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!
Hot Wheels: Chevy Corvette Restomod Build: Custom ’64 Corvette C2 At The V8 Speed and Resto Shop
We’ve all wanted a full-size version of our favorite Hot Wheels car, and this custom 1964 Chevrolet Corvette built at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop makes that dream come true! The restomod Corvette build features custom paint, performance suspension upgrades from Global West, new disc brakes, and a Holley Sniper EFI system install on the Edelbrock 350 crate engine.
The Design
The main part of the project was repainting the Corvette in custom colors. The goal was to give the overall appearance of a full-size Hot Wheels car, a car that is fun to look at and drive! Custom C2 Corvettes can be controversial, as changing a C2 Corvette from original can hurt it’s collector car market value. However, this 1964 Corvette did not have it’s original engine any longer, and the exterior and interior had been changed from their original colors as well. This allowed for some freedom of expression to build a custom Corvette with a new paint job all it’s own.
Building The Corvette
This custom Corvette video features disassembling the corvette, repairing the fiberglass body, and a bit of Corvette C2 history. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop paint department repaints the Corvette in Ermine White, then lays out the 3 color custom stripe design. We mask off the stripes and custom paint the Corvette in our downdraft Blowtherm paint booth, and spray a final clear coat.
Our team had so much fun with this 1964 Corvette that we even built a 1:64th scale Hot Wheels version to match the full size car!
Let’s Build Your Dream
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is as full service custom and restoration shop, complete with a full fabrication shop, body shop, paint shop, interior shop, and mechanical departments. We perform stock restorations and complete custom builds, and everything inbetween. LS Swaps, custom body mods, modern driveline swaps, custom interior, custom consoles, high quality custom paint, and dyno tuning are all available. Contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop today to see how we can make your custom, restomod, pro-touring, street rod, or performance truck build come to life!
Adding Modern Performance And Handling To A Classic Envelope
This cool yellow 1968 Oldsmobile 442 looks great, but the owner wanted better handling, braking, and comfort, while adding more reliable power and a smoother shifting transmission to the car without sacrificing the classic look. The solution is the installation of at Roadster Shop chassis and an LS3 V8, hooked to a Tremec TKX 5-speed manual transmission.
Restoring As Needed
This 1968 Oldsmobile 442 had been restored once, but we discovered some areas needing attention. We replaced the rusty dashboard and performed some floor pan repairs during the process. The goal was to perform the required tasks without re-restoring the entire car.
Upgrades With Drivability In Mind
The foundation is a Roadster Shop chassis, which is not only stiffer than the original GM chassis, but it also incorporates improved suspension geometry, stroger parts, and spring, shock, and steering technology over 50 years more advanced than the 1968 design. The end result is a car that drives phenomenally well while not losing the original 442 appearance.
LS3 + TKO = Way More Fun!
The nearly 500 HP all-aluminum LS3 V8 engine provides modern and reliable power while saving weight and eliminating old-design leaks. A Tremec TKx 5-speed transmission is able to handle over 600 ft-lbs of torque and adds an overdrive 5th gear, all while capable of 7500+ RPM shifts. It is geared to match the rear axle ratio and power curve of the engine, so the hydraulically-clutched 5-speed adds to the fun while being easy to drive.
Follow The Build
The photos tell the story of how the V8 Speed and Resto Shop team transformed this Olds into a road car that the driver can enjoy all day long. Our team is very experienced in building these type of Pro-Touring Muscle Cars for those who put the emphasis on driving performance. What can we build for you? Contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop today to chat about your dream classic, Hot Rod, or Muscle Car!
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Transforms a 1969 Corvette Roadster
1969 Chevrolet Corvette Rendering by Murray Komant, Built At V8 Speed and Resto Shop
This 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster wasn’t just getting a makeover, it was undergoing a complete metamorphosis at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. Gone was the original small-block Chevy 350 V8 and 4-speed transmission, replaced with a heart-pounding 427 cubic inch big-block engine and a smooth-shifting Tremec TKX 5-speed transmission. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the extensive upgrades:
Engine and Drivetrain:
Powerhouse Upgrade: The as-delivered 350 V8 was swapped for a Chevrolet Performance ZZ427 crate engine, churning out 480 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. This legendary big-block promises exhilarating performance.
Modern Transmission: A Tremec TKX 5-speed transmission replaces the 4-speed, offering a wider gear range and smoother shifting for a more enjoyable driving experience.
Clutch and Flywheel: A smooth hydraulic clutch from Modern Driveline provides easy action and strong clamping force.
Fuel Delivery: A Holley Terminator X EFI system replaces the carburetor for precise fuel metering and improved performance.
Cooling System: A new radiator, hoses, and electric fan ensure the powerful engine stays cool.
Brakes and Suspension:
Stopping Power: The stock brakes were replaced with a Wilwood big brake kit featuring red calipers and larger rotors for superior stopping power. New brake lines, hoses, and a proportioning valve complete the upgrade.
Hydraulic Brake Booster: This brake power booster provides smooth action, low pedal effort, and vastly increased clamping force than the original vacuum boost unit at a smaller size.
Enhanced Handling: Bilstein shocks and a comprehensive suspension rebuild with polyurethane bushings improve handling and provide a more responsive ride.
Aggressive Stance: Rocket Racing wheels wrapped in high-performance BF Goodrich tires provide a bold look and enhanced handling. The Diamondback Classics customized tires feature a period redline to adds a sporty touch of red.
Interior Upgrades:
Luxury Comfort: The interior received a complete overhaul. The seats were reupholstered in-house in luxurious Phantom Black leather with perforated inserts for breathability and contrasting blue stitching. New door panels, carpets, and a center console create a fresh and stylish atmosphere.
Modern Conveniences: A Vintage Air A/C system keeps the driver cool on hot days. A Zip Corvette radio with upgraded speakers provides entertainment. USB charging ports allow for convenient device charging. A Dakota Digital cruise control system was installed for added comfort on long drives, with Dakota Gauges keeping the driver up to speed.
Exterior Transformation:
Arrow-Straight Bodywork: The Corvette’s fiberglass body construction requires special techniques to repair and refinish, and the V8 Speed and Resto Shop performed extensive repairs and refinements to the body to improve fit and finish.
Show-Stopping Paint: The original paint job was replaced with a stunning custom blue chosen by the owner. A red-outlined metallic charcoal stripe enhances the deep blue body. The flawless finish and meticulous application make this Corvette a real head-turner.
Aggressive Stance: Rocket Racing wheels wrapped in high-performance BF Goodrich tires provide a bold look and enhanced handling. The Diamondback Classics customized tires feature a period redline to adds a sporty touch of red.
Functional Aesthetics: An L88 hood adds a touch of muscle car history, while functional upgrades like ceramic-coated headers and original Corvette-style side pipes sing the song of the 427.
Additional Details:
The car also received a complete wiring overhaul with a new battery and various electrical upgrades.
Many original parts were meticulously restored or replaced with high-quality reproduction parts, ensuring the car retains its classic character.
This meticulous restoration project by the V8 Speed and Resto Shop transformed a classic Corvette into a modern muscle car masterpiece. With its powerful engine, upgraded drivetrain, luxurious interior, and show-stopping paint job, this Corvette Roadster is ready to conquer the road in style and comfort.
Museum Piece For The Street
After completion, the V8 Speed and Resto Shop team was honored to have the ’69 Corvette Roadster invited to be part of an amazing multi-generational Corvette display at the Garage Automotive Museum in Salina, Kansas. The blue ’69 was right at home flanked by other outstanding Museum Corvettes, but this car is destined to be driven on the open roads of America.
Let’s Build Your Dream Ride
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team understands personally significant vehicles and the freedom they deliver. We can transform your existing ride, or design and craft a custom bespoke automobile tailored specifically for you. We invite you to contact us today to start the conversation.
Custom leather seat covers made at V8 Speed and Resto Shop Interior Shop. Seat coolers and heaters added. Vintage Air a/c, Custom Autosound bluetooth stereo, Rockford Fosgate speakers
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.
The color is an eye-catching pearl metallic black offset with an original style Chevelle SS 396 stripe in vivid red. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop fabrication shop and body and paint departments were happy with deep color and arrow-straight bodywork.
Frame Off Restoration with Subtle Performance Improvements
The interior was restored featuring a Vintage Air A/C system and upgraded stereo. Leather seat covers in the original bucket seat patterns were installed. The V8 team installed shoulder belts in front and back for safety, and restored the original dash cluster. Brakes were upgraded to Wilwood 4-wheel disc units for better stopping power.
The team completed the wiring, plumbing, brakes, stainless exhaust, interior, and all aspects of the exterior restoration before driving and tuning the Chevy 454 powered Chevelle. The car won awards at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Chicago, and was later treated to a Tremec TKO 600 5-speed manual transmission from Modern Driveline with hydraulic clutch for way more driving fun.
The team at Hemmings Muscle Machines Magazine knows a cool car when they see one, and wrote a special magazine feature on the 1969 Chevelle! Thanks Hemmings!
Watch The Chevelle Build Video
Tremec TKO 5-Speed Conversion Video
We’re happy to chat with you about your Muscle Car restoration, click the Contact Us link to learn more!
Author: napnoop Ayyad Comment: Great Job guys, I totally respect the work that was done on this chevy
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Author: Marcelo JL Comment: Great job! Wish I could afford a Chevelle like that
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Author: NickeyChevelle Comment: Beautiful. I especially like the “bullet” outside rear view mirrors.
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Author: William Jackson Comment: Chevy makes so many beautiful body style to restore. That is one beautiful Chevy. He is a very very lucky man with a whole lot of money.
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Author: Dwight Fontenot Comment: That. Is. Incredible. So, how much did all of that cost? 🙂
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Author: Folger Tuck Comment: Great job.
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Author: mcinkyt Comment: Every outward appearance of stock, but comfortable – just as it should be restored.
Shoot a general number at me, what’s a chassis dyno worth?
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Author: jank330 Comment: nice the only thing I might have done is upgrade the brakes but other than that sweet car actually I went to school with guy who along with his dad raced a 69 chevelle with a ls6 454 in 1970 ya I’m that old.
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Author: MR_1013 Comment: Awesome job guys. How much would it take for you guys to take the knife to my El Camino?
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Author: Toms Chevelle Comment: Is there a posi on it? When you did the burnout, you only see on tire mark… just wondering. Sweet, will check it out at the Muscle Car nats this weekend.
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Author: M Logan Comment: In 1969 did chevy put a 454 in late 69 chevelle? If so how many horsepower did it have?
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Author: DPS Comment: Looks good but I prefer an OEM restoration.
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Author: Phil Chuppa Comment: 👍👍
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Author: Roi Davis Comment: I too have a 67 Chevelle that’s in need of Body work to complete. I completed the rolling chassis, and the Power plant is a 454/460cu. in. Big Block. Would you entertain a dialogue about completing this project? Let me know! Roy
