Engine: Randy started with a com-plete LS7 crate engine from GM Performance Parts to which Schwartz Extreme added a set of Mahle forged pistons, retaining the titanium rods and forged-steel crankshaft. The LS7 was the first production GM engine to use a dry sump, so all Randy had to do was add a Peterson Fluid Systems oil tank and plumb it into place, while also relocating the coil packs off the Wegner-fabricated valve covers to clean up the engine's visual footprint. Randy re-tained the stock composite intake but added a custom 4-inch aluminum inlet tube that mounts the mass airflow sensor and leads to the stock electronic throttle body. Tuning kudos go to West Bend Tuning, while the stock computer and wiring harness came from Speartech Fuel Injection Systems. For the exhaust system, Stainless Works supplied a set of 17/8-inch headers, all the 3-inch exhaust tubing, and a cross-pipe that D&Z Customs fit between the chassis and the body. Randy also elected to fit the Chevelle with rectangular exhaust outlets that exit the car just ahead of the rear tires. Be Cool supplied a custom-built radiator along with a pair of Spal electric fans to keep the big small-block temperate, and Vintage Air supplied the chilling interior accessories and pulley system.
Transmission: Rockland Standard gets the credit for the T56 six-speed modifications that easily withstand the abuse from the LS7, and all that power is transferred through a stock LS7 clutch and pressure plate. Coleman Racing is responsible for the custom aluminum driveshaft.
Rearend: The Winters aluminum center housing mounts a Yukon aluminum centersection fitted with Randy's Ring and Pinion 4.11 gears, a limited slip, and full floater Coleman Racing axles.
Brakes: Those trick-looking brakes are Wilwood 13-inch front and 12-inch rear cross-drilled and slotted rotors mounted with massive six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston units in the rear with Wilwood pads, actuated by a Wilwood aluminum master cylinder.
Wheels/Tires: It doesn't seem logical that '66 Chevelles originally came with wimpy 14-inch steel wheels when you see how well those Kinesis K18 18x9.5-inch fronts fit, only to be outdone by the 18x12-inch rears. For tires, Andy wanted nothing less than a set of 275/35ZR18 front and 335/30ZR18 BFGoodrich R1s for the CCSMOTY competition to deliver ultimate grip. On the street, Randy runs a set of Michelin Pilot Sports of the same size.
Bodywork: While retaining most of the stock sheetmetal, Randy did have to open up the rear tubs and modify the trunk floor slightly to clear the rearend's relocated upper control arms. Next, Midwest Musclecar Restoration performed the bodywork and PPG paint. Upon final assembly, Randy added a Rick's Hot Rods stainless steel fuel tank with in-tank pumps to supply all the fuel necessary for the EFI motor.
Interior: Even with Randy's emphasis on performance, he wanted a nice road car that didn't sound like the inside of a bass drum when running down the road. A box of Dynamat sound-deadener lining insulates the interior floorpan, while the leather seats are by Cerullo with matching material for the back seat. Ace Upholstery of West Bend, Wisconsin, performed the stitch work, while D&Z mounted the Alpine head unit and the Focal speakers. Rocky Mountain Dashes created the custom dash that Randy filled with Stewart Warner instruments. He also built the custom center console. Steering input comes from an ididit steering column, while wiring help came from Kwik Wire. The Chevelle even has electric windows courtesy of Electric Life.
Weight: Amazingly, Randy reports that even with the stereo and Dynamat sound deadener, the Chevelle weighs in at a respectable 3,400 pounds with-out driver.
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