elcampage

This is one of our first projects and goes way back to 1980. I know we're dating ourselves here, but what the hey, time flies.....

Early 80's Cartoon Style Artwork

We don't have any pictures of the '69 the way we bought it. It was stock, 90,000 mile, GM hugger orange and straight with 14" x 7" American Racing Torque Thrust wheels and Polyglass GTs. It had dual exhaust with chrome tips, factory air shocks and hitch. The 396 was a stock and all original L-34(350 HP) with AC. After blowing it up (nylon timing chain gears went South) in the first month of ownership, the 396 was treated to a stock rebuild. It ran really well for a stocker although the single track 3.43 rear had major problems putting that big block torque to the ground.

The first change we made was a set of Cragar wheels and B.F.G. TAs complete with inspring lift knuckles in the front and new Gabriel Hijacker air shocks to help clear the 295/50/15s on 10" wheels. Can you say '80s? Next was a set of Blackjack 1 7/8" headers and Sonic Turbo mufflers. Now we were really fast!

The Early '80s Highboy look!

Soon the power wasn't enough, so it was time for some serious upgrades. We started with a .030 overbore and a set of new 11 to 1 TRW forged slugs on reworked 3/8" rods and a steel crank. The oval port heads received a mid porting. A crower hydraulic 306/.550 lift cam was chosen. What a sweet sound through the new 2" Hooker super comp headers. The Q-jet was axed in favor of an new Holley 4150 750 cfm carb and a Mallory Unilite distributor, Coil and Wires. The TH-400 got a 3000rpm stall and a B & M shift kit. All this new power was meaningless until we installed the 4.10 posi rear with new axles. We soon found out that even with both rears pulling, TAs weren't going to do the trick. After a short period sporting a set of rallies, we moved up to a a set of Centerline Auto/Drags, McCreary L-60 Stickies and a set of Lakewood slapper bars. Much better! It no longer felt like driving in the rain. After a small burnout they hooked pretty well.

New Shoes! 1989

Mad Style!

So how did it run? It took a little practice, but in the final round of the AAI/UTI Tech school drags with the tail gate removed it ran an uncorrected 12.54 at 111 mph against the GTO pictured below. That's what it's all about!

King of the Hill 1990.

Best Time!

So, 21 years & 40,000 miles later she is still wearing the same paint and has a few more ponies courtesy of a 427.

We're looking for 11's this summer with a little luck.