Simply put, a group of friends under the warming influence of alcohol, one day decided to go drag racing.
In the weeks that followed and in a more sober environment, plans began to take shape and the base vehicle was purchased soon after.
A 1979 Chevrolet Camaro was driven from the seller and into the workshop at RedBox Auto's. It left the factory with a reliable if somewhat sluggish straight six which would need changing for something with more grunt.
To this end a 350ci Chevy V8 was purchased from Smax, a name all drag racing fans are familiar with. This was a 'cut out' unit and was going to need a thorough rebuild on closer inspection.
It showed great potential as it had the stronger four blot main construction. The engine was pulled and rebuilt. The crank was reground using new shells, a high volume Mellings oil pump and Cloyes double roller timing chain were used in addition to many other rebuild items. It was decided at this time to stick with the current displacement with a view to a +30º bore in the future.
To gain a few extra bhp a new Edelbrock 600 double pumper carb was fitted atop a new Edelbrock Performer inlet manifold. Breathing was further aided by the fitting of Headman headers, which in due course feed a dual exhaust set up utilizing Turbo Mufflers.
Whilst the engine was out being rebuilt the front end metalwork and nose cone was removed for repair and a weight saving exercise. This included the removal of inner wheel arches and any heavy steel deemed surplus to requirements as any weight ditched will equal quicker 1/4 mile times over a standard weight vehicle.
One thing led to another, as these things so often do, and the original build plan became somewhat more fluid. The result of which was the complete removal of the interior including the dashboard, this was now leaning heavily in the direction of a race based vehicle.
An aluminium dashboard and door cards have now been fitted. The dash retains only the original speedometer with numerous aftermarket gauges and a monster tacho having been fitted. After some deliberation a roll cage has been constructed and at the time of writing only the rear two bars need fitting to complete this desirable safety feature. The only down side is the additional weight gain, something that future savings in weight will equal out.
With the heater removed from the bulkhead and everything in the engine bay painted the engine was refitted which looked fantastic. Two ally catch cans for water and oil were added to comply with race regulations and these further compliment under bonnet aesthetics.
As the saying goes, if its worth doing - its worth doing well and to this end all brake and fuel lines were replaced. It's no use having a quick shiny race car if it bursts a rusty brake line or fuel hose and crashes. New brakes, shocks, wheel bearings, leaf spring bushes and handbrake cables were also fitted.
The car has undergone an amazing transformation over the last year with all involved doing there bit, best suited to there individual talents and experience or sometimes lack of it!
The TH350 auto box has been fitted with a Transgo shift kit to enable sharper up shifts using a B&M pro ratchet for shifting duties - also supplied by Smax.
Two safety cut out switches were fitted and an aircraft style starter fitted to the ally trans tunnel along with a line lock. To enable the locking of the front wheels.
The driver sits in an ally bucket seat resplendent in blue vinyl cover and complimented by a three point harness.
To guard against accidents due to prop shaft failure a prop loop has been fitted in the further interests of safety.
Lakewood traction bars were sourced New Old Stock and these will help with online traction by preventing excess axle twist.
Many other touches and countless hours, not to mention bloodied knuckles have gone into making this one fine budget race car and all concerned eagerly await the start of this seasons racing.
The only item left to purchase is a trailer in order to two the car to the drags, if anyone has a suitable sized trailer please let us know.
Plans for the future include engine upgrades, slicks and winning the world finals!
The car is to be sprayed satin black and hopefully blue flames will adorn front and sides.
The spray job is kindly donated by Coach Leasing Nuneaton - who also supplied the ally interior. Other sponsors have donated various items and sundries. If you are interested in getting your name on the car please contact us via email at: sponsorship@americanv8.co.uk
Oh and did we mention that this car is street legal? Now what shopping can we cram in the boot, maybe the bread can sit between the fuel cell and the relocated battery.....
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