TC member #801
The 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6 M-22 was the pinnacle of Raw, flat out, straight line performance in the muscle car era. Even the Mighty Hemi powered Mopars had their hands full when challengingng the 450HP 454 Chevelle.
Today's market value on these cars has far exceeded $100,000 in top condition and owning one is near impossible for the common man. The driving experience can be reduced to nothing short of worry and fear when driving a machine worth this much money, especially when you consider the possibility of totaling the car in a collision, or damaging irreplaceable original components. (Especially throwing a rod through your original stamped block).
Since I'll never be able to afford my dream and have too much respect for these icons to actually drive one like it was meant to be driven, I decided to build one to exact nut and bolt specifications to replicate everything right down to the neck snapping torque of the HP 454.
The engine block is a later year 454 4 bolt block. The Heads are correct LS6 291's and the intake and carb are also correct vintage LS6. This motor was build to better LS6 specifications to include Forged Crank and Pistons, bored .030 over to 460 CI, balanced and blueprinted and hit 500HP and 510 Ft. Lbs. on the Dyno.
Attention to detail was maintained to the best degree possible to include the 6500 RPM LS6 tach, correct marking on the bolt heads, hoses, clamps, dated plug wires and all the attention grabbing show details from the reproduction window sticker, the GM interlocking ignition instructions on the visor and the Super premium fuel only tag hanging from the 1970 AM radio knob.
The restoration bordered on the verge of complete obsession.
The final outcome was well worth the time,
research and cost to complete it.
Although a nut and bolt recreation of this caliber is far from inexpensive, I'll have no fear in lighting up the Firestone Wide Ovals a time or two.
John McNeely
EXTRA!
Now that the Chevelle is finished, I decided to organize and complete the "Dream Garage" I've always wanted.
Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of having my own garage and own classic cars. I dreamed of a 50's style Malt Shop Garage with Checkerboard floors and all.
And although I'm about 4 garage bays, a Glass Block Bar and working soda fountain short of the actual dream, I believe I'm getting as "reasonably" close as I'm ever going to get.
I started with getting good quality prints, of all of the previous classics I've ever owned, and covering the walls with them. Several Vintage Chevrolet Ads were also purchased and framed. In total, over 45 framed photos and vintage Ads cover the walls.
Several vintage and reproduction Tin Signs and memorabilia also cover the walls.
The 50's era Texco Gas Pump illuminated in the Corner is the focal point, and I have started collecting Texaco Memorabilia to surround it.
Creature comforts are a simple 50's style Chrome high top table and chairs, a Mini-Fridge and the CD player belting out the Classic Oldies.
1955 Tokheim Model 300 Original Texaco Pump
Every Man............ Needs a place to escape to.
