This car started out life as an original factory 396ci big block with 4 speed manual and 12 bolt diff. When bought in the US by the owner it was fitted with a non original 454 engine and still original gearbox and diff. After shipping it over from the states the owner wanted it upgraded but left as a left hand drive vehicle. After being in my 73 big block corvette the owner wanted something similar in performance.
After a lengthy discussion with the owner on what to do we decided on a brand new hand built 427ci big block Chev backed by a TKO600 gearbox and a beefed up 12 bolt diff.
The engine we built from scratch. It has a Dart block with steel 4 bolt caps, special ordered scat 427 crank and rods, JE pistons with 11.5:1 compression and a Comp solid mechanical cam. To top it off AFR heads, RPM Airgap manifold and a HP Ultra holley double pumper. Ignition is handled by an MSD 6AL and a Pro Billet distributor with hand made ignition leads and wiring. To handle the torque and power we fitted a Tremec TKO600 5 speed manual joined to the diff by a brand new 3” 4btailshaft fitted with heavy duty hardie spicer uni’s. At the back is a brand new 12 bolt diff with Tru-Track centre with billet caps, 3.7:1 gears, beefed up axles and a new billet aluminum diff cover to hold more oil and also has support locks to add strength to the bearing caps under hard acceleration.
To strengthen the chassis we purchased a set of Hotchkis chassis connectors, welded and bolted into place.
To help cool the powerful new motor we fitted a new 5 core radiator with dual electric fans powered by an 85amp alternator.
To date the car is performing beautifully while its still running in all its new gear. Once its all run in and ready we will update with all its power figures and if possible some track times!
