
Hand-tailored, Luxurious Custom Interior
Time To Hit The Road
This Saratoga is a winner on many levels, and one not to forget is the size. It’s able to bring the crew or the family along for the fun, but the sumptuous hand-stitched power bucket seats, tilt wheel, high-power audio, A/C, and other amenities make it a solo driver’s machine as well. Smell the leather. Hear the rumble. Get comfortable. Play your tunes. Put the hammer down and feel the endless torque. This is your time.
Let’s Build Yours
There is much to share about this performance custom, stunning project, and we are happy to discuss the build details and start the construction process. Contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop anytime to chat about bringing this stunning Chrysler to life, we can’t wait for your first drive!
Jason “Sarge” Beebe joined V8 Speed and Resto Shop as a shop assistant, starting with humble tasks like sweeping floors and organizing parts. We first met Sarge at a Scott Air Force Base job fair for recent U.S. Air Force retirees, unaware of the depth of his experience as a C-130 Loadmaster or his lifelong passion for restoring Muscle Cars, a craft he honed alongside his father and brother—both Air Force veterans.
Sarge’s organizational prowess transformed our “Lumber Yard” parts warehouse, streamlining operations across our six-building campus. His leadership and knack for bringing out the best in people helped develop our Parts On Demand system, boosting efficiency and reducing time spent locating parts. Beyond his technical skills, Sarge’s warmth and dedication left a lasting mark on our team.
Growing up, Sarge was immersed in the world of Muscle Cars, learning from his father, a talented restorer who built an array of iconic vehicles. Sarge fondly recalls assembling a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS model as a child, a dream that became reality when he and his family restored a real Chevelle when he was just 14. His Dad’s 1973 Camaro Z/28 lives on as well, now owned by his Uncle.
After a distinguished Air Force career that took him around the globe, Sarge brought his discipline, passion, and love for cool cars to V8 Speed and Resto Shop. As he steps into retirement, we celebrate his contributions and wish him endless joy with his family and his beloved Chevelle.
Thank you, Sarge, for setting our parts team and facility up for lasting success. Here’s to your next adventure!
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?
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:
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.
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
Does a high-quality restoration stand up over time?
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop crew performed a complete restoration on this sweet 1969 Chevelle SS. The V8 Speed & Resto Shop team stripped the body, replaced the floors and trunk floor, assembled the body on the restored chassis, and performed bodywork and paint on this award-winning 1969 Chevelle. It’s powered by a big block Chevy V8 and a 5-speed Tremec transmission. The work was done back in 2014, so we thought it would be cool to revisit the car and see how a high-quality complete restoration looks over ten years later.
Fortunately, this 1969 Chevelle street machine still looks fresh today, and the owner takes great care of the car and drives and shows it when he can. Over the years, the car has only required a few maintenance items, but has also received several upgrades like a second set of wheels, Wilwood brakes, and a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission conversion. You can see those upgrades and the original restoration video in the links below.
If you’re looking for a restoration or a restomod Muscle Car, a stock or updated Classic, or even a full custom or hot rod, we’re always happy to chat about making your dream ride come true at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop!
Other Chapters of This 1969 Chevelle Video Series:
