GOD OF FIRE CORVETTE

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GOING AFTERMARKET

You’ve probably heard those Zen sayings that ask questions like, “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” or, “If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it, does it make a sound?” Those particular questions may be a little weighty for the scope of this article, but Ford’s new Vehicle Personalization plan has us asking a few questions of our own.

MINI-ME

Discover the remarkable journey of Ben Bodor’s Civic transformation as it defies expectations, emerging as a formidable contender in the U.S. car scene. From its origins in Canada to its stunning evolution, follow the Bodor brothers’ quest for automotive excellence in this gripping tale of innovation, carbon fiber craftsmanship, and the pursuit of perfection.

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!