We've all been bitten by the love bug at one time or another, but with Chip Porter and his Monaco orange '69, the "bug" seems to have the tenacity of a pit bull... It just won't let go!!! This is evidenced by all the attention he's lavished on it during the four years it's been in his possession.

Chip's plan of attack was clear from the beginning: He wanted to retain the classic lines of the Chevelle while simultaneously introducing modern technology to its classic platform. He began with a suspension rebop that included new high-rate springs, polyurethane bushings, boxed control arms, front and rear sway bars and Koni shocks, all from the folks at H-O Racing in Lawndale, California. And, to enhance the Chevelle's traction even more, he also included a set of anti-hop bars from Lawson Engineering in Beaverton, Oregon.

Next on his agenda was the drivetrain. A complete rebuild (including the addition of a T/A Performance carrier bearing support and aluminum inspection cover) of the 3.55-geared 12-bolt was in order, while the Muncie M-20 received a thorough going-over as well. Both items were justified, since they would be harnessing the horsepower generated by a 502-inch, Gen V big-block.

The 502 was purchased in short-block form from Apple Chevrolet in York, Pennsylvania, so Chip could add his own set of reworked Dart Merlin oval port heads. Apple also supplied the proper oil pan for the Chevelle's chassis as well as the clutch linkage pivot ball adapter so Chip could retain the use of the four-speed.
The top of the engine was buttoned up with a polished Edelbrock Performer RPM intake and a Carb Shop-prepped 925cfm Holley. The fuel mix is lit off by an MSD billet distributor, and the exhaust exits via a set of Jet Hot-coated Hedman headers into huge Flowmaster big-block mufflers and the recommended 3-inch pipes.

Chip relies on a 502ci Mark V big-block to dispose of his competition. Lots of polished aluminum make sunglasses a requirement every time the hood is opened. The serpentine accessory drive system is a real classy touch that also adds reliability.

While looking under the hood, you can't help but notice the serpentine accessory drive system from Street and Performance in Mena, Arkansas. Included in the kit is a polished Weiand aluminum water pump, alternator, power steering pump A/C compressor, pulleys, idlers, and all the hardware to make it work. Chip claims the 9-foot-plus belt runs straight and true, no matter how tight he turns the engine.

On the inside, we find a basically stock, black bucket interior. Auto Meter gauges and a Grant wheel are worthwhile additions, while a Vintage Air system keeps the cool breezes blowing from the Astro vents.

Creature comforts were next on the list, and since Chip lives in south Florida, he attended to the main one by adding a Vintage Air heating and cooling system. This system uses the original Astro Ventilation outlets, and with only the addition of two more center dash outlets, easily cools the cockpit of Chip's SS. A Grant leather-wrapped sport wheel makes sure the Chevelle is always headed in the right direction, and a host of Auto Meter instruments keep tabs on the underhood happenings.

The introduction of modern-day thinking wasn't limited to the underhood area, either. Billet wheels grace each of the Chevelle's four corners, and mount radial rubber to work hand in hand with the suspension upgrades.

Chip says he now has the ultimate musclecar for the '90's, and we tend to agree with him. Classic looks with a modern powerplant and conveniences is a tough combination to beat. Look out Chip, we're falling in love with your Chevelle, too!!!

Electronic pages by Al