Words: Tommy Parry
With the intention of building a stylish Pro Tourer on a budget, Patrick set aside the right parts over the course of three years before getting started on this staggering build. Among the long list of modifications are an incredible motor which, if it weren’t for all the other stunning supportive pieces, would certainly be the car’s focal point.
The car currently boasts a 540 BBC built by G&G Performance. Accompanying it are a Dart Big M block, Mahle pistons, Scat rods and crank, a Straub Hydraulic roller cam, Crane lifters, Lemon headers, a Stainless Works exhaust and a Concept One pulley system. After a nice tune, the motor made an astonishing 747 horsepower and 692 lb-ft of torque, which it drives through a built TH400 to the Moser M9 rear. Quite an impressive powertrain.
As a bonafide Pro Tourer, the car's footwork is just as impressive as the engine, since putting that power to the ground and cornering well are just as important as straight-lining. The Stage 5 UMI suspension kit, along with Viking coilovers, offer that squat stance and the traction he needed to take full advantage of the thrust available.
At each corner, he fitted 19” Rushforth Wildsides shod in sticky Nitto Motivo tires, under which he installed Wilwood big brakes, 14” and 13” front and rear respectively. That would provide the deceleration, stick and style a car this athletic and attractive deserves.
As purposeful as this Chevelle is, it needed to look just as good as it went. As the body had seen better days, Patrick replaced the roof, door skins, quarter panels, rear valance, rear outer wheel wells, full floor pan, full trunk pan, both front fenders, hood and radiator support using AMD. With the original coat of blue sanded off the body, the car was clearly on its way to becoming a head-turner.
To improve airflow and reduce heat in the engine compartment, Patrick cut two holes in his hood’s cowl and installed a set of vents from a Shelby GT500 Super Snake, which he later framed. A simple, stylish and purposeful touch that helps the hood pop that much more.
Trying to add a little more style without spending the bucks needed for a full coat of paint, Patrick opted for a high-end wrap. This color, called Avery Brushed Titanium, contrasts the black wheels perfectly.
Inside, Patrick laid down a layer of Dynamat to ensure a comfortable cruising experience and a set of Dakota Digital gauges to add some modern glitz. In case you were thinking a build this serious would be devoid of humor, the Muncie shift knob sports a motivating message.
With the lights, trim and grill pieces in place, Patrick felt a sense of relief and accomplishment. As he’d only seen the car with lights for two days before tearing it down some four years prior, it now looked like his project had a face - a personality, even. And, with a gorgeous carbon air dam from Iwancustoms, it had some stability and a even a little downforce. With looks, grunt, grip and even a few aerodynamic improvements, there is nothing this Chevelle lacks.
To see more of Patrick’s incredible build, you can follow his thread here.