9.64-sec Street Stang!
ISSUE #18 - NOV 2019
FIRST LOOK!
EMA SSUPERSTARS
400 CUBES OF INJECTED MUSCLE CAR MAGIC!
GOLD RUSH! 434ci LS PRO-STREET TORANA SUPERCHARGED V-ROD HARLEY RAMMED DODGE UTE NSW ALL CHRYSLER DAY BARGO SHOW AND SHINE
Plus
From the Desk HOW LONG IS TOO LONG TO BUILD A KILLER RIDE?
It doesn’t seem that long ago that you could take a driving car and transform it into a cool cruiser that stood out in the crowd in around 12 months. For most of the car crafting community, those days are over. More often than not, we’re finding that most people are spending five plus years building their new cars. Why? There’s various reasons I guess and most of them have to do with the almighty dollar. Back in the day, project cars weren’t as expensive as they are now. For example, I paid a little more than $1500 for a great driving 1962 Chev Belair. Sure it was an damn ugly car, but it was complete and provided a great base for the build I was undertaking. That car today would have been at least $20K. Then there’s the cost of parts and services. Anyone wanting to build a great quality street car now is going to need around $100K in the bank unless you’re the type that is hands on to save a chunk of cash… 03
Those that have mortgages, families and the normal bills that seem to pop up all too regularly, have no option but to take the long road when building their cars. And that’s not a bad thing. There’s no greater satisfaction than turning that key for the first time and cruising the new ride down the road after a build period longer than you can remember. Don’t let the long wait scare you off, get out in the garage and make it happen. You’re now one day closer to getting your Killer Ride on the road… See you on the Street…eventually.
Paul
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Contents ISSUE NO.18 Nov 2019
REGULARS
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08 WHAT’S HAPPENING News, views and things of interest
The Latest & Greatest from SEMA
16 HAVE YOUR SAY Tell us what you think 20
SEMA SNAP SHOTS Some of the wildest creations on show!
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MUSEUM OF MOPAR The Annual NSW All Chrysler Day
60 BATTLE LINES DRAWN Vic vs. NSW Car Show Battle
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Injected 400ci HT GTS Monaro
82 SCHOOL OF GRUNT The Biggest Little Show in Oz. 102 IN THE SPOT LIGHT America’s Most Wanted - Camaro Ute Pro-Street Dodge 120 KILLER PIC Wheels Up!
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9-sec Blown Mustang
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122 WINDOW SHOPPING What’s new and from where! 124 SHOWTIME What’s on, where and when. 126 PERFORMANCE DIRECTORY Quick Find Ad’s 128 ANSMA NEWS Street Machine Association news. 130 ASRF NEWS Hot Rodding Happenings
FEATURES 26
STACKS OF GRUNT Custom EFI-fueled classic Monaro
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BACK STREET PICKUP Pro-Street ‘71 Dodge Ute
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WILD COYOTE 9-sec Modern Muscle Mustang
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Blown V-Rod Harley
434ci Pro-Street Torana
SEVEN YEAR STRETCH 434ci LS-powered Torana
110 PHHAT BLASTER Custom Blown Harley V-Rod
Don’t forget to Subscribe at www.killerrides.com.au
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In the Spotlight - Camaro’s
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Dragway Kinglake West Victoria 03 57865470
What’s Happening
Dragway Greenbank QLD 0458 802 219 info@dragway.com.au
2020 WINTERNATIONALS GOES TO 5 DAY FORMAT
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In an effort to combat growing numbers for Australia’s biggest Drag Racing event, the Gulf Western Winternationals, Willowbank Raceway President, Tony Wedlock announced the event would now be run over 5 days – Wednesday 3rd June until Sunday 7th June, to ensure all competitors have the opportunity to take part in the final for the 400 Thunder Championship season event. He added, ““The event in its current format has reached a critical mass. The Willowbank Raceway board and management team debated the options and we had two directions we could go in. One was to cap entries, and possibly deny racers the opportunity to compete at the largest drag racing event outside of the USA, the other was to expand to a fifth day. We decided expansion was the best option so we could continue to welcome everybody who wants to be a part of this fantastic event.” Be sure to keep an eye on the website – www.willowbankraceway.com.au – for the release of tickets and further information regarding Australia’s Premier Drag Racing Event.
D R A G W A Y. C O M . A U
WHEEL MANUFACTURERS FOR 50+ YEARS FROM THE CLASSIC RANGE/BILLET RANGE/CUSTOM ONE OF DESIGNS IN MULTIPLE SIZES & OFFSETS AVAILABLE TO SUIT STREET/STRIP/HOT ROD/CUSTOM/SALT LAKE CLASSIC
BILLET & CUSTOM
5 SPOKE
DB 306
DB 270
DB 185
DB 206 B
DB 272
DB 138
DB 271
DB 226 N
DB 315
5 SPOKE DRAGLITE
INDY
PRO
CHECK WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK FOR NEW DESIGNS, ACCESSORIES AND THE RANGE OF MOTORCYCLE WHEELS AND ACCESSORIES. ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS TO CLASSIC, BILLET AND DEEPDISH
STEEL WHEELS - RE-RIM AND OFFSET CHANGES.
ALL MANUFACTURED IN HOUSE TO MEET THE AUSTRALIAN STANDARD AS1638
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What’s Happening PRO-STREET SUNDAY TRADE STANDS
Trade stand applications are now available for the first Pro-Street Sunday on March 22nd 2020 at Fairfield Showground in Sydney. For just $50, businesses can come to the event and have a stand to promote their products and services to a bunch of hardcore car guys and girls. You can download a Trade Stand Application direct from the website - www.killerrides.com.au or email Paul at paul@killerrides.com.au
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55TH VICTORIAN HOT ROD & COOL RIDES SHOW
Set to occupy the fabulous Royal Exhibition Buildings in Carlton, the 2020 Victorian Hot Rod & Cool Rides show will once again be a hub of colour, chrome and horsepower over the long weekend in January. One of the better indoor events in Australia, the Vic Rod Show as it is affectionately known will bring together a great mix of cars, bikes and traders inside and outside the historic building in a showing not to be missed. For more information and entry forms, keep an eye on www.hotrod.com.au
What’s Happening HARLEY RELEASE ELECTRIC BIKE
Dubbed the “Livewire”, the first electric bike is now back in full production after an initial set back with the charging system. With that problem now sorted, HD is now in full swing of promoting the bike the company is touting as the future and exciting. That may be true, but for diehard Harley owners, not hearing that familiar rumble is going to a bitter pill to swallow. HD stats are impressive though. With a 0-100klms/per hour in under 3-seconds proves the Livewire is no slouch and thanks to a high-voltage battery, the bike has a city range of around 235klms. Charging can be done at home with a regular power cord with a full charge taking place overnight. Long rides into the country may not be the best idea however. It will be interesting to see how the motorcycling fraternity takes to the new 12 technology of the Livewire and if there are any more to follow. Stay tuned...
SUPER UTES TO GET MORE INTERESTING IN 2020
There’s no denying the new diesel-powered Super Ute series that run within the V8 Supercar circus have been struggling to attract a big audience due to the fact that they are much slower than what race fans are used to. Turbo diesels may be great for the work site, but have no place on the race track, and fans are showing their disapproval in droves. But there is hope on the horizon. In 2020, the Super Ute series will live up to its name by swapping the turbo diesel engines for V8’s in an effort to bring more racers, sponsors and people to the floundering series. That can only be a great thing for the sport. Supercars have decided to hand over the series management rights to a group of current team owners in a bid to move the series forward. In regards to what engine packages the teams will have access to, Supercars have only said it will be a control engine to keep parity amongst the teams. My vote is for the Hellcat Hemi! Just sayin…
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What’s Happening COOTA 400 STREET MUSCLE CAR BATTLE
The usually quiet country town of Cootamundra will soon be enjoying the sounds of hard revving engines from a bunch of killer street cars screaming down the Cootamundra Airport runway when the Coota 400 takes over the NSW country township in May next year. The event kicks off on Thursday 7th May with a cruise from the 7/11 Service Station at Pheasants Next leaving at 10am. Those cruising down are advised to arrive around 8am. Racing on the airstrip will commence Friday and continue into Saturday. Those that drive their cars to the event get to take part in the Street Driven ShootOut on the Friday with those using other means to attend, get to run in the Saturday ShootOut where its all in!
14 There are some important rules to abide by which include but are not limited to; All cars must be road registered. Cars must be driven to the airport without any assistance. Cars must run the same tyres in the shootout as they did to drive to Cootamundra. There will be no refuelling or tuning of cars during shoot-outs, plus many more listed on the COOTA400 facebook page.
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INCLUDES CASE STUDIES & ARTICLES OF ONE OF A KIND PRODUCTS
If you feel like racing beside your mate or against some heavy-hitting street cars in a relaxed environment, this event is for you! Check out the Coota 400 Facebook page and contact the team for entry information and for a complete list of rules and regulations. Killer Rides will be there, you should be too!
Mailed to your home or business
Have Your Say! Got something to say? Send it to paul@killerrides.com.au or message us from the Killer Rides Facebook page.
KIDS FORCED TO BUY, NOT BUILD
Hi Paul, My son is now at the age where he is thinking of his first car, and because he has been bought up around modified cars, he is wanting an old school early Holden or Ford as his first ride / project. The problem is, the days of finding a suitable first car for a reasonable amount of money are long gone. We have looked at numerous pre ’70 Holden’s and Ford’s and the prices they are asking makes them out of reach for the average person. My mate is a bank manager and he told us that banks won’t consider an averagesized car loan for say an EH or even HQ Holden but would be more inclined to lend more for a late model Commodore, Falcon or Camry, even though they simply don’t hold their value. It’s a sad time when your son wants a nice street car to cruise in, but has to put up with a Corolla… Andrew James Via Messenger
MOPAR MAGIC Hey Paul, As a Mopar tragic, I have to say I am impressed with the amount of Mopar stuff you run in Killer Rides, whether it’s the feature cars or event coverage. I have heard about the Moparfest in Canada many times and it was great to see the feature in the mag on the event. Please keep the Mopar stuff coming – you’re keeping us Pentastar fans smiling! Daryl T Via Messenger Hi Daryl, No doubt you’ve already noticed the feature on the NSW All Chrysler Day – one of the biggest Mopar gatherings in NSW. We’ll keep featuring Mopar stuff as we find it. Stay tuned…
DARE TO BE DIFFERENT
Hi Paul, What a stunning car Mick Sapienza’s HQ GTS Monaro is. The HQ Monaro coupe is my all-time favourite car and Mick’s is one of the best I have seen. I especially love the fact that he thought outside the square with the colour combinations and the fact he drives it regularly. To me, that’s a Killer Street Car. Love it. Sandra Thomas Via Messenger 17 Hi Sandra, Mick’s Monaro proves you can build a highquality, trophy-winning car and still make it practical for regular street use. Like you, I applaud Mick’s choice of colours making his HQ stand out in a crowd. There should be more people like Mick that aren’t afraid to think outside the box of what’s considered normal.
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Hi Andrew, I was having the same conversation just the other day out on a photo shoot. My first car was a lowered HR sedan that was immaculate and cost me $1500. I paid a little more for that for my 1962 Belair sedan. Admittedly, this was many years ago. I reckon our generation lived through the best years of the street car life. Cars were cheap, fuel was cheap and you could build something special for $20,000! It’s sad that our kids won’t get to experience those good times…
Australia’s Toughest Car Show!
PROMOTING MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES!
PRO-STREET & PRO-MOD CARS ONLY! ENTRIES NOW OPEN! For More Information Phone Paul - 0432 795336 Email: paul@killerrides.com.au Web: www.killerrides.com.au
March 22nd, 2020 Fairfield Showgrounds 443 Smithfield Rd, Prariewood NSW
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
2019 SEMA SHOW_LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTRE_NOV 5-8
PICS – Jason Lowe / Chubbro Images WORDS – Paul Beck
SEMA SHOW t o h S p a n S
The World’s largest car show – SEMA, has literally just taken place in Las Vegas as this issue of Killer Rides was being finished off so I thought I would showcase some of the very special cars that gained plenty of attention at this year’s event. Thanks to Jason Lowe from Chubbro Images, we are able to showcase this event just days after the venue emptied out. 20
For just a few days each year, the promise of candy colours, massive amounts of horsepower and a million manufacturers all gathered in the one place is enough to drag car lovers from all over the world. Such is the pulling power of the SEMA show. What follows is a barrage of photo’s flooding the internet and social media for those of us that are stuck at home working. Got to love technology!
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SEMA is more than just a car show. For the industry, it’s a chance to showcase their new and most innovative products from around the globe that will one day end up in our project cars. If you want the latest gear, SEMA is the place to find it. Each year, there’s a number of New Products Awards handed out at the New Products Awards Breakfast on Day one, and each year, Australian companies always seem to rate a mention. For 2019, Aussies once again made an impact with Turbosmart topping the Best New PerformanceRacing Product for their Gen-V Powergate. Speedmaster also continued their winning ways with their 289/302 Windsor Downdraft Intake manifold, bringing their haul to 14 awards in just ten years! Outstanding!
Back to the cars. Whilst the Convention Centre’s floor space is littered with all kinds of promo cars, show cars and sponsor-backed race cars, it’s more than obvious that American’s still have a huge fascination with their Trucks – Ford’s F-series, Chevy C10’s and Silverado’s and to a lesser degree (for now anyway) the Dodge Ram. There were hundreds of modified trucks on display from those sitting so high you need a pool ladder to get into the driver’s seat, to those at the extreme opposite with next to no ground clearance at all – and everything in between. But the thing I love most about the American car scene is the variety. Not afraid to step outside the box with a potential project means there’s all kinds of weird and wonderful creations on display.
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Not so weird, but no less wonderful was a very special 1935 Chev Businessman’s Coupe that sat on the PWR stand. Having been project managed over the previous five-years by Peter Fitzpatrick, the coupe made its way from Australia to Vegas to be unveiled at SEMA. Whilst the build may appear subtle, the rare coupe has many changes to the body which only become apparent when pointed out. Powered by a nostalgia-looking LS engine combo, the slick body covers a reworked Corvette Chassis by Pro-Flo Chassis Works in Sydney complete with a trans axles. Peter scored one of the GM Excellence in Design awards making the hard slog all the more worthwhile! Congrats Pete!
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Also on display a long way from home was the Kam Motor Trimming HAVOC Challenger that took pride of place on the Meguiar’s Stand. Rob’s Challenger is simply amazing and by all accounts has been wowing the crowds since the event opened its doors. Likewise, Justin Hills shipped over the recently complete Valiant Charger that sat on the Mothers Stand outside amongst some very highcalibre company. Even though most American’s weren’t quite sure what they were looking at, everyone was intrigued with the quality and craftmanship lavished onto the coupe.
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For a hardcore car enthusiast, SEMA is the Mecca of all car events. Its four days of wall to wall car porn that seemingly goes on forever. You will use every minute of those four days to take it all in and that is if you don’t get caught up for too long at any one stand or display. For most, the long plane trip home is the first time to relax their tired legs from all of the walking. As the last car rolled out of the Las Vegas Convention Centre and the last promo stand was torn down and packed away for another year, the end of yet another successful SEMA Show had arrived. Vegas was now back to normal with the Pimps, Gangsters and Gamblers once again became the main focus of the “biggest little city in the world”. Bring on Nov 2020!
MICHAEL GALESKI_HT GTS MONARO
WORDS / PICS / VIDEO – Paul Beck
STACKS OF
Grunt
The early series GTS Monaro is an icon of Australian motoring history. The custom car builders of Australia have also taken kindly to the coupe and it’s easy to see why when you check out Michael Galeski’s 8-stack injected HT!
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Michael came across this Monaro through a mate who knew the previous owner wanted to part company with it. This was way back in 2004. The body shell had been well cared for with very little rust in the aging sheet metal and provided a perfect start for his new project. Michael spent plenty of time smoothing out the engine bay, knowing full well that this Monaro was never going to be a fully restored original car. The firewall was deleted of every nut, bolt and those damn ugly heater blank off plates. Likewise, the inner guards were treated to hours of filling and sanding to get that oh-so-smooth look.
The exterior panels were taken back to Holden’s specifications. Why mess with something that looks so damn good? Like the engine bay, plenty of effort was put into the body shell and hanging panels getting them in better than new condition in readiness for colour. For Michael, the colour of choice was Platinum Gold Metallic from the Glasurit colour book. Terry at Kairouz Kustoms laid down the new colour and clear coats along with the familiar black out that the GTS was well-known for. Proving that quality starts with the preparation, you’ll be surprised to know that paint has been on the Monaro for over ten years and still looks as good as new. With the factory mouldings and badges back in their rightful spot, the body was ready to get its insides sorted. Michael decided to keep the interior almost how the factory had intended. The factory seating, door trims and headlining were restored back to original by Peter and P&L Quinlan Auto Upholstery in Oak Flats. But Michael is a street machiner at heart, so there was always going to be custom elements added to the Monaro’s interior rebuild. The dash facia now holds no less than nine AutoMeter gauges along with a selection of switches. The Holley EFI controller sits at the bottom of the dash, just in front 28 of the Hurst shifter. The interior is practical and purposeful and ready for plenty of miles with the family on board.
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Michael spent plenty of time smoothing out the engine bay, knowing full well that this Monaro was never going to be a fully restored original car. When it came to adding the driveline, Michael had just one request. It had to be blown. “I’ve always wanted a blown street car,” said Mick. “I was always a nitrous guy, but when the bottle’s empty, the fun is over. The blower offers incredible power and its on tap instantly and all the time.” But that was back quite a while and sometimes priorities change. With part of the blower and the two carbs fully exposed for all to see, Mick got sick of looking over his shoulder every time he took the Monaro out for a cruise. Thinking it was only a matter of time before the boys in blue with their defect books at the ready would catch up with him, Mick went for a new engine combo featuring a more street-friendly induction system.
Knowing the virtues of EFI and the driveability it offers, it was an easy decision to top the new engine with injection, but not just any old set up – Mick went for the impressive Inglese 8-stack throttle body set up. The induction sits on top of a 400-cube small block built by Sydney engine guru Sam at Westend Performance. Starting with a Motown block, Sam proceeded to add a Scat crank and rod combo along with JE pistons and a custom, solid roller cam that gives the big cube small block a nice rumble at idle and brings the combo alive when Mick jumps on the loud pedal. A pair of alloy AFR heads were bolted down completing the long engine. Mick has revisited his nitrous days with a 200hp shot of gas added “just for the hell of it!” John Shavkulovich fabricated the custom four-into-one headers and the full 3.5inch exhaust system that gets the spent gases out easily whilst giving the Monaro an angry note. The engine was dyno’d at a little over 600hp at the engine – some 450 ponies at the tyres! You can then factor in the hit of nitrous as well. While he enjoyed having the blower up front, Mick is wrapped with the way the Monaro now drives with the EFI and hasn’t lost out in the horsepower game either.
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Backing the 400-cuber is a trans-braked, reverse-pattern Turbo 400 auto with TCI 4000rpm converter built by Figtree Automatics that easily handles the power on offer and sends the grunt rearward to the narrowed nine-inch diff with 3.5-gears and Mark Wiliams axles – all supplied by Craig Burns at SCF Race Cars. To date, the driveline has proven itself to be ultra-reliable with Mick and the family putting plenty of miles on the speedo every chance they get.
By now, you’ve probably noticed the reduced ride height the Monaro has when parked. Mick likes his cars low, but that’s not always practical, so he added a quartet of Shockwave airbags – now any ride height is achievable at the flick of a switch bringing that body down over or above that classy 18x6 and 20x10 Intro billet wheels. There could be a switch to some beadlock 15’s and matching front runners soon that will give the Monaro that ever-popular Pro-Street look. Other changes made to the steering and suspension include a complete rack and pinion set up along with Wilwood discs, calipers and Master cylinder.
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The engine was dyno’d at a little over 600hp at the engine – some 450 ponies at the tyres! You can then factor in the hit of nitrous as well.
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Mick is suitably impressed with the new version of the Monaro. It performs effortlessly, turns heads everywhere he cruises it and after all this time, still manages to win awards every time he decides to attend an event – just has it has done for many years. The next event for Mick and the family will be the HK/HT/HG Nationals to be held in Bathurst in 2020. Mick also wants to try out some Roll Racing at Sydney Dragway. Until then, its back on the street where the Monaro feels right at home‌
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THANKS TO: Sam at Westend Performance for the engine package. Dave and the boys
at Figtree Auto Transmissions for the strong box. Mario at Rocket Industries for help with parts. Kon at Wollongong Automotive Services for the tuning of the engine and for setting up the Holley EFI system. Enzo at Regional Auto Electrics for rewiring the car. Peter at P&L Quinlan for the interior. Phil Kerjean at Fuelworx for setting up the trick fuel system. Dave Cornford at the DRC Group for putting the car together and for keeping the 12-year paint looking its best. But the biggest thanks belong to my wife Daniela, and kids Tiffany, Kiani and Brax for all the fun we have together with the car.
33RD NSW ALL CHRYSLER DAY – OCT 20TH, 2019 – MUSEUM OF FIRE, PENRITH
WORDS / PICS – Paul Beck
Museum Of
r a p o M
The Chrysler Faithful converged on the Museum of Fire in Penrith for one of the most mixed bag of Mopar products ever displayed in the events 33-year history.
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Driving along the roadway into the Museum’s expansive grassed area, revealed a huge number of cars already on lined up and glistening under the warm October sun. The show and shine area was a sea of multi-colours – some sedate, some more outrageous. The Mopar colour gods are well-known for adding “in your face colours” to their Muscle cars that is even more favoured now then back in the day, making for quite a spectacle.
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As with past events, there was a varied mix of stock and modified Mopar’s on display – with all gaining plenty of attention. From muscle cars to cruisers, the NSW All Chrysler Day had it all. It was the performance-based cars that took my fancy more so than the others, but that’s not to say I didn’t appreciate the rows of Australian and US-built R&S series Valliant’s, the PT Cruiser Club display, the daily-driver Mopar’s and of course the late model contingency of 300C’s, SRT Jeeps and the ever-increasing number of next-gen Challengers that seem to pop up at each event.
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In amongst the 245 pre-entered cars on display were quite a few standout cars for me. Naturally I was drawn towards the muscle car fraternity that were out in force, but there were others that just screamed “look at me!” One such car was the Lime Green Plymouth Superbird. One of rarest Mopar’s in Australia, this factory race-bred street car had been restored back to absolute original condition and was a masterclass in how to restore a muscle car. This winged wonder drew a massive crowd all day.
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Naturally I was drawn towards the muscle car fraternity that were out in force, but there were others that just screamed “look at me!”
So too did Jon Mitchell’s pro-street Dodge Challenger for much different reasons. Far from be a resto, Jon’s Challenger drew people in with the mother of all Mopar engines – a 605ci big block Hemi sporting a tunnel ram and two big Holley carbs! The purple coupe has been pieced together with one goal in mind – running down the quarter-mile as quickly as possible. With big rubber jammed under the rear guards and a purposeful interior, Jon’s Challenger gave the word tough a whole new meaning.
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These massive cruisers were not really considered as performance cars, but this particular version was fitted with a big block sporting the ultra-rare cross over intake manifold that housed a four-barrel carb just above each wheel arch.
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Super Bee’s have always been a favourite of mine and the restored ‘69½ version that stood gleaming in the sun was as impressive as I have seen. From the widened black steel wheels to the lift off bonnet that revealed the 440-6pack engine, this rare Dodge was absolutely stunning and featured an options list that included Dana 60 rear end with 9¾” Sure Grip centre with 4.1-gears and a four-speed manual gearbox. In 1969, these cars run 13.14-sec ET at over 110mph!
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One of rarest Mopar’s in Australia, this factory race-bred street car had been restored back to absolute original condition and was a masterclass in how to restore a muscle car.
Moving away from the more popular muscle cars, I spotted a big early 60’s 300 coupe that had me intrigued. These massive cruisers were not really considered as performance cars, but this particular version was fitted with a big block sporting the ultra-rare cross over intake manifold that housed a four-barrel carb just above each wheel arch. Set up’s like this are not just rare to find (rumour has it they can be found next to that pot of gold at the rainbows end!), they are also one of the most expensive engine parts a Mopar restorer is likely to buy – if you can find one for sale. Good luck if you’re looking…
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Far from being a resto, Jon’s Challenger drew people in with the mother of all Mopar engines – a 605ci big block Hemi sporting a tunnel ram and two big Holley carbs!
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At the other end of the spectrum sat two brightly coloured, late model Challengers. One being a bright yellow Hellcat, the other an orange SRT version sporting a big aftermarket supercharger.
At the other end of the spectrum sat two brightly coloured, late model Challengers. One being a bright yellow Hellcat, the other an orange SRT version sporting a big aftermarket supercharger. Turns 46 out, my good friend Michael owns the orange coupe sporting RAMITT plates and after a quick chat, he told me he had just purchased the yellow Hellcat as well! Nothing like having a pair of cool, latemodel Mopar muscle cars!
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LEO VANGELOVSKI
PHONE: 4285 0300 MVRC LIC: 54814
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There was so much to see at this years All Chrysler Day, that I found myself hanging around a lot longer than I normally do at shows. Partly because I am a Mopar guy, but mostly because the stuff on display was so varied and plentiful. Congrats to everyone who not only took their car to the show, but to those behind the scenes that made it all happen. Can’t wait till next year…
STOCKISTS OF
MOB: 0415939307 ABN: 73669 696 204
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WILLIAM MERLINO – 1971 DODGE UTE
WORDS – PAUL BECK PICS – 9000RPM PHOTOGRAPHY
BACK STREET p u k c i P
Fate saw William Merlino walk into the Muscle Car dealers’ showroom where a certain white Dodge Ute sat waiting for a new owner. But it was the desire to own a Pro-Street Ute that took the Dodge from mild to wild!
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When William parted with a wad of cash for the Dodge, it was far from being stock, but it wasn’t as tough as it was now. William could no doubt see the potential in what he’d just purchased and progressively changed the Dodge in all area’s until he was satisfied his job was done.
1971 DODGE UTE
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Since putting his name on the rego papers, William has added the reverse-cowl bonnet and the orange Mopar stripe (which is painted, not a sticker!) to the quarter panels, taking what was essential an all-white Ute to the next level befitting of the hard-core Adelaide street car scene. The polished Convo-Pro wheels help the visuals no end and measure 15x6 on the nose and 15x10 where it matters the most. The addition of the bead-locks gives it that Pro-Street racer vibe. Those big rear rollers sit comfortably inside the mini-tubs that are visible inside the tray that holds nothing else other than a big fuel cell.
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TUNNEL RAMMED SMALL BLOCK
Inside, it’s fairly sedate. The factory installed bench seat has been retained and covered in black leather to match the door trims and headlining. The dash is pure 1971 Dodge too with a couple of switches and AutoMeter tacho being the only non-factory accessories added. Although still a Mopar item, the steering wheel was actually removed from a VH Charger and the original shifter has been given the flick in favour of a much better-looking Outlaw unit from the TCI catalogue. The venetian blind gives some period correct authenticity to the old Dodge.
Under that big reverse cowl lives a 550hp, 340-cube Mopar small block sporting two Quick-Fuel 455cfm carbs atop a Weiand tunnel ram intake. It’s old school that not only looks cool, but works a treat too. Whilst most people are heading down the EFI-highway with their engine builds, William would rather stick with the proven performance methods – and who are we to disagree? Why fix it when it’s not broken?
The polished Convo-Pro wheels help the visuals no end and measure 15x6 on the nose and 15x10 where it matters the most.
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The long engine build was pieced together by Competition Automotive using a cast iron 340 block which proceeded to receive a host of good gear including the tougher rotating assembly that is now sealed up by the High Energy sump and ported and polished cast heads that also received larger valves and roller rockers – forming the perfect base for the induction system.
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L O O C L O O H C OLD S Pacemaker headers hang off each outer edge of the stout 340 and flow into a dual 2.5-inch stainless steel system to release the gases after the 6AL MSD ignition system and Blaster coil sparks the engine into life.
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That paddock full of ponies run through a 727 Torqueflite trans that relies on a full-manual, reverse-pattern shift-kit to quickly deal with the flow of the horsepower heading rearwards. The converter of choice has a stall speed of 4000rpm and completes the tough trans build. The third member of the driveline trio is, of course, a narrowed nine-inch diff that houses a 4.11-gear centre with full-floating, 31-spline axles from Romac. A billet 3-inch tailshaft connects the trans and rear end.
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The underside of a Pro-Street styled car doesn’t require Supercar technology, but there still needs to be a level of suitable gear added to help the Ute stop, steer and handle. Pedders 90/10 shocks and coils have been added to the pointy end along with a rack and pinion steering assembly and ventilated XB Falcon discs. The same brakes found their way onto the diff, with Pedders shocks working with the relocated leaf springs to provide a firm ride. A Wilwood master cylinder controls the calipers that clamp down on all four discs.
Under that big reverse cowl lives a 550hp, 340-cube Mopar small block sporting two Quick-Fuel 455cfm carbs atop a Weiand tunnel ram intake.
After spending around 4-years to complete the Ute to the level where he is happy, William is now enjoying cruising it around with others in the huge Adelaide car scene, where the Pro-Street theme is still king. Sounds like our kind of City…
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PRO-STREET
SURVIVOR
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Jake Myers - Burnout Champion!
THANKS TO: Jimmy, David and Mick at OG Speed Shop. Craig at Bonez Fine Art in Detailing. Pud at Paint by Pud. CDS Engineering, my wife Minnie for always listening and putting up with me. My mates Darren & Daniel. John at 9000rpm Photography.
ve ha I at th g in th e on d an e lif y m l al rs ca “I’ve been around tough tang us M y m hy w ’s at Th . ity al qu on e is om pr m co learned is never to ” o! to r ca ur yo r fo lls ve Lo on ST SI IN s! ng ri is fitted with Lovells Sp
www.lovellsauto.com.au
BORDER BATTLE 2019_ALBURY/WODONGA_OCTOBER 26TH
WORDS – Paul Beck PICS – Sophie Cook
Battle Lines
N W A R D The idea was simple enough. State vs. State. Car vs. Car. The battle between NSW and VIC rages on with the first ever Border Battle.
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There’s very few places that can pull off an event like this. Thankfully Albury and Wodonga have a certain rivalry that has spilled over into the modified car scene and from that, the Border Battle was born. Luke Hunter bought together cars from both sides of the border to go head to head in the battle for bragging rights – and for the inaugural event, those from the Victorian side of the state line have that right!
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Taking place in Junction Place, a former railyard in Wodonga, the mix of cars included muscle cars from both the USA and Australia along with a host of Japanese cars, Pro-Streeters, Rotors and late model rides as well as a few rods and customs.
Not to be outdone by inclement weather, the crew whipped out the chamois, dried off their cars and put on a display that was enjoyed by thousands of spectators who made their way through the show and shine area.
The event didn’t kick off under the best circumstances with black clouds forming overhead bringing rain and a hail storm that tried its best to dampen the enthusiasm of those who had just set up the cars. Not to be outdone by inclement weather, the crew whipped out the chamois, dried off their cars and put on a display that was enjoyed by thousands of spectators who made their way through the show and shine area.
Luke Hunter bought together cars from both sides of the border to go head to head in the battle for bragging rights – and for the inaugural event, those from the Victorian side of the state line have that right! 64
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The trophy list included the two Top Judged cars from each state which saw David Kennedy (Factory Five GTM Supercar) take the NSW first place, with the runner-up trophy going to Peter Appleby in his XE-fronted XD Falcon. Stepping across the state line saw both awards going to the one family. First place for Victoria went to Terry Bradbury whose XM Futura edged out wife Robyn’s US-spec ’60 Falcon coupe. Terry’s XM out-scored all others to hand Victoria the first up win…
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The event didn’t kick off under the best circumstances with black clouds forming overhead bringing rain and a hail storm that tried its best to dampen the enthusiasm of those who had just set up the cars.
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By all accounts the first Border Battle was a huge success. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for details of when the 2020 Border Battle entries open‌
CAR & BIKE ENTRY BY INVITATION ONLY! ALL NEW CARS AND BIKES ON DISPLAY FOR 2020!
4 # E V I L
NEW FOR 2020
REVEALS!
AUGUST 15-16, 2020
ILLAWARRA HOCKEY CENTRE, UNANDERRA
www.killerrides.com.au
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON: CAR & BIKE ENTRY TRADE STANDS & SPONSORSHIP Please contact Paul Beck @ Killer Rides (0432) 795336 paul@killerrides.com.au or Via Facebook
STREET MACHINES HOT RODS DRAG CARS CUSTOM BIKES TRADE STANDS & MORE!
TODD O’LEARY_2017 MUSTANG
WORDS / PICS / VIDEO – Paul Beck
Wild
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There’s no denying that late model, high-tech engines respond well to performance modifications. Whilst the LS-crew think the Chev engine is king, the Mopar and Ford boys both think they are also in the mix with their modern muscle powerplants. Ford’s Coyote engine has already gained a cult following around the world with low ET’s and big mph passes already happening in the US. On our soil, thanks for guys like Todd, the Coyotepowered Mustang is starting to hit its straps on and off the street.
“As a young bloke into cars, I was a regular at Eastern Creek Dragway in the 90’s, racing cars like turbo Gemini’s, a turbo V6 Hilux and an FJ20 turbo Corolla,” explained Todd. After getting married and having a mortgage to deal with, sacrifices had to be made, so the Corolla was sold off to finance carpets and blinds in the new house, effectively ending Todd’s play time at the track.
After piloting a few tough turbo street and strip cars back in the 90’s, Todd O’Leary has returned to the scene with a tough, blown 5-litre late-model Mustang.
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Fast forward twenty years and with the house, work, wife and three kids all taken care off, Todd re-found that itch to get back on the quarter mile again. Todd’s weapon of choice was to be an old-school Mustang, but after mentioning to mate Shane Hardiman his intentions, Shane told Todd of his mate who was getting big results supercharging latemodel Mustangs. Without thinking about it any further, Todd headed to MFP in Queensland to see first-hand just what Matt and the guys were achieving. Saying Todd was impressed is a gross understatement. “I was like, so you’re saying I can have a 10-sec car that has air-con, heated and cooled seats, digital radio and all the bells and whistles of a new car on a stock motor? I’m in!” said Todd with a big smile. “At 47-years of age, having all those creature comforts and being fast too was very appealing.” Todd’s first problem was not to find a suitable car but to convince his wife Nicole that it was the right way to go. Using promises of romantic weekends driving to the Hunter Valley for wine tasting in his sales pitch obviously worked because before too long Todd was on the hunt for a new model Mustang. A few months passed before Todd was rolling out of the Ford dealership in his new 2017 5-litre Mustang. On the trip home, Todd got Matt from MFP on the phone with firm instructions to order the supercharger kit! “I spent a little time in the car and put 74 2000klms on the car before pointing it towards Qld and headed up the freeway to MFP so the boys could get to work on creating a monster for me!” explained Todd.
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Ford’s Coyote engine has already gained a cult following around the world with low ET’s and big mph passes already happening in the US. Being well versed on building blown Coyote combo’s, the MFP crew added a 2.3litre blower kit with twin-67mm throttle bodies, PMAS intake, bigger injectors and a large heat exchanger up front with twin fans to keep the deal cool. Matt also installed his own-design fuel system using twin Fore Innovations pumps. Finishing the engine build is a billet oil-pump gear and crank support – both proven to be weak links in the factory-spec engine. With a tank full of fresh E85 fuel, it was time for a tune. Being a digital world, the tunes are remotely sourced from VMP Performance in the USA through an SCT device. With the new-improved tune loaded up, Todd cruised the 10-hour trip home with ease. The tuning guru from VMP, Joe Goodnough had the Mustang driving like a factory fresh Mustang. As sedate as the coupe was on the open highway, Todd found that when he stood on that loud pedal, all hell was being unleashed through what he thought were sticky Toyo R888R tyres. To date, the 6R80 auto box and factory rear end with 3.55-gears have handled the abuse that Todd has been handing out in spades…
After destroying the tyres on the street, Todd headed out to Sydney Dragway to once again make a pass down the strip. Having not raced for so long, Todd was more than just a little anxious whilst sitting in the staging lanes. When his pass arrived, he did the burnout and went into stage. At the flash of the green bulbs, Todd eased on the throttle and when it hooked up, Todd clicked it into second gear and was on a mission. At that point, the Mustang broke traction and went instantly sideways. After overcorrecting it and getting a good view of both sides of the track, Todd got off the pedal, pulled the Mustang straight, let out a few choice words and called it a night, vowing not to return until he had some radials mounted.
Todd and the Mustang didn’t return to the track until his Weld Wheels arrived and the suitable rubber was added. Not feeling as nervous this time and knowing he needed just one full pass to get some data to the US, Todd edged the Mustang into the staging beams and rattled off a 10.6-sec 76 pass at 141mph with a 1.8-sixty-foot time. Upon receiving the time slip, Todd had a grin from ear to ear. With the data sent to the US to analyse, Joe gave the set up the thumbs up. At the next street meet, the time dropped to 10.1 @ 137mph. A new tune was expressed from the US to try. That resulted in a drop in the 60-foot time to a more respectable 1.46-sec.
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Todd went on to explain, “As we lined up again for another pass, hopes were high for a 9-second ET as all the data gained was pointing towards that number. With good mate Paul Geri taking to me via hands-free on the start line, he decided to yell go, go, go – that was all I needed to put everything in and see what happened. We got kicked out that night – but that’s a good thing as we ran 9.64 @ 145mph, making it the fastest supercharged Mustang in the country!” This is why the car now has a roll cage and parachute. It all had to be added to get teched and passed by the IHRA to allow us to go racing again safely. The Pete Cleary fabricated six-point cage is fitted around a more or less standard issue interior with the rear section welded in for rigidity and the front section bolted in to allow the car to still be used on the street as originally intended. The cage also continues into the boot area which limits the number of boxes of wine Todd and Nicole try to bring home from their Hunter Valley trips. Apart from the inclusion of the Sparco race seats and harness belts, the interior still features all the factory appointments such as the stereo etc. The chute lever is a cool addition to the centre console.
“I was like, so you’re saying I can have a 10-sec car that has air-con, heated and cooled seats, digital radio and all the bells and whistles of a new car on a stock motor? I’m in!” said Todd with a big smile.
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Externally, the Mustang is almost as per the factory order sheet. The grabber blue paint is a nice change from all the red Mustangs that seem to be everywhere and the black stripes give it that true muscle car feel. The wheel and tyre combo couldn’t be any further from what Ford had intended, but for the Mustang’s intended use, are necessary items. The Weld Racing wheels measure 18x5-inches on the front wrapped in 28” tall Mickey Thompson ET Street rubber whilst the 17x10-inch rear rims carry huge 305/45/17 Mickey Thompson ET Street rubber. The parachute gives the game away – this isn’t any average next-gen Mustang! Suspension wise, Todd has added Eibach Sportline springs to both ends working with standard struts on the front and Viking double-adjustable shocks on the rear to get the coupe hooking up when those green bulbs flash.
Race Pic - Grant Stephens / Cackling Pipes
Todd still blames Shane for the Mustang’s Jekyll and Hyde transformation, because it was him who first mentioned about Matt at MFP which saw the build snowball into the monster it has become. And has he come good on the Hunter Valley romantic weekends away yet? Well, not yet. He’s been a little pre-occupied…
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THANKS TO: Matt and the team
at MFP Australia. Joe and the crew at VMP Performance. Pete Cleary for the cage install. Liverpool Exhaust. UPR Products. PMAS Intakes.
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BARGO SHOW ‘N’ SHINE_BARGO PUBLIC SCHOOL_OCT 26
WORDS / PICS – Paul Beck
School Of
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After missing the 2018 show season, the Bargo Public School Show and Shine, hosted by the Southern Highlands Streeters Car Club, returned with more cars and much more horsepower than ever before!
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When you think of little country towns like Bargo, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the local school fete and car show was going to be a small, casual deal. Think again.
When you think of little country towns like Bargo, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the local school fete and car show was going to be a small, casual deal. Think again. By 8am, the roadway out the front of the school was already full of high-powered cars and an array of trucks and the school grounds were quickly filling too. The year off certainly didn’t do anything to dampen the spirits of the car owners who were out in force to make sure NSW’s biggest little car show was a huge success. And a success it was with hundreds of cars, bikes and trucks taking part in the 2019 show creating quite a buzz around the usually quiet Bargo streets.
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It was no surprise to see plenty of horsepower on display. The region around where the show is held is home to the Thirlmere Fryers and the boys were making their presence felt as they rumbled down the road in front of the school letting everyone know the club had arrived! But it wasn’t just the “Fryers” that bought the horsepower to school, there were some killer combo’s on display no matter which way you looked.
Some cars did an absolute shocking job of trying to hide their power. Out on the road way, the OVEDOS HQ Tonner, Phil Kerjean’s Commodore Wagon TUFFST, the MISS468 HK sedan, the LUSH Fairlane, PRO XT and the Kennedy’s teal LX Torana all had their blown engines proudly hanging out for the crowd to drool over. The turbo guys were left out either with the “World’s Toughest Lada” back on the scene with the twin-turbo small block bursting through what was left of the Lada’s bonnet. Moving into the school grounds, Graham Longhurst made the trip from Canberra with his Pro-charged big block HX Kingswood and had every head turned as he idled the pumped big block through the grounds and into position on the grass. This HX never fails to impress and had a crowd around it all day.
It was no surprise to see plenty of horsepower on display. The region around where the show is held is home to the Thirlmere Fryers and the boys were making their presence felt as they rumbled down the road in front of the school letting everyone know the club had arrived! 86
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The entrants list of cars looked like a mixed bowl of fruit – resto’s, classics and race cars sat alongside of Pro-Streeters, muscle cars and show cars of varying degrees. There really was something for everyone at this event. And because it was also the school fete, the kids were kept entertained by a number of arts and craft stalls, food outlets and even some cool amusement rides. One big feature of this event is the number of trophies up for grabs. Over 150 awards were handed out at the presentation held inside the school hall after the huge task of judging was performed by Owen Webb and others.
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By all accounts, the 5th Bargo Show and Shine was a huge success and the members of the Southern Highland Streeters should be congratulated for running such a slick event, especially with the number of entrants they needed to fit into and around the school. For updates and info on future events, keep an eye on both the Bargo Show and Shine and the Southern Highlands Streeters Facebook pages. 90
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SEVEN YEAR STRETCH Robert Webster’s Pro-Street LH Torana is proof that nothing great happens quickly or without the help of some hardcore mates!
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Seven years ago, Rob rolled a well-used LH Torana into his home garage with the intention of building himself a tough street car. Nothing over the top, just a nice streeter with a tough engine that he could cruise anywhere, anytime. Being a panel guy by trade, Rob took the job at hand in his stride and set about removing a huge amount of rust from around the windows, floors, sills and roof – which eventually got replaced due to the amount of rot that had set into the turret itself. Rob spent countless hours alone in the shed repairing the Torana’s body shell and hanging panels before high-filling everything in readiness for colour. Body mods have been kept to the very minimum with the rear wheel arches being stretched 3-inches to accommodate the bigger rubber and the bumper bars and bonnet replaced with fibreglass items.
ROBERT WEBSTER_1974 LH TORANA
WORDS / PICS / VIDEO – Paul Beck
But before the top of the Torana was finished off, Rob had some changes to make to the underside. Knowing just how big the rear wheel and tyre combo was going to be, Rob started to tub the rear end after Red at Craft Diff’s supplied a narrowed nine-inch diff assembly. But like the top half, Rob had to replace the boot floor and part of the chassis rail section due to that dreaded rust. With the body working tools now packed away, the underside got coated in gloss black.
A Pro-Street inspired Torana is not so tough if the engine bay houses a stock 253. There’s no fear of that here with a purpose-built 434-cube LS small block providing plenty of power for the lightweight Holden.
The original coat of PPG Breeze Green colour was added by well-known Pro-Street racer Peter Pronesti, but after an incident at a roll-racing meet at Sydney Motorsport Park where the Torana got rear-ended in the staging lanes, Rob had Chris Harriot recoat the Torana after Rob had repaired the damage. It was at this stage that the G-Pak stripes were added to compliment the body colour.
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Inside, the Torana is all business. The 6-point roll cage was bent up by Rod Andrews and welded in by Rob’s Dad Peter. The standard issue front seats are long gone with a pair of lightweight RCI buckets taking up the same space. The 5-point harness belts are also from the RCI catalogue. The Torana rear seat has been modified to work in with the enlarged wheel tubs. Jason from J&S Trimming added the black and grey material to the seats and factory-styled door trims as well as the headlining. Though an original SL/R steering wheel now tops the column, the dash is anything but Holden based. There’s no less than six AutoMeter gauges occupying the custom facia with a shift light added to the steering column keeping Rob up to date with what’s happening with the Torana’s vitals. Keeping the Pro-Street theme going is a Hurst shifter.
The boot houses part of the roll cage and all of the fuel system comprising of a fuel cell, surge tank, pump, filter and of course, the battery. If you’re a light traveller, you may get one suitcase in there – but it would need to be a very small one… A Pro-Street inspired Torana is not so tough if the engine bay houses a stock 253. There’s no fear of that here with a purpose-built 434-cube LS small block providing plenty of power for the lightweight Holden. Built by Jenkins Engines, the Next-Gen Dart block houses a tough as nails rotating system that forms the perfect platform for the West Coast heads and Holley EFI intake manifold complete with 102mm throttle body that gets its feed from a flash-tuned standard Commodore ECU. The over-the-radiator air induction gets plenty of fresh air into the LS-stroker.
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Inside, the Torana is all business. The 6-point roll cage was bent up by Rod Andrews and welded in by Rob’s Dad Peter. A pair of custom headers eventually unwind to flow into a dual 3-inch exhaust system that runs through no less than four mufflers that do their best to keep the sweet noise to an acceptable level for street use. After Gerald Reid at Springwood Car Care provided a tune, the EFI fed 434-cuber made an impressive 503-horsepower at those sizeable rear treads on the dyno.
Transferring that power to the modified rear end is a two-speed Powerglide that has full manual internals and a TCI converter that tops out at 5000rpm. The diff uses a 3.77 Richmond geared centre and 35-spline Mark Williams axles to deal with the stresses and strains being sent through it. That’s one pretty serious driveline‌ Finishing off the build is a set of rarely-seen big and little Centerline Convo wheels wrapped in Mickey Thompson rubber - the rears measuring a whopping 15x29x12.5-inches! Hiding behind the wheels are Wilwood discs on the front and HQ drums on the rear that do their absolute best to slow the Torana down when needed. Helping the Torana handle as best it can under the circumstances are Bilstein shocks and coils on the front and Strange coil-overs on the bum. It may be considered basic, but it works for what Rob needs.
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After Gerald Reid at Springwood Car Care provided a tune, the EFI fed 434-cuber made an impressive 503-horsepower at those sizeable rear treads on the dyno.
After a seven-year build, Rob enjoys nothing more than jumping behind the wheel and cruising the Torana. Even though the engine is tough as hell, it is still very streetable and even in 40-degree days, the temperature doesn’t creep past 180! As he always intended, Rob can cruise the Torana anywhere, at any time. Isn’t that what it’s all about?
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THANKS TO:
Jenkins Engines. Red at Craft Diffs. Rod Andrews. Peter Pronesti. Justin Doyle at Sunnyholt Electrical. Jason at J&S Trimming. Domanic Pelle for the gearbox. Gerald Reid at Springwood Car Care. Chris Harriott.
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In the Spotlight
WORDS – Paul Beck
AMERICA'S
d e t n a W t Mos One of America’s most sought-after muscle cars is also one of the most modified – just how we like it.
Since the Camaro entered Chevy showrooms in 1967, they have become a firm favourite not only in the USA, but around the globe. With Ford already getting the jump on GM with the Mustang which made its debut in 1964, GM officials needed their new performance coupe to really hit the muscle car market hard. It did, and continues to do so with the latest models.
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PRO-STREET - PRO-TOURING - DRAG RACING - SHOW CARS
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In the eyes of car crafters, the Camaro has been done in every style imaginable. Pro-Street, Pro-Mod, Pro-Touring and everything in between! Big wheels, big engines, big brakes and big attitudes. As far as the early Camaro’s go, by far the most popular would be the ’69 model. The aggressive styling makes it the weapon of choice for those wanting the build the toughest of the tough Camaro’s. Having said that, more and more people are opting for 70-72 Camaro’s are supplies of quality ’67-69’s start to dry up.
Since the Camaro entered Chevy showrooms in 1967, they have become a firm favourite not only in the USA, but around the globe.
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But not everyone wants early model steel and with Camaro’s from the last 10 or so years looking so damn cool, there’s no wonder more and more car builders are opting for the late model look – especially the drag guys who need the slippery shape to cut through the wind quicker than their competitors.
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In the eyes of car crafters, the Camaro has been done in every style imaginable. Pro-Street, Pro-Mod, Pro-Touring and everything in between!
Even the show car guys favour the bowtie coupe with many finely-detailed examples competing at the highest level of show car competition including being in the Great 8 for a shot at the prestigious Ridler award. Go to any car show anywhere in the world and I guarantee you you’ll find plenty of show winning Camaro’s on display.
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No matter the year model or the build style, there’s no denying that Chevy’s Camaro is a hit. Modified, restored or rarity, the Camaro has been and will continue to be one of the most sought after muscle car on the planet. I can hear the rumblings from the blue oval camp already…
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TIM REID_HARLEY VROD
WORDS / PICS / VIDEO – Paul Beck
PHHAT
Blaster
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Like most traditional Harley gu ys, the V-Rod didn’t impress Tim that much when they first launched onto the market with all the fanfare of a US Pre sidential election. In fact, he thought the factory designed bik e was a bit on the ugly side – a far cry from what Harley Da vison had been for so many years. But like any true car or bik e enthusiast, Tim knew that he could make Harley’s version so much more appealing. So, he sourced a suitable proje ct and set about building a much wilder V-Rod than the Harley bean-counters could ever possibly hope to do.
Not known for their subtly, the Harley Davidson V-Rod was built to excite. Tim Reid has taken his custom version to the next level…
Tim’s first port of call was to see the boys at Dark Side Custom Motorcycles. These guys are we ll versed in performance modifications to V-Rod – in parti cular fitting Superchargers and generally hotting up the hu mble V-Rod. There was no doubt this is the road Tim wa s about to head down, so a quick chat with the boys result ed in an order for the V-Twin engine to be torn down and rebuilt using only Top Shelf components.
The engine went back together using Stage 2 cams, ported cylinder heads with better valve springs, Vance & Hines two-into-one exhaust (wrapped in titanium gold heat wrap) and of course that Darkside Stage 1 supercharger kit with intercooler and blow-off-valve. The crew also fitted a Screaming Eagle tuner and power commander fuel controller in to make sure ample amounts of fuel pass through this killer engine combo. By the way, the blown V-twin turned the dyno rollers to the tune of 212hp at that big back tyre! The standard issue gearbox still sits behind the engine, but has been fitted with a heavy-duty clutch and Darkside billet shaft support to handle the torque being pumped from the engine.
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Tim has sunk around $100K into his oncestock V-Rod to prove to himself (and others) that done right, the V-Rod can become a head-turning performance bike. The engine sits inside a modified V-Rod frame that has been fitted with a McCully Customs swingarm that’s been custom painted and airbrushed that looks a treat with that huge 300mm tyre squeezed into the swingarm assembly complete with an airbag system to get the bike low when on show. That big rear tyre has been dropped onto an equally impressive 18x10 Hogpro Enzo wheels with a 23-inch wheel and tyre combo added to the front. Matching disc rotors are added to each end too.
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Up front, there’s been plenty of changes done. The tyre-hugging front fender is a custom item, as is the Chopper style headlight, raked tripletrees, West Coast grips and short drag bars that are internally wired and equipped with billet clamps, NLC short levers, drop down mirrors and the custom PHHAT Harley emblem wiring cover. Whilst it doesn’t look very comfy at all, Tim assures us it is. And he would know, with hundreds of long rides up the Hume from his base in Goulburn, NSW.
By the way, the blown V-twin turned the dyno rollers to the tune of 212hp at that big back tyre!
Moving down the uprights of the frame, you will find West Coast pegs on the custom Altered State 1.5-inch forward controls that have had the PHHAT name laser etched into them. The passenger pegs have been relocated to a more sensible place.
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One of Tim’s least liked parts on the factor y issue V-Rod are the fenders. The shape and style just don’t do it for Tim, so he chopped his up, forming a much nicer rear fender that does its best to cover that tyre whilst following the side profile. The fro nt guard now features a point and, according to Tim, is 100% better than what HD had offered up. After Tim had finished redesigning the fenders, he took them and the new custom air-box to his mates at No rthside Rods and Customs to have them coat the panels in a trick colou r called Crystal White Zyrellic Pearl that may appear to be a basic wh ite, but actually flips between four different colours. Yes, it’s a bitch to photograph and show off the hidden colours. Complimenting the Ho use of Kolor base colour is airbrushed logos and contrasting stripes. Fin ishing off the external visuals is a custom seat that has been covered in double diamond stitching with Croc skin sides!
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THANKS TO:
Darkside Custom Harleys for the assembly and tuning and Northside Rods & Customs for the paint.
Tim has sunk around $100K into his once-stock V-Rod to prove to himself (and others) that done right, the V-Rod can become a head-turning performance bike. Of course, it helps having the right people on side to make things happen more easily and without too much hassle! Since being finished, Tim’s V-Rod has collected plenty of awards at shows like the Fitted Festival (Best Harley), Harley Days (Best V-Rod & Best Overall), Australian Car & Bike Show (Best Bike) and many others.
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So where to now with this tough blown, bagged and show-winning Harley? Well Tim has his eye on doing a number on another new Harley and currently has this one for sale. It’s not cheap, but you get what you pay for. Intrigued? Contact me here at the mag and I’ll pass your details onto Tim who will be happy to talk turkey with any potential purchasers. Turkey’s though, need not apply!
TWO WHEEL APPEAL
Tim and fiancé Mo have just kickstarted a new business manufacturing motorbike Streetwear and Safety Gear. A full range of both Streetwear for the bike enthusiast and casual style Kevlar safety gear. Not only looks the part as casual clothing but also CE certified protective wear. Not only protects you in an unforeseen incident, but it doesn’t look or feel bulky like some products on today’s market. Branded Two Wheel Appeal the company manufactures and sells Kevlar lined hoodies, jeans, shoes, gloves and leather vests with a whole new women’s range and a world first in protective summer riding gear to be released soon. With there range of both streetwear and safety gear growing with all new products in manufacture now. Be sure to check out there range on there website www.twowheelappeal.com and enter code KillerRides for 15% off storewide.
Killer Pic
p U s l e Whe
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Every year, owners of tough street and strip cars converge on Byron Dragway for the World Wheelstanding Competition. As spectacular as it looks, the damage that can ensue is frightening. Still, they keep coming back for more...
INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION FROM SUPERFORMANCE
Window Shopping CENTERLINE WHEELS NOW IN STOCK AT SPEEDPRO
Now featuring a forged inner barrel and a no air leak modular design that also makes the wheel stronger than ever before, the newly re-released Centerline wheels are now in stock at Speed Pro. Revised rivets were produced to keep up with the pressures of modern tyres, vehicle weights, and “life of product” expectancy. These new design wheels are now subjected to 1.1million revolutions in the testing stages to meet stringent road requirements, previous testing was 100,000 revolutions. The rivet size was increased to provide substantially more structural rigidity and a far stronger seam seal where the inner and outer barrels meet to create the wheel. Widely regarded as the only wheel for tough street cars, get your set now! Contact Speed Pro now. 11 Airlie Ave Dandenong Vic. 3175 P:03 97945177 www.speedpro.com.au
OPTIMA RED TOP BATTERY
The ultimate high performance AGM Starting battery designed to deliver a strong burst of ignition power for a reliable start every time. Optima batteries are constructed with truly unique SPIRALCELL TECHNOLOGY for more efficient output, greater vibration resistance & starting power with extended battery life. www.rjbatt.com.au/optima/ 1300 769 282
Manufactured entirely in house in their Qld facility, Superformance proudly offers their engineered IFS for a wide variety of vehicles including Ford F100, Chev C10 and LH/LX/UC Torana with many more to come. Each front end features Wilwood Pro-spindles, Wilwood brakes, Flaming River power steering rack, Aldan Coilover shocks, Moog ball joints and tie-rod ends, Super Pro Polyurethane bushes (with lifetime warranty), cold drawn seamless tube control arms, Grade 8 hardware, Holden V8, SBC and LS series engine mounts available. Formore info, contact Superformance on (07) 3488 7888 or jump on to the website - www.superformance.com.au
LOVELLS COIL SPRINGS - AUSTRALIAN MADE QUALITY Whether you want to lower your street car or improve the ride of your tow vehcile, Lovells Automotive Suspension have the upgrades you need. Lovells have been the industry leaders in Suspension since 1930 and continue to be the first choice of many when it comes time to fit new coils or leaf springs to your vehicle. Lovells springs are used in many of Australia’s most well-known performance and show cars including Gary & Jake Myers’ Burnout Championship winning Mustangs anf Falcon as well as Peter Fitzpatrick’s multi-Summernats Grand Champion winning FC Holden. To find a stockist near you, check out www.lovellsauto.com.au or pop into any reputable Parts Supplier in your area and ask for them by name.
Showtime! To have your event listed here, send details to paul@killerrides.com.au NOV - 2019
DEC - 2019
15-16 -VIC Bendigo Swap Meet Bendigo Showgrounds bendigoswap.com.au
7 - NSW Rotary Revival Sydney Motorsport Park rotaryrevival.com.au
22-24 - VIC Ballarat Rod Run 2019 Big 4 Goldfields Ballarat Bayden - 0407 802269
7 - VIC Prison Break Weekend 2019 Camp Cooriemungle treasurer@guzzlerscarclub.com
8 - QLD Powercruise Powerplay #35 Queensland Raceway powercruise.com
22-24 - VIC Springnats Shepparton Shepparton Showgrounds www.autofest.com.au
8 - WA Day of the Volkswagen Wilson Park, South Fremantle Jamie - 0408 183396
20-23 - NSW Powercruise #80 Sydney Motorsport Park powercruise.com
22-24 - VIC Geelong Revival Motoring Festival Eastern Beach, Geelong info@geelongrevival.com.au
JAN- 2020 2-5 - ACT
22-23 - TAS Wings & Things George Town Airport ricksherriff59@gmail.com
15-16 - SA Adelaide Auto Expo Adelaide Showgrounds gsgarage@tpg.com.au
23-24 - NSW Triple Shot Super Show St Ives Showground sam@sydneymachinasocialclub.org 23 - NSW Hot Import Nights Sydney Showground 24 - NSW 2019 Kiama Auto Expo Kiama Showground & Pavilion kiamarotarypublicrelations@gmail. com
1 - VIC Show Us Ya Wheels Numarkah Showgrounds grahamdean11@gmail.com
Summernats 33 EPIC, Canberra www.summernats.com.au 11 - VIC Camperdown Car & Bike Show Main Street, Camperdown Andrew - 0419 675529 12 - VIC Port Fairy Rod Run Southcombe Park Oval Dale - 0407 424643 19 - VIC 5th Annual Northern Car & Bike Show ‘n’ Shine Cole Reserve, Pascoe Vale sconroy@powercor.com.au 19 - VIC NSW All American Day Macarthur Square Shopping Centre
e c n e r e f f i D a g n i Mak
25-27 - VIC VictorianHot Rod & Cool Rides Show Royal Exhibition Buildings, Carlton www.hotrod.com.au
FEB - 2020
8 - WA Boddinton Street Machine & Motor Show - Boddington Football Oval admin@pcsmc.com.au
Monthly Meets at Greenway Plaza, The Horsley Drive, Wetherill Park
SEPT 7 - OCT 5 - NOV 2 - DEC 7
Sundown Car Fest at Penrith Homemaker Centre
SEPT 14 - OCT 12 - NOV 9 - DEC 14
29 - VIC Colac Show & Shine Colac Memorial Square gamarketing@optusnet.com.au
MAR - 2020
8 - NSW Show & Shave for a Cure Coffs Harbour Leagues Club shownshineforbloodcancer@gmail. com 22 - NSW Killer Rides Pro-Street Sunday Fairfield Showgrounds 9am-3pm - All Undercover 0432 795336 paul@killerrides.com.au www.killerrides.com.au
www.carsunderthestars.com
Performance
y r o t c e r i D
Advertise your business here from just $55 per month* * Based on 6-month Booking @ 1/8 page size.
Email: paul@killerrides.com.au for more info.
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ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE!
PHONE: Paul - 0432 795336
EMAIL: paul@killerrides.com.au
www.prostreet.com.au
HISTORIC & CLASSIC CARS LOG BOOK SCHEME TO STAY!
On Oct 2nd, Paul Toole Minister for Regional Transport and Roads) and Andrew Constance (Minister for Transport and Roads) released a joint media statement confirming that thanks for the Liberal and National Government, the trial of Log Books for Historic and Classic cars were to be made a permanent addition allowing car owners on limited rego to track how often they are driving their vehicles outside of club organised events which is currently at 60-days per year. Mr Toole said they would deliver phased improvements to the Log Book system over the coming twelve months to streamline to the use for everyone. “We are looking fo ensure compliance of the conditional registration and to support motorists by ensuring they have a say in the log book format,” Mr Constance said. Aust. Conferation of Motor Clubs President, Tony O’Donnel welcomed the announcement adding, “The Log book scheme allows owners to more easily enjoy and share the pleasure of our vehicles with each other and the community.”
More information can be found at www.ansma.com.au
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GOULBURN NATIONALS ITINERARY RELEASED
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The ASRF Regional Nationals to be held in Goulburn NSW in 2020 is quickly 21 approaching. I’ve got my accommodation sorted, have you? Don’t wait too long! If you are planning on entering the event, the ASRF now have the fourday itinerary on their website - simply click the link below to get there. As expected, the Thursday is a laid back,casual set up day with registrations happening and is generally a catch up session with old mates you don’t get to see often. But come Friday, the event kicks up a gear. Friday is open to Entrants only and will feature more registrations, the trade stands will be open and the rod-balance competition will be happening. Friday will end with a party on site featuring a live band and BYO drinks. The show and shine will be the main feature during Saturday with the general public allowed in from 10am before the Street Cruise runs on the main street between 6pm and 10pm at which time there will be live music in Belmore Park. Sunday will again feature the show ‘n’ shine, the Ladies High Tea and of course the Trophy Presentations. It’s going to be big - don’t miss this one!
www.asrf.org.au
e v i t a v o n n Get I with your Advertising
HERE’S WHAT WE OFFER! EXCEPTIONAL RATES! GLOBAL AUDIENCE! ONLINE 24/7! VIDEO ENHANCED AD’S! ALL AD’S LINKED! NEW PRODUCT PROMOTIONS! For more information on advertising in Killer Rides, please contact; Paul Beck 0432 795336 paul@killerrides.com.au
PUBLISHING EDITOR
Paul Beck paul@killerrides.com.au Phone 0432 795336
MAILING ADDRESS
PO Box 165 Oak Flats NSW 2529 129
WEBSITE
www.killerrides.com.au
VALUED CONTRIBUTORS
Lauren Jade - Xposed Photography Tim McCormack - Sweet Aussie Rides Chad Silvey - Pics by Chaddo Leisa Bonnici - Fordgal Images Blake Williamson - Insane Grunt Photography Greg “Beach” Ball - Vincent De Rossi Joe Crispin - Flaming Rim Productions Jimmy T Photography - Andy Mack Stephen Taylor - The Motorsports Project