LIA Magazine (Ladies In Autosports) paid a visit to V8 Speed and Resto on their way to The SEMA Show. Owners John and Julie Aschenberg of LIA Magazine feature and celebrate women from all around the country who make a difference in the automotive industry. We’re fortunate they came to visit and spotlight Kelle for her dedication to the shop and the industry. Thanks for the visit and the coverage, and be sure to check out LIA Magazine! http://www.liamag.com/
This clean 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster is visiting the V8 Speed & Resto Shop for some performance upgrades in the suspension and braking departments, along with a fuel-injected Blueprint 383 V8 and Vintage Air A/C! >>> THIS CAR IS FOR SALE, email or call the shop for info! info@v8tv.net
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 a 530 HP Blueprint Engineering 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. Foose Design wheels provide a modern interpretation of the original 442 Super Stock II wheels wrapped with Nitto tires.
LS3 + TKX = Way More Fun!
The 530 HP all-aluminum Blueprint Engineering LS3 V8 engine provides modern and reliable power while saving weight and eliminating old-design leaks. A Tremec TKX 5-speed transmission from Modern Driveline 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. A Magnaflow exhaust provides just enough rumble at idle, with comfortable sound levels cruising down the road.
Enjoying The Drive
Inside, we’ve upfitted this 1968 442 with Dakota Digital gauges in the dash, along with a Vintage Air A/C system to keep things cool. The Modern Driveline hydraulic clutch works easily and smooth, but still grabs tightly. We found this car to be very comfortable and quiet going down the road, until you mash the throttle and wake up the 530 horsepower LS3!
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!
This 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 came to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop in need of some maintenance and tuning. It’s a cool car, equipped with a 4-speed and a fresh Windsor V8.
This 1965 Shelby Cobra by Backdraft came to us when the owner wanted all the chrome and bright aluminum pieces powdercoated black. In addition, we installed a killer audio system so the driver can hear tunes over the Roush 427! We also performed some paint work on the car after a fender was damaged.
From the Cars, Stars, and Roll Bars site: “Kevin Oeste, Owner of V8 Speed and Resto Shop, has been a friend for many years and it was great to have him set aside time to be my featured guest. He is a lifelong automotive and motorsports enthusiast who’s passion was sparked at an early age. After receiving a degree in Broadcast Communication from Illinois State University, Kevin was able to merge his two passions by getting hired at Hot Rod Magazine in Los Angeles, eventually producing Hot Rod TV on Speedchannel. Shooting NCMA races and events like the Hot Rod Power Tour led him all over the country, eventually meeting his wife Kelle 6 states from home after his 1962 Ford Galaxie 500 XL convertible broke down on the Power Tour.
In 2005, Oeste and Kelle launched the V8 Speed and Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL, a world-class restoration, custom, and performance center currently employing 25 dedicated professionals building award-winning cars for discerning customers all over the world. Kevin handles the media and helps customers visualize their dream cars, and Kelle is the operational force that runs the business. Their first car was a 1969 Camaro SEMA show car, and it’s been full throttle ever since.
The mission statement of the V8 Speed and Resto Shop is “To connect people with the best times of their lives through things with wheels.” Kevin and Kelle Oeste remain immersed in automotive business, media, events, and culture, noting that it’s not about the cars… it’s all about the people and their stories. It seems they’ve written quite a story for themselves along the way.”
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.
This 1967 Chevrolet Camaro convertible is receiving a variety of repairs and upgrades at the V8 Speed and Resto shop. Plans call for a new fuel injected engine and automatic transmission, restored subframe and all new suspension, upgraded Dakota digital gauges, a complete under hood detail and paint treatment and more.
