p i r T d a o R
UPDATES
ISSUE #39 - AUG 2021
QLD ALL DAY
Inside! 590hp 383ci EH Ute
700hp ‘67 Plymouth GTX 640hp Rammed XW Fairmont 750hp Twin Turbo LS2 57 Chev plus much more!
548hp, 355ci Tuff Street Elite LC Torana
TUFFSSTREET pecial Issue!
Blown 363ci XR Falcon
From the Desk
The latest series of Covid-related lockdowns has forced temporary changes to Performance Street Car! In their infinite wisdom, the Government have decided to force us non-essential workers to stop working, and no matter how much I tried to explain I have a magazine due every fourweeks, the person on the other end of the phone simply didn’t care. To say I was getting frustrated and maybe just a little stropy with that person, is a gross understatement. Their inability to even consider my situation had my blood boiling. I didn’t give up there however. After numerous more phone calls and messages, the best advice I could get was that “you should be OK to continue on with your work to produce the magazine, but the car owners can’t partake in any photoshoots away from their homes because for them, it’s not considered essential.” I then asked about doing photoshoots in their home garage or workshop and I was told, “No, they are not allowed to have visitors.” How’s that for a double edge sword? OK, so now I have two options to consider – either put the mag on hold until the lockdowns are eased (and that could be months) or I could do some “theme” magazines, keeping all of the regular PSC features in place, but putting together a line up of cool cars from previous issues – a “Best Of” if you like… So with that in mind, welcome to the first Tuff Street special – a collection of highhorsepower street cars that offer Pro-Street styling, but with the emphasis placed firmly on cruising the streets! I’ve run quite a few of these over the years in the pages of Killer Rides and Performance Street Car and for those with a thirst for hardcore, high-octane street cars, you’re going to love the mix. Rest assured, as soon as we can, those camera’s will once again be pointing at some of the toughest street and strip cars I can find. We just have to get through these tough times first, so I hope you hang in there with me, I’m doing everything I can to get the mag out on time. Hope you’re all safe and well and are spending the down time getting your own rides sorted and ready to rumble some time soon. See you on the street,
Paul 03
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ISSUE NO.39 August 2021
CONTENTS REGULARS
03 EDITORIAL From the Desk 10 WHAT’S HAPPENING News, views and things of interest.
26
Ready To Rumble LC Torana
18 HAVE YOUR SAY Tell us what you think. 20
COMING ATTRACTION Tuff Street HT Kingswood..
38 MY FAVOURITE PHOTO Blown Group A VK Commodore 82 ON ANY SUNDAY Queensland’s All Ford Day 88
FULL PIT ACCESS Motorsport News.
104 KILLER PIC Pro-Street Legend: Joseph Somma - Ford Cortina
40 Raising Hell XR Falcon
72 Going the Full Circle XW Fairmont
50 Purple Reign Plymouth GTX
82 Blue Oval Brotherhood
60 57 Shades of Grey 57 Chev
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106 PERFORMANCE DIRECTORY Quick Find Ad’s. 108 WINDOW SHOPPING What’s New. 124 PARTING SHOT UCSMOKE in action!
FEATURES
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READY TO RUMBLE Tough Street Elite 355ci LC Torana
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RAISING HELL Blown 363ci XR Falcon Ute
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PURPLE REIGN 700-plus horsepower Plymouth GTX
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57 SHADES OF GREY Twin-turbo LS-powered ‘57 Chev Tudor
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GOING THE FULL CIRCLE GT-styled, rammed XW Fairmont 20-YEAR APPRENTICE Candy-coloured 383-cube EH Ute
Don’t forget to Subscribe at www.pscmag.com.au
20-Year Apprentice EH Ute
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
Finalists No.7 - July 2021
POWERCRUISE TOP 150 MASTERBLAST
The Powercruise Masterblast is a mini-Powercruise event that’s all about maximum entertainment. To be held at Sydney Motorsport Park on Saturday 4th September, the Powercruise Top 150 Masterblast will feature 150 of the toughest, coolest, wildest cars all taking part in a high-powered program featuring all of the Powercruise favourite events including a cruise session, Street Outlaw Grudge Racing, Powerskids, Drifting Demo’s, a huge show and shine and Dream Team exhibitions on the main straight all while a band pumps out hardcore tunes on the roof top! The event will kick off at 5.30pm and will run for around 5-hours. For more info, check out the Powercruise website – www.powercruise.com
COVID CONCERNS FORCE TUFF DAY OUT TO POSTPONE!
It’s a situation that we’ve come to expect each day - the cancellation or postponment of a motoring event, and the latest casualty is the much anticipated Tuff Day Out that was to happen at EPIC in Canberra on Saturday, October 30th. The uncertainty of when this virus will be controlled meant that event promoters like Brad Gordon are unable to guarantee that their events would go ahead.
With the majority of the entrant cars coming from outside the ACT, no one knows for sure that the borders would be open and whether travelling into and out of certain area’s was going to be a possibility. At this stage, Brad is looking to secure a new date and when he does, we’ll start promoting the new Tuff Day Out! Stay tuned...
It seems the Mopar guys were voting in force this month, with Leo’s VF Valiant Coupe scooping pole position from last issue… Who will you pick from this issue? All will be revealed in Issue #39. Send your vote to paul@pscmag.com.au
CHRYSLERS ON THE MURRAY CANCELLED FOR 2021!
After pushing their event back from March to October, the organisers of the annual Chryslers on the Murray event have decided to pull the pin on the 2021 event, opting instead to concentrate on bringing a bigger and better event to Wodonga in the traditional dates of March 18, 19 and 20, 2022. Next year’s event will be a huge celebration of Chargers 50th anniversary so you can expect a huge turnout of the Aussie muscle car. For more information and updates, check out the official website: www.chryslersonthemurray.com 10
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UPDATE
WEBSITE UPDATED
I’ve added a new page to the website, where each entrant will be listed along with their vehicle that they will be bringing along to the cruise. It will give an insight to what you will see cruising from Wollongong to Ballarat. So don’t forget, when you send your entry paperwork in, please enclose a nice pic of your car!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Do you have a business that would like to support the Performance Street Car Road Trip? Get your business in front of thousands of potential customers as a sponsor of the Road Trip. There’s a few different sponsorship options available too with payment plans possible. The benefits of being part of this event are also listed on the website! Check WELCOME DAY ONE SPONSOR Welcome to Lovells Automotive Systems, the out all the details on the website. sponsor of Day One of the PSC Road Trip. Lovells Automotive Systems are the industry leaders in automotive suspension components as well as GVM Upgrades – a necessity for those towing their race/show cars in a vehicle that may not legally be up to the task. Check out their informative website at www.lovellsauto.com.au
www.pscmag.com.au
SOUTHERN ROD & CUSTOM TOUR ON ROAD TRIP
Shane Rowe and his team at Southern Rod and Custom will host the lunchtime stop at his amazing complex where automotive dreams are created. Entrants will be treated to a shop tour and no doubt a display of some of his previous and upcoming builds. Big thanks to Shane for allowing the Road Tour to swing by. 12
KEEP UP TO DATE AT THE OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE - CLICK THE LOGO!
9
Gary Myers - Burnout Legend!
! gs rin Sp lls ve Lo e us I y wh ’s at th , rs ca y m in s rt pa st “I only use the be ” o! to e oic ch ur yo em th e ak M ! rs ye M am Te r Lovells are the ONLY choice fo
www.lovellsauto.com.au
WHAT’S HAPPENING KILLER
Video
TIM ALLEN’S CAR COLLECTION Video by GQ Car Collectors
PREMIUM UNLEADED FRAGRANCE FROM FORD
Whilst some electric cars give their drivers a regular petrol engine sound, Ford of Europe have gone to the next level, with the creation of a petrol fume fragrance for owners of the electric Mustang’s to revive the traditional smell from driving a petrol engine car. Inspired by chemicals that are emitted from car interiors, engines and petrol” – including benzaldehyde, “an almond-like scent given off by car interiors”, and para-cresol which is “key in creating the rubbery scent of tyres.” Don’t head down to your local dealership though with a fist full of cash to grab yourself a bottle, as the Mustang Mach-E petrol-inspired fragrance is not available to the public to buy…yet! Meanwhile, a Ford-commissioned survey claims one in five drivers said the smell of petrol is what they’d miss most when swapping to an electric vehicle, “with almost 70 per cent claiming they would miss the smell of petrol to some degree”.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
DARE TO BE DIFFERENT – 1961 OLDSMOBILE
In standard form, the ’61 Oldsmobile isn’t what you’d call tough. Stylish? Absolutely, but definitely not even close to being considered a tough street car. But, when you tub the rear end, bolt on some big fat tyres, add a stack-injected big block Chev and give the body the right colour, it goes to show anything is possible…
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INCLUDES CASE STUDIES & ARTICLES OF ONE OF A KIND PRODUCTS
Mailed to your home or business
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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.
A VALIANT EFFORT
G’day Paul, WOW, how cool is that Valiant you put on the cover this month? It’s so refreshing to see something that’s not a Torana, Monaro or XY Falcon. Congrats to Leo for not only thinking outside the square, but for also doing something out of the box. On behalf of all Mopar guys and girls, thank you for showcasing this brilliant car! Simon G Via Email Hi Paul, Stunning! That’s the only word I can use to describe Leo’s amazing Valiant coupe. The colour scheme, engine combo, wheel choice and interior style is something else. And although some of my mates hated the bonnet treatment, I love it. It certainly makes a statement! Issue #38 was just a great issue all round. Keep it up! Ryan S Via Messenger.
USA CAR SCENE AWESOME
Hi Paul, Thanks for showcasing the US Street Machine Nationals and the Pro-Street event in Issue #38. I love the US scene and the variety of cars they have. Imagine how cool it would be to be able to cruise that wild stuff here! I also love the fact that the American’s take pride in doing something out of the ordinary! One day soon I hope to get there… Benny G Via Email G’day Benny, You and me both mate…
PSC ROAD TRIP – WHO IS ALLOWED TO CRUISE? DARE TO BE DIFFERENT G’day Paul, I was alerted about your Road Trip event in October next year by a friend of mine and I jumped on the website to take a look. This is going to be great. I do have a question though, is it only for highly modified cars or can anyone come along? I have a 2018 Mustang GT and although its mainly stock – with the exception of the bigger wheels, I’d still like to cruise the whole distance. Would that be OK? Peter M Via Email
Hi Paul, Thanks for featuring some oddball cars like George’s Monte Carlo. I saw this cruising the streets near Miranda a few Sunday’s ago and loved the look, sound and attitude the car has on the street. And its hard to miss being as big as it is. I love the fact that George decided to build something so unique. There should be more of it happening in Australia. Clare W Via Messenger
G’day Peter, The whole idea for the cruise was to have car enthusiasts cruising together to raise money and awareness for Men’s Mental Health issues through GOTCHA4LIFE. Your Mustang will be fine to cruise along. We just didn’t want to see a heap of stock, family cars cruising. It’s all about “special interest cars”. Thanks for your interest. Paul.
Hi Clare, You may have seen George cruising to or from the photo shoot as it was done around that area. Yes it’s tough, yes its different and yes, it’s very, very big! And I agree, we should see more odd-ball stuff like this being built. Paul
Hi Guys, Thanks for the feedback on Leo’s Valiant. When I first saw this in all its glory at the Sydney Show, I was gobsmacked. The colour was glowing under the venue’s lights and after I battled through the crowd surrounding it, I was loving the styling of the build. This is certainly one of the most unique Mopar’s featured in PSC Mag. Paul 18
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COMING ATTRACTIONS
Nick Ristevski delivered the Kingswood to Matt at Pro-Street Industries as a roller with a long list of requests. Nick wanted his HT to be one of the toughest on the streets of Wollongong and when it makes the transition to the track, he didn’t wanted to be embarrassed by an ET that simply didn’t cut it. Matt knows exactly what it takes to build a killer street and strip runner.
NOT THE Kingswood! NICK RISTEVSKI - 1970 HT KINGSWOOD WORDS / PICS - PAUL BECK WORKSHOP - PRO-STREET INDUSTRIES
It may have started life as a stock 6-pack HT Kingswood with white walls, hubcaps and a venetian blind, but when it returns to the street, it will have more power, more rubber and much more attitude!
SHEET-METAL DIFF 35-SPLINE FLOATERS DOUBLE BEADLOCK WELD WHEELS 20
BOLT-IN CHROME-MOLY ROLL CAGE VELO SEATS
DRY-SUMP. DART BLOC K SINGLE TURBO 427CI LS WITH POWERGLIDE!
COMMODORE RACK & PINION STEERING ADAPTED TO HT FRONT END
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Starting with the rear-end, Matt too the grinder to the factory wheel tubs, removing them from the factory appointed spots, replacing them with wider versions to minitub the HT to allow enough room to fit the 15x10 double-beadlock Weld wheels and appropriate sized rubber. The work didn’t end there though, with the Holden diff assembly being given the flick in favour of a sheet-metal housing with Race Products 35-spline floaters. The back half of the HT also scored a host of Gazzard Bros gear including springs, shocks, traction bars and anti-roll bars.
The Holden straight-six is long gone, and in its place will sit a much more impressive LS-combo that will be sure to put those big rear tyres to the test.
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Inside, there a PSI-fabricated bolt-in chrome-moly roll cage that encompasses the interior space, with one of the Velo race seats added to mock up the fitment. At this stage, that is as far as Nick has progressed with the interior makeover.
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The Holden straight-six is long gone, and in its place will sit a much more impressive LScombo that will be sure to put those big rear tyres to the test. With 427-cubes coming from the Dart-block inspired build, the LS will also feature a dry sump set-up, Higgins heads and for induction, a big single turbo. Yep, this HT is going to be making plenty of power, yet be totally streetable. Backing the big cube small block will be a purpose-built Powerglide with all the fruit that will send all that power through to the unbreakable rear-end. The motor will sit over a factory HT front end that is getting a Commodore rack adapted to it.
There’s no hint of colour combinations as yet, but we will bring you an update when the boys mock the engine up into the HT’s bay to start work on the pipes etc. Stay tuned… 24
READY TO
Rumble!
JASON MCGRATH_LC TORANA WORDS / PICS – PAUL BECK 26
Where would a car guy be without his like-minded mates? Probably still sitting in the shed, alone and trying to work out where to start on the project car! With just weeks before Summernats 31, the boys were sitting around with no completed car between them, and that’s when Jason suggested they pool their combined talents and get his LC Torana finished and on its way to Canberra for the annual car festival. Jason had purchased the LC some 15 years earlier after longing for the model since his school days. The LC was a partially completed project, but was finished enough for Jason to cruise home. The intention was to build it straight away, but as is usually the case, he either had the time and no money or money and no time to spend it. Jason did have a firm plan of what he eventually wanted to Torana be, he just needed all the planets to align to make it happen. Which they did – just replace the word planets with mates!
With the help of some close mates, Jason McGrath transformed his neglected LC Torana project into a Summernats Top 20 standout. 27
Or Jason, there was always only one engine choice – the humble 308. The Torana had already been approved for a Holden V8, so it was an easy choice to keep it that way. Though now stroked to 355ci, the Holden ‘big block’ was pieced together by Vince Macri at Macri Motors. The goal was for around five-hundred streetable horsepower. Vince added a Scat stroker crank and rod combo to the prepped VK-spec block along with a solid roller cam and lifter kit that produces an angry-than-thou idle. Massaged VN Commodore
heads soon joined the party but not before the Manley valves, better springs and rockers were added. Jason wanted to keep the Torana as a reliable street car, so he opted for a single 750cfm AED carb mounted to the coated Torque Power dual-plane hi-rise intake manifold. Custom headers and a dual to single 2.5-inch exhaust system dump the gases after the MSD ignition lights the fire. On the dyno, the big-inch small block produced 548hp – better than what they expected so it was smiles all round.
So, Jason’s choice of colour may not be for everyone, but that’s why he chose it! Being different to everyone else is why we modify our cars in the first place. Getting all those ponies to the narrowed 9-inch diff isn’t what you’d expect to find. Turbo 350? Nope! Turbo 400? Wrong. Oh, so it must be a Powerglide then? Guess again… Jason wanted to change gears himself and added an old-school Ford Top-Loader four-speed box complete with a 10.5-inch clutch and billet flywheel. The beauty of keeping the manual ox in place is that Jason spends his days as owner of Gear Exchange, so fixing the Top Loader and diff would never prove an issue. The rear end is suspended via adjustable arms and uses a 3.89-geared, 31-spline True-Trak Strange alloy centre to get the power to the tyres. Other notable underside upgrades include Monroe shocks on the front and Viking coil-overs on the rear, with the braking duties handled easily by the Wilwood disc and XY Ford drum combo. The wheels of choice are Weld Aluma Star measuring 15x3.5-inch on the from and 5-inches wider on the bead-locked rears. The 275/50/15 tyre fits nicely in the mini-tubs. 28
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So, Jason’s choice of colour may not be for everyone, but that’s why he chose it! Being different to everyone else is why we modify our cars in the first place. As the Torana’s body shell wasn’t a bad starting point, so he had the guys at Exclusive Customs massage out any imperfections so it was ready for colour. Aside from the cowl bonnet and the obvious lack of mouldings and badges, the Torana’s sheet metal is just how the factory had intended. With the stripped-out shell in primer, it was time for David O’Brien at Merv Shippe Smash Repairs to lay on the VF HSV-inspired Spitfire Green that has had gold pearl added for that extra pop when in the right light. The colour looks spot on against the polished grille and chrome bumpers! If nothing else, you’ll never miss this one on the road!
On the dyno, the big-inch small block produced 548hp – better than what they expected so it was smiles all round.
Transforming the insides of the Torana was left up to Steve at All Trim. The original LC low-back front seats are now just a memory and have been replaced by a pair of stylish VF Maloo buckets that have been trimmed in beige leather. The re-worked Torana rear seat (to work around the mini-tubs) has been stitched to match, as have the door trims, dash pad, headlining and inside the boot area. Steve even retrimmed the baby seat so Jason’s youngest son can cruise in comfort and style too! A MOMO steering wheel replaces the larger Torana item and sits just forward of the AutoMeter filled GTR dash. Jason has incorporated a small amount of billet alloy into the trim to offset the hides in the form of window winders and internal door handles and shifter knob. 30
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With the car complete, the crew headed to Summernats 32, with Jason just hoping to make the Top 60 elite Hall. The boys knew that was a given and wanted to see just how far their combined efforts could take the LC. At the trophy presentation, Jason couldn’t believe his Torana had scored Top Elite Tudor! He had a grin from ear to ear with that one, so he was beside himself when they announced his homebuilt Torana had made it into the prestigious Top 20 Elite! Now as the Summernats rules state, those making the Top 20 can then nominate to go for Grand Champion. History shows that Jason and is Torana didn’t score the top honour, but he was in the Top 3 Finalists for the Grand Champion Sword! That certainly topped off a big Summernats debut for Jason and is many helpers that dedicated their time and expertise to help Jason realise a dream. It’s great to see that a car that obviously gets used, can perform at such a high level.
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History shows that Jason and is Torana didn’t score the top honour, but he was in the Top 3 Finalists for the Grand Champion Sword!
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Getting all those ponies to the narrowed 9-inch diff isn’t what you’d expect to find. Turbo 350? Nope! Turbo 400? Wrong. Oh, so it must be a Powerglide then? Guess again…
Jason and the boys are heading back to Summernats 33 with a bunch of cars in tow. Will the Torana replicate its 2019 showing? Time will tell, but I can tell you that Jason is loving driving the Torana as much as he can, so when the show deal is over, he is going to put as many miles on that AutoMeter speedo as time allows. It’s a Pro-Street car with the emphasis on Street! And that’s how it should be…
THANKS TO: John Spinks for being that guy that helps out anywhere at any time. Vince and Adrian Marci, Toy Land and all the boys at Marci Motors. Steve Maiolo from All Trim. Ricky Parker from Ricky’s Driveshafts. Damien “Chubby” Lowe and Jason Lowe from Lowe Fabrications. Mark Hinson from EZE10’s Performance. David O’Brien from Merv Shippe Smash Repairs. Jason & Glenn Coburn from Exclusive Customs. Aaron Brookes from VPW. My late Dad Peter McGrath. Mainalign Suspension. Kevin Bartlett. My wife Anne Marie and my boys Joel and Cameron. 34
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MY FAVOURITE PHOTO
Michael Valeri
Michael Valeri has excelled in bringing high-impact photo’s to reality for years now, and his lightpainted photo of this blown VK Group A SS Commodore is no exception. Made up from no less than 8 seperate images, the result is spectacular! You can see more of his work at www.michaelvaleriphotography.com.au. Why not book your car in for a shoot too!
CAMERA: Canon 5DSR 24mm Lens SETTINGS: Eight seperate exposures of F11 @ 15-seconds using an LED panel. 38
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Hell
RAISING When Peter spotted the Ute, it was relishing at the back on the local wrecking yard and would have probably ended up being crushed. Having been bought up in a family where old Falcon’s were the car of choice, Peter just couldn’t let the old Ute die that way, so a deal was struck with the boys at MJR Auto Wreckers in Albury and the well-used Ute was dragged back to Peter’s place for what was going to be a quick make-over. At that stage, Peter had opened up his own workshop and thought the sixpack, three-on-the-tree manual Ute would be the ideal run around for the business. Those plans were quickly thrown out the window however when Peter’s nasty side decided the Ute needed more cubes, some forced induction and more rubber under the rear to deal with it all. Unbenowns to Peter at the time, but he had just
PETER NUSSER - 1967 XR FALCON UTE WORDS / PICS – PAUL BECK
embarked on a massive 6-year build. After spending way too much time in the wrecking yard exposed to all kinds of weather, the body had seen better days. Upon removing the old paint (or what was left of it) the body showed what years of neglect will do to sheet metal. It was repairable, but was going to take some time to have it ready for paint. Lots of hours were spent on every panel removing dents, ripples and rust accumulated over the years. Peter wanted to keep the Falcon’s body lines just as old Henry specified back in 1967, so the only changes made was the removal and smoothing off of the spare wheel compartment, the removal of the badges and mouldings and the squaring up of the rear wheel tubs to accomodate the larger rubber that Peter had planned. Oh, and there’s now a chunk bonnet steel missing for obvious reasons.
Saved from demise in the local junkyard, this XR Falcon Ute was only meant to be a workshop parts getter. Then the little devil on Peter Nusser’s shoulder kept telling him otherwise... 40
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When the time was right and the body was in primer, Peter knew exactly what colour the Ute was going to be. His very first car, an XY Falcon was Ultra White with black trim. In memory of that car, the Ute was to get the same colour combo. With the paint dry and the body fitted up with all of its chrome and jewellery, the once-tired old Falcon was starting to look pristine yet again. For the most part, the interior was still intact when the Ute was dragged away from its resting place. As previously mentioned, the all-black theme was already chosen for the interior space. The repadded XR low back buckets and door trims were covered in vinyl with black carpet added underfoot. The factory steering wheel was tidied up and kept in place for that factory feel. Its not all stock looking though. The shifter was taken from the column a long time before the trim was attended to, and now see’s gear selections done via a B&M shifter mounted to the tunnel. Also not resembling anything like the factory appointed unit is the dash which now houses a trio of AutoMeter dials with shift light in the facia and several more mounted under the Ultra white colour dash. Sabelt harness belts keep Peter and his passenger securely in place.
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Any thoughts of putting a lowly six-pack back into the Falcon are now just distant memories. Peter had ace engine man Ian Read, build him a blown 363ci Windsor small block that makes enough power to turn those bigger tyres into molten rubber with ease. Kicking off with a Dart Block and filling it with a Scat crank and rod combo, Probe pistons and a Camtech cam, Ian peiced together a stout bottom end that lays the foundation for one-tough Windsor. The World Products heads were given the once-over and bolted into place for the Dyers blower manifold to
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join the party. Its obviously the crowning glory on this tough 363-cuber is the polished Dyers 6/71 supercharger that gets the E85 fuel pumped through it from a pair of 750 double pumper Holley carbs. These three components are the main reason this pumped small block made over 500hp at the sizeable treads. The only downfall (if you can call it that) is that the height at which the engine protrudes through the Falcon’s bonnet limits the amount of street use Peter can get out of the Ute. Some Police just have no sense of humour at all...
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Currently a C9 trans with TCI -internals and a 3500rpm converter from the same company, backs the blown Windsor. That could change soon though as Peter is looking into a swap for a twospeed Powerglide trans in the near future. Until that happens though, Peter is confident the Ford trans will handle the power delivery back to the nine-inch diff with ease. The tough rear-end plays host to a Strange centre and 35-spline axles. Teninch wide Weld wheels hang off the diff and match the 3.5-inch versions mounted to the front end. All that power is useless if you can’t pull the old girl up after some spirited driving. To help the Falcon slow to a stop, Peter installed XF Falcon discs and callipers to the XR’s front end and adapted AU Falcon discs on the rear end. Lowered custom springs were added to bring the XR’s nose down to a more suitable height with the rear coming down as well thanks to the Gazzard Bros’ springs which have been moved inwards for tyre clearance. Peter is planning a switch to a four-link set-up in the very near future as well.
The only downfall (if you can call it that) is that the height at which the engine protrudes through the Falcon’s bonnet limits the amount of street use Peter can get out of the Ute. 46
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Peter reckons the six-year build time felt a lot longer than it actually was, but at the end of the day, it was a project that happened when time and funds allowed and now that its completed, Peter plans to enjoy his creation as much as he can. The future includes some car shows and a little drag racing. “I love getting to car shows and the drags with my mates and love cruising the car with my son. He absolutely loves the Ute,” Peter explained. Looks like the next generation of Nusser men have already got the car bug. The Falcon, it would seem, will remain a family heirloom...
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PURPLE REIGN
MICK NOLLER - 1967 PLYMOUTH GTX WORDS / PICS – PAUL BECK TRACK PICS - LUKE HUNTER
The 1967 Plymouth GTX is probably the rarest of all B-body Mopar’s in Australia. Mick Noller is lucky enough to own the toughest! 50
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Mick owns quite a collection of cool cars – most of which are Mopar’s, but it’s this GTX that he rates right up there as one of his favourites. Why? Maybe the 700-odd horsepower 543-cube big block providing the power has a lot to do with it, but overall this car does everything right. Even though it’s really set up to go quarter-mile racing, Mick and his GTX embarrassed some more fancied runners at the recent Chryslers on the Murray track day when completing the circuit (yes, around corners!) in 1.06 minutes. With a 1000 hp Jeep Trackhawk beating Mick around the track by a mere 4 seconds. The coupe has certainly come a long way since it arrived on Aussie soil as a “nice, daily driver” with a stock 440 and fourspeed combo. Mick wanted to make it a nicer car, but the more he got into the build, the more it became an obsession and this is how it ended up. Mind you, the build hasn’t quite finished yet with yet another driveline combo being readied along with a change of wheels as well. Trust me, as tough as it is now, it will get much tougher before Mick is finished with it. Stay tuned…
There’s no denying that Mick’s GTX is a tough car. The engine, the colour, the stance and the performance – this Plymouth has it all.
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The Plymouth GTX has a unique body style. It’s “squareness” adds to the tough look and when given the right stance, as Mick has here, it screams muscle car. Apart from the hole in the bonnet and the dummy fuel cap (there’s a fuel cell in the boot!), the body is pure 1967-spec. Mick had mate Dave look after the minor repairs to the sheet metal before laying on the new PPG Plum Crazy colour – one of Mopar’s most popular colours. The body colour extends into the interior where it compliments the factory styled black vinyl seats and door trims. Mick handled the interior remake himself using Crest front seats and factory rear seat as the basis. The door trims are still original. From the driver’s seat, the Billet Specialties steering wheel and aluminium column come into view as does the array of aftermarket Mopar gauges. The Vertical Gate shifter sits on top of a modified trans tunnel that is now removable to allow easy access to the gearbox should the need arise. Jumping behind the wheel of the GTX is like stepping back into the 60’s muscle car era where it was all about getting down the road quicker than your mates. They were certainly drivers cars back then…
Trust me, as tough as it is now, it will get much tougher before Mick is finished with it. Stay tuned…
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Mick is a hands-on type of car guy and built the engine in the Plymouth at home in the well-equipped garage. Using a cross-bolted and steel-capped RB Wedge block, he stroked it to 543-cubes using a Scat crank and rod combo along with JE pistons, Total Seal rings and a Comp cam that lets everyone know this “ain’t no stocker!” A high-volume, external pickup Milodon oil pump and sump complete the tough as nails bottom end. A pair of alloy Victor 440 heads were soon to join the party, but not before being kitted out with
Manley valves wrapped in Comp springs. Once bolted into place, the gap between the two heads was filled with a modified Weiand tunnel ram holding twin 750 Holley Ultra Carbs high above the bonnet line for all to see. A dual 3-inch exhaust system dumps the gases, providing a menacing sound in the process. The spark comes from an MSD 6AL ignition system incorporating a blaster coil and matching leads. On the dyno at Chryslers on the Murray, the engine produced 551.7hp at the tyres – around 700 at the flywheel…
The Plymouth GTX has a unique body style. It’s “squareness” adds to the tough look and when given the right stance, as Mick has here, it screams muscle car.
An old-school Hemi A833 four-speed trans with Vertical Gate shifter sends the horsepower rearward via a 3.5-inch Mark Williams tailshaft to the 9-inch diff that uses 35-spline axles and a Strange housing to deal with the power. Other underside additions include the Magnum Force front end with rack and pinion steering and strange coil-overs, while the rear is set up with a four-link and matching shocks and springs. Wilwood disc brakes and calipers live inside of each Weld Draglite, which measure 15x5 on the nose and 15x12 out back. 56
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There’s no denying that Mick’s GTX is a tough car. The engine, the colour, the stance and the performance – this Plymouth has it all. But, Mick has big plans in place to make this coupe much, much better! The new engine combo will score a custom, eight-stack EFI set up, the A833 box is getting the flick for a Tremec, the wheels are getting swapped and the interior is getting a make-over with Recaro seats and a retrim.
Mick owns quite a collection of cool cars – most of which are Mopar’s, but it’s this GTX that he rates right up there as one of his favourites.
When completed, the GTX will be a nicer car to drive on the street and will perform better on the strip as well as around the DECA circuit when the Chryslers on the Murray rolls around again. I for one, can’t wait to see the next incarnation of Australia’s toughest ’67 GTX… 58
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SHADES OF Grey Luke Bond set out to build one of the most unique ’57 Chev’s in Australia. Job Done…
LUKE BOND - 1957 CHEV TUDOR WORDS / PICS – PAUL BECK 60
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The Bond family, in particular Luke and his Dad Phil, have had plenty of cool cars parked in the home garage over the years. Phil still has a cool ’55 Chev wagon and a couple of hot rods ready to cruise any time and his love of cars has obviously rubbed off onto Luke, who has previously cruised the streets in a ’28 Model A Ford hot rod. Whilst the Rod was cool, he always had a desire to own a tough ’57 Chev. After a short search, he found a run down, but sound ’57 Tudor out the back of Kempsey on the mid north Coast of NSW. It proved to be the perfect candidate for the build he always wanted to take on. With the deal done, Luke and Phil towed the rolling body back home, eager to put their combined plans into action… The body was far from pristine, but did have minimal rust to deal with – a bonus on such an old car. Before getting the sheet-
metal gun-barrel straight and ready for colour, the father and son team got stuck into the underside of the ’57. The boot floor was removed and replaced with a new section that included much bigger wheel tubs, a recessed fuel cell and a modified transmission tunnel. Whilst paying plenty of attention to the underside, Phil modified the chassis, fitting a four-link setup to the rear and VL Commodore rack and pinion steering to the front end, helping the ’57 to steer so much better than it ever did. RodTech coil-over shocks have been fitted to both ends, with VE Commodore calipers clamping over drilled and slotted discs to up the ante in the braking stakes. For rolling stock, Luke fitted 17x6” Pro-Drag rims on the nose, whilst 15x12 Weld Pro-Star rims wrapped in 31x18” Mickey Thompson rubber fit under the tubbed rear end perfectly. Pro-Street lives!
After a short search, he found a run down, but sound ’57 Tudor out the back of Kempsey on the mid north Coast of NSW.
With the underside completed, attention turned to getting the body work sorted. 1957 Chev’s are classic for a reason and you just don’t mess with that styling. Plenty of hours were put into the body preparing it for what was going to be a bold choice of colour combinations. Sure, Luke could have played it safe and painted his Tudor red or black that seems to be crowd favourites, but then it would blend in with the crowd and that’s not what Luke wanted. With the prepped ’57 sitting in the booth at Focus Bodyworks, the decision to paint it Nardo Grey from the Audi range came to fruition as the colour was expertly laid on. To compliment the base colour (and probably upsetting the purists in the process), the chrome work was coated in black. You want unique? Luke certainly got that! 62
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Well versed in producing showwinning custom interiors, Darren at Stitched Up Trim, certainly knocked it out of the park with Luke’s 57!
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A tough ’57 Chev Tudor needs, no make that commands, a tough driveline. Luke was being realistic when he decided on the engine package. Yes, ’57 Chev’s (like any car), look awesome with a blower hanging out of the bonnet, but Luke knows that by adding a blower to his Chev would be like waving a red flag at the boys in blue, daring them to bring out their defect book. Instead, the ’57’s engine bay was filled with a twin-turbo LS2 built by Phil at home in their garage. The 6-litre LS package lends itself beautifully to a twin-turbo set-up, and Phil built this engine to not only make plenty of power, but do so with reliability in mind. The standard issue block scored a set of Scat H-Beam rods and SRP dish top pistons and JE rings swinging off the standard LS-2 crank. A Lunati cam works with LS7 lifters and there’s a Mellings oil pump to keep the entire bottom end well lubricated from the HQ-spec sump. The heads are L98 items that have Pac springs wrapped around the original valves. Obviously, it’s the twin-turbo set up that
dominates the engines visuals when lifting the ‘57’s bonnet. Using custom headers, the turbo’s form the biggest part of the engines top end that also includes a standard LS2 intake manifold, Holley Terminator X EFI and ECU system, 92mm throttle body and 1000cc Bosch injectors. Although the engine hasn’t seen a dyno as yet, it should be good for around 750hp at the sizeable treads. A trans-braked Powerglide with an SDE turbo converter and air-shifter B&M shifter handling the gear changes, backs the LS2. From there, the power feeds through a custom 3-inch tailshaft to the narrowed 9-inch diff sporting 31-spline billet axles and 4.11-gears.
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The engine package isn’t the only highlight of this build. Luke entrusted the interior makeover to Darren and the team at Stitched Up Custom trim. Well versed in producing show-winning custom interiors, Darren certainly knocked it out of the park with Luke’s 57! Using a pair of VE Commodore buckets and a modified rear bench seat for the basis of the interior redo. Keeping the “Shades of Grey” theme happening, the Chev’s insides feature a combination of vinyl and suede materials that complement the body colour – which blends across the dash and window frames. Luke once again added a unique touch to the interior with the addition of the full metal door trims – designed and fabricated by Dad, Phil. The trims are finished off with Billet Specialties handles, winders and armrests.
Yes, ’57 Chev’s (like any car), look awesome with a blower hanging out of the bonnet, but Luke knows that by adding a blower to his Chev would be like waving a red flag at the boys in blue...
The original styling of the ’57 dash has been kept in place, though Luke decided not to add the trim panel between the two dash pods, but did add a Retro Sound head unit, Holley dash screen and the allimportant mobility controls that have been custom made to suit the Chev and sit just behind the billet steering wheel. The ‘Stitched-Up’ logo’s in the scuff plates complete the tasty interior overhaul. 66
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All up, the ’57 took just 8-months to transfer from the rolling wreck to stunning streeter you see here. It’s an amazing transformation that is a credit to not just to those who contributed, but to the dynamic that both Luke and Phil have when working together to create this killer Chev. The completed car drove out of the family garage in November 2019 and has seen plenty of use since, including a trip to Mt Panorama for the Bathurst Autofest. For Luke, this is exactly what he envisaged and wouldn’t change a thing. The Chev is destined for plenty of cruising, but Luke did hint that he would like to have a crack at an upcoming Drag Challenge to see just how well that twin-turbo LS2 performs…
Obviously, it’s the twin-turbo set up that dominates the engines visuals when lifting the ‘57’s bonnet. THANKS TO: Firstly, my Dad, Phil for the endless hours on the car from the chassis work, building the engine, handling the body work and all the small touches along the way. Ozzie from Easy Motors for the machine work. Ryan Loft for the wiring. Kev, Aaron, Trent and all the boys at Focus Bodyworks for the great paintwork. Darren and the team at Stitched Up Custom Trim for the awesome interior work.
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E H T G N GOI
L L FU
CIRCLE
SERDAR KARABULUT - 1970 XW FAIRMONT WORDS / PICS – PAUL BECK
It started as a streeter. Got rebuilt to go Drag Racing, and then returned to the street once more! The GT-inspired XW Fairmont has been there, done that! 72
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Serdar is no stranger to tough street cars. They have consumed his life for as long as he can remember, with around thirty XW’s and XY’s occupying his driveway of the years as well as four XE ESP Falcons and a Genuine XB GT Hardtop. There’s also been a couple of Holden’s, but Serdar didn’t elaborate on those. These days, his garage plays host to a trio of tough Ford’s including this old-school styled XW Fairmont. More on the other two soon. Serdar swapped a bucket load of cash for the keys to this XW after his mate decided that 10-years of housing the car with little usage was enough reason to part company with it. At that stage, the Fairmont had gone through a transformation from
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street car to drag car, complete with fibreglass panels, roll cage and a coat of green paint. With more interest in driving the Fairmont on the street, Serdar when through the process of putting the XW back to more of a tough street car. The original sheet-metal was bolted back on, the roll cage removed and the green paint rubbed down in readiness for the shiny new Brambles Red colour with familiar GT blackouts, badges and striping. Alex at Extreme Paint handled the body and paint duties, bringing the body back to as new and removing a piece of bonnet metal before the PPG paint was laid on. The XW’s early years as a stock Fairmont are now just a distant memory.
There are a couple of changes he would like to make though including the wheels and a switch back to Premium Pump fuel just to make it easy to refill...
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He’s not into blowers or turbo’s, relying only on the raw horsepower produced the old school way – without the aid of any power adders!
Like the exterior, the insides resemble the GT Falcon of the time with lots of black vinyl covering the seats, door trims and headliner, with a splash of GT-wood trimming on the dash, doors and the restored GT steering wheel. If it wasn’t for the B&M shifter adapted to the GT console, you’d swear you were driving in 1970. At least the fuel would be cheap! Upright Upholstery are responsible to the rejuvenation of the interior space.
THANKS TO; First up, my wife for putting with everything associated with building a car like this. Alex at Extreme Paint. A good mate of mine, Vid Saab (please check that as I couldn’t read your writing) for helping with the fit up and final touches to get it finished and for the use of his hoist. 76
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But it’s under the bonnet where this Fairmont has had the most attention paid. The Cleveland may still be in place but it’s been rebuilt by Reconditioning Services and now tops out at 383ci with 640hp being produced on E85 fuel. Before the bonnet is lifted, the twin 750HP Holley carbs give you a clue as to just how tough the Fairmont is under the bonnet. If not, the idle will! It’s wild enough to rattle the fillings from your teeth! Serdar wanted to keep his engine aspirated. He’s not into blowers or turbo’s, relying only on the raw horsepower produced the old school way – without the aid of any power adders!
Before the reworked 4V heads, Weiand tunnel ram and carbs were bolted into place, the block was to be stripped down and filled with the best gear available for the humble Clevo. A Scat crank works with a set of Carillo rods and JE pistons to up the cubic capacity, while that wildly idling cam is a custom grind from Crane. A Mellings oil pump ensures the slippery stuff gets from the High Energy sump to the required places without any problems. The fuel supply from the huge bootmounted cell happens thanks to the Magnafuel 500 pump. The MSD 6AL ignition combines with the Bosch distributor to provide the spark and after the bang takes place, the ensuing gases are shown the door via a pair of custom 2-inch headers that open into a dual, 3-inch system. 78
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Al’s Raceglides were called upon to build the C4 auto, adding a reverse-pattern shift and much tougher internals in the process. The converter is a Dominator and stalls out at 5500rpm. Naturally, there’s a nine-inch diff hanging out at the back and easily handles any abuse thrown at it thanks to 35-spline axles and a Strange Tru-Trac centre. The suspension and brakes are almost as per the factory spec-sheets. The Pedders brand is attached to the front coil springs and all four shocks, with the rear end getting the leaf springs reset 1-inch lower and also scoring a set of Caltracs to help with the traction. And with all that power up front, it needs all the help it can get. Braking is still the ultra-reliable disc and drum set up. Completing the old school build theme is a set of Weld Pro-Star rims – 15x4 on the nose and 10-inch on the rear.
After a built time of about 18-months, Serdar is fairly happy with the way the Fairmont has turned out. There are a couple of changes he would like to make though including the wheels and a switch back to Premium Pump fuel just to make it easy to refill when he has the family out for a cruise. Sure, he’ll drop a couple of ponies in the process, but that’s a small sacrifice to make. Eventually, this XW will be put on the market with the two others taking priority over this one. One of them is finished and will appear in Killer Rides soon, whilst the other is in the build and promises to be one hell of a Falcon when completed. Stay tuned…
The original sheet-metal was bolted back on, the roll cage removed and the green paint rubbed down in readiness for the shiny new Brambles Red colour with familiar GT blackouts, badges and striping. 80
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ALL FORD DAY SOUTHEAST QLD – WILLOWBANK RACEWAY – JULY 18, 2021 WORDS – PAUL BECK PICS – MAL BLACK
l a v O e u Bl
BROTHERHOOD Whilst much of the country was placed into lockdown, those living in Queensland were about to get out and about and for the Ford fans, that meant getting out to Willowbank Raceway for the annual Blue Oval bash…
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Bathed in blue skies and plenty of sunshine, the grassed pit area of the raceway played host to hundreds of all models, makes and styles of Fords, forming quite the show and shine that certainly catered for all tastes. For every faithfully restored version, there were two or three highly-modified Fords on display satisfying those that don’t care about authenticity. Scattered around the pit area were a number of trade stands and also several swap meet stalls helping those looking for that elusive part.
Lowkey in its approach, the racing was a bit of fun, with many hitting the track for the first time.
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With the show in full swing, those owners that were keen to hit the track, lined up for a hit down the quarter mile. Lowkey in its approach, the racing was a bit of fun, with many hitting the track for the first time. From what I have read online, most people were suitably impressed with the way the All Ford Day was run, proving that the organisers have stuck to a formula that obviously works. Bring on 2022…
For every faithfully restored version, there were two or three highly-modified Fords on display satisfying those that don’t care about authenticity.
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FULL PIT ACCESS STELLAR LINE UP OF RACERS AT PIONEER DRAG RACING AWARDS
The Revived Pioneer Drag Racing Awards will take place at Heathcote Park Raceway on Saturday 18th September from approximately 4.00pm until late. Admission to the evening’s festivities will be $20. Come along and see an absolute cavalcade of drag racing stars like “Jungle Jim” Carter Benny Gatt, Pirotta and Carauana the “Satisfaction” team, Geoff Pratt, Peter and Helen Russo, Bill Barclay of “Road Rattler” fame, Phil Soderstrom, “The Kerang Kid” Ken Spence, “Jet Car Jack” MacDonald, John Kreis “The Clockwork Orange, Bob “Lil Gangster” Sherry, Keith “The Rooman” Burgan, John Fleming NSW pioneer and as grand marshall Jack “Fizzball” Collins. Even the presenters are super stars: “Pommie Pete” Allen, Hans Van Dyk, Paul Rogers, “Rigid Rod” Marchant, Jim Walton, John “Fat Cat” Hoskins and Pete “Pud” Thompson just to name a few. The Vintage Gas guys will be racing on both Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th and they put on a fabulous show. Don’t miss this weekend at Heathcote Park Raceway.
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TOP FUEL TEAMS BREAK FROM 400THUNDER TO FORM NEW CHAMPIONSHIP
To be promoted by Summernats co-owner Andy Lopez and Nathan Prendergast, the new series has the full support of the four Top Fuel teams currently competing in Australia – Jim Read Racing, PremiAir Racing, Rapisarda Autosport International and the Lamattina Top Fuel Racing team. The new series looks towards holding six events in 2022 between Jan and June, including events in Victoria and WA with some events to be run with the ANDRA Championship rounds. It’s hoped that each round will attract at least six Top Fuel cars. Andy Lopez has hinted that the Championship will be promoted as a festival and will include other elements designed to attract more fans. It is hoped that the Australian Top Fuel Championship calendar will be realised soon.
VIDEO OF THE MONTH
WILD BUNCH AT THE AEROFLOW WORLD FUEL ALTERED CHALLENGE Video by Fast Performance Video’s - fpv.net.au
OUTLAW DRAG RADIAL TOP TEN LIST 1/8 MILE - OUTLAW 1. Wade Wagstaff 2. Kyle Hopf/Terry Seng 3. Steve Ham 4. Joe Gauci 5. Perry Bullivant 6. Craig Burns 7. Daniel Szabolics 8. Harley Hamilton 9. Ben Bray 10. John Ricca
3.790 @ 200.26mph 3.831 @ 204.94mph 3.837 @ 205.63mph 3.850 @ 201.00mph 3.860 @ 202.61mph 3.890 @ 192.92mph 3.890 @ 190.00mph 3.940 @ 197.00mph 3.959 @ 201.76mph 3.964 @ 199.49mph
1/8 MILE – 275 TYRE 1. Farrugia/Androutsos 2. Stu Henry 3. Tim Cross 4. Tony Webb 5. Michael Kalaitzakis 6. Sam Metro/Maatouk 7. Steve Bezzina 8. Sean Muscat 9. Matt McCarthy 10. Varun Sharman
4.155 @ 186.12mph 4.196 @ 176.80mph 4.290 @ 178.95mph 4.347 @ 177.42mph 4.363 @ 186.02mph 4.422 @ 175.25mph 4.436 @ 171.71mph 4.437 @ 168.22mph 4.450 @ 168.75 mph 4.470 @ 16.736 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 @ 219.94mph (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 @ 219.94mph 6.557 @ 215.93mph 6.723 @ 208.88mph 6.790 @ 212.16mph 6.800 @ 214.00mph 6.840 @ 209.00mph 6.850 @ 215.00mph 6.868 @ 204.20mph 6.940 @ 204.00mph 6.940 @ 199.64mph
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FULL PIT ACCESS
RACER PROFILE
WHAT’S ON WHERE?
SYDNEY DRAGWAY www.sydneydragway.com
Every Wednesday Night - Aeroflow Race 4 Real Nov 13/14 NSW All Ford Day Swap / Show HIDDEN VALLEY DRAG STRIP www.hiddenvalleydrags.com No Events Listed at this Time STEEL CITY DRAG CLUB www.steelcitydrags.com SUNSET STRIP MILDURA www.sunsetstrip.org.au Aug 21-22 Nostalgia Drags Sept 18-19 Summit Racing Sportsman Sept 24-26 Sunset Strip Junior Nationals
SHOALHAVEN TO KEEP LOOKING FOR SUITABLE MOTORSPORT VENUE SITE!
Just when you thought all hope had been lost and that the promising action to secure a motorsport venue in the Shoalhaven area was ditched becuase of some rare orchids, it seems that even though the Council had decided to scrap the DA at the Strategy and Assets Committee meeting on July 20, a motion was carried to continue looking into securing a more suitable site at Yerriyong on the outskirts of town.
PERTH MOTORPLEX www.motorplex.com.au Every Wednesday – Whoop Ass Wednesday SPRINGMOUNT RACEWAY www.springmountraceway.com Aug 20/21 Thunder in the Tropics WILLOWBANK RACEWAY www.willowbankraceway.com.au Aug 28 2021 Qld Drag Racing Championships
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OCCUPATION: Paintless Dent Removal Technician VEHICLE: 1969 Chev Camaro DRIVELINE: Twin Turbo 481X BEST ET & MPH: 4.0 & 199.99mph
BENARABY DRAGWAY www.benarabydragway.com Aug 27-29 Rocket Nationals SOUTH COAST RACEWAY www.southcoastraceway.com.au Nov 13 Chicago Shoot Out Dec 4 South Coast 5K Dec 11/12 South Coast Nationals
NAME: Matt Grubisa
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN RACING: Testing Radial Firebird in Orlando FIERCEST COMPETITOR: Wade Wagstaff Seven months after Motocycles NSW abandoned their plans for the circuit, the Council launched their own DA and sought funding from State and Federal government to help purchase the land. But soon after fires and floods ravaged the area, the Orchids appaeared, putting an end to the original venue plans. Thankfully, the Council will continue to look for an alternative site that ticks all of the boxes required. The battle continues...
HAVE YOU SUBSCRIBED YET? GO TO www.pscmag.com.au DO IT NOW! IT’S FREE!
FAVOURITE PLACE TO RACE: Willowbank Raceway, QLD FAVOURITE CLASS TO WATCH: Radial Vs World CAREER HIGHLIGHT: Winning Outlaw 10.5 APSA Grand Final two years in a row! FUTURE PLANS: To run 3’s at over 200mph on radials. WORDS TO LIVE BY: Run your car, not your mouth!
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FULL PIT ACCESS ANDRA INTRODUCES CHANGES TO MINIMUM FIELD REQUIREMENTS
Effective as of July 7th, ANDRA has implemented a minimum field of four cars must attempt to qualify , and at least four cars must contest the first round of eliminations. This applies to ANDRA Group 2, 3 and 4 Eliminator in all Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series rounds in 2021/22.
POWERCRUISE #86 TO INCLUDE BIG DOLLAR NO PREP RACE MEET
Gup has decided to give the Brisbane Powercruise a huge boost with a “No Prep” race meet where (a minimum)16 cars owners each pay $1000 to buy a spot on the racing list, with the entire prize pool to be taken home by the eventual winner. That $16,000 has been further boosted by $5,000 thanks to the cool guys at Haltech who have donated to the cause, giving someone the chance to win a whopping $21,000!
With that sort of money on offer, its no wonder the entrant list feature names like Hayes, Hewitt, Kryger, Habib, Trapnell, Ockers, Grima, Simpson and more! Even Gup himself has entered to take on those all gunning to win the cash. That minimum prize money could go higher if more interest from entrants is shown. For those that go out in round one, there’s an opportunity to buy your spot back for $500 and any and all of that re-buy in cash will be handed over to the eventual runner-up. The only rule Gup has stipulated is that all cars must have swinging doors. For more, check out the website – www.powercruise.com 92
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r a e Y 0 2 APPRENTICESHIP
OWEN SCOTT - 1964 EH HOLDEN UTE WORDS / PICS – PAUL BECK
As a first-year carpenter apprentice, Owen Scott needed an affordable ride to serve as a work hack. 20-years later, he got to drive it… 94
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Owen picked his newly acquired EH up from the other side of Canberra, but during the short trip home, he soon realised that he may have got more than he had bargained for. The Ute wasn’t the best driving car in the world and the “adventurous” drive home was an eye-opener to say the least. “At one point, I jumped on the brakes and almost put it into a wall”, Owen explained. After easing it home into the garage, Owen found a little bit of rust and decided to get that fixed. Unbeknown at the time, but that “little bit of rust” kick-started a long time build. Not long after starting the build process, Owen was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Down but not out, Owen put everything on hold whilst he concentrated on beating the illness – which he did. As a gift from his parents, the Ute was shipped off to have the body and paint work completed.
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Owen’s first choice for the new colour was black, but after thinking long and hard about it, the lure of a candy paint job had him change his mind, finally opting for PPG Wine Fire...
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The original Charcoal paint was soon just a memory after the shell was sandblasted revealing a small amount of rust in the aging sheet-metal, making the body work task a little easier for Ray Nelson. Before the paint was laid on, Ray removed the fuel filler and spare wheel door, along with the factory fitted side mouldings and badges giving a much smoother look. Ray also spent lots of time painstakingly removing years of imperfections from the EH’s metal to a point where it was straighter than a Supreme Court judge! Owen’s first choice for the new colour was black, but after thinking long and hard about it, the lure of a candy paint job had him change his mind, finally opting for PPG Wine Fire which was laid over a Spearmint Green base to get the right effect. The paint work was handled by David Brown and looks absolutely stunning on the EH’s reworked body. Completing the body and paint transformation is a custom fibreglass hard cover and EH sedan rear bumper. The chrome work against the candy Wine Fire colour is a matchmade in heaven – so much better than it would have looked like in black. Great choice, Owen! That paint was laid on 20-years ago and still looks amazing! A true testament to the talents of both Ray and David. While it was great to have the body and paint completed, it did make the rest of the build that much more difficult. That last thing you want to do is scratch a fresh candy paint job. Touch ups can be costly so everything that happened from this point on had to be done very carefully. 98
These rims are actually a long way from what Owen originally fitted – larger diametre Billet Specialties rims that matched the current steering wheel. Hands up who thinks the new rolling stock is a much better combo!
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After a break from the build, it was time for Owen to get back into the EH and sort out the driveline. After speaking with Peter Fitzpatrick, he advised Owen to speak to Paul Sant at Pro-Flo Performance. A meeting with Paul saw the rolling, painted Ute shipped to Sydney for Paul and his team do the necessary mods to get the job completed. Owen wanted to keep the Ute Holden powered, so Paul got stuff into the engine build, piecing together a 383ci stroker, using a COME stroker crank and Callies Ultra rod combo, SRP forged pistons and a Crane roller solid cam that gives the stretched Holden engine a nasty idle. A pair of VN heads soon joined in but not before Paul fitted them with Ferrea valves and Manley Nextek springs. A single 750 Street HP Holley carb sits on top of a Harrop single plane intake manifold. Firing the 383-cuber into life is left up to an MSD ignition system comprising of a 6AL2 box, coil and distributor. Once the fire starts, the gases are shown the door via a pair of custom Pro-Flo fabricated headers and dual three-inch exhaust system. For the record, the single carb, pump-fuel Holden stroker made an impressive 590-horsepower on the dyno. Backing the potent engine package is a built
Turbo 350 auto fronted with a TCE 5000rpm converter and fully-manualised internals. The third member of the driveline trio is a Pro-Flo sheet-metal diff housing with 31-spline billet axles and a 3.7-geared 9-inch centre. Owen told the Pro-Flo team to do what they had to, to have the car complete and working when he picked it up, so the boys replaced the original front end with a HR assembly, fitting it with a front mount rack assembly, DBA discs with VT calipers, King Springs and Koni shocks. Likewise, the rear end scored DBA discs with VL calipers along with matching springs and shocks. All that gear is hidden behind the 17x4.5” and 15x8” RC Components Torx rims – the rears having bead locks fitted for that true tuff-street look. These rims are actually a long way from what Owen originally fitted – larger diametre Billet Specialties rims that matched the current steering wheel. Hands up who thinks the new rolling stock is a much better combo! 100
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Leaving just the interior to complete the project, Owen called upon Trims by Shaun to transform the old interior space into something that could hold its own against the quality of the build so far. Shaun and Josh knew exactly what to do and took the EH Premier bucket seats, factory door trims and dash pad and redid them in tan leather. The same material was used on the custom centre console and the ring surrounding the Billet Specialties steering wheel. The headlining was finished in Alcantar. The interior is full of custom additions including the push-button park brake and the machined dash facia that now holds a host of American Muscle gauges from the AutoMeter catalogue. The stereo system starts with the Retro Sound head unit and flows through Alpine speaker and amps. Audiotech handled the install. Any thoughts of throwing tools or timber in the rear load area are long gone, with that area now covered in matching vinyl and chrome accents hiding under the lockable cover.
It certainly was a long way to travel to get the build done and Owen is adamant that if he was to build another car, he wouldn’t get the paint done first. In fact, he was so impressed by the work performed by the team at Pro-Flo that he would head there first to have the entire build completed! With that said, he wants to thank those that helped him get through the build process during the past 20-years including; his wife Tipa, and kids Tots and Ninj, Paul at ProFlo Performance, Shaun and Josh at Trims by Shaun, Troy at Reflections Coatings and Detailing, Harvey Miles the EJ-EH Guru, my brother Wombi, Mum and Dad and Peter and Aaron Fitzpatrick for their guidance. 102
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KILLER PIC
Pro-Street Legend Joseph Somma - Cortina
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PERFORMANCE DIRECTORY Advertise your business here from just $55 per month* * Based on 6-month Booking @ 1/8 page size.
All the big brands!
Email: paul@pscmag.com.au for more info.
www.speedpro.com.au 0411 620918 Australian Made Engine Coolants & Additives
oldskoolrestos@gmail.com
1800 441163
www.liquidintelligence.com.au
07 3488 7831
www.superformance.com.au
Performance Pulley Systems to suit a wide range of engines
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Phone (02) 42850300
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PUBLISHED ONLINE QUARTERLY READ EACH ISSUE FOR FREE! 106
H T N O M R E P 5 5 $ T S U J 5336 CONTACT PAUL - 0432 79
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WINDOW SHOPPING TOW YOUR CAR LEGALLY WITH LOVELLS AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS GVM UPGRADES
If you’re towing your street, ISUZU D MAX 4X4 show and race car, are you 07/20 on 100% sure you’re doing so legally? There’s harsh penalties if you’re caught towing with a vehicle that’s GVM upgrades offer one of the best just not up to spec when it LOVELLS suspension upgrade solutions for serious load carrying, towing and off-road comes to carrying the weight adventures. of the load. Thankfully, the team at Lovells Automotive Systems have a range of GVM upgrades that can fix that problem for you, which will allow you to tow not only legally, but also safely. The most recent upgrade kits to be added to the long list of approved vehicles are the Ph: +61 2 9820 6800 Isuzu D Max 4x4 and Mazda BT50 (07/20 on) with both increasing their GVM capacity to 3600kgs with the inclusion of the Lovells manufactured shocks, struts, coil springs and leaf springs. MAZDA BT50 4X4 All Lovells GVM upgrade 07/20 on kits have gone through stringent testing and more than exceeding the results required for approval. For LOVELLS GVM upgrades offer one of the best suspension upgrade more information on the solutions for serious load carrying, towing and off-road adventures. range of GVM upgrades and the vehicles they suit, call Lovells Automotive Systems direct on (02) 9820 6800 or jump onto the new and improved website at www.lovellsauto.com.au
3600KG GVM UPGRADE
LOVELLS RATINGS
Front Axle Rear Axle GVM Towing Capacity GCM Option 1 GCM Option 2
1450kg 2150kg 3600kg 3500kg 6200kg 6900kg
Email: sales@lovells.com.au
www.lovellsauto.com.au
3600KG GVM UPGRADE
LOVELLS RATINGS Front Axle Rear Axle GVM Towing Capacity GCM Option 1 GCM Option 2
1450kg 2150kg 3600kg 3500kg 6200kg 6900kg
Ph: +61 2 9820 6800
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Email: sales@lovells.com.au
www.lovellsauto.com.au
NEW MOONEYES DIECAST NOW AT PRIZED PIECES
Collectors of cool Mooneye’s gear are going to love these new releases from M2 Machines which are available from Prized Pieces through there safe and secure website. Featuring a 1/24 scale 1958 Chev Apache Cameo Pickup, a Gasser-styled ’55 Chev and a ’76 GMC Sierra Custom sitting on a ’68 Chev C60 flatbed – both in 1/64 scale. All models are adorned with the familiar Mooneyes logo’s and are a must for collectors of Mooneyes gear. But hurry, these won’t last long. For more information and to order your sets, jump onto www.prizedpieces.com.au or call Matt direct on 0413 112 682
NEW RACEQUIP HELMETS IN STOCK AT SPEED PRO
RaceQuip’s VESTA20 full face Snell SA2020 rated helmet is a bold departure from traditional auto racing helmet styling. The VESTA20 incorporates contemporary design with modern production techniques. The shell is built using pre-preg composite materials placed into pressurized steel moulds to achieve the best combination of light weight and strength. This innovative new helmet model features FRP Composite shell construction and a uniquely shaped chin bar to support a scalloped face shield design. Reinforced M6 threaded HANS/HNR inserts are mated to the shell along with an expanded polystyrene (EPS) liner. HANS or other Head and Neck Restraint device anchor posts (not included) can be easily attached to the outside of the helmet using the installed M6 threaded inserts. The distortion free 3mm polycarbonate face shield features a moulded thumb catch, red anodized aluminium pivot kit, hand ratcheting Tear Off posts, and a silicone eye port gasket to seal out dust and dirt. A wide eye port provides good peripheral vision and allows the use of personal eyewear. Included with the helmet are an extra set of thicker cheek pads to allow a customized fit. The Snell SA rating means that the interior, paint, and Kevlar chin strap are all fireretardant so the RaceQuip VESTA20 Helmet is suitable for use in all forms of motorsports. The comfort fit blended Nomex® interior along with exhaust vents on the top and back of the shell help keep your scalp cool. All these features are wrapped in an FRP Composite shell with aggressive styling and the result is the outstanding value delivered by the RaceQuip VESTA20. For more information, or to order your new helmet, contact the team at Speed Pro on 03 9794 5177 or jump onto the website at www.speedpro.com.au Of course, you can always pop into their fully stocked showroom at 11 Airlie Ave, Dandenong VIC. 109
COMING EVENTS AUGUST 14/15 NSW - T-BUCKET NATIONALS Hawksbury Showgrounds POSTPONED
SEPTEMBER 19 NSW - APPIN WHEELS FESTIVAL Appin Public School mlb611@hotmail.com
21/22 NSW - KILLER RIDES LIVE #4 Illawarra Indoor Hockey Centre Waples Rd, Unanderra www.pscmag.com.au POSTPONED
19 NSW - ALL AMERICAN DAY Macarthur Square Shopping Centre Campbelltown nsw.mustang.org.au
27/29NSW - TUMUT ROD & CUSTOM RUN Riverdale Caravan Park Stephen - 0413 802973 S21/19 SEPT 3/5 NT - RED CENTRE NATS Alice Springs www.redcentrenats.com.au 5
NSW - RAT DAY Sydney Dragway Pino - 0416 250951 T21/22
5 NSW - SUNDAZE CRUISE NIGHT Guzman V Gomez - Penrith 11/12 NSW - CRANK IT UP Batemans Bay - POSTPONED 11
NSW - CARS UNDER THE STARS Sydney Motorsport Park T21/46
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NSW - BIG 3 CAR SHOW & SWAP Queanbeyan Showgrounds
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NSW - ACT ALL HOLDEN DAY Queanbeyan Showgrounds
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NSW - PAMBULA MOTOR FEST Pambula Sportsground
OCTOBER 2 NSW - GRUIDGE KINGS Sydney Dragway www.grudgekings.net 9 NSW - SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS MOTORFEST Bong Bong Racecourse, Bowral 16 NSW - THRASHER NATS#2 Wagga Wagga www.facebook.com/riverinathrashers 17 QLD - HARRIGANS ROD & CUSTOM SHOW Harrigans Lane, Jacobs Well fueleddesignsaus@gmail.com
22-25 VIC - 44TH CHEV FESTIVAL Yarrawonga, Victoria 17/18 NSW - JOHN WATTS MEMORIAL RUN www.chevcarclubvic.org.au/events/ Odd Rods Club - Wairo Beach S21/16 29/30MURRAY BRIDGE AUTOFEST www.autofest.com.au 18 NSW - CARS UNDER THE STARS Greenways Centre, Wetherill Park 110
D N 2 T C O Y A D R U T SA
Postponed to Sunday 19th September
PARTING SHOT See you next Issue!
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E E S O T T N A W U DO YO R A C T E E R T S E C PERFORMAN BACK IN PRINT? I am looking at putting together a printed version of Performance Street Car Magazine every two months. The digital version will still be available free of charge online every month. If this is something you’d like to see, click on the link and check out all of the details and register your interest. www.pscmag.com.au
Y L N O N O I T P I R C S B U S s t n e g a s w e N in le b a il Not Ava Only $77.70 per year! . le b a il a v A s ie p o C d e it Lim
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PUBLISHING EDITOR Paul Beck paul@pscmag.com.au Phone 0432 795336
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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
