GOD OF FIRE CORVETTE

In the long continuation of our Project ’67, the 1967 Chevrolet C10 buildup, several major components and systems have been previously addressed, most notably the Goodwrench LQ4 6.0-liter 366ci Escalade engine buildup by Arizona Speed & Marine. This included the versatile Magnuson Radix supercharger, 4L60E transmission and numerous performance parts and accessories. Continuing along those performance lines and all-out fashion, we would need to contend with the great amount of power this engine package would deliver. Initially, we can’t say that the stock brakes on the C10 were ever designed for the shear torque that would be applied to these assemblies, so it would eventually be necessary to address the stopping performance as well as the go performance. And, after all, brake upgrading was a part of this project plan from the beginning.

PEEL ‘N STICK

When dismantling your project car, you probably ran across the crumbling remnants of the original insulation. Old cars are notoriously “leaky” when it comes to heat and sound barriers, making them louder and hotter than the typical daily driver. Sometimes a loud exhaust system overrides the road noise, but you’ll always notice when your air conditioning system never seems to keep the cabin cool. If you’re in the midst of an interior refresh, or a full restoration, it’s a great time to consider new insulation.

The Transformation of a Classic Corvette

According to Bartenstein Sr.: “We started out with an original 78,000-mile, one-owner 327 small-block Corvette. In fact, the same guy had owned the car for over 35 years. The car was a great driver but still had that ’60s look, so we removed the body from the frame and repainted and replaced just about everything.”

Powering Up with a ZZ502 Engine

For example, the Bartensteins replaced the original 327 with a 9.5:1-compression GM Performance Parts ZZ502, which produces over 500 hp. Although it’s stock internally, tune-up parts include an Edelbrock intake, a Holley 750cfm double-pumper carb and an MSD Pro-Billet electronic ignition system. Vintage Air climate control and serpentine engine pulleys, Year One ceramic-coated block-hugger headers and a pair of NOS Corvette side pipes complete the system. Backing it all up is an M22 four-speed equipped with a Centerforce clutch. A Be Cool four-core aluminum radiator and electric fan assembly handle engine cooling.

Upgraded Chassis and Suspension

Modifications to the chassis include a Vette Brakes & Products (VBP) tubular upper and lower A-arm/fiberglass mono-leaf suspension setup. Other updates to the front include VBP rack-and-pinion steering, a set of six-piston cross-drilled and slotted-rotor 14-inch VBP front disc brakes, and a VBP 1-1/4-inch front anti-sway bar.

Out back, the ’66 was updated to a 3.70:1-geared, late-model, single-mono-leaf-spring Corvette IRS equipped with VBP coilover rear shocks, a VBP 3/4-inch anti-sway bar and four-piston VBP cross-drilled and slotted-rotor rear disc brakes. Wheels and tires are 20×8-inch (front) and 20×10-inch (rear) Boyd Coddington wheels rolling on P245/40×20-inch BFGoodrich g-Force radial T/A rubber (front) and P295/35×20-inch BFGoodrich g-Force radial T/A rubber (rear).

A Flawless Paint Job and Exterior Modifications

Bill Bartenstein Jr. is renowned around the island for his incredible paint jobs, and the PPG candy-apple-red basecoat/clearcoat paint job on this Corvette backs that reputation. Prior to paint, Bartenstein flared both the front and rear fenders just as it was done in the ’60s, added a third taillight for a total of six, and installed a ’67 454 Corvette big-block hood.

Custom Interior Enhancements

Inside, the Corvette features the talents of island upholsterer Bob Arkus with its black-and-red ZR1 Corvette seats, door panels and headliner. Also along for the ride is the aforementioned Vintage Air climate control, a set of late-model Corvette electric windows and a Custom Autosound AM/FM Corvette radio. This is one nice Corvette!