ISSUE #31 - DEC 2020
8.01-SEC 176-MPH!
MODERN TURBO 6-PACK MUSCLE!
INCORPORATING
4CU5B0IC
INCHES
ide‘69 CAMARO InsTUBBED
OLD SCHOOL INJECTED HK MONARO TURBO COROLLA 4TH FLORIDA DRAG STRIP RIOT TAKAPUNA ROCKS NZ 2004 MEGUIARS MOTOREX INSANE BOSS-9 XA FALCON COUPE BUILD UP
! D E H C LAUN N E V I R D T E E R T S A N WHEELS UP I ! B X T E E R T S O R SHOW QUALITY P
From the Desk AN ICONIC BRAND IS MAKING A HUGE COMEBACK...
So you may have noticed that on the cover of Issue #30, the Performance Street Car logo was added under the familiar Killer Rides masthead. Maybe you didn’t? And that’s understandable considering the cool cars that adorn the cover each month. Anyway, it’s there for a reason… Half way through putting Issue #30 together, I received a phone call from a reader that was totally unexpected. After determining I was the right person he needed to speak to, he let loose on me, branding me a hypocrite! He pointed out that while I have been vocal in supporting charities that deal with Men’s mental health issues, the fact that the mag title has Killer in it, would suggest otherwise. To be honest, I had never really thought of it like that. As I mentioned in the phone call, the killer part of Killer Rides was meant to suggest the cars were tough, awesome and outrageous – nothing more, nothing less. Apparently, not everyone had seen it the way Kathy and I did. I’ve got to say, that phone call rattled me a little. Had I upset a large chunk of car loving Australia? If I had, this reader was the only one who had let me know how he felt. Those words stayed with me for a few days and I have to say, it bothered me - a lot. To the point where I just had to do something about it. I spoke with Kathy for quite a while about how to fix this problem and both of us agreed that the only way to move forward (and do the right thing by everyone that may have taken offense) was to ditch the Killer Rides name. Now this isn’t a decision we came to lightly. After all, I’ve spent 31-months building the Killer Rides brand, but it’s time to bring back one of the most iconic brands in the performance car industry – Performance Street Car, a brand I have owned since selling Extreme Magazine back in 2007. So for this issue, the PSC logo will be secondary to the Killer Rides brand, but that will swap for the first issue of 2021 – Issue #32 where the magazine will then become Performance Street Car. There will be a few additions to the new name and our contact details etc will change too, but they will be updated next issue. So everything you’ve come to enjoy with Killer Rides will continue in Performance Street Car. 2021 is already looking better... See you on the street…
Paul
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ISSUE NO.31 Dec 2020
CONTENTS REGULARS
03 EDITORIAL From the Desk 10 WHAT’S HAPPENING News, views and things of interest
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450-cube Nitrous small block XB Falcon
18 HAVE YOUR SAY Tell us what you think
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COMING ATTRACTION Boss-powered XA Falcon Coupe
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ROCKIN’ ON Cool car fun from across the pond in NZ
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BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Ishka and a slick ‘67 RS SS Camaro
60 HORSEPOWER RIOT Orlando Speedworld’s 4th annual Drag Riot 92 BLAST FROM THE PAST 2004 MotorEx in Sydney 110 KILLER PIC Blown Injected Hemi-powered HX Tonner
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38 Takapuna Rocks NZ big time...
72 8-sec Barra-powered FG Falcon
50 Old school styled HK Monaro
82 540-cube Z28 ‘69 Camaro
60 Florida’s 4th Drag Riot
100 Tubbed, turbo’d Toyota
112 PERFORMANCE DIRECTORY Quick Find Ad’s 114 KILLER KLASSIFIEDS Buy, sell, swap. 120 PARTING SHOT Blowing your top!
FEATURES 26
KILLER B Tough as nails , show-quality Pro-Street XB Falcon.
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OLD SCHOOL RULES Injected 400ci small block HK Monaro
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TITLE FIGHT Some people would be happy with an 8.0-sec ET.
82 GENERATION NEXT New style Pro-Street Z28 ‘69 Camaro 100 KEEP ROLLIN’ ON Tough and Toyota in the same sentence? Hell yeah!
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e v i t a v o n n I Get with your g n i s i t r e v d A
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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 CUSTOMS4CANCER
Killer Rides / Performance Street Car are very happy to partner with the guys from Customs4Cancer – a group of mates doing their bit to help fight the battle with cancer that affects every person in Australia in one way or another. Together, Ned Restom, Deane Poile and Adam Barnes will be auctioning off one of Australia’s wildest Chevy Nova built by Rides by Kam.
FRANK ZAGARI MEMORIAL CRUISE
Frank Zagari was a legend amongst the South Australian car scene, having had a hand in building some of the wildest rides on the street and strip. To honour Frank after his passing and to recognise everything he did for the scene, the Street Machine Association of South Australia (SMASA) recently held a memorial cruise. The meeting point, the Churchill Centre, was overflowing with tough cars in no time, including Frank’s own awesome XA GT Coupe that the family bought out for the night. Due to Covid restrictions, the cruise left the Church Centre, did a circuit of the City and returned to the starting point. The Zagari family passes on sincere gratitude to everyone who took the time out to remember Frank and also to SMASA for making it all happen. Let’s hope this becomes an annual event.
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11 You can purchase tickets by clicking on www.raffle4cancercouncil.com.au and going to the Buy Tickets tab. Tickets start at $25 each, or you can buy groups of tickets in various amounts, increasing your chance of winning this $200,000 big block Nova. Jump on it guys!
WIN THIS NOVA!
HAVE YOU SUBSCRIBED YET? GO TO www.killerrides.com.au AND DO IT NOW!
Pics – Jon Antinow / 9000RPM Photography
10TH BATHURST AUTOFEST SET TO BE BIGGEST YET!
Where else would you want to be over the weekend of March 5th to 7th other than Mt Panorama in Bathurst for the 10th staging of the Bathurst Autofest? Only at Autofest can you lay down some rubber on the most famous main straight in Australia. Add to this the huge show and shine, heads-up sprints and massive burnout comp. Camping is available onsite and there’s also plenty of accommodation available too. For online entries and information for the 10th Bathurst Autofest, head to www.autofest.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@performancestreetcar.com.au or send it via messenger via the FB page. There’s three awards being awarded in the Jan 2021 Issue; 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)
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Gary Myers - Burnout Legend!
So get voting! You have until December 31st 2020 to make your decision, with the winners to be announced in Issue #32 – Jan 2021.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING SO CLOSE, YET SO FAR AWAY.
With just a couple of days before the cars started to arrive to set up for the 2020 Extreme Auto Expo, Adelaide succumbed to what was touted as the second wave of Coronavirus, and although promoter Geof Tartoosie had an 11th hour meeting with the powers that be, and did what they asked, the State was then placed into a six day complete lockdown, effectively putting an end to the event this year. The good news is, you won’t have to wait until Nov 2021! The Extreme Auto Expo has been rescheduled for postponed till Jan 29th and 30th. Be there! www.extremeautoexpo.com.au
KILLER
Video
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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE NOISE! 9
WHAT’S HAPPENING
SYDNEY HOT ROD & CUSTOM SHOW BACK ON THE CALENDAR FOR 2021
Just as we were about to put this mag online, news filtered through that restrictions on crowd numbers were being lifted, allowing shows like the Rosehill Racecourse based Hot Rod & Custom Auto Expo to happen again in 2021. The only indoor show in Sydney has been booked in for the weekend of May 29/30, bringing together a big mix of Hot Rods, Customs, Street Machines and Racecars along with a myriad of traders, food outlets and live music all housed at the fabulous Rosehill Racecourse. For more information and entry forms, check out the website at www.hotrodandcustom.com.au
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INCLUDES CASE STUDIES & ARTICLES OF ONE OF A KIND PRODUCTS
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HAVE YOUR SAY Got something to say? Send it to paul@killerrides.com.au or message us from the Killer Rides Facebook page.
I THINK YOU GOT IT WRONG…
Hi Paul, Loved reading Issue 30, but I think there’s a few typo’s in regards to the cover car. Am I wrong, but is this an FB and not an EK? The side mouldings and two-tone paint tells me its an FB. C’mon admit it, you stuffed up. Lol. Still, bloody great car and awesome pics none the less. Cameron K Via Email
IT’S A DIGITAL WORLD!
G’day Paul, I’m really loving Killer Rides magazine. To just be able to jump on my computer and click away is awesome. I live in a remote part of the country and its not easy to get access to a newsagents (even if the mag was printed) so being able to access it online is perfect for me and people working on the land just like me that still need to read about cool cars and events. I love the video inclusions too! For those that don’t get the whole digital thing, you don’t know what you’re missing. Hope there’s another 100 issues (and more) to come. Steve J Via Email G’day Steve, Online magazines were made for people like you, so I am very happy that you’ve found us. Yes, it’s a digital world now and one of the few good things about Covid-19 is that its shown people can work remotely from home if need be and when in lockdown or isolation, you can still get your monthly fix of high performance cars and events from around the globe. I’m not sure whether I have 100 more issues in me, but I’ll give it a red hot go…
EVENT COVERAGE
Hi Paul, Just finished reading Issue 30 of Killer Rides and have to say, this one is certainly a cracker. I particularly like the coverage you did on the Powerfest at Palmyra Dragway. I have been hearing great things about this event since it happened and was hoping to see some coverage. Thanks for supporting events like this. Your coverage has made me and a few mates want to make the trip up from Brisbane next year to have some fun in the sun. Can’t wait! Keep the cool stuff coming. Warren T Via Messenger Hi Warren, Event coverage like that doesn’t happen easily without the help of not just the event organisers but also the media that attend. For me, I was never going to be able to get there, but thanks to Jason and Kim Earl, they organised pics and some info for me to put together a 10-page article. Killer Rides will be onboard with the event next year and will start promoting the Powerfest as soon as we can. See you there.
G’day Cameron, Make a mistake? Me? Noooo… What I can tell though is that you didn’t read the story, as it explains it all. It started life as an FB, but scored an EK subframe during some part of its life, so technically, it’s now an EK. But call it what you will, there’s no denying this early Holden is a definite standout! Now go back and have a read…lol.
BUILDING EXCITEMENT
G’day Paul, Love each issue of Killer Rides you put out, and No.30 was no exception. For me, I go straight to the Coming Attractions section to see what people are building. I’m currently going through the long process of building a 19 HG Holden Ute and trying to save money by attempting to do as much of the work myself as I possibly can. Sometimes I get it right, sometimes not, but it’s a learning curve and the more I do, the more confident I get. It’s a slow project, but will get there in the end. Looking forward to next month. Stewart L Via Messenger Cheers Stewart, good luck with the build!
COMING ATTRACTIONS
SHOTGUN COUPE Whilst the world seems to be fascinated with late-model engine conversions, the owner of this XA Falcon coupe knew there was only one engine for him – the legendary, big-block Boss!
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Greg and the team at Pro-Street Restorations don’t do things by halves. I have featured plenty of projects from the Pro-Street Restorations World Headquarters and each one has been subjected to an amazing amount of work including the body and paint, engineering and of course the driveline – most of which come from a different model. This XA Coupe is just another car fitting to the Pro-Street style of build. Before the engine got anywhere near the Falcon, the body was completely stripped back to its bare bones to fix any faults that were hiding under the skin it wore when arriving at Pro-Street. Whilst this process is a task in itself, but well worth
the effort. The body has also been subjected to lots of chassis strengthening that Greg designed and fabricated in house. Instead of adding a piece of steel over the front chassis rails, there’s plates added along the chassis that tie into the chassis connectors and also the rear chassis rails. These are all braced and connected to each other. Also adding to the rigidity are the tubes that run from the firewall to the chassis rails. These are connected to a cross brace plug welded to the firewall and also to the inner A pillars. The chrome moly piping also uses a down pipe to the top of the front suspension, tying it all together.
100% ENGINEERED & STREET LEGAL 21
LEGENDARY KAASE BOSS-9 BIG BLOCK WITH 8-STACK EFI BILLET PULEY SYSTEM BULK HORSEPOWER!
18X7 & 18X10 STREET WHEELS
TOPLOADER FOUR-SPEED PRO-STREET RESTORATIONS XA FALCON COUPE WORDS - PAUL BECK PICS - GREG ‘BEACH’ BALL
SOUTHERN CHASSIS WORKS INDEPENDANT FRONT END
CHASSIS STRENTHENING FROM FRONT TO BACK PRO-STREET 4-LINK SHEETMETAL DIFF HOUSING
Other underside upgrades made so far are the Pro-Street designed 4-link and sheet-metal nine-inch diff that uses 35-spline axles. The rear end is located under a tubbed rear end. Up front, the standard issue front end has been swapped out for a more impressive Southern Chassis Works designed front end featuring tube arms, rack and pinion steering and coil over shocks. The front end now features all-new billet 50mm lowered stub axles after it was found that with 18-inch wheels bolted up, the angle of the arms was too great. Problem solved, though it took 19-months to design, make and get approval on the new stub axles. Currently, there’s 20x14 wheels bolted under the tubs, but for regular street use, there’s a set of 18x7 and 18x10 wheels and tyres ready to go, keeping the car street legal.
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Instead of adding a piece of steel over the front chassis rails, there’s plates added along the chassis that tie into the chassis connectors and also the rear chassis rails. These are all braced and connected to each other.
23 Now to that impressive driveline. When the owner of the coupe visited the workshop with his KIWI-parents, Greg told the father that he had been trying to talk his son into a big block, and his Dad suggested a Kaase Boss-9 – the exact engine Greg had mentioned. That was all it took to secure the deal. In 2018, when Greg was on his usual US trip, he called into Kasse’s workshop in Georgia and saw the engine coming together. Two weeks later it was on the dyno making impressive numbers. No one is going to be boasting about how much horsepower the engine made just yet, but Greg did say it’s a very healthy engine. “Jon Kaase himself asked what car it was going into and when I told him it was a Mad-Max type Aussie Falcon, he asked what sized rubber was going under the rear. When I told him 14-inches wide, he told me that if you stand on it at 90mph, it will blow the tyres off the car!” Greg told us. The engine features eight-stack EFI for an impressive induction system. Backing the engine is a bull-nose Top Loader fitted with a sequential shifter, with that 9-inch bearing the brunt of all that power. The driveline is now in place and will soon be off to have the custom stainless headers and dual, four-inch stainless exhaust system fabricated at Premier Exhaust.
The work performed on the coupe to this stage, shows that this will be one killer coupe when its completed. It will be proof that you can build a wild ride that has plenty of horsepower, bucket loads of attitude, handles and brakes like a racecar and can still be 100% engineered and legally registered to be driven anywhere at any time. And when it is finished, we’ll bring you a full feature. Stay tuned. www.prostreet.com.au
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KILLER B
Built at home in the family garage, Steve Azzopardi’s XB Falcon is part show car, part drag car, but most off all, a regular streeter…
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When Steve dragged home a babyblue, well-worn XB from Canberra, he had a head full of ideas and wanted to go through the build process himself at home in the garage at his own pace when the incoming dollars allowed. This was to be the first project car he had tackled, and despite being a brickie by trade, he knew he was up to the challenge of sorting out the aging body, prepping the sheetmetal and making several subtle changes along the way. With the XB now sitting in its new home, Steve stripped the Falcon back to its bare bones so he could see what he was going to be working with. At a quick glance, the body looks like it’s been restored back to the original specs, but that couldn’t be further
from the truth. Let’s start with the most obvious changes made. The cut-down scoop adorning the GT bonnet harks back to the days when Pro-Street was king and give the big old Falcon a menacing look. You’ll also notice that all the badges and mouldings are now just a thing of the past too. Not so noticeable are the changes to the front bumper bar. It’s been extended 20mm, reshaped on both ends and the centre section has been cut and infilled for a cleaner look. At the other end, the rear bar has had 35mm taken out of each end, with all swage lines refined. Those with a keen eye would have noticed the rear bar now sits more snuggly to the body, eliminating the big gap set by the factory.
STEVE AZZOPARDI - XB FALCON Words / Pics / Video - Paul Beck Race Pics - Grant Stephens / Cackling Pipes
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The grille didn’t stay untouched, with Steve making a new and improved item from steel. Steve cut the honeycomb section out before removing the centre brace. Keeping our focus on the front end, Steve fabricated new ‘eyebrows’ from sheet steel to replace the factory diecast items. Once in place, Steve welded them to the guards for a smoother finish. The wiper grille was next on the list of things to do, with Steve removing the flutes and filling in the void with flat
steel. Those that have had anything to do with Falcon door handles will know just how flimsy that are, but Steve was adamant to keep them in place. He took each one out of its hole, removed the rivets, smoothed everything off, painting and re-plating each one before reassembly. Whilst the factory swage line that runs through the side of the car is well defined, Steve knew he could make it better, so he spent plenty of time to make it stronger and therefore more noticeable.
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With the doors removed, Steve repaired and smoothed off all of the door jambs and redefined the swage line on all inner door tops. The body has been relieved of its fuel filler, and to make the rear quarter panels square to the bootlid, Steve cut through the back corner of each quarter and then manipulated the panel to get the best result. The taillights have been lowered in the panel by around 15mm to refine the factory gaps which were bordering on ordinary! The bootlid has also been reshaped to fit better where it meets up with the bumper. The rear valance panel has been welded to the body and has been reshaped to suit the underside of the bumper bar, with new exhaust cut-outs added for the dual pipes to exit. With the exterior modifications done, all attention was now positioned onto the engine
bay, where Steve fabricated covers for the radiator support panel – modifying the bonnet latch in the process. The entire engine bay has been re-sheeted and fabricated so that the tough small block remains the jewel in the box when the smoothed off bonnet is lifted. The reshaped firewall is now smooth, as are the shock towers and to gain that ‘smooth all over’ look, the guard bolts have been removed, replaced by flat bar that has been welded to the guards with studs added! The fabrication didn’t end there though, with Mustang hinges adapted to the bonnet, modified EL Falcon fan shrouds fitted along with billet shock mounts and custom catch cans. With the massive amount of sheet metal work completed, it was time for colour, and for Steve, that colour had to be black from the Spies Hecker catalogue.
All that work in the engine bay surrounds one mean, cranky, mother of a Ford small block. Originally built some time ago, the 351 Windsor small block now sports big block proportions running out at 450 cubic inches thanks to the Scat stroker crank and rod combo added to the prepped Dart block. Steve could have gone in any direction here, but with the end goal being plenty of street miles, the decision was made to keep it rego friendly, so a single, 1150cfm Pro-Systems carb was added to the Edelbrock intake. So how much horsepower does this engine make, I hear you ask? In aspirated form, there’s 740-ponies at the ready. Then there’s enough nitrous in those two
boot-mounted bottles to keep Steve entertained for quite a while too. Backing the stretched Windsor is a C4 auto built by Shift Right using only top-shelf components to deal with the torque being pushed through it. Up front, there’s a 5500rpm Dominator converter guaranteeing that when Steve is in race mode and waiting at the tree for those green bulbs to shine, that launch is going to be epic! A B&M shifter takes care of the gear changes. Down the back waiting to transfer the power to the blacktop is a narrowed nine-inch diff full of Mark Williams gear including the 4.11-geared centre, full-spool and 40-spline axles. Built Ford Tough? Damn straight…
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The entire engine bay has been re-sheeted and fabricated so that the tough small block remains the jewel in the box...
There’s been plenty of work done behind those highly-polished, 4 and 10-inch ConvoPro wheels whilst the body was up on the rotisserie. The front end scored 90/10 Pedders shocks inside the standard coils along with Wilwood discs and calipers. The rear end also scored Pedders shocks, Caltrac’s and a reduction in ride height by 5-inches thanks to the reset leaf springs. Apart from the suspension mods, Steve also added mini-tubs, removed the boot floor and replaced it with a flat version whilst the floor space above the diff housing has been cut out, raised three-inches and welded back into place. This process also included the shock mounts. Also raised for better clearance is the fabricated transmission tunnel and there’s chassis connectors welded to the floor to keep the Falcon from twisting itself inside out.
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Originally built some time ago, the 351 Windsor small block now sports big block proportions running out at 450 cubic inches!
With the massive amount of sheet metal work completed, it was time for colour, and for Steve, that colour had to be black!
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Inside, it’s no less impressive. In stark contrast to the deep black paint work, the restyled interior is covered in an acre of Tan leather that now covers the Toyota Soarer front seats, two-seater rear seat, custom doors trims, flat floor panels and of course the dash. Speaking of which, there’s nothing resembling the factory appointments from the driver’s seat. Steve now relies on a mix of AutoMeter gauges to keep him informed of the vital statistics. The steering wheel is a stylish MOMO item. Michael Carter stitched up a storm in the interior which is surrounded by a 6-point roll cage dressed in black. The same theme continues into the boot area, where space is at a premium thanks to the twin Nitrous bottles and huge fuel tank.
THANKS TO: My family for their support. BG Engines for looking after the engine. Michael Carter for the trim work. Shift Right for the transmission.
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Having spent around 7-years to build his stunning XB, Steve got to fulfil a long-held dream when he unveiled the Falcon at the Summernats in front of a massive crowd. And whilst every part of the Falcon is detailed like a seasoned show car, Steve likes nothing better than firing that big cube small block up and jumping behind the wheel. Whether that is at the track, at an event like the Bathurst Autofest or Powercruise, or simply cruising it on the street with his family.
! n O ’ n i k c o R
OUT AND ABOUT
nd o c e s e th , 0 2 0 2 h g u ro en dealt th e b e v a h e w s o a h c e th . Despite le ty s in ff o t n e w t n e v e a Rocks annual Repco Takapun
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REPCO TAKAPUNA ROCKS - THE STRAND, TAKAPUNA, NZ - Oct 24th, 2020
Pics - Kerry Bree Words - Paul Beck
Our friends across the Pond in New Zealand certainly know how to build a cool car, and get to drive so wild rides too – definitely giving them the edge over us when it comes to legal street cars. They also know how to have a great time with cars too, and despite restrictions on the car scene hampering many event, the annual Repco Takapuna Rocks event managed to happen in a big way. In just their second year, this event is shaping up to be one of those events that people put on their calendars as a must do.
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OUT AND ABOUT
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Whilst the cars remain the star attraction of the show, the Repco Takapuna Rocks also features plenty of food outlets, live music, market stalls and a Pin-up contest...
OUT AND ABOUT
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Takapuna is a beachside town situated on the North Shore of Auckland, and lends itself beautifully to this type of low-key, big-fun, family show. Limited to Pre 1972 vehicles (with some exceptions made for special interest cars of a more modern origin), the 2020 event managed to draw in some 200-odd cars, a massive number of bikes and even some cool, period-correct Caravans. On display around the central hub of Takapuna, the show and shine had something for everyone. High quality resto’s, blown Pro-Street cars, customs, Hot Rods and Muscle cars were all spread out across the grounds proving to be quite the spectacle for the general public.
Takapuna is a beachside town situated on the North Shore of Auckland, and lends itself beautifully to this type of low-key, big-fun, family show.
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OUT AND ABOUT
Whilst the cars remain the star attraction of the show, the Repco Takapuna Rocks also features plenty of food outlets, live music, market stalls and a Pin-up contest where one lucky lady would be crowned Miss Takapuna. Although it’s a free event for spectators to take in, the organising team make sure donations are accepted and given to two worthy charities – Make-A-Wish NZ and YES Disability. At the end of the event, an impressive $3000 was collected for the charities.
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Although it’s a free event for spectators to take in, the organising team make sure donations are accepted and given to two worthy charities – Make-A-Wish NZ and YES Disability. At the end of the event, an impressive $3000 was collected for the charities.
OUT AND ABOUT
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After the awards ceremony took place, the cars rumbled from the venue in front of an appreciative crowd that had gathered to take in the sight, smell and noise from all kinds of cars and bikes as they made their way out of Takapuna. Whilst this bought the official end to the event for the general public, the after party kicked on at Franc’s Bar and Diner. Hopefully, 2021 will bring an end to the worldwide pandemic we are all dealing with, and cars shows will happen hassle free again. Just like the third Takapuna Rocks to be held once again on Labour Day next year. For more info, check out www.takapunarocks.co.nz
After the awards ceremony took place, the cars rumbled from the venue in front of an appreciative crowd that had gathered to take in the sight, smell and noise!
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BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Photo: Jimmy Tee Photography Instagram: @jimmyteephotography
Model: Ishka May Instagram: @ishka_may_2.0
Car: 1967 RS SS Camaro Owner: Arthur Sibonis Location: Bowen Automotive, Murrumbeena, VIC
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Old SchoolRules 50
SAM TANTI - 1968 HK MONARO Words / Pics / Video - Paul Beck
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In an age where the custom car scene is all about big diametre wheels, acres of leather trim and layers of candy-apple paint, along comes Sam Tanti’s oh-so-cool, traditional styled HK Monaro…
Holden’s HK Monaro is one of the most iconic Aussie muscle cars around. It’s right there with the XY GTHO Falcon, though the Holden guys are convinced it’s a much better car. Without getting into the politics of favourite brands, there’s no denying the HK Monaro is a crowd favourite after its feats on race tracks all around the country. It was at this early stage that an impressionable 5-year old Sam Tanti started dreaming about one day having his own HK Monaro. It took some time, but many years later, Sam made that dream a reality – getting in well before the prices leaped skyward.
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We’ve all heard the saying “injection is nice, but I’d rather be blown,” which is fine, but it goes the other way too
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Sam’s Monaro grabbed my attention at a recent car meet in Western Sydney. Parked in amongst some fairly impressive rides, this HK coupe screamed old school cool with its polished B45 Simmons and eight injector tubes poking through the bonnet. It just so happens that Sam and I have a mutual mate, and thanks to Charlie Saliba, I tracked down Sam to take a closer look at the Monaro – of course with my camera’s in hand. What I found was a well-used HK Monaro with many more cubes than the factory had added and a demeanour that bordered on brutal. When I say well-used, I mean Sam drives his Monaro as much as time allows and over the years, has shredded plenty of rear tyres (in controlled areas of course) as he flexed the Monaro’s considerable muscle. Let’s face it, you don’t add an engine like this just to idle it around town in traffic.
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The engine is question has been bolted into the HK’s engine bay for near on 15-years now, and thanks to the builder, Ian McCorckil (Macca), the injected small block has rarely missed a beat. Ian started the build off with a prepped 400cube block, adding a rotating system comprising of a Scat crank, Eagle H-beam rods and forged Ross pistons. The camshaft is a solid roller unit from Crane, as are the lifters. The bottom end also scored a Mellings ‘shark tooth’ oil pump and extended factory sump. Ian then added the dash-10 Brodix heads that were fitted with larger Ferrara valves and heavier springs before being topped off with period perfect Moroso rocker covers. We’ve all heard the saying “injection is nice, but I’d rather be blown,” which is fine, but it goes the other way too – especially if like Sam, you want to use your car on the street without having to look over your shoulder the entire time you’re out and about. With that in mind, at Sam’s
request, Ian topped the tough small block with cool Kinsler stacked injection, which has been converted to EFI just to make it more streetable. Whilst the tops of the stacks don’t protrude through the bonnet enough to block the vision, they hang out enough to give the HK plenty of attitude – and in the muscle car world, that’s what it’s all about. An MSD 6AL ignition system fires the 400 into life whilst the modified Pacemaker headers dump the gases through a three-inch exhaust. On the dyno, the engine made an impressive 490 horsepower at the treads back when the HK had a manual gearbox bolted up. These days, there’s a modified Powerglide mated to the engine via a JW bellhousing with a 4500rpm Dominator converter fronting the tough box. Down the back, the 10-bolt is just a memory now, with a 4.11-geared, true-trac 9-inch diff taking its place. The axles are 31-spline and so far, have proven to be up to the task of getting the power to the tyres.
Even though these Monaro’s used to lap Mt Panorama at warp speed back in the day, they weren’t really known for their handling capabilities.
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Even though these Monaro’s used to lap Mt Panorama at warp speed back in the day, they weren’t really known for their handling capabilities. Sam fixed this problem by adding Koni shocks to each corner (adjustable on the front) with lowered Lovells coils springs replacing the standard issue items. The leaf springs are now fitted with Caltrac’s whilst the complete braking system has been upgraded using HQ discs on the front and HQ drums adapted to the Ford rear end. As mentioned, Sam has opted for some traditional wheels instead of going with billet items. The polished B45 Simmons were once a common sight on tough street cars back in the day, but are rarely seen now. Sam managed to squeeze 15x10-inch rims under the massaged inner guards which roll on big 275 ET Street radials. The fronts are 15x6-inches with 185/60 tyres.
It’s right there with the XY GTHO Falcon, though the Holden guys are convinced it’s a much better car.
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The Monaro still retains its factory issued colour, the Med Blue Metallic acrylic that covers an almost-resto body. Only the sheet-metal missing from the centre of the bonnet deviates from Holden’s circa ’68 plan. Sure, the paint has some chips in it here and there, but that’s what happens when you use (and abuse) your car on the street and strip. Sam’s HK was never going to be a car that never gets driven… Inside, it’s pretty much as you’d expect to find with this style of build. It’s obvious that Sam was more interested in tinkering with the driveline, leaving the HK’s good looks just as they were intended to be. The factory interior appointments remain, with the beige buckskin trim still in great shape. The big wood rim steering wheel sits ahead of the standard gauges with the original AM radio still housed in the factory hole. Even the much sort after centre console and shifter have been kept in place. Sliding into the driver’s seat is like taking a trip back in time to 1968.
Sam has put so many miles on the HK’s speedo over the many years he has owned it, and whilst he is happy with how the car is, the injected 400 limits just how far he can drive as it now runs on E100 fuel. To help make the Monaro more user friendly, Sam is considering a swap to a LS engine down the track. But with the power he now has, you can bet your life this won’t be a stock LS-1. Whatever happens, Sam will continue to cruise the Monaro as much as he can regardless of the fuel bill…
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THANKS TO: Ian McCorckil for the engine build. Clint at Pro Automotive for the engine tune and dyno. Big thanks to my wife Mary for understanding my car obsession.
OUT AND ABOUT
HORSEPOWER
Riot
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ht of While most of America were preparing for a big nig were Halloween fun, a bunch of Nostalgia Drag Racers the laying down some passes at Orlando Speed World for 4th staging of the annual Dragstrip Riot!
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FLORIDA DRAGSTRIP RIOT #4_ORLANDO SPEED WORLD_OCT 31, 2020
Pics - Gary Rosier Words - Paul Beck
Even with the dreaded Covid-19 scare still very much upon us, the organisers of the Florida Dragstrip Riot went ahead with their annual meet and still managed to bring together more than 170 cars and a house full of spectators for the 4th Florida Dragstrip Riot. Hundreds of people gave up their Halloween festivities to be part of the annual event that is open to all Pre ’79 race and show cars only. Yep, not only was ‘The Riot’ a feast of horsepower, but there was also a wellattended show and shine, vendor alley and big swap meet on the program making it a full-on day for car lovers, but especially for those who love the Vintage Drag Racing lifestyle.
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The pits particularly, showcased many cool Door Slammers, Gassers, Dragsters and Hot Rod style race cars all uniquely nostalgia, not just due to the fact that they were all Pre ’79, but because of the outlandish paint schemes, period correct engines and overall styling.
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The venue, Orlando Speed World, was overflowing with nostalgia race and show cars. The pits particularly, showcased many cool Door Slammers, Gassers, Dragsters and Hot Rod style race cars all uniquely nostalgia, not just due to the fact that they were all Pre ’79, but because of the outlandish paint schemes, period correct engines and overall styling. If you’re into this type of car, this was mechanical heaven.
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There are several different brackets for racers to contest the Drag Riot event that include Gassers, Dragster, Classic Door Slammer, Classic Street Door Slammer, 1/8 Mile Nostalgia Shoot Out and Motorcycles – including a quirky bracket for Mini Bikes. Each bracket was well subscribed and the racing was hard-fought resulting in some spectacular passes.
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All final races were heads-up and started by a flag drop.
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The organisers of the Florida Dragstrip Riot went ahead with their annual meet and still managed to bring together more than 170 cars and a house full of spectators...
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After proceedings kicked off around 9am, it was time for the finals in all classes. All final races were heads-up and started by a flag drop. The four fastest in each bracket were in the finals race. After the final pass of the day was run, the fourth Drag Riot was over and after a full day of racing, the show and shine and trader alley, the 4th Drag Riot event proved why it has become one of the must-do events on the Nostalgia Racing calendar. If the 2020 event was anything to go by, the 5th Drag Riot event should be an absolute cracker‌
TITLE FIGHT 72
After running a best of 8.0-seconds over the quarter mile so far, this FG Falcon is hot on the heels of the National turbo Barra record. And the boys aren’t finished yet!
OZMAN / EMPIRE RACING_FGX FALCON Words / Pics / Video - Paul Beck Race Pics - Grant Stephens / Cackling Pipes Race Video - Mark @ Fast Performance Videos
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Even with the bonnet closed, the FGX Falcon doesn’t do a very good job of hiding its true intentions.
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Ozman purchased this ex-Police FGX Falcon with intentions of just using it as a run around car for his concreting business. But, as is normally the case, the desire for more power from the factory turbo 6 Barra lead him directly to Omar and the team at Empire Mechanical and Racing where he asked for one of their 300kW kits to be installed. In no time at all, Ozman was using all the new-found power he had available, and then grew bored of it, wanting more. Once again, the Falcon was back in the Empire workshop where Ozman said he was happy for another 100kW and that would be it. Omar tried to talk him into going bigger and more powerful, knowing full well that in a few week’s time, when Ozman got used to the additional power, the Falcon would be back. And that’s exactly what happened, except
this time, Ozman gave the Empire crew the nod to get as much power from the Barra six-pack as they could. Having previously owned a 600kW Falcon and a 390kW Subaru STi, Ozman expected this FGX to be frightening when the power was unleashed. Omar and his team are Barra-specialists and know just what’s needed to extract plenty of power from the humble Ford six-pack. With the engine stripped down yet again, the team prepped every part of the bottom end before carefully reassembling the components needed to achieve their end goal. The parts list for the bottom end include forged pistons, a standard stroke billet crank, custom Empire Elite rods and a HP Junkie billet oil pump to keep everything lubricated. A standard issue Ford sump completes the tough as nails bottom end.
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Searching for around 1600-2000hp from the completed engine package. Omar knew that much of the power was to be found in the top end of the Barra engine. With that in mind, they added a cylinder head that has been given the full Empire treatment, taken as far as it could be before being fitted with stainless steel valves, custom stage five Empire Elite cams and custom solid Empire-spec lifters. A Plazmaman intake manifold and big throttle body and all-important burst panel was bolted into place. Controlled by a Haltech Nexus ECU and with 2200cc injectors supplying the fuel, the induction is perfect for gaining maximum horsepower. Hanging off the other side of the engine is the hero of this engine, the GTX55 Garret turbocharger that commands attention. Without doubt, the engine simply wouldn’t reach their expectations without that big turbo supplying the necksnapping power hit. And if all that top shelf gear still wasn’t enough, there’s a big blue NOS nitrous bottle in the boot that sends an extra punch through the direct port nozzles to bring it up onto the converter before another hard launch. A full four-inch exhaust system lets the Barra breathe so much more freely than ever before.
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There’s not a chance in hell that the factory-fitted auto gearbox that once backed the pumped six-pack, was going to live longer than a few hours due to the stresses and strains being pushed through it from the new and improved Empire Mechanical-spec Barra engine. A purpose-built two-speed Powerglide now sits tightly bolted to the back of the Barra via a Quicktime bellhousing. Internally, only the best components have been used to deal with the power being shoved through it, with the converter being a custom-spec Hughes bolt-together unit. Gear selections are done quickly via the B&M shifter mounted to the tunnel. A G&J Drivelines fabricated tailshaft passes the power through to the 9-inch diff that houses a Strange centre and tough, 35-spline Altra-9 axles.
Whilst they are more than confident of breaking well into the 7’s very soon, the team won’t stop developing the driveline package until they do.
Even with the bonnet closed, the FGX Falcon doesn’t do a very good job of hiding its true intentions. Sure, there’s not a whole lot of body mods made, but those that are done, really do give the game away. The lack of a driver’s side headlight - replaced with mesh for a direct hit of fresh air straight into the turbo, is one such deal breaker. Moving to the rear view, the subtle boot spoiler isn’t as big of a game changer as the parachute is. And if that’s not enough to convince you, the black Street Pro wheels (bead-locked on the rear) wrapped in Mickey Thompson drag racing rubber should do the trick. The team at Empire Customs repainted the Falcon in a custom mix white.
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Still not convinced? Stick your head in either front window and tell me that’s a standard interior! Encased in a tube cage fabricated by CS Engineering, the FGX interior is built to do a job eight seconds at a time. The front seats have been swapped out for one-piece, lightweight Kirkey race items trimmed by Planet trim in black leather, which are equipped with RCI harnesses. The dash is far removed from how it was when built new. There’s a custom Haltech keypad panel that occupies the same space that the Ford info screen would have been, with more Haltech goodness informative Haltech digital dash adapted to the dash facia just in front of the smaller MOMO steering wheel. Popping the bootlid reveals a look that’s pure race inspired. A small fuel cell with internal pumps, a battery, a big blue bottle of fun and roll cage tube fill the space once occupied by a space saver spare wheel and little else. There’s no doubt, the interior space is all business.
Like the interior, the underside has been modified to serve a certain purpose – that being to get as much of those ponies to the pavement as possible when that green globe flashes and the rev’s are heading skyward. With the rear end copping most of the punishment, the team at Empire added a four-link assembly along with Afco double adjustable coilovers, whilst the front end scored springs and struts from the Viking catalogue. At each corner, the discs and calipers (and master cylinder) as the same as they were when the FGX rolled from the showroom floor. Who said all factory gear couldn’t handle horsepower? Of course, when the parachute is deployed, a lot of pressure is taken from the Falcon’s braking components.
Hanging off the other side of the head is the hero of this engine, the GTX55 Garret turbocharger... 80
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To date, Ozman and the team at Empire Mechanical and Racing have sunk two-year’s worth of work into the Falcon, along with a considerable amount of coin. Whilst they are more than confident of breaking well into the 7’s very soon, the team won’t stop developing the driveline package until they do. When they take the No.1 spot for their class, the team will then bring out some new big guns in an effort to stay at the top. Stay tuned for some more six-pack screamers to come from the Empire Mechanical & Racing workshop.
THANKS TO: Omar Hayek and the team at Empire Mechanical and Racing for building a beast of
a street car. Empire Elite Performance Parts for all the sponsorship of parts. Haltech. Jason at Rocket Industries. CS Engineering. Empire Customs for paint and panel.
n o i t a r e n Ge NEXT , bead-locked ch -in 15 on ll ro rs ca et re St oNot all Pr o-Street… Pr of e av w w ne e th to e m co el wheels. W
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ADAM REID - 1969 Z28 CAMARO PICS - LAUREN @ XPOSED PHOTOGRAPHY WORDS - PAUL BECK
Who would have thought that a heart attack Adam suffered whilst cleaning his black Camaro, would be the catalyst for purchasing this stunning ’69 Z28 coupe. “Due to my health after that heart attack, I couldn’t drive my other Camaro, so I ended up finding this one for sale whilst spending some down time online and purchased it. It had received a full rotisserie, no expense rebuild and was just too good to pass up, “ Adam explained. In no time at all, the ’69 was packed up and on its way from Florida to Melbourne to start its new life in Adam’s garage.Upon arrival, a little over 12 months ago, Adam started to make some changes to the way the Camaro looked, drove and performed – ending up with one of the most high-impact Camaro’s in Australia. At its first outing in Australia, the Xposed 5th Birthday Show and Shine, Adam’s Camaro scored Best of Show, beating a raft of high-quality cars in the process.
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The rear wheel tubs have been aggressively enlarged to fit those large 24x15-inch rear hoops and massive 405/25/24 Pirelli rubber.
The Lemans Blue with white stripe paint combo is a standout and covers the essentially standard body lines. The factory appointed badges are still attached to the sheet metal and give the Camaro a sense of authenticity. But before too long, your eyes are drawn to those massive Asanti billet rims. The rear wheel tubs have been aggressively enlarged to fit those large 24x15-inch rear hoops and massive 405/25/24 Pirelli rubber. Looking tiny in comparison, the front’s measure ‘just’ 22x8-inches with 235/30/22 Pirelli’s providing ample grip. OK, the big diametre wheel thing may not be for everyone, but in a game where being different is king, this Camaro is wearing its jewels nicely. In traditional terms, Adam’s Camaro isn’t considered Pro-Street, but when you consider the wheel width, tubbed rear-end, caged interior and big horsepower engine, what else would you call it? It’s a Pro-Street car for the new generation. How’s that for opening a can of worms…
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Under the bonnet sits a 540-cube Merlin big block that was built and installed in the USA.
Speaking about that interior, the new-style Pro-Streeter can incorporate function as well as a few creature comforts – after all, these cars were designed to be driven. Surrounded by a multipoint cage, the interior is a far cry from when full alloy trim was all the go. Adam’s Z28 sees a multitude of black leather and suede used to cover the custom TMI seats, door trims and headlining. The carbon-fibre dash facia now holds enough Dakota Digital gauges to keep Adam informed of everything he needs to worry about when behind the billet steering wheel. Between the seats sits one of the most desirable shifters for a tough street cars - a set of Hurst Lightning Rods. Did I mention the Camaro also features electric windows and air-conditioning? Well, it does…
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Under the bonnet sits a 540-cube Merlin big block that was built and installed in the USA. The balanced and blueprinted fat block relies on a pair of alloy Merlin heads, a FAST alloy intake and electronic injection from FAST, the 540 is good for more than one horsepower per cube, having produced more than 600hp on 95-octane fuel. A custom exhaust system was fabricated by Mikes Pipes to dump the gases, whilst giving those around the Camaro some killer tunes from that big block! Backing the engine is a JW Turbo 400 auto built by Hasty’s Transmissions. The box is fronted with a 3200rpm TCE converter and as mentioned earlier, gear selections are made via those three-levers on the Lightning Rods. 88 Completing the driveline trio is a Strange reinforced 9-inch diff, built by Charlie Gauci who fitted it with Race Products full floaters and located the rear end via a 4-link setup. To date, the rear end has handled everything Adam and the high-powered big block can throw at it. Apart from the tubs, four-link and over-the-top wheel and tyre combo, the back section of the Camaro has also seen upgrades with Viking coil-overs, 14-inch disc brakes and Baer P6 calipers. The same brake system is used on the front end along with Viking coil-overs, tubular control arms and a Flaming River close-ratio steering box. A Wilwood master cylinder controls each corner and there’s an E-Stopp electric park brake fitted as well.
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...the 540 is good for more than one horsepower per cube, having produced more than 600hp on 95-octane fuel.
Whilst Adam’s garage now house this ’69, his pro-touring ’69 Camaro and one of the baddest Pro-Street Nova’s on the planet, it hasn’t always been about tough American muscle cars. Adam’s early foray into the modified car scene saw him cruising a VW Beetle convertible as well as a Walkinshaw Group A Commodore and also a VL Calais. For now though, it’s all about these US-spec monsters. So what’s next for the Z28? Mostly cruising it and enjoying it as much as possible. Oh, and those wheels that get so much attention? They could be on the outer soon with a possible switch to a more traditional Pro-Street look very much on the cards. No matter what it rolls on, it’s going to be a head turner for sure… For those of you who love US Muscle cars, check out Adam’s black Camaro listed in the Killer Klassifieds section of this issue. You’ll be hard pressed to find one as good!
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OK, the big diametre wheel thing may not be for everyone, but in a game where being different is king, this Camaro is wearing its jewels nicely.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
x E r o t o M
2004 MEGUIARS MOTOREX - SYDNEY SHOWGROUNDS, HOMEBUSH
Magic
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MotorEx has always been promoted as show casing the best of the best in the show car scene. For me, the 2004 event held in Sydney was one of the best…
After launching Extreme Magazine in 2003, I had always planned to be part of the MotorEx event in 2004 in a big way, but even I didn’t know back then just how big of an impact we would have at that event. The magazine had been kicking goals since its inception, and behind the scenes, we were building the outrageous Project X Studebaker and had more recently purchased a Bus to cart the car and the Extreme team around to events all over the country. And it was at MotorEx that
both were going to be on show for the first time. Usually, there’s no secrets in this scene and I was sure word would have gotten out over what we were bringing to the show – but it wasn’t to be! We were going to make the biggest of impacts imaginable. After arriving at the show very late, we not only had to unload the car in front of a massive crowd, we then had to turn the bus around and reposition it on our stand. It was a massive headache, but boy, did it create a buzz!
Car clubs were a huge part of the MotorEx experience, and for the 2004 event, there were some great club displays adding another element to the event.
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BLAST FROM THE PAST
Our set up wasn’t the only talking point of the show. There were so many cars on debut and so many great cars and bikes on display that it certainly rates as one the best, if not the best show Sydney has ever seen. Cars such as Mark Jones’ FATGTO Monaro and FAT57 Chev, Gary Myers’ twin-blown Hemi-powered Silver Bullet Mustang, Rod Hadfield’s twin-blown T Coupe, Ted Krolo’s flamed ’57 Chev Coupe, Fitzy’s FC, Steve Portelli’s Tourer, Anthony Sant’s ‘57 Chev, Adam LeBrese’s EH Delivery, Drago Ostric’s Gemini Van, Les Lawry’s amazing ’32 Vicky, Dyno Steve’s twin turbo and supercharged LJ Torana, Dave Ritchie’s blown XP Coupe, Daryl McBeth’s V8 Magna and Mick Fabar’s SWOOOP Roadster were scattered around the show area.
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There were so many cars on debut and so many great cars and bikes on display that it certainly rates as one the best, if not the best show Sydney has ever seen.
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BLAST FROM THE PAST The organisers paid special attention at the 2004 event to bring together the “Cavalcade of Customs”, headed by Mario Colalillo’s stunning blue ’55 Caddy custom. Surrounded by several cool, slammed, candied and chromed customs, this section of MotorEx was a huge hit with those filing through the venue’s doors. There were several other ‘special attractions’ too including a display of custom Vans, including Innervisions and a rare glimpse of “Alien” – a custom Van that has never been finished, but recently popped up for sale again and also a mass of custom Choppers and modified Harleys and for those that love their muscle cars in stock form, there were plenty of those grouped together from both US and Australian manufacturers.
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BLAST FROM THE PAST
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Car clubs were a huge part of the MotorEx experience, and for the 2004 event, there were some great club displays adding another element to the event. Like the club displays, the abundance of trade stands certainly added to the overall atmosphere at MotorEx. With MotorEx permanently housed in Melbourne these days, the event had grown in size and statue, but for me, it was 2004 that remains the most memorable for so many reasons‌
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KEEP
RollinO’n
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This isn’t the first time Ben has upset those that like their Corolla’s stock. Many years ago, he had an SR20-powered KE20 which he reluctantly sold to a mate. He backed that up with a 383-cube LX Torana before parting ways with it after a few issues. With thoughts of doing another Corolla constantly on his mind, he found a rare KE30 two-door sedan in a backyard
BEN KROH - 1974 KE30 COROLLA TUDOR WORDS / PICS / VIDEO - PAUL BECK
not far from his place. After a brief negotiation with the owner, Ben dragged his new acquisition (and a second ‘parts’ car) home to start the long, three-year build process. This was never going to be a resto project and Ben had plenty of idea’s to build a show car spec Corolla that would be fully engineered and be able to cruise anywhere at any time.
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When someone asks what you drive and you tell them a ’74 Corolla, you immediately think of a granny-spec stocker with white-walls, hub caps and a bowls hat on the parcel shelf. Is that right? Not according to Ben Kroh…
Unless you’re into Corolla’s, or they are highly modified like Ben’s, you probably would have never taken any notice of them or even guessed that they are available with just two doors! But they were and they are hard to find, so it’s no surprise to see that Ben has done a full-tilt job on his tiny Toyota. Check out the before photo of how the Corolla was when Ben picked it up. The previous owner had started to do the bodywork, but Ben was a bit sceptical of the quality of the work done, so the factory steel got stripped back
once again so that Ben and his good mate knew what they were starting with, or rather, getting themselves into. But before any colour was laid onto the metal, the body scored a set of mini-tubs, some chrome-moly chassis connectors, flat sheet boot floor, a modified trans tunnel, deleted doorlocks and new anchor points for the revised seats. After smoothing out every inch of panel work, a few litres of Mazda Titanium Flash colour was dumped onto the Corolla leaving the boys glaring at a silky smooth, and now glistening body.
When it came time for the trim, Ben looked no further than Darren and the boys at Stitched Up Trim after the did such a great job on his previous car. Ben had a fair idea of what he wanted to do to the interior and told Darren of his basic needs, but also gave the team permission to do whatever they thought would look great. With a free reign over the interior, the boys stitched up a storm, giving the Corolla a show car trim job. Gone are the bland, lifeless factory seats and in their place sit modified VW Golf GTi buckets and a modified to fit the tubs bench for the rear that now has room just for two. Expertly covered in grey, German leather grain vinyl and matching 103 Alcantara, the seating is now one of the Corolla’s many highlights.
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As you can see, this isn’t your average Corolla. Every part of the car has been customised and modernised in some way and then detailed to the highest standard.
The custom work flowed onto the unique door trims that feature billet handles and one-off arm rests that have been 3D printed. The custom dash facia is also a 3D printed item, remotely resembling the factory appointed design. In 1974 though, Toyota didn’t specify recessed AutoMeter gauges. The ‘big old’ steering wheel is now a distant memory with a more stylish and better feeling Sparco wheel added. There’s an impressive sound system on board too, but Ben isn’t too fussed about cranking it too loud. The shifter boot plate and handbrake base both come from the 3D printer and fit beautifully to the Mercedes carpet under foot. Stunning is the only word I can use to describe the Corolla’s insides. Darren and his team took a ‘less is more’ approach to creating the Corolla’s internal space and excelled in both quality and design. 104
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Lifting the bonnet reveals one of the most popular engine conversions for early Corolla’s – a turbo SR20 that once powered a Nissan Silvia. For Ben, the engine conversion was to make the Corolla a much more impressive car to drive, but it also had to look the part too. Ben’s two-fold attack started with the standard-spec engine being fitted with a ported head that had been fitted with larger valves, double springs and rocker stoppers. A pair of Tomei cams were also part of the top end package. Everything nestled inside the block though, is factory fresh and in no need of change. For induction, the SR20 now has a Bosch throttle body mounted to a Hypertune intake manifold, with 1000cc injectors supplying the 98-octane fuel. The custom turbo manifold also came from Hypertune and mounts the Borg
Warner EFR-turbocharger (with internal gate and blow-off valve) low to the side of the engine. Fed cold air direct from the custom Hypertune air box, the turbo has been ceramic coated to be a star in the highly detailed engine bay. The rubber radiator and intercooler hoses have been replaced by fabricated and coated alloy tube items, with the intercooler mounted between the grille and the PWR custom radiator. Visually, the engine bay is amazing and wouldn’t look out of place in any show. Performance wise, it’s also very impressive. So far, the engine has produced 315hp and when you combine that figure with a curb weight of just over 1000kgs, you know this Corolla is going to be a handful when Ben gets to open it up – under controlled circumstances of course!
All those ponies stampede through a modified R33 Skyline gearbox. From there, they head to a narrowed Borg Warner diff that holds a TruTrac centre, Holden Crewman bearings, 31-spline billet axles and topped off with a billet plate. Smithfield Diff and Gear handled the gearbox and diff setups. In behind those big 19x10 (with 275/30 tyres) and 19x7 (215/35 tyres) FR19 Simmons, there’s 106 been plenty of upgrades made. The suspension setup now includes Koni shocks at each corner whilst the fronts are coil-overs and the rear has reset leaf springs. Felpro bushes have been used exclusively making the Corolla nice and tight on the road. Custom Wilwood discs and calipers replace the standard brakes, with each getting Commodore stud pattern. A Nissan S15 master cylinder controls the pedal pressure.
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THANKS TO: Darren and the
boys at Stitched Up Custom Trim. My good mate Rob for making the hard lines and for putting the motor together. Omar at Autoshine. Smithfield Diff and Gear. The crew at Hypertune. My wife Rienna for putting up with all the trying times during the past three years.
1800FATHER
For Dads that need help with domestic violence, child access disputes and Family Law anywhere in Australia.
As you can see, this isn’t your average Corolla. Every part of the car has been customised and modernised in some way and then detailed to the highest standard, yet Ben still considers the car to be a driver. The intense 3-year build wasn’t without its hiccups, with some of the undercar fabrication having to be redone, but now its sorted Ben couldn’t be 108 happier with the end result. The day before the shoot, Ben got the car back from Omar at Autoshine who spent a couple of weeks correcting the paint with fine sanding and buffing before adding a couple of coats of ceramic coating. It simply looked amazing. Ben has a firm plan in place for the Corolla. There’s definitely some show appearances coming up as well as some racing and lots of cruising. But before any of that happens, it has some formal duties ahead, namely taking his son to his Year 6 formal in style.
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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
KILLER PIC Photo by Paul Beck
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I’ve often said, “everything is better with a Hemi in it,” and that is definitely true with this wild HX Holden one-tonner. From that mega HP Hemi to the zoomie exhaust, billet wheels and slick paint, this is one serious hauler!
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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
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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
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FOR SALE - 1968 CAMARO DRAG CAR Roller, no engine or transmission. Weld Racing wheels all round. New Hoosier slicks. 1 Pass rear, front MT tyres are new. Full roll cage. Full fibreglass front clip.and boot lid. Tank, lines and fuel pump in place. MSD 10AL. Set up for SBC/BBC. Front engine plate. 12-bolt diff and tailshaft. This car is set-up ready to race, just drop an engine and trans in and you’re on the track! $27,000 Contact Ricky Boske - Qld Phone 0488 777412 Email: rb@boske.com.au
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
FOR SALE - BLOWN / INJECTED BBC Fresh built BBC with 14/71 Mooneyham blower and New Powerglide Transmission Contact for more details. $47,000 Contact Ricky Boske Phone 0488 777412 - Qld Email: rb@boske.com.au
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
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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
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WIN THIS 1970
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Buy a $25 ticket for your chance to win this award winning muscle car, and more importantly, help the fight against cancer. Use your phone to scan the QR code below. See website for details | www.raffle4cancercouncil.com.au PROUD SPONSOR Erina/Gosford
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AUSTRALIA’S
Toughest
CAR MAGAZINE RETURNS JAN 2021
s a m t s i r h Merry C
Thanks to our Advertisers, Car Owners and Readers for helping us get through a difficult year with all cylinders firing! 2021 is going to be huge as Killer Rides morphs into Performance Street Car! Hang on tight, its going to be a hell of a ride!
www.performancestreetcar.com.au
See you all in January with Issue #32!
1 2 0 2 Y L U J D 3R
PARTING SHOT See you next Issue!
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SUBSCRIBE NOW FOR FREE AT:
www.killerrides.com.au