ISSUE #34- MAR 2021
EVENTS
POWERCRUISE #85 SYDNEY NO EXCUSES #3 DRAGS WAY HEATHCOTE PARK RACE UNOFFICIAL QUEENSCLIFF ROD RUN
TOP 20 ELITE SHOWCAR 9.1-SEC QUARTERS
G-FORCE INSIDE
BLOWN INJECTED MUSTANG FASTBACK IN THE BUILD LSA HQ GTS SLEEPER - 782HP ASPIRATED MUSTANG TURBO LS XD FALCON: WAIT, WHAT? - AND MUCH MORE!
JUNKIE
PROCHARGED 540-CUBE PRO-STREET 69 CAMARO
From the Desk HAVE YOU NOTICED LATELY WHAT SORT OF CARS PEOPLE ARE BUILDING?
In this job, I see and hear about a lot of cars that are in the process of being built, or have just been finished, and one trend I see appearing over and over again is that people are opting to build street-registered tough cars. Sure, there are always those that spend hundreds of thousands of dollars creating a show-winning masterpiece or those that live only to hit the drag strip – and the scene certainly needs those cars in it, but for the most part, the cars I am seeing and hearing about are regular drivers. And for good reason. The modified car scene has changed considerably over the past few years, with less and less shows being on offer, many replaced with the more popular Coffee and Cars events which are attracting huge numbers around the country. More than ever, car owners are enjoying being behind the wheel of their weekend driver, and no matter where you live, on a sunny Sunday, you’ll often see groups of mates cruising in their cars for no other reason than to enjoy the drive and the company. This is especially true anywhere along the coast line where the ocean front roads make for a spectacular
backdrop… These early Sunday morning or Saturday night meets are ideal for the family that has lots of different things to get through on a busy weekend. You can take in any number of Saturday night meets in any city or regional area or jump in your ride early Sunday morning to catch up with your mates for a chat and a coffee and be back
home before the family even know you’re gone! If you’re really keen and you have the time, why not take in both? I’ve always said the most fun about owning a unique vehicle is taking it out and showing it off and now more than ever, it seems to be a favourite past time of modified car owners around the country. And that’s a great thing! Enjoy this issue of Performance Street Car – Australia’s Toughest Car Magazine! See you on the street…
Paul 03
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ISSUE NO.34 Mar 2021
CONTENTS REGULARS
03 EDITORIAL From the Desk 10 WHAT’S HAPPENING News, views and things of interest
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1000-Plus HP Procharged ‘69 Camaro
18 HAVE YOUR SAY Tell us what you think 20
COMING ATTRACTION Street Legal, blown, injected ‘65 Mustang
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JUST SEND IT! No Excuses Drag Racing returns to Heathcote Park
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BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Brooke and the HQ Van
60 POWERING ON Powercruise #85 hits Sydney 92 ON ANY SUNDAY The Unofficial Queenscliff Rod Run 98
38 No Excuses Drags #3
72 A restored stock GTS? Ummm, no!
50 438ci, 782hp ‘65 Mustang Streeter
82 Capri Show Car with 9.1-sec ET!
60 Powercruise #85 smokes out Sydney!
104 An LS in an XD Falcon? Is nothing sacred?
FULL PIT ACCESS Motorsport News
114 KILLER PIC Pro-Street Legend - MENICE 116 PERFORMANCE DIRECTORY Quick Find Ad’s 130 PARTING SHOT Wheelstanding Blown big block EH Holden
FEATURES 26
TOUGH LUCK The fattest Camaro in Australia
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WILD HORSES Not so subtle, big cube, big power ‘65 Mustang!
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STEALTH MODE First impressions can be wrong!
82 STRAIGHT TALKER Part show car, part drag car, this Capri does it all! 104 BRAVE HEART Are we taking the whole ‘LS the World’ too seriously? 6
Don’t forget to Subscribe at www.pscmag.com.au
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WHAT’S HAPPENING PERFORMANCE STREET CAR JOINS FORCES WITH KINGPIN KUZTUMS
Rob Belio and the crew at Kingpin Kuztumz are renown for running great events in Victoria including the awesome Lygon Street Breakfast Cruise and Toy Run as featured in Performance Street Car in Issue 32. Rob has many events under his belt and its with great pleasure that PSC has teamed up with Rob and will be collaborating on many events over the coming months. More information will be in the next Issue on what’s planned for 2021 and beyond. Hold on to your hats guys, things are about to get very interesting…
INGENIA HOLIDAY PARKS OFFERING CAR ENTHUSIASTS GREAT LOCATIONS
After the success of the Auto Rumble in Moruya, where the event took over the Riverside Holiday Park (one of Ingenia’s many parks), the management of Ingenia Holiday Park’s have offered Car Clubs and groups the ideal venue to stage their weekends away in comfort, and with many attractions on offer inside the park, there’s no need to venture outside of the venue! With many different venues available along the NSW/QLD coastline, there’s something for everyone. Check out their info packed website at www.ingeniaholidays.com.au to see a listing and photos of each property on offer! Why not plan a club getaway or even an event soon!
Finalist No.2 - February 2021
https://www.facebook.com/kingpin.kuztums Cabins range from budget to more prestigous units.
HAVE YOU SUBSCRIBED YET? GO TO www.pscmag.com.au DO IT NOW! IT’S FREE! 10
One of the many theme cabins available at Wairo Beach
Our second finalist for the 2021 Car of the Year has been chosen. You guys have decided that from all the cars featured in Issue #33, it was to be Edin’s big block HK Monaro that was go into the Finalist group for 2021! Who will you pick from this issue? All will be revealed in Issue #34. Send your vote to paul@pscmag.com.au 11
SPRINGNATS CRUISE – SYDNEY TO SHEPPARTON!
It’s no secret that the Springnats is one of my favourite events during the year, and I’m inviting you to cruise down with me to Shepparton to take in the action. Held inside the fabulous Shepparton Showground, the event features plenty of driving event (though the burnouts are sold out already!) as well as an indoor car show and an “all-in cruise”. The 28th Springnats is to be held over the weekend of November 26th – 28th. The Autofest series is run by car enthusiasts for car enthusiasts – the way it should be. If you’re keen for a cruise, enter now at www.autofest.com.au, get some accommodation booked (because it fills quickly) and I’ll announce a meeting spot closer to the date.
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www.autofest.com.au
Jake Myers - Burnout Champion!
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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
WHAT’S HAPPENING KILLER
Video
The APSA Pro-Street Blown Highlights - Sydney 2016
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Video by Mark & Rita - FPV.net.au
OZCRUISE ON HOLD FOR 2021
Due to the ongoing uncertainty of Covid restrictions around the country, the decision to put the Nation-wide, one-day cruise dubbed OzCruise on-hold for this year until things are 100-percent in the clear right around the country. To have some be able to make the cruise happen and some be restricted just isn’t the way it was meant to be, so for now, it’s on hold…
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OZCRUISE
NATIONWIDE 2021
SUNDAY SEPT 12
WHAT’S HAPPENING
10TH ANNIVERSARY SHOWCARS MELBOURNE EVENT RESCHEDULED TO MARCH 21ST! A small number of Covid 19 breakouts forced the postponement of the original Showcars Melbourne event, but with those all sorted (at the time of going live with this issue, anyway!) the show will (finally) go on! Now set for Saturday, March 21st, the annual indoor/outdoor show will take place at the fabulous Moonee Valley Racecourse, showcasing hundreds of street machines, hot rods, resto’s, customs, American cruisers and so much more. There will be plenty of food, drink, rides for the kids, entertainment, raffles and a variety of trade stands! Those attending the event for a look, can park at the venue for free with entry into the show itself just $20 per person and kids under 12 free! This is the 10th year of the Showcars Melbourne event and you can bet it will be the biggest and best yet! Don’t miss this one!
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HAVE YOUR SAY Got something to say? Send it to paul@pscmag.com.au or message us from the Performance Street Car Facebook page.
COOLEST COVER EVER! Hi Paul, Man, I’m loving the new digital version of Performance Street Car and the fact that the cover is a double page! The first two (issues 32 & 33) were awesome! And the selection of cars is amazing. It takes me back to when we would hang out every month for Performance Street Car to appear on the stands. As good as the original mag was, you’ve taken it to the next level and beyond. Well done and keep them coming! Steve J Via Messenger
COOLEST COVER EVER #2 G’day Paul, You know what I really enjoy about Killer Rides and now Performance Street Car? You go out of your way to create covers that are different, eye-catching and entertain. Issue 33’s cover is the perfect example. It reminds me a lot of what you would have expected from a USA Hot Rod magazine. Running the cover over double pages is pure genius. Can’t wait to see what you have on offer next. Jarrod H Via Email
IN THE BUILD - MY FAVOURITE SECTION Hi Paul, Congrats on producing such a killer magazine - my favourite by far! Whenever each issue is online, the first thing I do is go to the Coming Attractions pages, and this month certainly didn’t disappoint. That Morris is freakin’ tough! I love the whole ‘dare to be different’ deal and this one is certainly different. Keep that cool odd-ball stuff coming. Thanks for a great read month after month! Peter M Via Email G’day Peter, Like you, I’m a big fan of stuff that’s out of the ordinary - just like this Morris. There’s no denying it’s going to be tough as hell once its finished! Stay tuned for a full feature when its ready to destory those tyres! How do you like this Issue’s Mustang? WHAT A TRIBUTE G’day Paul, It was so nice to see Edin’s Monaro sporting a tribute to Joe Sabato from Hume Performance on the 632’s rocker covers. I only met Joe a couple of times and each time he was a true gentlemen answering my questions even though to him they may have been basic. His knowledge and personality will be sorely missed. Great feature on the Monaro too! And that cover shot was so good! Tony T Via Email.
Hi Tony, Edin and Joe had been mates since school, and seeing that this was one of Joe’s personal engine, its only fitting that his image is on show for everyone to admire. His family and many, many friends miss him dearly. RIP Joe...
CRUISE SPOT DICKHEADS! Hi Paul, I read your Editorial about the clowns that are ruining our sport by doing stupid shit on the street. I was in Canberra that night they were playing up in Bradden. Every car I saw doing burnouts and driving like a lunatic, was a stocker with a set of mag wheels - usually just on the front! When I voiced my opinion to a couple of guys egging on the fools, they turned on me and gave me a mouthful of crap. When will they learn? Gary W via Email. Hi Gary, from what I read, there has been quite a few people fined and arrested. I guess its a start!
Thanks Guys! Appreciate it! 18
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COMING ATTRACTIONS
FULL TILT k c a b t Fas
GARY & ANNA SMITH - 1965 FASTBACK MUSTANG WORDS - PAUL BECK PICS - OWNER
FULL CUSTOM INTERIOR RACE PACK DASH
Gary and Anna Smith took a well-worn ’65 Fastback Mustang, stripping it back to its bare bones before adding their own unique touches to build one wild, fully-engineered street car. The first stop for the Mustang was the Transformation Garage where George Mandalis handled the metal work including stripping the body of all its ageing sheetmetal, leaving just the bare frame that Ford started with back in 1965. Whilst it’s a huge amount of work initially, the benefits of taking the body back to the very basics are obvious. It’s there’s anything hidden behind any panel, it’s at this stage where it can be replaced or repaired. Not one to take any chances, George replaced the roof skin, floor pan, quarter panels, back panel
8/71 BLOWN 363CI LOW PROFILE EFI HAT POWERGLIDE AUTO
RACK & PINION STEERING
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9-INCH DIFF 31-SPLINE AXLES FOUR-LINK - COIL OVERS
and sills. He also mini-tubbed the rear end, relocated the firewall rearward by threeinches, shaved and tucked the bumpers closer to the body, removed the factory quarter vents and fabricated bespoke items to replace them and also shaved the dash – deleting the heater controls and ashtray in the one process, leaving a space for the Race Pack dash. For safety, as per the engineers requirements, retractable seat belts have also been fitted. Once the body work is finished and the new colour laid on, a billet grille will be added.
RECESSED FIREWALL MINI TUBS CUSTOM 1/4 VENTS SHAVED / TUCKED BUMPERS
17X4.5 & 15X8.5 V-SERIES WELD WHEELS
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The underside of the Fastback has also seen many upgrades. The steering has been swapped out for a Faming River rack and pinion set-up keeping the Viking coil over shocks and Wilwood discs (and master cylinder) company on the front end. For wheels, Gary and Anna bolted up a pair of 17x4.5-inch V-series Welds wrapped in 26-inch tall tyres. At the opposing end, the XA-spec 9-inch diff is located with a triangular four-link with Viking coil-overs handling the bumps. 15x8.5-inch V-series Weld wheels with bead-locks carrying a 275/60 tyre are tucked up into the reworked wheel tubs. In preparation for the new engine combo, chassis connectors, torque boxes and a tail shaft loop have been incorporated into the underside.
Whilst it’s a huge amount of work initially, the benefits of taking the body back to the very basics are obvious.
Speaking of the engine, it’s a blown, injected 363 Dart block inspired small block that uses an 8/71 Supercharger mated to a low-profile, Joe-Blo Speed shop billet EFI hat to form the impressive induction system. And because the hat offers a low-profile, the engineer is happy to sign off on it. The rest of the engine spec’s are just as impressive too, with a Callies crank swinging Oliver rods, and a pair of alloy Pro-1 heads that now feature Jesel roller rockers. A pair of custom headers flow into a full 3.5-inch stainless steel exhaust system. A Haltech computer will control the engine’s operation. Backing the engine is a manualised 2-speed Powerglide equipped with a transbrake, shift kit and suitable converter. Gear selections will be made via a TCI shifter. The considerable power will be sent rearwards through a chrome-moly tailshaft to the drum brake rear end feature 31-spline Moser axles, and 1350-yoke. 22
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Speaking of the engine, it’s a blown, injected 363 Dart block inspired small block that uses an 8/71 Supercharger mated to a low-profile, Joe-Blo Speed shop billet EFI hat...
Gary and Anna’s custom Mustang is still a little way off yet, but once completed, it will be one of the toughest early Mustang’s roaming the streets of Melbourne. And with that all-important Engineer’s Report in the glove box, they can cruise anywhere at any time and not have to keep looking over their shoulders…
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TOUGH LUCK
With massive rear tyres and a Procharged big block providing the power to melt them, Steve Grima’s Pro-Street ’69 Camaro is the pure definition of tough! STEVE GRIMA - 1969 CHEV CAMARO WORDS / PICS / VIDEO - PAUL BECK 26
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Steve had always loved the ’69 Camaro, but had no real plans in place to race out and buy one. But waking one morning way too early to head to work, he jumped on the RacingJunk.com website and typed in ’69 Camaro. As luck would have it, a full-tilt, full chassis race car for the right money popped up, staring him in the face. Something in him knew this car was for him, and after a quick phone call to the owner in Salt Lake City, Utah, the deal was done, with Steve then starting the anxious wait of getting the Camaro onto Australian soil. This was July 2012. Steve had his sights set on getting the Camaro to the Sydney Powercruise Powerplay a few months away, so the massive job of piecing the jigsaw together with Jake at Bain Racing began in earnest. The Camaro did make it, albeit it in a mix of flat black and gelcoat, and with the original 510ci engine that came with the car that featured a blow-thru carby running om C16 fuel. It’s debut wasn’t a great one though, as the engine didn’t make it through to the end of the event. At this point, Steve started planning out the rebuild.
Anyone with half a brain can tell you it’s not street legal, but really, who cares? It is what it is – and that’s damn tough!
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Between himself and good mate Justin Schmidt, the Camaro’s body was rubbed down and repainted silver with orange stripes added later by Peter Pronesti, giving the Camaro a fresh new look. The Camaro kept that same style until the desire for something different saw the body coated in flat black, complimented with a factory style white stripe. Well-known Pro-Street racer, Pete Pronesti was to lay on the new colour, but when the time come, he was unavailable, so he organised Aaron to take on the job. Built in the US to race, the body kept the factory steel roof and quarters, with the firewall and front section of the floor fabricated in steel. The front clip, reverse cowl bonnet, doors, bumpers and boot lid are all fibreglass, whilst the interior tin work is all aluminium. The front and rear screens are Perspex, and whilst Steve does have the side glass, it’s kept out when doing events like Powercruise and Summernats due to the heat inside the cabin. The new colour gives the Camaro a sinister new look, making the coupe even more impressive.
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Just like any true Pro-Street build, this ’69 sports an attitude that makes Mike Tyson looks like a saint! As you’d expect from a purpose-built race car, it’s all business when you open either of the lightweight doors! The multipoint cage dominates the view and encloses the alloy wheel tubs, powdercoated Kirkey seats and a fibreglass replica ’69 Camaro dash, now filled with AutoMeter gauges. A Grant steering wheel, B&M shifter and Simpson fivepoint harnesses complete the race-spec interior. But what makes this Pro-Streeter a standout is that the interior has been completely wrapped in black, brushed alloy vinyl – believed to be the first in the country! The underside of the Camaro is
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framed in a Chris Alston Chassisworks full chassis. The front end scoring a Flaming River rack and pinion steering assembly, with QA1 coil over double adjustable shocks, and Wilwood brakes. At the other end, the Chris Alston 9-inch diff is located with a four-link set up and Aussie made, Gazzard Bros springs and shocks. Like the front Wilwood discs and calipers are added to the rear end. A quartet of Weld Alumastars measuring 15x4.5 and 15x15 fill the wheel wells, wrapped in appropriately sized rubber, the rears wearing 32x17.5-inch ET Street R rubber for that awesome Pro-Street style.
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With the F2 Procharger hanging through the side of the reverse cowl, there’s no hiding the fact that the powerplant in Steve’s tough ’69 is anything but stock. Pieced together by Steve under the guidance of Jake Bain at Bain Racing, the big block Chev features a Dart Big M block filled with a Lunati steel crank, Oliver rods, Mahle pistons and a bonerattling Crow solid roller cam and BAM lifter kit. The alloy AFR heads were treated to a more thorough porting job at Bain Racing and have been fitted with larger valves and stronger springs. A Victor Junior intake manifold fills the space between the heads and holds a Fast, 1375cfm throttle body. The ignition system uses eight LS coil-packs and a custom fabricated crank trigger that Steve and Jake both worked on to fire the bad big block into life. A full custom exhaust system kicks off with a pair of Bain fabricated headers
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and exhaust system. With two 1800hp Holley Eliminator fuel pumps (and an intank pump) feeding the pumped big block plenty of E85 fuel, the 540-cuber produced just under 1000hp at the tyres before the tyres screamed enough on the dyno. It’s fair to say the engine make well in excess of that magical 1000hp mark. Tuning is taken care of by LSX Tuning. Backing the engine is what is considered one of the biggest and baddest Pro Mod Powerglide on the market. Built by Abruzzi using a Reid case, the trans is fronted with a custom converter with a stall speed of, according to Steve, f&*king huge! A B&M Pro Bandit shifter takes care of the gear changes. The diff uses 4.56-gears and 40-spline axles – all of which has so far handled all of that power with ease!
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In the US, Steve’s Camaro would probably be considered a street car – even with the full chassis, tin interior, tubs and cage. Sadly, we just don’t get the option here to even consider having a ride this wild on public roads, unless it’s under certain approved circumstances at an event. Unfortunately, LAUNCH is now a dedicated events car, usually seen doing lap after lap at Powercruise or Summernats. No matter where Steve has the Camaro though, there’s no denying it’s an absolute head-turner. Steve’s Camaro is kept company by a few other tough street cars in the garage, which has fuelled the fire to own a more streetable version of LAUNCH. With a new ’69 Camaro currently on the go, Steve is looking forward to the day he can
jump behind the wheel anytime – not needing to wait for an event to jump into the driver’s seat. So where does that leave this ’69? Steve would like to get the Camaro down the quarter, but he may be tempted to part ways with it when the street car is done. Time will tell. Just like any true Pro-Street build, this ’69 sports an attitude that makes Mike Tyson looks like a saint! It’s downright nasty thanks to its low stance, protruding engine hardware and the sinister flat black paint. And for many, including me, that’s the main appeal! I couldn’t care that the car is more race than street, nor do I care that it’s got number plates screwed to it. Anyone with half a brain can tell you it’s not street legal, but really, who cares? It is what it is – and that’s damn tough!
THANKS TO: Jake Bain - Bain Racing. Justin Schmidt - Body and Paint. Scott Barter - Oytech Powdercoating. Daniel Gizmo - Wiring. Troy Worsley - Warspeed for the cylinder head freshen. Peter Butterworth and Girch Kandemir at LSX Tuning for going above and beyond at all hours! Peter Pronesti and Aaron for the black paint and stripes.George Bukureshliev at Race Max Direct for the parts needed. Mates - Anthony Spiteri, Michael Shepley and Ronald Mifsud for their help. And of course, Mum and Dad for all that they do! 34
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RADIAL LIFE – NO EXCUSES DRAGS #3 - HEATHCOTE PARK RACEWAY – FEB 20TH 2021 PICS – XPOSED PHOTOGRAPHY WORDS – PAUL BECK
JUSTSEND IT! After two years of running on an airstrip, Paul Sera from Radial Life decided it was time to take the third No Excuses Drag Meet to Heathcote Park Raceway. Turns out, it was a great move! As the event name suggests, this event was all about bringing everything you’ve got, and hope it’s more than the guy lined up beside you. Everyone was advised to leave their book of excuses of why you lost a race at the door – no one at Heathcote Park was interested in an explanation, they were just here to race and try to take home the $2,000 in cash on offer for each bracket. The
No Excuses meet is a Radial meet – one of, if not the most popular drag racing categories around the world at the moment. If you’re not running on Radial’s, you’re getting left out in the cold. The popularity of this style of racing has ensured that this years event is well attended by some of the biggest names in the business. When the gates sprung ope, all 80 racing positions were filled.
The only bracket that runs over the eighth mile is the Glossworks Radial Outlaw class. This class is for the big hitters than can run on any size radial they like making it one of the most exciting classes to watch. 38
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There’s no less than five classes for drivers to slot into, all of which revolve around the size of the tyre. There’s the Status Performance Products Street 235 class run over a full quarter and open to anyone running up to and including a 235 tyre. It’s the same deal for those running in the Tuners Edge.com.au 275 Radial bracket – with an obvious increase in tyre size. The Petiquette
by Caroline AWD Class also runs over the full quarter, but with no restriction on the tyre width and there’s also a Just Send It class for those who just want to run for fun. The only bracket that runs over the eighth mile is the Glossworks Radial Outlaw class. This class is for the big hitters than can run on any size radial they like making it one of the most exciting classes to watch.
As the event name suggests, this event was all about bringing everything you’ve got, and hope it’s more than the guy lined up beside you.
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From the moment the spectators rolled in through the gates and the racing got underway, you could tell by the atmosphere that this was going to be a great day. The pits were a hive of activity as each driver prepared themselves for the hard-fought racing that was to come. And as the track had received plenty of work prior to the event happening, especially on the start line, the times were expected to tumble. While the racing was happening, there were plenty of traders on hand showcasing their products and services as well.
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The popularity of this style of racing has ensured that this years event is well attended by some of the biggest names in the business.
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WHO WON WHAT? WINNER RUNNER-UP
STATUS PERFORMANCE 235 – ¼ MILE Todd Foley – VH Comm. 8.60@159mph Shane Solimo – VL Turbo Comm . 9.89@140mph
WINNER RUNNER-UP
TUNERS EDGE 275 – ¼ MILE Kai McPhee – VC Comm. 8.62@165mph Tony Lamanna – VS Statesman 9.91@139mph
WINNER RUNNER UP
GLOSSWORKS RADIAL OUTLAW – 1/8 MILE Rhyan Sturzaker – Mazda RX7 5.60@122mph Brad Young – HR Holden 6.11@115mph
PETIQUETTE BY CAROLINE AW D SHOOTOUT – ¼ MILE WINNER Jason Ruby – Nissan S13 Silvia 8.15@167mph RUNNER UP Paul Bourke – Jeep Trackhawk 11.15@123mph PROMOTERS CHOICE - Elvi “AFA ST1” – Ford F6 2008 FASTEST FORD - Joshua Tuskin – Ford XW FASTEST HOLDEN - Todd Foley – VH Commodore FASTEST 6 CYL - Jason Ruby – Ni ssan S13 Silvia FASTEST 8 CYL - Todd Foley – VH Commodore QUICKEST NA - Rhyan Sturzake r – Mazda Rx7 1980 BEST BURNOUT - Shane Solimo – Holden VL Turbo BEST JUST SEND IT ENTRY - Denis Rexhepi – Audi S4 2000 44
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The pits were a hive of activity as each driver prepared themselves for the hard-fought racing that was to come.
There’s no doubt the move to Heathcote Park was the right one for the No Excuses crew. The facilities offer more than an airstrip can and with the new owners of the track spending plenty of time and money on upgrades, the venue will only get better in the months and years ahead. For 2021 though, the 3rd No Excuses Drag Meet was a huge success. Plenty of racers, lots of crowd spilling through the gates and some of the best racing that Heathcote Park Raceway has seen. Bring on 2022! Paul would like to extend a huge thank you to his team - Bree, Scott, Sam, Jon, Todd, Mat, Stephen Christian & Azza Mackley, for an awesome job on the day to make the event run smoothly. 46
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BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Model: Brooke Burrows https://www.facebook.com/brooke.burrows.3785/
Makeup Artist: - Melissa Meyers - https://www.instagram.com/mmmakeup_artistry/ Hair Artist: Elle - https://www.instagram.com/melbourne_glamour/
Photo By:
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WildHORSES
With 438-cubes and 782hp on board, Nick Novak’s ‘65 Mustang is anything but subtle! NICK NOVAK - 1965 MUSTANG WORDS / PICS / VIDEO - PAUL BECK 50
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They say good things come to those who wait. That’s particularly true when it comes to Nick and his tough Mustang. Whilst attending the Supernats at Sydney Motorsport Park way back in 2003, Nick spotted a purple ‘65 Mustang in amongst the crowed pit area full of high-powered machinery. It was sitting low over a set of Simmons wheels and he thought to himself, “How cool would it be to cruise around in that!” Fast forward a bunch of years and that same Mustang now sits in Nicks driveway! Proof that dreams can become reality if you
The engine makes 782hp and is more than a handful when Nick dares to jump on the loud pedal. 52
have patience. Nick spends more hours than most working hard in his bakery business, supplying his products to many outlets around Sydney and Newcastle. It’s a business that consumes plenty of time and as you can image, is very stressful. To relieve that stress, he needed something to distract himself from the daily grind. Some people play golf, some go fishing, and some laze around on the beach. For Nick, it was initially to construct the Mustang of his dreams, and then enjoy it as often as time allows.
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...he knew the Simmons weren’t going to cut it, so he ordered a pair of 15x10’s with bead-locks and a pair of 17x4.5’s to sit under the front guards. Being no stranger to high powered cars, including a 600hp VW Golf, Nick knew his Mustang needed a tough engine and put the plans in motion to fill the engine bay with a stretched small block Windsor. Now sporting 438-cubes, the Dart block inspired package certainly lives up to his expectations. Using such goodies as a stroker crank and rods, and a camshaft that produces an idle that will rattle your back teeth. The alloy heads are modified AFR items that when fitted to the stout bottom end, allows the Edelbrock intake manifold to fill the gap and play host to the single Pro-Systems Dominator carby. Nick did originally plan to run twin carbs on a sheet-metal
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intake, but went the more userfriendly route instead. Putting the fire into the belly of the beast is an ICE ignition system and when the fuel and spark meet, the gases are shown the door via a pair of custom headers that flow into a pair of 3.5-inch exhaust pipes, creating a menacing rumble at the same time. Though it may not look capable of doing so, the thin Commodore radiator, combined with an electric water pump and twin fans does an adequate job of keep the Mustang’s temperature at a respectable level when Nick has to deal with the horrible traffic Sydney is renowned for. The engine makes 782hp and is more than a handful when Nick dares to jump on the loud pedal.
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Backing the potent small block is a purpose built C4 auto that features only the best internals to deal with the excessive horsepower constantly being passed through it. Fronted with a converter with a 5000rpm stall, and with gear changes made via the B&M Pro Stick shifter, the box has proved its worth, never giving any indication it wasn’t up to the task at hand. It’s the same deal with the rear end. The narrowed nine-inch diff sits under the mini-tubbed rear end, located with a four-link and using coil-over shocks to control the ride and keep the height right where it should be. The centre section uses 4.11-gears and the 31-spline axles are from Romac. Wilwood discs and calipers feature on each corner and are a necessity when there’s plenty of momentum coming from that powerplant. When Nick first took possession of the Mustang, it was rolling on 17-inch Simmons. Whilst he really liked the look of the Simmons, he thought bigger is better, and purchased a set of 20-inch versions of the same rims, but upon seeing the Weld V-series rims in the flesh, he knew the Simmons weren’t going to cut it, so he ordered a pair of 15x10’s with bead-locks and a pair of 17x4.5’s to sit under the front guards. I’ve got to say; these wheels give the Mustang an attitude that the Simmons just couldn’t match.
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Externally, the paint is still the same as it was when he first laid eyes on the Mustang. Whoever handled the body and paint duties back then, really knew their stuff as it still looks great today. Though Nick being a very fussy guy, has decided that the Mustang will get new paint soon, but he will be retaining the cool, custom purple that now adorns the factory-spec body. Ok, the hole in the bonnet wasn’t a “tick the box” option back then, but due to the induction fitted, was necessary to let the engine breathe. Just like the outside the Mustang, the interior
is pretty much how it was back in the day. The off-white leather used on the seats, door trims, dash top and steering wheel offset the body colour perfectly and the billet steering wheel (mated to a tilt billet column) is a much nicer inclusion compared to what the Ford design team came up with. At a quick glance, the dash looks original, but a closer inspection sees that the Speedo is now kept company with four AutoMeter gauges to accurately monitor the water temp, oil pressure, and the all-important revs and fuel leveL.
Now sporting 438-cubes, the Dart block inspired package certainly lives up to his expectations.
With a busy work life, Nick doesn’t get to use the Mustang as much as he would like, but he will find the time to head out to Sydney Dragway to give the Mustang a hit down the quarter mile. I reckon with that much power on board, he has got one, maybe two passes in it before the officials point him towards the gates and off to get a roll cage fitted. Nick has no doubt dropped plenty of money on the Mustang to get it to this stage, but what price do you put on realising a dream? I’d prefer to see it as an investment… 58
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POWERINGON!
POWERCRUISE #85_SYDNEY MOTORSPORT PARK_25-28 FEB 2021 WORDS – PAUL BECK PICS – TIM MCCORMACK
Powercruise is all about big horsepower, wild cars and more fun behind the wheel than you can ever imagine! And the 85th Powercruise hit Sydney with a line-up of cars that guaranteed to continue the high-horsepower party!
I can still remember the very first Powercruise that took over Sydney Motorsport Park. No one was really prepared for what was about to happen during the course of the event, but one thing was for sure, that event cemented Powercruise into the Sydney event scene – a hard nut to crack at the best of times. Since then, when the Powercruise comes to Sydney, it brings with it a host of wild cars from all over the country – all prepared to smoke the hell out of the circuit all in the name of entertainment. Number 85 was to be no different.
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With lots of cruise time on the track – some 20-hours, there’s ample opportunity for each entrant to not only test out their cars abilities, but also find the limits of their driving capabilities too. Some drivers excel at throwing their cars around the circuit at full noise with the tyres smoking, whilst others struggle to keep it all together. Either way, it all adds up to the spectacle that is Powercruise. From any vantage point around the track, and there are plenty, those spectators that come to Powercruise get to see, hear and smell the action as hundreds of cars strut their stuff. As much as the cruise sessions dominate the Powercruise program, there’s much more to the event including a Dyno competition, Offstreet racing, drifting, show and shine and the most anticipated events – the Powerskids and the Burnouts. With so many chances to drive your car on the very limit, there’s no way you could go home from three or four days of Powercruising and say, “I was bored”.
The Powerskids always attract plenty of attention, draging in some of the toughest cars in the country all wanting to own the bragging rights to skidding further than anyone else up the Sydney main straight.
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There’s no doubting that for Entrants, the cruise sessions are the drawcard. As many of the cars entering the Powercruise are highly modified and would draw the wrong type of attention on the street, the Powercruise offers the owners the opportunity to drive their cars like they intended them to be driven – hard and fast, without fear of seeing any flashing red and blue lights rapid approaching from behind. But for spectators, the Powerskids and Burnouts are really the events they come to see the most.
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Held under lights to enhance the whole experience, the burnout pad drew the drivers like a moth to a flame.
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The Powerskids always attract plenty of attention, draging in some of the toughest cars in the country all wanting to own the bragging rights to skidding further than anyone else up the Sydney main straight. With the Powerskids happening in front of a packed grandstand and even more people filling even vantage point high above pit lane, I reckon the drivers could almost hear the cheering as they scream up the straight with the tacho needle firmly in the red zone, the cabin filled with smoke and a defiant fist raised out the window almost in a victory salute even before getting anywhere near the finish line! As with most driver challenges, some make it look easy, and some, well, put in a great effort…
With so many chances to drive your car on the very limit, there’s no way you could go home from three or four days of Powercruising and say, “I was bored”.
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The burnout competition is always hard fought at Powercruise and this year continued the trend. Featuring plenty of variety in the cars and engines, the burnout comp was always going to go off. And go off it did. Held under lights to enhance the whole experience, the burnout pad drew the drivers like a moth to a flame. Some flamed out, some smoked the crowd (and themselves) into oblivion, and some came, tried hard and left wondering what could have been. There’s always next time guys…
Some drivers excel at throwing their cars around the circuit at full noise with the tyres smoking, whilst others struggle to keep it all together.
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I reckon the drivers could almost hear the cheering as they scream up the straight with the tacho needle firmly in the red zone...
It’s no wonder that Powercruise has notched up 85 multi-day events (and many one-day deals too). It’s three days of non-stop action, no matter what the weather brings. And when the weather does turn nasty, Gup and his team brings out Plan B – a modified program that still allows plenty of track time. Yeah, it’s slippery, but that just adds to the fun for entrants. The Sydney event always attracts entrants from all over the country making it one of the biggest on the Powercruise calendar, and if event number 100 happens to be held in Sydney, the event will go off! Hang on to your hats… 70
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STEALTH MODE
Whilst Daniel James’ HQ GTS Monaro may look like a nicely restored streeter, it’s hiding an 800hp secret!
DANIEL JAMES - 1973 HQ GTS MONARO WORDS - PAUL BECK PICS - XPOSED PHOTOGRAPHY 72
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Late model engines react well to minor mods and when tested on the dyno, this LSA impressed with 800hp!
Daniel’s transition into owning this HQ GTS was anything but typical. There was no wreck to pull from the back of a barn covered in years of dust and there was no pile of parts sitting beside a half-finished shell. Daniel bought the GTS from an older lady that had won it in a PCYC raffle in Northern NSW. Purchased from eBay in 2011 by the Junee Correctional Centre, and under the guidance of Industries Manager Todd Gleeson, the HQ was stripped to its bare bones by two inmates. Then, over the following three-and-a-half years, five inmates, including a qualified Painter and Auto
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Electricians and three car enthusiasts, worked tirelessly on the GTS to restore it to its former glory. Gifted to the Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC), the HQ was sent to Auction in an effort to raise funds to be distributed between the Blacktown and Wagga Wagga PCYC Clubs. The 308cube, fully restored HQ was won by an older lady who had no use for the car and luckily for Daniel, he was first in with the cash to make it his. With the majority of the hard work done, making some changes to suit his own style was going to be as painful as it could have been if he had started from a project stage.
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It’s obvious the team that had worked on the car had plenty of skill and passion for such a project. The aging body had been skilfully stripped back it its bare steel and all of the rust, dents and defects in the sheet metal accumulated over the years was painstakingly removed and the body restored to better than original condition. With the panel massaging tools back on the rack, the rolling HQ was wheeled into the spray booth for a coat or two of new colour. Wanting to keep the GTS looking original, the body scored a silky smooth coat of Holden Chrome Yellow that’s been highlighted with the usual GTS blackouts. When Daniel became the owner, he removed the factory bonnet and fitted a
reverse cowl fibreglass item. Like the exterior, the HQ’s interior had been completely restitched back to its original, factory style with the front and rear seats covered in a combination of black vinyl with houndstooth inserts, whilst the door trims remain wrapped in the basic black vinyl. From the driver’s seat, the standard issue GTS steering wheel comes into view, and whilst the factory dash was restored and returned to its original position, Daniel decided to up the ante with a Haltech IQ3 Racepak dash for a more accurate reading of what he had planned for under the bonnet. The only other addition to the interior that wasn’t approved by the factory engineers is the B&M shifter.
Daniel bought the GTS from an older lady that had won it in a PCYC raffle in Northern NSW. 76
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So let’s get to the heart of the HQ. Because the GTS was restored inside the Correctional Centre, the HQ left there with a rebuilt 308-cube Holden engine bolted up to the mounts, and that’s exactly how it was when Daniel swapped a bucket load of cash for the car. And whilst it would have been great for most, Daniel had other idea’s. He wanted some supercharged action, but to keep it legal for regular street use, bolting a 6/71 blown engine of any capacity into the engine bay (and through the bonnet) would have attracted the wrong sort of attention. Thankfully, there’s still plenty of factory blown LSA crate engines on offer, and when they are pumping out 430kW, they are the perfect package to repower something like this HQ. Even in standard form, the LSA would have been worlds in front of anything the old school five-litre was capable of. But once again, Daniel wanted more. So it was off to Addicted Performance where the guys added a pair 78
of Higgin’s Race Heads with custom valves, springs and pushrods along with 1200cc injectors, modified supercharger snout and a much beefier camshaft. A Camaro sump and modified oil pump work together to keep the blown 6.2-litre LS well lubricated, whilst an Aeromotive pump ensures the 98-octane fuel keeps flowing into the engine at a rapid rate. A full stainless exhaust system dumps the gases with ease whilst providing a great sound. Late model engines react well to minor mods and when tested on the dyno, this LSA impressed with 800hp! A tough Turbo 400 auto is now bolted up to the LSA and features billet internals, extra clutches and a TCE converter with a 3000rpm stall speed to handle the grunt passing through it. A four-inch custom tailshaft sends the power rearward to the Detroit Locker nine-inch diff with its 3.5-geared Strange centre and 31-spline billet axles. So far, the entire driveline has proved to be bullet-proof!
A true performance car needs to not just go like hell, but also be able to handle and brake just as well.
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With all the power on board, the circa ’73 suspension never stood a chance of being kept in place. A true performance car needs to not just go like hell, but also be able to handle and brake just as well. To help in the handling department, each end scored adjustable coil-over shocks whilst a quartet of Wilwood disc and calipers easily handle the braking duties. For wheels, Daniel is torn between the 17x4.5 and 15x9-inch Weld RT series rims and the widened GTS wheels he had bolted up on the day. As his mood changes, so do the rolling stock…
To date, Daniel has invested two years and a considerable amount of the folding stuff to get the GTS to where it is now. So what is there left to do? “Nothing at all!”, Daniel said. “I love how it is now. I just plan to get to as many cruise nights as I can and take it down the track as well!” Sounds like a bloody great plan to me…
Daniel’s transition into owning this HQ GTS was anything but typical. There was no wreck to pull from the back of a barn covered in years of dust and there was no pile of parts sitting beside a half-finished shell. 80
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STRAIGHT Talker With show car looks and 9-sec time slips, this over-the-top Capri tells it how it is…
JOHN JANKOV - 1969 FORD CAPRI GT WORDS / PICS / VIDEO - PAUL BECK RACE PICS - GRANT STEPHENS / CACKLING PIPES 82
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Yane Jankov, John to his mates, has built himself one of the most impressive Capri’s in the country. It’s a show winner, makes plenty of reliable horsepower and has stormed down the Sydney Dragway quarter mile in a shade over 9-seconds! If you’re not impressed by that, best you stop reading Performance Street Car now and go take up stamp collecting… When John bought this Capri in the mid 90’s, it was fitted with an aspirated 351 that ran 10-sec ET’s. The biggest selling point though was that it was fully engineered and street legal. John then proceeded to give the entire car a rebuild to make it his own and do some upgrades to the already tough package. As cool as it was having a ten-second street car, John wanted more. And with his mind made up, the Capri was stripped down and subjected to a massive rebuild that would consume a number of years.
On pump fuel and set at just 7-pounds of boost, the pumped Clevo produced 720hp. Adding another 5-pounds resulted in an extra 100hp!
THANKS TO: Bill at BK Race Engines for the tough, reliable street and strip engine. Andrew at GAS250 Restorations for the awesome panel and paint that still looks great! Dave at Top End Interiors for the amazing interior work. Anim at APE Fabrications for all the custom work. Last but not least my family for just being there throughout the journey! 84
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It’s plainly obvious that the days of running a single carb are well and truly over. John sat down with Billy at BK Race Engines to devise a plan that would see the Capri’s engine bay overflowing with a big cube, supercharged Cleveland! Starting the engine build off with a Nascar “XE” 4-bolt block, Bill added some top shelf gear in the way of a forged steel Eagle crank and rod combo that took the capacity out to 380-cubes. Custom CP blower pistons wrapped in Moly file-back rings soon joined the party along with a secret custom grind roller Comps Cam and matching lifters. A modified stock oil pump ensures the slippery stuff gets around the engine from the ASR custom Pro-Series sump. Bill then prepped a pair of CHI 4V alloy heads, porting them before fitting Manley “severe-duty” valves and titanium retainers and NexTek springs
– also from the Manley catalogue. With the heads secured to the bottom end, Bill fitted up the induction, adding the Newby intake, 6/71 blower and twin 825cfm BG carbs. The full MSD ignition system comprising of a shortened Pro-Billet distributor, 10mm leads and 10-plus ignition box, makes firing the beast into life so much easier. Finishing off the engine packages is a pair of custom headers with 4-inch collectors flow into the dual stainless exhaust system that uses no less than four handmade mufflers to keep the noise at a respectable level. On pump fuel and set at just 7-pounds of boost, the pumped Clevo produced 720hp. Adding another 5-pounds resulted in an extra 100hp! The engine has proven ultra-reliable over the 13-years it’s been in the Capri and that includes plenty of runs down the quarter!
When John bought this Capri in the mid 90’s, it was fitted with an aspirated 351 that ran 10-sec ET’s. 86
Backing the pumped small block is a two-speed Powerglide that now features a manual valve body and transbrake, with the Dominator “Top Eliminator” converter offering up a stall speed of 5500rpm. Gear changes are made via a Hurst Quarter-stick shifter. A chrome-moly, 3.5-inch tailshaft with large billet yokes connects the transmission to the braced nine-inch diff, ensuring the power gets to the third member without any embarrassing moments, and then it’s up to the Strange Ultra-case with 3.9-geared alloy centre and 35-spline Strange billet axles to get the power out to the 18x10.5-inch Weld RTS wheels and 28x12 Mickey Thompson tyres. The diff is located with an adjustable four-link using a panhard bar and Strange adjustable coil over shocks to hook-up at the track. DBA slotted, drilled and ventilated discs are mounted to the rear end with Ford calipers supplying ample stopping power. The opposite end of the Capri’s underside features Pedders springs over modified 90/10 struts, with Wilwood discs and calipers adapted to help slow the Capri. The front wheels measure just 18x4.5-inches. 87
And with his mind made up, the Capri was stripped down and subjected to a massive rebuild that would consume a number of years.
Externally, the Capri wasn’t in bad shape when John became the owner. The body was fairly solid, giving Andrew at GAS250 Restorations a good platform to work with. Before any new paint could be laid onto the Capri, the quarter panels were stretched and mini-tubs installed before the body was taken back to its original bare steel. Not wanting to destroy a hard-to-find steel bonnet, John added the only fibreglass panel to the Capri, and then cut a huge hole in it to let the engine hang through. Happy with how the body looked, Andrew loaded his spray gun full of a custom mix blue and emptied the contents onto the
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Capri’s perfectly straight panels. To contrast the body colour, John had Dave at Top End Interiors stitch up the trim in Mercedes Grey leather, covering the Velo race seats, dash, door trims and headlining, all the while having to work around the Rod Andrews fabricated roll cage. The dash is now home to a variety of AutoMeter gauges that sit directly behind the MOMO steering wheels. Keeping the street car theme going, the seats and seat belts are ADR and engineer approved. There’s no stereo fitted, and really why would you bother when there’s a big blower up front providing the right cruising tune!
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Since its completion, the Capri has wowed show judges, taking home gold at many events including a Top 5 Judged at Powercruise, 1st place Top 2Door and Top Undercarriage at MotorEx, Top Muscle Car at the All Ford Day, Top 20 Elite at Summernats amongst the impressive haul. But it’s not just on the show circuit that this Capri excels. John had always wanted that engine to show its might on the track and it done just that with a best ET of 9.1 to its credit. So, what now for the Capri? John is in two minds at the moment. Part of him wants to go back to an aspirated, single carb deal and bolt the reverse cowl bonnet on to make street use a little less painful, but the racer in him is saying to swap the blower for a Teflon stripped version and hit the track again and go for an 8. Decisions, decisions…
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ON ANY SUNDAY
UNOFFICIAL QUEENSCLIFF ROD RUN - QUEENSCLIFF, VICTORIA PICS - CHAD SILVEY WORDS - PAUL BECK
Fun
UNOFFICIAL
Ok, so the official Queenscliff Rod Run was cancelled due to that dreaded virus, but car guys and girls decided that nothing was going to stop them from converging on the town anyway for a weekend of car-related good times! Situated in southern Victoria on the Bellarine Peninsula, the coastal town usually has a population of around 1500 people, but once a year, that number swells considerably when hundreds of custom car owners flock to the town for the annual Queenscliff Rod Run – one of the most popular events in Victoria. But, as 2020 finished, 2021 has seemingly followed and much to the disappointment of everyone, the Geelong Street Rodders club decided to pull the pin on the event that was scheduled for Feb 5-7.
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As we’ve come to expect, it wasn’t just the pre ’48 Hot Rod crowd that decided to spend a weekend away in Queenscliff with many tough as nails street machines joining in on the fun.
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ON ANY SUNDAY
Now we all know that just because somethings cancelled, doesn’t necessarily mean that its not going to happen. With that said, the main street of Queenscliff, with its historic buildings lining each side, was soon filled with the sound of rumbling engines and the cheers of those lining the streets enjoying the spectacle.
A good time is a good time whether it’s a sanctioned event or just a group of car crazy guys and gals just hanging out with each other.
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ON ANY SUNDAY
Now we all know that just because somethings cancelled, doesn’t necessarily mean that its not going to happen...
As we’ve come to expect, it wasn’t just the pre ’48 Hot Rod crowd that decided to spend a weekend away in Queenscliff with many tough as nails street machines joining in on the fun. So it may not have been the official run, but that didn’t matter for those who turned up anyway. A good time is a good time whether it’s a sanctioned event or just a group of car crazy guys and gals just hanging out with each other. And that’s exactly what this non-event was. Unofficially, of course… 96
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FULL PIT ACCESS TUFF DAY OUT ON TRACK FOR CANBERRA – OCT 30TH
Brad Gordon has taken the plunge and booked not one, but two of the buildings (and their forecourts) at Exhibition Park in Canberra to stage the first ever, Tuff Day Out. With set up happening on Friday 29th, when the doors open to the public on Saturday midday, spectators will be greeted by a massive display of highpowered street machines, hot rods, drag cars, bikes and boats. There will also be lots of trade stands – including Performance Street Car magazine, as well as plenty of food and refreshments, live music and kids entertainment available. But it’s not just about the vehicles on display, its also about raising money and awareness for Men’s Mental Health, in particular, the Black Dog Institute. For more information on the Tuff Day Out and how you can be a part of it, call Brad on 0418 608969.
NITRO FUNNY CARS RETURN TO SYDNEY DRAGWAY
There’s nothing like the smell of nitro, the sight of those header flames and the unpredictability of the Nostalgia Funny Cars! The Aeroflow Outlaw Nitro Funny Cars return to the Sydney Dragway strip on Saturday March 27th as part of the Atura Championship Series. These crazy machines will be on track at 4pm, 6pm and again at 8pm in a display that will get your senses tingling. For more information, checkout www.sydneydragway.com.au
VIDEO OF THE MONTH
STREET CAR VS. PRO MOD ON USA HIGHWAY
ARE YOU TOWING YOUR CAR LEGALLY?
Do you know what the actual legal limit is that you can tow with your vehicle? We are hearing of more and more people being pulled over to see if their tow vehicle can legally pull their trailer with the car, tools, fuel etc all packed in. If you need to increase your GVM to allow more capacity, you need to call the experts at Lovells Automotive. Lovells have a huge range of GVM upgrade kits that can make your tow car legal. Check out the range at www.lovellsauto.com.au
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OUTLAW DRAG RADIAL TOP TEN LIST 1/8 MILE - OUTLAW 1. Wade Wagstaff 3.812 @ 200.26mph 2. Craig Burns 3.890 @ 192.92mph 3. Perry Bullivant 3.938 @ 202.61mph 4. Joe Gauci 3.939 @ 199.35mph 5. Ben Bray 3.959 @ 201.76mph 6. John Ricca 3.964 @ 199.49mph 7. Kyle Hopf/Terry Seng 3.964 @ 199.82mph 8. Harley Hamilton 3.990 @ 197.00mph 9. Jarrod Wood 3.990 @ 196.00mph 10. Matthew Grubisa 4.020 @ 199.80mph 1/8 MILE – 275 TYRE 1. Stu Henry 2. Farrugia/Androutsos 3. Tim Cross 4. Tony Webb 5. Michael Kalaitzakis 6. Sam Metro/Maatouk 7. Steve Bezzina 8. Matt McCarthy 9. Varun Sharman 10. Robert Marjan
4.196 @ 176.8 mph 4.264@ 181.98 mph 4.290 @ 178.95 mph 4.347 @ 177.42 mph 4.363 @ 186.02 mph 4.422 @ 175.25 mph 4.436 @ 171.71 mph 4.45 @ 168.75 mph 4.470 @ 16.736 mph 4.475 @ 164.69 mph
¼ MILE - OUTLAW 1. Joe Gauci 2. Sam Metro/Maatouk 3. Farrugia/Androutsos 4. Daniel Nunziante 5. Dom Luppino 6. Profab/Forster 7. Perry Bullivant 8. Mark Leake 9. Steve Bezzina 10. Harley Hamilton
6.052 @ 241.50mph (315) 6.472 @ 219.94 (275) 6.557 @ 215.93mph (275) 6.580 @ 228mph 6.600 @ 230mph (315) 6.620 @ 192mph (315) 6.670 @ 217mph (315) 6.700 @ 220mph (315) 6.723 @ 208.88mph (275) 6.782 @ 168mph (315)
¼ MILE – 275 TYRE 1. Sam Metro/Maatouk 2. Farrugia/Androutsos 3. Steve Bezzina 4. Varun Sharma 5. Tim Cross 6. Nader/Maatouk 7. Joe Gauci 8. Robert Marjan 9. Frank Tarabay 10. Danny Busbridge
6.472 @ 219.94 6.557 @ 215.93 6.723 @ 208.88 6.79 @ 212.16 6.80 @ 214 6.84 @ 209 6.85 @ 215 6.868 @ 204.20 6.94 @ 204 6.940 @ 199.64
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FULL PIT ACCESS
SYDNEY DRAGWAY www.sydneydragway.com Every Wednesday Evening – Aeroflow Race for Real
Mar 13 Mar 20 Apr 2 Jul 3
SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE NOW FOR HEATHCOTE PARK RACEWAY
Are you looking for a way to promote you business to a large crowd during regular race meetings? Then you need to get some signage up at Heathcote Park Raceway. Here’s the deal. Pick up the phone, call Stephen Verschuren, the Event Promotion and Sponsorship Manager on 0412 643992 and find out the packages that are on offer. As you know, Heathcote Park Raceway is undergoing a huge makeover and will be the number one track in Victoria in no time. Why wouldn’t you be a part of that? You can also reach him via email at: stephen.verschuren@ heathcoteparkraceway.com.au
HAVE YOU SUBSCRIBED YET? GO TO www.pscmag.com.au DO IT NOW! IT’S FREE! 100
Day of the Drags Sydney Jamboree Good Fryday Burnouts Grudge Kings
HIDDEN VALLEY DRAG STRIP www.hiddenvalleydrags.com Apr 24 Competition Saturday Rnd-1 May 15 Competition Saturday Rnd-2 July 16/17 Top End Nationals STEEL CITY DRAG CLUB www.steelcitydrags.com May 15/16 Steel City Nats SUNSET STRIP MILDURA www.sunsetstrip.org.au
Apr 2-3 Easter Supercharged Shoot-Out Aug 21-22 Nostalgia Drags BENARABY DRAGWAY www.benarabydragway.com
Mar 27 Apr 24
RACER PROFILE
CQDRA Championships Round 2 CQDRA Championships Round 3
NAME: Simon Kryger
OCCUPATION: Workshop Supervisor
VEHICLE: INOCNT Torana ENGINE: 864ci Nitrous Chev BEST ET & MPH: 4.28@170mph over the 1/8th mile. MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN RACING: Racing at Thunder 400 in Pro Radial finals with Dale Heiler. We both killed the tree and it was the closest race I’ve had! AND I WON OVER A TURBO CAR! FIERCEST COMPETITOR: Craig Burns. We give each other that much shit before and on the start line! It’s heaps of fun even when he is helping me on my car and his on the start line. I’ve still got time to tell him his Number-1 when I’m doing the burnout (the bird). FAVOURITE PLACE TO RACE: Sydney Dragway
SOUTH COAST RACEWAY www.southcoastraceway.com.au No Events Listed.
FAVOURITE CLASS TO WATCH: Anything with Radials.
PERTH MOTORPLEX www.motorplex.com.au Every Wednesday – Whoop Ass Wednesday Mar 20 Nitro Championship
FUTURE PLANS: To go faster with lots more mods currently being done!
SPRINGMOUNT RACEWAY www.springmountraceway.com Mar 20 Test ‘n’ Tune / Race Ya Mate May 7-9 Northern Nats PLEASE NOTE: Due to Covid-19, some events may have been cancelled or postponed after they were listed here. Please always check the relevant websites for up to date event information.
CAREER HIGHLIGHT: Beating Ben Bray with a nitrous car! We gave each other shit for weeks before that meeting! He is a good man.
WORDS TO LIVE BY: Keep living the dream!
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FULL PIT2021ACCESS HOLDEN DRAG NATIONALS
There’s still time to enter the Holden Drag Nationals to be held at the new and improved Heathcote Park Raceway on Saturday, March 27th. Proudly supported by Performance Street Car Magazine and a host of great sponsors, the 2021 Holden Drag Nationals is sure to be one of the biggest and best race meets to be held at Heathcote Raceway this year. For more information, click on the poster!
PRE EVENT - TEST & TUNE FRIDAY 26th MARCH Racing from 5.30pm till late Entrant Fee $80 Spectators $25 Kids under 14 FREE (open to anyone) HOLDEN NATIONALS EVENT SATURDAY 27th MARCH Racing from 10am till late Pre Entries Only Via Facebook page (limited spots) Entrants $140 Spectators $25 Kids under 14 FREE NO EFT facilities on site
SCALED DOWN DRAG RACING
I recently clicked on an ad for Radio Control Pro Mod cars, which ultimately led me to check out some video’s of these scaled Drag Racing meets held in local car parks all over America. For under $1000, you could have a competitive car that doesn’t need a second mortgage to race. Check out the video! They even have No Prep and Cash Days events! How much fun does this look?
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ANTHONY GALEA - XD FALCON WORDS / PICS / VIDEO - PAUL BECK
Brave HEART
We’ve all heard the saying “LS the world!” but is putting a Chev engine into a Falcon going just a little too far? Anthony Galea doesn’t think so… 104
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There are some people that just toe the line for fear of upsetting the masses, sticking to what’s considered normal just to keep the peace. Then there’s Anthony Galea. He slotted a six-litre LS into his well-worn XD Falcon knowing full well it was going to shock the purists. Don’t expect an apology any time soon though… So, here’s the thing about building a custom car. It’s custom. No one wants to build something that is going to just blend in with the crowd when at an event, out cruising or just hanging out with your mates at the workshop.
Fitting the narrower 6-litre L98 engine between the Falcon’s strut towers wasn’t a big of a job as you might expect.
Having something different gets a reaction, and Anthony obviously loves seeing people scratch their heads in disbelief whenever the bonnet on the Falcon is open, putting the Chev engine on display. Even if you despise the LS engine, there’s no denying that they make great usable horsepower and the supply seems to be never ending. And then there’s the aftermarket that has an amazing amount of go-fast gear available. It’s no wonder so many people choose the LS over any other engine package. For Anthony, working at Castle Hill Performance, he is surrounded by tough cars and engines all day, so it wasn’t a huge surprise to see his lowly Falcon get some added grunt. 106
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Fitting the narrower 6-litre L98 engine between the Falcon’s strut towers wasn’t a big of a job as you might expect. New mounts were sourced from the Castlemaine Rod Shop and the factory sump was modified to hold an extra 2-litres of oil. Internally, the six-litre is fairly basic. Built in house at Castle Hill Performance, the only upgrades made were a swap to LS3 heads that have been fitted with dual valve springs, and a trunnion rocker bush kit from Crow Cams. There’s also a double row timing chain installed, and a custom cam both also from the Crow Cams catalogue,
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along with LS7 lifters, Manley 7.400 pushrods and a hi-psi Mellings oil pump. Externally, the factory injectors were junked to make way for 2200cc Bosch items and the standard issue throttle body was replaced with a 90mm version from a VF series Commodore. A pair of Walbro 525 fuel pumps ensures the engine never leans out. The custom turbo headers hold a single Garret T51R that produces a menacing whistle as it comes on boost. The rest of the exhaust consists of a 3.5-inch full custom system with two mufflers. Stock VE SS coils provide the spark to get the six-litre firing.
There are some people that just toe the line for fear of upsetting the masses, sticking to what’s considered normal just to keep the peace. Then there’s Anthony Galea.
A reverse-pattern Turbo 400 auto built by Shift Right is mated to the turbo six-litre. Rated at around 1000hp and equipped with a 3500rpm Accelerate converter, the box handles the power with ease. A B&M stealth Pro Ratchet shifter ensure quick, sharp gear shifts. Ricky’s Drive Shafts constructed a tough 3.5-inch driveshaft that takes the power from the Turbo 400 to the nineinch diff built buy Speedy’s Diffs using a full-spool 3.5-geared centre and 31-spline billet axles, rounding out the tough as nails driveline. There’s been plenty of upgrades made to the Falcon’s underside, hidden by the 20-inch FR Simmons wheels including 2-inch lowered springs and 90/10 shocks from Pedders on the front along with 320mm Wilwood discs and calipers. Down at the rear, the diff sits on Motor Fab mono leaf sliders with a 2-inch drop, working in with Strange adjustable shocks to make sure that when the boost comes on, the XD hooks up hard. Wilwood discs and calipers are fitted to the rear end as well.
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Whilst the XD was in very ordinary shape when Anthony swapped a VX Senator for it, that’s no longer the case now that Kosta and the team at Body Tech took the XD’s aging body and gave it a complete makeover, removing years of neglect and plenty of rust that this model is known for. After the panels were straightened, primed and ready for colour, Kosta coated the Falcon is a silky-smooth coat of Toyota Anthracite, covering the body and engine bay. Mark from the The Little Trimmer got the nod
to restitch the interior, removing the old trim and adding in black vinyl covering the factory seats and door trims. The factory fitted steering wheel has been replaced with an aftermarket drag wheel with bump in and transbrake buttons. Like the steering wheel, the original gauges are now just a memory, their place taken by a way more accurate and informative, Haltech IC7 instrument panel. At this stage, there’s no roll cage fitted, but Anthony does have a 6-point cage ready to go.
He slotted a six-litre LS into his well-worn XD Falcon knowing full well it was going to shock the purists. Don’t expect an apology any time soon though…
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THANKS TO: Dave, Chris and Dale at Castle Hill Performance – if it wasn’t for these guys it wouldn’t have finished up like this. Kosta, Bella, Wayne and Josh at Body Tech for the body and paint work. Everyone at Haltech for their products and complete re-wire (check it out on Youtube). Steve at Shift Right for the gearbox. Jimmy at Speedy’s Diffs for the rear end. The boys at Hi-Octane Performance Coatings. Mark at The Little Trim for the new Interior. Luke at Motor Fab for the rear suspension set up.
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The “Hybrid Falcon” was constructed in just over 12-months, consuming around $50K in the process, a figure that could have been much higher if he didn’t have the right people beside him helping out with the build. Anthony is the first to admit that the car will probably never be completely finished, and plans on adding a bigger turbo to a fully built motor as the next stage of the XD’s progression.
1800FATHER
For Dads that need help with domestic violence, child access disputes and Family Law anywhere in Australia.
Having something different gets a reaction, and Anthony obviously loves seeing people scratch their heads in disbelief whenever the bonnet on the Falcon is open Still not convinced about Anthony’s conversion? Check out the facts. A near stock 6.0-litre with a single turbo makes 600rwhp, the aftermarket is full of performance goodies and there’s so much ongoing development surrounding the LS engine happening around the world, that power gains seem endless. If that’s not enough to convince you, you’re very hard to please… 112
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.
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KILLER PIC Photo by Daniel Ward
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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 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