Killer Rides #30_Nov 2020

ISSUE #30 - NOV 2020

POWERFEST SMOKES OUT PALMYRA!

INCORPORATING

Hittin' the Street in a wild, blown, injected EK Holden!

SERIOUS

S S E N I BUS

BLOWN / INJ 57 CHEV - HI-TECH HOT ROD - BIG BLOCK HG PREMIER - TOUGH STREET VALIANT MORUYA AUTO RUMBLE - 2005 VIC ROD SHOW REVISITED - COOL VIDEO FEATURES!

From the Desk LET’S GET SERIOUS FOR JUST A MOMENT...

2020 has been a shocking year. It’s been hell for businesses, it’s seen just about every car event after March cancelled and has put an end to travelling anywhere outside of your own suburb. But there’s been something else that has made it quite a difficult year for me and that’s been the loss of friends…Men’s mental health issues have robbed many of us of good mates, even family members, that decided life was just too hard to deal with any longer. Sure, we have the RU OK Day, but I reckon that should be every day and we need to make sure that we take the time to talk to our mates, our family members and anyone else that could use a few minutes of your time to see if there’s anything bothering them.

In my experiences in dealing with car owners on a regular basis, you’d RIP Tricky. Until we meet again, my friend. be surprised at how often grown men break down in tears when telling stories of how they can’t see their kids as much as they want to; or are being screwed over having to pay three-quarters of their pay out to their ex-partners to look after the kids they very rarely see, leaving them with very little money to survive on themselves. And the worse thing is, the more they earn, they more they are told they have to pay, so there’s no way for them to dig themselves out of the hole they were forced into. And we all know how that works out.

It’s for those reasons that I have aligned myself with the good guys from The Brotherhood of Fathers. You’ll see their heart wrenching video ad running in each issue now. Take the time to have a look at it – if it doesn’t affect you, you don’t have a heart… This group of dedicated Fathers are there to provide you with the help you need. From Legal support, Family Law matters and child access disputes, to crisis accommodation and more. I am hoping by helping these guys get more exposure, we can help in the fight against Men’s Mental Health issues. Please, if you are going through some family related issues that are putting dark thoughts in your head, give them a call on 1800 328437 or jump onto the website – www.theabf.org.au Lets work together to help keep those that mean the most to us, with us for longer!

With that said, I hope you enjoy Issue #30 of Killer Rides. Stay safe. See you on the road.

Paul

03

HIGH CRANKING HIGH CAPACITY

HIGH PERFORMANCE 1964 Holden EH Ute, Cairns QLD Recommended battery: Fullriver HC44

AGM

DESIGN

FULLRIVER HC SERIES The Fullriver HC Battery Series features advanced AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) technology to provide a genuine no-compromise dual-purpose battery.

9 Non-spillable AGM desgin with no corrosion

9 Low self-discharge

9 Safe for installation in racing cars, motorsport 9 Low resistance design, ideal for both starting & applications and classic cars.

cycling

Fullriver HC Batteries are available at all R&J Batteries stores and distributors

AUS: rjbatt.com.au | 1300 769 282

NZ: rjbatt.co.nz | 09 636 5980

ISSUE NO.30 Nov 2020

CONTENTS REGULARS

03 EDITORIAL From the Desk 10 WHAT’S HAPPENING News, views and things of interest

26 Tough Street Blown, injected EK Holden

18 HAVE YOUR SAY Tell us what you think

6

20

COMING ATTRACTION Full Tilt LS-powered Torana

48

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Eliza with a slick Cuda

50

PERFORMANCE SHOWDOWN Sugar City Powerfest goes off!

70 GETTIN’ READY TO RUMBLE The first Auto Rumble in Moruya

92 BLAST FROM THE PAST 2005 Victorian Hot Rod Show 110 KILLER PIC The World’s Wildest HB Torana

7

38 Happiness is a blown injected 57 Chev

82 Big cube LS-powered ‘37 Roadster

50 Palmyra Dragway Powerfest goes off!

92 2005 Victorian Hot Rod Show Revisited

60 Tough Street, 496ci HG Premier

100 Retina-burning VH Valiant Hardtop

112 PERFORMANCE DIRECTORY Quick Find Ad’s 114 KILLER KLASSIFIEDS Buy, sell, swap.

120 PARTING SHOT Gettin’ out of shape

FEATURES 26

MAXIMUM IMPACT Is this Australia’s toughest EK Holden

38

AMERICAN IDOL It’s easy to see why the ‘57 Chev is widely admired

60

DOIN’ IT TOUGH Big blocked HG Premier

82 PRIZED POSSESSION Australia’s slickest ‘37 Ford Roadster

100 FAMILY TRADITION Sometimes, you’re born into a certain brand.

Don’t forget to Subscribe at www.killerrides.com.au

HERE’S WHAT WE OFFER!

e v i t a v o n n I Get with your g n i s i t r e v d A

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

Check Us Out on our Social Media Pages!

PUBLISHING EDITOR

Paul Beck paul@killerrides.com.au Phone 0432 795336

MAILING ADDRESS

PO Box 165 Oak Flats NSW 2529

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 Stephen Taylor @ The Motorsports Project John Antoniw @ 9000rpm Photography Jimmy Tee Photography Greg ‘Beach’ Ball - Joe Crispin - Jason Lowe Luke Hunter @ Hunter Media Charlie Sant @ Pro Flo Performance Gary Rosier - www.carsplaneslandscapes.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING KINGPIN KUZTOMS LYGON STREET TOY RUN GIVEN THE GREEN LIGHT!

The Kingpin Events and Social Club have secured the date for the 2020 Lygon Street Breakfast event. Better put aside Sunday, December 13th for one of Victoria’s coolest events. The famous Lygon street, in the heart of Melbourne will be rumbling to the sounds of hot rods, customs and muscle cars all lined along the city streets whilst filling every available food outlet. This year will also include a Toy Run so make sure you bring along a new Toy which will be donated to needy families just in time for Christmas.

EXTREME AUTO EXPO IS GO!

Whilst most events around Australia have either been postponed or cancelled for 2020, one event is a definite starter in November – the Extreme Auto Expo in Adelaide. Set down for Friday 20th (5pm-9pm) and 10am-8pm Saturday 21st November, the show will once again showcase some of the finest street machines, hot rods and customs inside the Wayville Showgrounds. Amongst the cars on display will be plenty of trade stands as well as a Barn Find Auction which was a popular addition last year.

For regular updates, check out www.adelaideautoexpo.com.au

KILLER RIDES CAR OF THE YEAR AWARD

I wanted to introduce the Killer Ride of the Year award this year, but then thought that it wasn’t fair on those featured in 2018 and 2019, so here’s the deal. Every car featured within Killer Rides will be in the running to take out the annual award and the winner is 100% chosen by you, the reader. To vote, go to the website and check out the cars on offer, then simply SMS the Issue No. and the car you think should win to 0432 79355. For example, Issue 2 – LX Torana. You can also email your vote to paul@killerrides. com.au or send it via messenger via the FB page. There’s three awards being awarded in the Jan 2021 Issue; 11

2018 KILLER RIDE OF THE YEAR – (ISSUES 1-7)

2019 KILLER RIDE OF THE YEAR – (ISSUES 8-19) 2020 KILLER RIDE OF THE YEAR – (ISSUES 20-31)

10

For more info, check out the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2218294771729371/

HAVE YOU SUBSCRIBED YET? GO TO www.killerrides.com.au AND DO IT NOW!

So get voting! You have until December 31st 2020 to make your decision, with the winners to be announced in Issue #32 – Jan 2021.

WHAT’S HAPPENING OZ CRUISE UPDATES

NATIONWIDE 2021

We are building a list of cruises planned for around the country and will be releasing details on those that are happening soon. Remember this all takes place on Sunday, 12th September 2021. There’s still plenty of time to get one organised in your local area. All you need to do is find a starting point, a cruise route, and somehwere to finish up with a show and shine.

Pick a local charity that will benefit the most and then let us know so we can help you promote it!

For more details, check out the Oz Cruise Facebook page! Click on the logo for more details.

12

KILLER

Video

SUNDAY SEPT 12

CALLING ALL CAR CLUBS!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE PAR T OF AUSTRALIA’S ONLY, NATIONAL ONE-DAY CHARIT Y CRUISE? IT’S EASY TO BE A PART OF IT...

ORGANISE A CRUISE ROUTE IN YOUR LOCAL AREA CHOOSE A LOCAL CHARIT Y TO SUPPORT MAKE IT HAPPEN ON SUNDAY 12TH SEPT 2021 FULL DETAILS ARE AT THE OZ CRUISE FACEBOOK PAGE For More Details - Contact Pau l Beck @ Killer Rides paul@killerrides.com.au 043 2 795336

CLOSE CALLS, CRASHES AND FIREBALLS ON THE STRIP!

9

WHAT’S HAPPENING AUTOFEST SPRINGNATS MOVING TO JANUARY LONG WEEKEND

The biggest and most powerful event on the Autofest calendar, the Springnats, is about to shake Shepparton to its core with hundreds of high-powered cars already booked in to make the 2020 Springnats the biggest event. But, like many other events affected by Covid-19, the Springnats has been forced to move to the January long weekend. With the event to fill every inch of the Showgrounds, including one of the biggest burnout pads on the planet, the Springnats has been going from strength to strength since 1992 and has proven to be one of the most popular events on the custom car scene.

14

9

Check out www.autofest.com.au for entry information and get yourself down to Shepparton over the weekend of January 22nd to 24th. See you there‌

WHAT’S HAPPENING THE ALL-ELECTRIC MEGA HUMMER EV IS COMING!

Multiple on-board cameras, air-adjustable suspension, four-wheel steering, “crab walk” capability,1000hp, 0-100km/h in 3sec, removable roof panels… Just some of the features in the new revolutionary Hummer EV Super Truck!

FREE MAGAZINE OFFER

TAKE YOUR VEHICLE TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF TECHNICAL PERFECTION

16

TO GET YOUR FREE COPY

CLICK HERE

9

www.liquidintelligence.com.au

INCLUDES CASE STUDIES & ARTICLES OF ONE OF A KIND PRODUCTS

GOT SOMETHING TO SELL? PLACE AN AD IN OUR KILLER KLASSIFIEDS!

CARS - PARTS - ACCESSORIES - WANTED AND FOR SALE!

Just $20 for one photo and upto 40 words. Send to paul@killerrides.com.au

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.

HEAVY CHEVY #1

G’day Paul, Congrats on putting together Killer Rides, me and the boys love it! Just wanted to do a big shout out to Vince and those involved in creating his unbelievably cool ’65 Impala coupe. That Chev is insane! Who would have thought you could cruise such a tough car on the street? I take my hat off to you Vince – you’ve created a Monster!

Scott K via Messenger

HEAVY CHEVY #2

Hi Paul, I’m the first to admit that old Chev’s are not my first choice of car. I’m more into early Holden’s, but that BIG65 Impala has gone a long way to changing my mind. I mean really – who runs a 14/71 blower on the street?? It’s as wild as it is cool. I love it.

Raymond B via Email Hi Guys, Yep, Vince’s Impala is certainly one impressive machine – even more so when you see him drive out into the traffic! Now that’s a true street car!

TOUGH CAR CRUISE CRAZINESS

Hi Paul, Great feature on the Custom Coastal Cruise in WA. It begs the question though, if those wild cars are allowed to cruise the public streets for one day if they pay $45 extra, and the entrants at the Red Centre Nats can drive around for a weekend no matter how wild they are; then why can’t these types of cars get concessional registration all year round? Just my two cents worth.

Jay T Via Messenge

DARE TO BE DIFFERENT

Hi Paul, Issue #29 was yet again, another ripping issue of Killer Rides. Well done. I particularly liked your editorial and can relate to it 100%. Imagine if everyone built a Torana, XY Falcon or heavens forbid, a Commodore! The scene would be quite boring. Personally, I am piecing together a 240 Volvo sedan which has a complete HSV Senator LS3 engine and 6-speed manual gearbox with a narrowed nine inch sitting under the mini-tubbed rear. Sure, its not a traditional build, and my mates bag me out continuously, but I am a big fan of having something a little left of centre and really don’t care what people think. I’ll shoot some pics through when I get a bit further along. Can’t wait for each issue to appear online. Keep them coming…

Stuart P Via Email.

Hi Jay, I do understand where you’re coming from, but in bother of those events, the cars have a predetermined cruise route and can’t vary from it or they will be cruising illegally. It would be awesome to have the freedom our US brothers have, but I think we just need to enjoy G’day Stuart, the events we have to enjoy the opportunities when they present Whilst I understand why people tend to build the more themselves. “common” cars, I always love to see those pushing the boundaries. That’s part of the reason why I love LOVIN’ THE VIDEOS the US custom car scene. They go out of their way to G’day Paul and Team, find something weird, ugly and seldom-seen to create 19 I’m loving everything about Killer Rides, but it’s the video features that an absolute masterpiece. Obviously, we don’t have I really enjoy. It offers a whole new perspective on the feature car. Keep access to the array of cars they do over there, so its up the great work. just a matter of putting your own personal touch onto Peter V via Messenger whatever you think is right for you. I feel for you with your mates bagging your Volvo, I get that all the time G’day Peter, with the Studebaker. I bet though, that when the Volvo Thanks for the support. That’s the joy of being a digital magazine – is finished, they’ll all be lining up to go for a cruise. Stick the ability to include video in the car features, some event coverage with it mate and don’t forget to show us how it looks. and also advertisements. Enjoy!

Cheers, Paul.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

a L n L FU Tora TILT

is now a c i l p e r R / L S n, this LX o i s r e v n ions. o t c u l e o n i S g e n v e i t n o a t off to ge OK Autom d L e B p 4 p t o a r t d fi y e l r l Initia e retro v i s s a m a o t ted being subjec

20

Dropping an LS1 into a Torana engine bay is nothing new, nor is backing it with a four-speed auto and 9-inch diff. But in this project, it’s what’s happening around those added features that will make this a standout car on the streets of Adelaide. First up, the engine will be placed in an engine compartment that has been reshaped in steel giving the under bonnet area a much smother look than the factory could have ever hoped for. And forget about the standard issue LS-engine spoiling the new look, Heath has designed and fabricated a bespoke engine cover that leaves no hint of what’s hiding underneath.

RESHAPED ENGINE BAY WORKED LS1 - 4-SPEED AUTO FABRICATED ENGINE COVER DUAL AIR INTAKES

NARROWED VF DASH AUTOMETER GAUGES VF GTS FRONT SEATS ELECTRIC WINDOWS

20X9 & 20X12 SIMMONS WHEELS HEATH BLOK_4BLOK AUTOMOTIVE SOLUTIONS LX SL/R TORANA REPLICA WORDS - PAUL BECK PICS - HEATH BLOK

21

T N E D N E P E D N I E C SUPERFORMAN S C S I D D O O W L I W FRONT END G N I R E E T S R E W O P COIL-OVERS -

The engine itself won’t be bolted to a standard issue LX Torana front end, with that removed and sitting in the ‘never to be used again’ pile of parts. In its place sits one of Superformance’s slick independent front ends which adds power steering, Wilwood discs, tubular arms and coil-over shocks. These front ends are so good, it makes the original front end redundant.

The wheels of choice are 3-piece Simmons measuring 20x9 and 20x12-inches.

22

The dash will accommodate old-school AutoMeter gauges and a touch-screen entertainment system...

As trick as the engine bay will be, it’s inside the Torana that will be the focal point with the hero of the build being the shortened VF Commodore dash. Heath put some four-weeks work into making the dash fit into its new home and look like it was a factory appointment. The dash flows into the centre console that splits the VF HSV GTS bucket seats. A remodelled rear seat will be set up soon. The up-spec interior will feature all the mod cons you’d expect from a new car including electric windows and airconditioning. The dash will accommodate old-school AutoMeter gauges and a touch-screen entertainment system with a few other highlights that Heath isn’t prepared to let out of the bag just yet. The completed interior will be trimmed in a combination of black paint, leather and Alcatara.

23

Externally, the Torana will be a faithful SL/R replica covered in a custom shade of Candy Lime Green and black – a combo that will certainly attract a lot of attention. Whilst work on the Torana has been slowed a little during the height of the Covid situation, Heath has been toiling away with the parts side of his business and will be getting back into the Torana soon to keep the build moving along. The quality of the work is more than evident from the pics you see here, so if you want something a little out of the ordinary, check out more of Heath’s work at www.4blok.com.au

24

VINCE PANUCCIO - 1961 EK HOLDEN Words / Pics / Video - Paul Beck

MAXIMUM

Impact

26

27

With a blown injected small block up front, and tubs down the back, this EK Holden is as serious as a heart attack!

Some cars just demand attention. This is certainly the case with Vince Panuccio’s tough early Holden. When you drop in a blown and injected V8 and have the top end exposed for the world to see, you’re certainly on your way to creating an attention seeking ride. Painting it bright orange is definitely the icing on the cake. But before we get too deep into the build, there’s something that needs to be cleared up. Early Holden fans would be up in arms with me calling this an EK, when it clearly has FB side styling and hence the two-tone paint. So what’s the deal, I hear you huffing and puffing. Well, officially, when it rolled from the production line, it left as an FB, but somewhere along the way, the FB scored an EK subframe with EK numbers, so technically now, it’s an EK. Confused? Don’t be. Now back to the build…

Deciding long ago that he would be using the EK on a regular basis, the interior needed to be not just flashy, but also functional and comfortable. It certainly ticks all of those boxes.

28

29

Vince was partly through a build on an EH when he spotted this EK for sale in Lismore. Multi-coloured paint covered an ordinary body with less than adequate gaps between the panels. But, there were some upsides.

It did have an engineer’s report for a V8 conversion and with Vince already having the gear to complete the project, the deal was hard to refuse.

Unlike the EH, that some people may consider a little square-edged, the lines of the EK really appealed to Vince and after a quick discussion with the seller, the EK was loaded up and on its way back to Vince’s place where it was to be subjected to an intense three-year build.

Before Vince got too concerned with sorting the body and paint, he shipped the EK off to Paul Sant at Pro Flo Performance for the team to make some major modifications to the old girls underside including refabricating the wheel tubs, adding in the CRS independent front end, fitting up the quartet of Wilwood discs and calipers and swapping out the old shocks and springs for adjustable Strange coil-overs at each corner. With the EK back on the ground, the 19x7 and 20x12 Schott billet wheels wrapped in ultra-low profile Kumho tyres, were bolted up and tucked in under the guards.

30

31

After putting quite a few miles on the new speedometer, Vince now wants to up the ante in the horsepower arena. So, I’m guessing it’s a good thing he owns a tyre outlet…

32

As the EK had already been engineered for a V8 heart transplant, there’s was no way Vince was going to settle for anything other than a tough V8, and for his EK, only a blown small block Chev topped with an EFI-controlled Bird catcher hat could do the job. Vince turned to Joe Zinghini to bolt together the stout small block, using a factory Chev block as the starting point.

The rotating system comprising of a crank, rod and forged piston combo from Scat soon filled the block with a blower-spec cam and Mellings oil pump added to complete the internals for the tough bottom end. Finalising the lower section of the engine is a HQ sump. A pair of AFR heads were bolted

onto the block along with the Blower Shop intake manifold. The obvious heroes of this engine build, the Blower Shop 6/71 supercharger and the Bird catcher fuel injector hat top off the entire engine build. The engine is tough and makes north of 500hp on a diet of E85 fuel, but due to its desired use of cruising the streets, Vince wanted the engine to be more about reliability than all-out performance initially. A full-manual Turbo 400 auto with 2800rpm Slingshot converter backs the powerplant and sends the ponies to the 9-inch rear that relies on 3.5-gears and billet 31-spline axles to handle the power being pushed through it. So far, so good‌

33

The engine is tough and makes north of 500hp on a diet of E85 fuel...

34

The EK’s body has had plenty of attention lavished on it and is now straighter than ever before and those gaps are near perfection. The sheet metal itself is almost as per the factory specs with the only obvious deviation being the hole in the bonnet for that menacing injector hat to hang out of. When it came time for paint, Vince instructed Sid to lay on the custom orange and Mercedes white combination that works perfectly with the slick lines the EK series was well-loved for. Inside, it’s a great mix of old and new. The chrome splashed across the dash panel has been retained and brings the same theme from the outside in.

The gauge cluster now features Classic Chev instruments,

sitting just behind the billet steering wheel. The Soarer front seats and reshaped rear seat (to suit the tubs) have been retrimmed in dark tan leather by Louie and his boys Dave and Taylor – the job done to the same high standard as every part of the build. The same material covers the custom centre console, kick panels, door trims and the reworked boot area. When he grows tired of listening to the blower whine, Vince can add his favourite tunes to the impressive Kenwood sound system. Deciding long ago that he would be using the EK on a regular basis, the interior needed to be not just flashy, but also functional and comfortable. It certainly ticks all of those boxes.

35

As owner of Smithfield Tyres, Vince is surrounded by cars day in, day out – none of which though compare to his tough as hell EK. And yes, he does drive the car to work on occasions!

Taking the car to its first Summernats, Vince wowed the judges big time resulting in no less than three awards in the Street class section. That’s not a bad effort considering the cars that were lined up beside him that year. After putting quite a few miles on the new speedometer, Vince now wants to up the ante in the horsepower arena. So, I’m guessing it’s a good thing he owns a tyre outlet…

36

37

Jake Myers - Burnout Champion!

THANKS TO: My team at Smithfield Tyre Service and Mechanical. Paul and the boys at Pro Flo Performance. Eddson and the boys at E Auto. Louie, Dave and Taylor for the awesome interior retrim. Joe Zinghini for putting the engine together.

Raymond Bajada for the brake lines. Sid at Superb for an amazing paint job.

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

AMERICAN IDOL From a young age, Bill Saliba had a fascination with classic Chevs, dreaming of having his very own one day. In 2005, he made the dream a reality with the purchase of this desirable ’57 Chev four-door hardtop Belair.

38

39

BILL SALIBA - 1957 CHEV BELAIR SEDAN Words / Pics / Video - Paul Beck

Bill found the Belair in Brisbane, put on the market from the guy who had imported it from the USA just twelve months earlier. The already-painted pillarless ’57 sported a 350 small block under the bonnet with a turbo 350 auto and standard issue diff in place. For Bill, it was a great start to owning a rare classic Chevy. Whilst he was quite content in cruising the Chev in this form for a while, the desire for more horsepower was growing at a rapid rate and before he knew it, plans were put in place to replace the driveline with something bigger, better and more powerful.

40

This particular engine build is more about reliable horsepower rather than extracting every last pony from the big block.

Having already owned a graphiccovered, nitrous big block powered HJ station wagon known as Rat Bite (which scored a place in the Top 50 at the Summernats in 1991), Bill knew the performance gained from adding in a substantial number of cubic inches.

This time around, Bill wanted to go with a blower to top the big block, and after consulting with engine builder John Koolbanis at Unique Performance in Windsor, decided that a 6/71 blower would be the centre piece of the engine, and with the ’57 having a high bonnet line, there would be minimal issues with too much hardware hanging through blocking the vision from the driver’s seat. John set about building the new engine using an LS6-spec 454 bottom end, the strength and performance capabilities of the LS6 having been proven over the years.

41

John then added a pair of modified heads complete with triple valve springs before bolting down the blower intake, polished blower and the EFI Hat that gets its E85 fuel delivery from 2000cc Bosch injectors. A Haltech ECU controls the fuel flow and ensures the blown big block runs exactly how it’s supposed to from the first flick of the key. This particular engine build is more about reliable horsepower rather than extracting every last pony from the big block. With that in mind, the blower has been set up to run at just 6-pounds of boost resulting in 500-ponies at the rear wheels. A turbo 400 auto with a 2800rpm converter

sends the power rearwards to the nineinch diff that houses 31-spline axles and a 3.5-geared centre section. Being a cruiser more than a bruiser, Bill didn’t make too many changes to the Chev’s underside. Each corner scored disc brakes courtesy of a Hoppers Stoppers conversion kit, with all four controlled by a standard master cylinder equipped with a vacuum pump. The steering has been converted to power assisted with a 605 steering kit and Nylon bushes replace the worn rubber items for a firmer ride. The custom alloy wheels will each wheel arch perfectly and measure 15x8 and 15x10-inches.

42

43

Whilst he was quite content in cruising the Chev in this form for a while, the desire for more horsepower was growing at a rapid rate.

As mentioned, the body and paint are still the same as they were when Bill swapped a pile of cash for the Chev back in 2005. The only difference being the hole in the bonnet for the blower hat to hang through. The aqua and white colour combo is a popular one for the Tri-5 set, especially when combined with the abundance of chrome that these models are well known for. Being a factory Belair, the body features the stainless side flashes and gold badging. They certainly don’t make cars like this anymore… Inside, it’s a mix of old and new. The bench seats

have been retained and are now covered in a vinyl and cloth combination of white and navy blue to contrast the exterior colours.

The steering wheel still sits on the left side of the US-spec dash which holds the factory dials. Bill however didn’t want to put his trust in gauges that were just adequate in 1957, so he added a Race Pac digital dash to the transmission tunnel just below the centre of the dash. Bill can now see exactly what’s happening in and around that pumped big block and relax in the knowledge that the info is 100% accurate.

44

45

Bill however didn’t want to put his trust in gauges that were just adequate in 1957, so he added a Race Pac digital dash to the transmission tunnel...

1800FATHER

For Dads that need help with domestic violence, child access disputes and Family Law anywhere in Australia.

46

Since the ’57 has been back together, Bill has tried to enjoy it as much as he possibly can. That simply wouldn’t have been possible without the help from companies who really know their stuff. Bill wants to thank Mick Sciberras at Street Cred Differentials for a heap of fabrication and fitting the driveline along with the steering column and entire exhaust system. John Koolbanis gets the credit for not only building the solid engine, but for offering his advice when needed.

Likewise, Clint at Pro Automotive at McGraths Hill gets a shout out for his tuning expertise and for convincing Bill that E85 was the fuel to use. For Bill, that was a game changer. Let’s hope that when Bill finds the time to do the full resto he has planned for the future, they all put their hands up again to be part of the Belair Build Up Version 2.0!

45

The Australian Brotherhood of Fathers are here to provide you, your children, and your family with the very best advocacy and legal support to ensure you get the right advice when you are experiencing domestic violence, child access disputes and Family Law matters.

If you need help, we can provide crisis accommodation, court support and connect you to free legal advice.

Families Need Fathers

ABF

1800 328437 www.theabf.org.au

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Photo: Jimmy Tee Photography Instagram: @jimmyteephotography

48

Model: Eliza Instagram: @eliza.edm

Car: Plymouth Cuda Owner: Stratis Location: Bridgestone Select Tyre & Auto Vermont VIC

49

Insane Performance Sugar City Powerfest - Palmyra Dragway Words - Paul Beck Pics - Kim Earl & Up In Smoke Photography

E C N A M R O F PER N W O D W SHO

mance Sugar or rf Pe ne sa In al nu an e th y, wa ag Held over three days at Palmyra Dr over a number cle us m d ne bi m co r ei th x fle rs ne City Powerfest saw over 150 car ow rth Queensland. no r fa to ck ba er ow ep rs ho of ty en of events bringing pl

50

Performance Sugar City e an Ins the rl, Ea Kim d an on Jas of Under the guidance motorsport mayhem that included of ys da d cke pa ion act ee thr s wa Powerfest urse, a massive burnout co of d an ne shi d an w sho a , ids Drag Racing, Powersk less than 1200 power-hungry no th wi d an er, off on ch mu so comp. With s has been deemed the thi er nd wo no it’s , tes ga the gh ou spectators flowing thr Palmyra Dragway. That’s certainly at ld he be to er ev t en ev ort sp tor biggest mo anising team! some big bragging rights for the org

51

s, ne gi en ng vi ev -r rd ha as w it , ts gh ni o tw d For three days an ... ed uc od pr e ok m -s re ty of ts lo d an s re uv oe high-speed man

For three days and two nights, it was hard-revving engines, highspeed manoeuvres and lots of tyre-smoke produced as one by one, the entrants took part in each of the events. The Drag Racing section of the event attracted plenty of tough cars and bikes who laid down some quick passes for the appreciative crowd. A mix of tough street machines, purpose-built race cars and bikes made the most of the track time with plenty of wheels up launches and smokey burnouts bringing cheers from those trackside. The strip was also the spot where the Powerskids were held. Proving just who has plenty of power, the Powerskids are one of the most spectacular parts of the Powerfest as drivers push their cars and driving talent to the absolute limits in an effort to smoke-out the strip the furthest. For this year, Matt Smith pushed his Morris Ute further than anyone else taking the win, with Grahame Rowe in the GAMBLE XE Falcon Van coming in second place.

53 52

At the end of the day, the Sugar City Powerfest is one of just a handful of events that have been able to continue on in 2020...

54

Without doubt, most people heading out to the Dragway want hungry for the burnout comp.

The entries were broken up into several classes – each of which well subscribed with everyone putting in a huge effort! The 4/6 cylinder class drew 33 entrants and was won by Dean Air in the “THE WHORE” Corolla, followed by Nick Payne (FERAL UTE XG Falcon Ute) in second and Adrian Sitera (FKN LOCO GT4 Celica) rounding out the Top 3. The V8 class attracted 19 entries with Kev Davis (EPA WHO VZ SS Ute) taking the Top award followed by Keelan Heit (SKRTLIFTA HJ One Tonner) in second and Matt Smith (CUTNUTZ Morris Ute) in third place. In the Ladies class, with 5 entries, it was Giselle Karslake (BAFRAYED BA Falcon) just edging out Taylah Nicholls (AGRO V6 Commodore Ute) to top the points and take the win. The Pro-Class, that saw 16 big bangers on hand to do their best to please the tyre gods with lots of blowouts, was always going to be a hard fought affair. With the point tallied up, it was Joe Gosschalk (BUGZILLA VW Beetle) in third, Wal Gersekowski (1TUFHG Ute) in second, leaving Darren Kimber in the VICIOUS VS Commodore Ute to take the win, the trophy and the 2020 bragging rights.

Under the guidance of Jason and Kim Earl, the Insane Performance Sugar City Powerfest was three action packed days of motorsport mayhem...

55

Along with the many driving events that make up the Powerfest program, there was also a fair sized show and shine, attracting some of the finest cars to put on a display. Interestingly, some of those in the show section, also took part in the driving events as well. And that, for many, is the attraction of the Sugar City Powerfest. You can bring your pride and joy and either take in the adoring stares in the show and shine, or drop in a tank full of fuel and abuse your ride in any number of the driving events on offer. At the end of the day, the Sugar City Powerfest is one of just a handful of events that have been able to continue on in 2020 and to do so in such fashion certainly makes the 2021 event a must do for anyone that loves the sound of engines at redline and the smell of spent rubber. Something tells me the next one will be bigger and better again. Best you keep the 18th & 19th of September 2021 free and get yourself to Palmyra Dragway. Bring it on!

56

57

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: Naming Rights – Insane Performance. Major Sponsor – The Battery Store. Gold Sponsors – MI Scaffold, Schwarz Excavations. Silver Sponsors – Marchant Signs, Whitsunday Trophies, Neil Mansell Group, Karinya Diesel Services Motorsport, Autofocus Mechanical, Ausco Modular, Sugar City Towing. Bronze Sponsors – Apeman and Janes Custom Automotive, Mackay Harbour Engineering, Readi Recruitment, S&S Bauer Drug & Alcohol Testing, ONGROG Racing Engines.

58

59

With so much on offer, and with no less than 1200 power-hungry spectators flowing through the gates, it’s no wonder this has been deemed the biggest motorsport event ever to be held at Palmyra Dragway.

DAVE DESREAUX_1971 HG HOLDEN PREMIER Words / Pics / Video - Paul Beck

DOIN' IT

! h g u To

60

61

Built by Holden for the well-to-do class, Dave Desreaux decided he’d rather make his HG Premier a back-street brawler.

The HG’s gone through quite the journey from when it was owned by one of Dave’s relatives and used to ferry the family around on a regular basis. Then, around three and a half years ago, Dave needed something to cruise in whilst the build on his HG GTS Monaro was progressing a little slower than he had planned. So, he swung by the relo’s house, dropped some cash on the table and signed his name on the rego papers. The Premier had become his and although he was keeping the up-spec HG in the family, it’s intended use was about to change forever. Dave never really intended to go overboard with the Premier’s build and wanted to keep the body relatively

62

stock. Those into the HK/HT/HG series Holden’s reckon there’s no need to change anything as Holden got it just right. Having said that, Dave updated the factory look by adding GTS guards and a reverse cowl bonnet – both adding to the HG’s overall appeal. Even though the body had been well looked after, there were some issues that needed fixing.

So, Dave shipped the roller off to Marko Body Repairs in Mitchell for the team to iron out the defects before laying down the PPG Honda Super Platinum and White colour combo.

When the last of the body mouldings and badges were reattached to the refurbished body, the HG was looking better than ever.

Sticking your head in any of the windows reveals what appears to be an untouched, original interior.

63

Sticking your head in any of the windows reveals what appears to be an untouched, original interior. Fact is, Dave had the interior recovered

by Winner Products to resemble just how it would have been when it was purchased new in 1970. The factory styled seats, centre console and door trims have been covered in Sandalwood and compliments the body colour perfectly. An original-spec dash (including the woodgrain inserts and rare-as stereo delete panel) sits behind the standard-issue steering wheel sporting a matching colour. But it’s not all stock inside the Premier. This is a tough-street build, so the standard shifter was ditched in favour of a B&M Pro Stick shifter mounted to the tunnel with the obligatory 5-inch tacho and shift-light in full view on the A-pillar.

Since being completed, including a mad 6-week period to get the painted shell filled with the interior and driveline in time for the Summernats, the HG has seen regular street use.

64

65

Initially, Dave had a 468-cube big block built and bolted to the front end. But after experiencing a few on-going issues, that particular engine was given the flick to make room for a new engine sporting more cubes and much more horsepower. Dave had previously dealt with Paul from Pro-Flo Performance, so getting the new improved big block built there was a no brainer.

Paul started with a prepped HP454block and upped the cubic-capacity by adding a forged RaceTech rotating system, a solid-roller CamTech cam and severe-duty, Crower Hippo lifters. A Mellings high-volume oil-pump keeps the tough bottom end well lubricated from the HQ Pro-Burnout sump to all of the vital areas. Paul massaged a pair

of AFR alloy heads before bolting them into place along with the Weiand highrise intake and 850cfm double-pumper Holley carb that has been tweaked by Richard Bourilla. A Wilson spacer sits between the carb and intake, with an Aeromotive fuel regulator controlling the amount of BP98 fuel that gets fed from the custom tank to the big Holley carb. After the MSD ignition does its thing, a pair of custom Pro Flo fabricated headers dumps the gases with ease, with each flowing into a moderately loud, dual system that performs even better than it sounds! The new combo punches out 583hp at the wheels from its 496 cubes. The engine not only produces the goods but has proven to be ultra-reliable as well.

66

67

And even though Dave continues on with the GTS Monaro build, he is still considering topping the big block with a blower and EFI hat.

Backing the potent big block is a Turbo 400 auto built by Al’s Raceglides using only the best gear and fronted with a 4600rpm TCE converter. The grunt is passed through a 3.5inch tailshaft to the 4.11-geared nine-inch diff. Other underside upgrades made to the HG include rack and pinion steering, four-wheel Wilwood discs (controlled by a Wilwood master cylinder) and Convo Pro wheels measuring 15x4 and 15x8.5-inches.

Since being completed, including a mad 6-week period to get the painted shell filled with the interior and driveline in time for the Summernats, the HG has seen regular street use.

The 13-month build consumed around $120,000 in the process and so far, there’s been 68 no issues. And even though Dave continues on with the GTS Monaro build, he is still considering topping the big block with a blower and EFI hat. If (when) that happens, he may as well send the Premier to Pro Flo to get some bigger rubber under the HG’s pristine rear end. Something tells me Dave’s going to need all the rubber he can squeeze under it…

THANKS TO: Pro Flo Performance, Winner Products, Marko Body Works, Al’s Raceglides.

69

AUTO RUMBLE - RIVERBREEZE HOLIDAY PARK, MORUYA - OCT 16-18, 2020 Words / Pics - Paul Beck

Gettin’ Ready to

RUMBLE!

70

For the custom car fraternity, Moruya was the home to the South Coast Nationals. With that event now retired, Lee and Debbie Pearce along with Aaron Betts from Betts Customs bring the Auto Rumble to the small south coast town.

For 25-years, the South Coast Nationals dragged entrants and spectators from all over NSW and the ACT to Moruya in a huge spectacle of colour, chrome and horsepower. Sadly, that event is no longer on the calendar. But that doesn’t mean Moruya is left without any motoring events. The inaugural Auto Rumble was a completely different type of event to the South Coast Nationals. “It’s all about the entrant!” organiser Lee Pearce told us. “I was approached by Aaron Betts with an idea to put together an event that featured drag cars - a low key, low stress event that entrants could enjoy without having to leave the Riverbreeze Holiday Park.” Betts Customs and Feathers Car and Truck Smash Repairs in Ingleburn both contributed to funding the event to get proceedings rolling. With sponsorship also coming from the Riverbreeze Holiday Park, Rare Spares and Shannons Insurance, the Auto Rumble dream was quickly becoming a reality.

71

72

Situated right on the riverbank, the picturesque venue offers cabins for entrants (many with under cover parking) as well as lots of grassed area’s for those wishing to bring a caravan or even camp. As a bonus, its within walking distance into the centre of town too making it the ideal venue for this type of show. The venue also offers the entrants the chance to cruise the grounds to create an amazing atmosphere. Whilst the weather consisted of showers on and off during the course of the event, no entrants were fazed with the small amount of wet stuff falling on the coast. The line-up of entrants cars including a few full-tilt drag cars, street machines, hot rods and customs.

73

The Auto Rumble is the ideal event for those wanting to have a car-related holiday.

Saturday saw the Charity auction take place with many cool items up for grabs including a genuine, signed John Force conrod, a massive Crow Cams hot rod banner, an illuminated Hot Rod sign that would look great in any man cave as well as some diecast cars and more. Pre-bids were taken during the day and thanks to the generosity of those attending the event, hundreds of dollars was raised for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation and the local charity – the Tuross Head Memorial Garden. Saturday evening was capped off with a “Drive-In Movie” night held on the grassed area for all the family to enjoy footage from the early drag racing days at Castlereagh in Sydney, and for those over 18, a quick walk through the park found you at the pub next door for drinks. Fast forward to Sunday and just about every screen in every room was tuned into Bathurst for entrants to keep an eye on whilst taking in the show and shine, cruising and more.

74

75

The inaugural Auto Rumble was a completely different type of event to the South Coast Nationals. “It’s all about the entrant!” organiser Lee Pearce told us.

The South Coast Nationals had gained a huge reputation over the course of its 25-years, so it was no surprise to see some stunning cars turn up for the first ever Auto Rumble.

Whilst Lee and Debbie have no intention of turning the Auto Rumble into an event the size of the Nationals, preferring to keep the numbers lower to make this an entrant-only style of event that attracts families keen for a weekend away on the NSW south coast with other like-minded carpeople. Being just a few hours south of Sydney and close for Canberra car owners too, the Auto Rumble is the ideal event for those wanting to have a car-related holiday. And for those wanting to extend their stay, there’s plenty to see and do nearby. The Auto Rumble features the usual show and shine for the entrants to show off their cars, along with cruise sessions throughout the Park, rocker cover racing and a charity auction. It all adds up to one great, easygoing weekend amongst likeminded car enthusiasts.

76

These weekends are so laid back, we don’t have any worries or stress about anything. If it rains, so be it, no one cares and there are no massive expense’s to worry about. We don’t have to deal with any politics or jump through hoops to get things done.

77

Lee went on to say, “We have been asked so many times why we do these weekends but not the South Coast Nationals. We enjoyed, and are very proud of the 25 years we held the South Coast Nationals and are very grateful to have meet so many great people and made so many close friends over the years through the event, but in the end, the hurdles & the stress took its toll on us. These weekends are so laid back, we don’t have any worries or stress about anything.

If it rains, so be it, no one cares and there are no massive expense’s to worry about. We don’t have to deal with any politics or jump through hoops to get things done. We get to spend time with our friends and many other people enjoying our sport, whilst still supporting very worthy causes. It just makes sense!”

78

79

The next event for Lee and Deb is the 10th South Coast Nostalgia Hot Rod & Custom Run, to be held at the Riverbreeze Holiday Park over the weekend of February 6th-8th, 2021, with Auto Rumble #2 to be held in November, the date to be advised. Keep an eye in Killer Rides and Super Rod Magazines for information on both events leading up to them.

80

81

Peter Zaccazan - 1937 Ford Roadster Words / Pics - Paul Beck

PRIZEDPossession 82

83

Peter Zaccazan had been spying this ’37 Roadster parked in his mates’ garage for some time. Proving that persistence pays off, Peter’s constant badgering resulted in him owning his first Hot Rod. And what a Hot Rod it is…

Originally built by Mark Sant, and owned by Brett Hewerdine (of the F*CKIT HT Monaro fame), this stunning ’37 Ford made its debut at MotorEx in Sydney in 2015 to much fanfare, and although the ’37 has been on the scene for five-years now, and driven regularly, it’s just as impressive as it was when first unveiled. With Brett having a couple of new builds on the go at the moment, he realised he will be needing some more space in the home garage soon, and reluctantly decided to sell the Roadster to Peter, who has been enjoying the ’37 ever since! As owner of Zac Homes, Peter is the first to admit he’s not really a hardcore car-guy, but does know what he likes – and he really likes this high-tech, ground-hugging Hot Rod. And why wouldn’t he, there’s just so many things to like about it. The colour combination, interior appointments and of course the powerplant are all unique to this build and really make a statement when combined in the finished car.

84

85

Peter is the first to admit he's not really a hardcore car-guy, but does know what he likes; and he really likes this high-tech, ground-hugging Hot Rod.

The instant you lay eyes on this ’37, the colour grabs you. It’s almost hypnotising! Laid down over the restyled fibreglass roadster body and removable hardtop, the House of Kolor Jet Black over Lime Gold is an absolute standout feature. While most Rodders are happy to go with red, blue or black with flames, this Roadster went completely left of centre with spectacular results. To further enhance the colour combo, custom mouldings were hand-fabricated and then gold plated, as has the updated grille and headlight surrounds.

Combine those touches with the shadow-chrome painted 18x6 and 20x10 Foose Nitrous wheels and you have one of the most unique looking hot rods built in Australia!

88

The faux-woodgrain treatment made to the dash and the tops of the door are actually formed in aluminium and then hydro-dipped to get the timber look.

89

Inside, it’s just as amazing. The seating is, like the rest of the ’37, is completely hand-formed and one-offs. Made from timber and fibreglass then sculptured in foam before being covered in a few hides of German Nappa leather, as have the custom door trims. One cool feature of the seating arrangement are the lap-sash seatbelts that protrude through the bolstering of the seat surround for a clean, uncluttered look. The faux-woodgrain treatment made to the dash and the tops of the door are actually formed in aluminium and then hydro-dipped to get the timber look. With the doors closed, the timber strip flows from one door, across the dash panel and into the other door. The dash section also wraps around the Dakota Digital gauge cluster and the billet, air-conditioning vents. There’s more billet with the tilt steering column and wheel being a prominent feature with a small, but stylish centre console surrounding the shifter. With the hard top in place, Peter can flick a switch and raise the electric glass up to keep out the chill or wet weather if the need arises. The cool pedal assembly rises from the floor, again differing from most modern Hot Rod builds. Overall, the Roadster’s interior is a great place to spend a few hours in.

The body sits over a custom Oze Rod Shop chassis that was shipped in from the US. Featuring an independent front end, four-link rear with a quartet of Airide-supplied Shockwave bags and VTTR six-piston calipers clamping over 370mm discs, the chassis gives the Hot Rod a very un-hot rod like drive, though Peter reckons when you nail it, the Roadster does move around a bit on the airbag’s suspension. But he is quick to add that “that’s compared to my old C63 Mercedes”, so we’ll take that as it still handles pretty well.

Driveline wise, a blown, injected big block just wouldn’t seem right hanging out of that swoopy Oze Rod body. Instead, there’s some late model mumbo under that sideopening bonnet in the form of a 427ci LS7 small block built by Sam’s Performance.

Adding to the already impressive LS7 specs are a pair of Mast Motorsport heads, Callies crank and rod combo, Diamond pistons, Comp Cams hydraulic roller cam and a truly trick Harrop Hurricane injection system that sounds like hell erupting when all eight throttle-bodies a wide-open and the engine is in the red-zone! With Sam tinkering with the tune, the up-spec 427-cuber produced 735hp on the dyno!

To say Peter is happy with the power output is a gross understatement. Suddenly, that old Merc isn’t as impressive – at least in the power stakes! A Tremec T56 manual gearbox backs the LS7 and uses a button clutch to deal with the power. Probably the only “typical” part of this build is the 3.5-geared 9-inch diff with a full spool and 31-spline axles.

88

Some seven years were invested into the construction of the ’37 and after doing the show scene initially, it’s now time for Peter and his regular side-kick, son Cruz, to idle the Roadster out of the garage and out onto the open road as often as they can. Though this is the first custom car Peter has owned, you get the feeling from talking to him and Cruz that is may not be the last. Time will tell…

The colour combination, interior appointments and of course the powerplant are all unique to this build and really make a statement when combined in the finished car.

86

87

BLAST FROM THE PAST 2005 Victorian Hot Rod Show

WORDS / PICS - Paul Beck

n r e h t u o S

Style

92

Without doubt, the Royal Exhibition Building is the best facility in Australia to hold a car show. With its polished floor boards, period-perfect interior design and ability to showcase vehicles at the front of the stylish-building around the fountain area, the venue, for me at least, is the perfect place to hold this show.

It’s no secret that the Victorian Hot Rod Show is a must-do event for me – an absolute favourite. This issue, we take a look back at the 2005 event.

Upon walking through the big timber doors, you colour, chrome and horsepower on display smacks you in the face just like a Mike Tyson right hook.

93

BLAST FROM THE PAST

When arriving at the venue, it’s the array of cars assembled outside that first gets your attention.

Situated around the picturesque gardens and fountain, these areas become a revolving (free) car show as spectators that bring their cool cars to the show for a look are encouraged to park there.

It’s the perfect precursor to what awaits inside.

94

Situated around the picturesque gardens and fountain, these areas become a revolving (free) car show...

95

BLAST FROM THE PAST Upon walking through the big timber doors, you colour, chrome and horsepower on display smacks you in the face just like a Mike Tyson right hook. The organisers always make sure that the first cars placed inside the doors are absolute stunning masterpieces that set the tone for the rest of the show. Once inside, the venue offers enough space in several sections to house Hot Rod’s, Street Machine’s, custom bikes and lots of traders all busy dealing with the thousands of customers that flow through the doors over the January long weekend holiday period.

96

97

BLAST FROM THE PAST CAN YOU AFFORD TO LET YOUR

S R O T I T E P M O C

ADVERTISE HERE? 98

Unlike other shows, those lucky enough to feature in the awards ceremony are not only given cool trophies, but also prizes that range from TV’s, to bar fridges, gaming consoles, microwave ovens and more. Those with the top end cars more often than not have several prizes in their collection and it’s not uncommon to see them making deals when the show wraps up. Sadly, for 2021, the annual Victorian Hot Rod Show won’t be on the calendar. It will be the first time in many years that I won’t be heading to Melbourne for the long weekend. Hopefully, come 2022, everything will be back on track and the show will be back bigger and better than ever!

CONTACT PAUL BECK FOR ALL YOUR ADVERTISING NEEDS! (0432) 795336 paul@killerrides.com.au www.killerrides.com.au

FAMILY

n o i t i d Tra

100

BEN ANDERSON – 1972 VH VALIANT HARDTOP WORDS – PAUL BECK PICS – 9000RPM PHOTOGRAPHY

Ben Anderson grew up in a family where there was always a Mopar parked in the driveway.

There was no chance in hell his alliances would be anywhere but with the Pentastar product…

101

“My Uncles had Chargers when I was young and at one stage, my family had an E38 Charger, so I always had a love of Valiant’s.

My grandfather had a VG Valiant sedan which he bought new and my Dad still owns an E31 ‘big-tank’ Pacer stashed away”, explained Ben when asked why he chose a Valiant. He continued on to say, “I bought this VH Coupe - my first Mopar, in 1993 as a 16-year old.

Back then it was powered by a 265 backed with an auto and was painted white. I cruised it this way for a few weeks, but soon enough, the desire for more power was just too much to ignore. So, I purchased a VJ sedan that had a 318 and 904-auto fitted, so everything we

need was ripped from the VJ and dropped into the hardtop. With help from my step-Dad Steve, we repainted the body Racing Green and then freshened up the small block in readiness to hit the quarter-mile.” After running a high 14-sec pass in what had become his daily driver, Ben took the Valiant off the road in 2001 after the coupe had become a little ratty looking and was in desperate need for a rebuild. The Valiant sat idle for a number of years whilst Ben built up the necessary stock pile of parts, and also got distracted by other Mopar’s including a cool Plymouth Duster. We should mention that he also got married during that time too…

102

103

For 27-years, Ben has been tinkering with the coupe, improving and changing things as need be, and that trend is going to continue as Ben is constantly looking at ways to make the Hardtop better in every way.

When the time came to get back into the Hardtop, Ben sold off the Plymouth as a roller and dropped that driveline into the Coupe. Although the cubic capacity was the same as the engine it was replacing, the Duster’s powerplant had a lot more go-fast gear attached to it, ensuring the Hardtop was going to tip below that 14-second barrier. The decked block houses a Mopar 3.31-inch crank swinging heavy-duty 645 rods and cast flat top pistons wrapped in Perfect Circle rings. A suitable Mopar cam and lifter kit soon joined the party as did a Mellings oil pump that easily sends the slippery stuff to all the vital areas. A pair of alloy Edelbrock RPM heads were prepped with larger valves and better springs before being bolted to the tough bottom end, leaving the valley to be filled with the Holley Strip Dominator intake and 750cfm annual Quick Fuel carb.

A pair of JSR headers flow into a dual 2.5-inch exhaust system and provides a great note when the Pertronix digital ignition system comprising of an Accel Ultra coil and MSD Pro Billet distributor and Taylor Thunderbolt 10.4mm leads ignites the fire in the small block’s belly. The engine is good for more than 300hp so far, with definitely more to come.

104

105

A Hughes-spec 904 transmission backs the 318 cuber and features a turbo action Cheeta forward pattern with a full-manual shift kit and 10-inch All Torque converter with a stall speed of 4000rpm to really get the Coupe crankin’ hard from the lights. A Hurst Pro-Matic 2 shifter makes light work of the gear changes. Down the back sits a 3.23-geared, limited slip Borg Warner rear end. What? No nine-inch? Nope, so far, it hasn’t been needed. The rest of the underside is fairly basic with a 6-cylinder torsion bar and Pedders 90/10 shocks added to the front end, with Pedders 40/60 shocks working with the standard height springs in the rear. It’s obvious that Ben doesn’t need to take any corners at speed! The brake combination is the tried and tested disc and drum with the original VH discs bolted in behind the 15x4 Weld Pro Star’s on the nose and the drums being partially covered by 15x8-inch versions of the same rims. A Wilwood master cylinder completes the underside makeover.

106

107

There’s no denying that as far as eyecatching colours go, Lime Green is right up there! Mopar knew this too, adding it to their already outrageouslybranded hues including Go Mango, Pink Panther and Curious Yellow, Plum Crazy and Competition Orange.

As far as the Mopar hierarchy were concerned, brighter was definitely better – and who is Ben to disagree?

As mentioned earlier, the Hardtop was white when Ben took possession, but let’s face it, old white paint can be a bit, well boring and a tough Valiant coupe is anything but ho-hum. So that’s when Ben rubbed off the old paint and laid down the new Mopar High Impact Green Go over the stock, factory sheet metal. He did do the original bonnet too (and has it stored away), but found the reverse cowl bonnet in black, gives the Coupe a more sinister look.

The Valliant’s interior space is all about being practical. With the seats and door trims completely immersed in black vinyl, the interior has that no frills feel to it. It’s purposeful though. The dash has been replaced with an E55-spec version, and when combined with the 5-inch Sport-Comp tacho, gives Ben all the vital info he needs. The three-spoke steering wheel is a factory item and looks right at home. A Sony Xplode sound system is added to provide Ben with some cruising tunes. From the driver’s position, the true height of that reverse cowl certainly becomes evident!

108

The Hardtop has certainly improved in leaps and bounds since Ben bought the car from a Jeweller in Renmark back in 1993. For 27-years, Ben has been tinkering with the coupe, improving and changing things as need be, and that trend is going to continue as Ben is constantly looking at ways to make the Hardtop better in every way. The major change Ben has earmarked in the not too distant future is a built 340 cube small block to replace the 318, with a new tailshaft and diff to be added at the same time, then it’s back out to the track. Until then, Ben and his Valiant will be regulars at car meets and cruises around the Adelaide street scene.

109

KILLER PIC Photo by Paul Beck

110

Keith Azzopardi’s HB Torana is about as tough as they get. With a Procharged big-block Chev providing the power, Keith really had his hands full on the track!

111

PERFORMANCE DIRECTORY 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.

All the big brands!

www.speedpro.com.au

Australian Made Engine Coolants & Additives

1800 441163

www.liquidintelligence.com.au

112

07 3488 7831

www.superformance.com.au

Performance Pulley Systems to suit a wide range of engines

www.wheelswithinwheels.com.au

Phone (02) 42850300

ADVERTISE HERE

JUST $55 PER MONTH CONTACT PAUL - 0432 795336

Unit 2, 25 Badgally Rd, Campbelltown NSW

Ph 02 9820 6800

www.prostreet.com.au

www.lovellsauto.com.au

www.blautomotive.com.au

ADVERTISE HERE

PUBLISHED ONLINE QUARTERLY READ EACH ISSUE FOR FREE!

H T N O M R E P 5 5 $ T S U J 5336 CONTACT PAUL - 0432 79

KILLER KLASSIFIEDS

Open to Private Advertisers Only.

Cars are only to be specialty and/or modified cars / bikes only.

Parts are to be performance parts and accessories only.

Cost is $20 for one photo and upto 40 words. Ad will run for 2 issues.

All Ad’s are to include price, phone number and/or email.

Ad’s can be emailed to: paul@killerrides.com.au and direct deposit details will be sent for payment.

All enquiries to Paul Beck - 0432 795336

114

FOR SALE - CUSTOM FUEL INJECTION

‘Dare to be Different! ’ This is ‘one-off’ Custom built billet alloy fuel injection setup, cost well over $5500!

Never been used. Was destined for big dollar show car. Forced to sell due to health issues. Has to be seen to believed, Superb quality and finish. No expence spared. This is a once only opportunity to be the flashiest dude on the block.

$4800 (BLOWER NOT INCLUDED) Any questions, Call 0418 546 830

FOR SALE - 69 PRO-TOURING CAMARO LS1 with cross ram injection, 4L60e 4-speed auto with custom 3500 high-stall lock up converter, 3.73 LSD, power steering, CPP 4-wheel disc brakes, custom exhaust system, DSE mini-tub set up, Hotchkis sub frame connectors, Dakota digital dash, Boss staggered wheels 18x8 / 20x10. Car has just 2800 miles since built. Was sold through Barratt Jacksons Auctions USA.

FOR SALE - HQ HOLDEN PREMIER Dandy engines built, supercharged LSA, 500rwkw, turbo 350 auto, 31-spline 9-inch diff, 3.7-gears, 9.8-sec quarter mile with more left in it, split rear tubs, genuine Centrelines, good body and paint, tan interior, AutoMeter gauges, B&M shifter. Great street and strip HQ Holden. $75,000 ono Phone David - 0412 570898 Melbourne Vic. FOR SALE - LJ TORANA COUPE LC Grille and lights, twin 66mm Garret turbos, 377ci Chev, bowtie block, 2-speed Powerglide, 9-inch diff, all new interior, nice clean street car, has modification plate, needs minor work to finish. Any questions, please call. $90,000 - Qld Phone 0413 942139

$POA Phone Adam for more details 0417 307487 - Melb, Vic

FOR SALE - 1974 HQ GTS MONARO Genuine Monterey Green Metallic with Doeskin/Chestnut interior. Original 253, now a 350 engine. B&M shifter. CD player in glovebox, original books, and pictures of the car on the Holdens production line. Great driver..excellent investment!

Rego - SGO791 $97,500 Phone 0404 066318 - SA

FOR SALE - 1967 XR FALCON SEDAN 363ci Windsor, Dart block, AFR heads, Hughes C10 rated at 900hp, transbrake, TCE converter, shortened 9-inch, 35-spline billet axles, full-spool, too much too list. Genuine Enquiries only. See full feature in Killer Rides No.8 - Jan 2019 Rego - FLO-93D $79,000 - NSW Phone 0418643266

FOR SALE - 1973 CAMARO Split bumper model, mild 350ci, manualised Powerglide, remote control stereo, New TruTrac 10-bolt diff, new suspension, master cylinder, new 18” & 20” Showwheels and tyres, no rust or damage, registered, selling as is! $59,200 Phone Bill 0406 481747 - VIC

115

NEW ISSUE ONLINE NOW! ISSUE #3 - AUG 2020

P rtist PICKUA Show-Stunner

'32 Ford HAULER

KILLER ‘32 COUPE

Is this Australia’s Toughest ‘32?

IS ISSUE H T E D I S N I O S L A oadster dR High-Tech ‘37 For stom ‘52 Studebaker Cu el Tudor d o M A l a n io it d a r T ord Coupe Blown Hemi ‘34 F Much More! + d o R t a R p h 0 0 20

READ FOR FREE AT WWW.SUPERROD.COM.AU

122

123

1

2 0 2 Y L U J O T D E N O POSTP

122

123

Last Stand 2020

124

125

PARTING SHOT See you next Issue!

124

125

SUBSCRIBE NOW FOR FREE AT:

www.killerrides.com.au