C3 Vettes -- the American "hard fist" of power
I've always been a lover of third generation Corvettes. Their insane looks always cast a spell on me. This came from my 1968 Corvette SCCA race car (built by Guldstrand Racing Inc.) with an L-88 427 and outsider pipes. Purchased by my father from a SOCAL racer, this thing would pin your eyeballs to the back of your head when you hit the "loud pedal".
From that time onwards, even my Z06 seemed wimpy. I had to regain the American "hard fist" of power at my disposal. Fifteen years ago, I obtained a 1980 Corvette "shell car". Everything was junked except the body. I made a 4130 Chrome Molybdenum steel tube frame and used a Guldstrand 5 link IRS and tubular a-arms up front. The suspension uses air springs with an accelerometer / computer controlled system that automatically trims the air pressure based on G forces.
The engine is a World Products "Merlin" 632 cubic inch crate motor (8.0:1 c/r) with a low overlap hi lift mechanical roller cam. The engine is force-fed by two GT-76 ceramic ball-bearing turbos with a huge air-to-air intercooler. The engine is controlled by a Holley Commander 950 EFI system, with a Snow Performance methanol / water injection system. The engine loves the E-85 fuel available in my area. I've run 15 lbs. of boost with this fuel, but my courage evaporated before the power ran out... The tranny is a Richmond overdrive 6 speed (replaced a planetary gearbox which was a pain in the butt) and the rear end has a final drive ratio of 3.73:1.
I have tried to keep the appearance as close to stock as possible (no ricer wings etc), but I have been forced to make a huge cowl induction hood to clear the tall-deck Merlin, and flares to clear the the Goodyear road race slicks. The car is equipped with 6 point harnesses, full safety cage, racing seat with head restraints and a fire suppression system.
In short, I fear no police cars, interceptors or otherwise. Imports and exotica are simply rapidly diminishing images in my rear view mirror. This red, white and blue beast thumbs it's nose at 'em! Catch me if you can (it is faster than a Motorola). In Montana, local law enforcement doesn't hammer on me anyway, as I keep my expression of American power under control. Our state didn't have speed limits until a few years ago. Consequently, the cops in Big Sky Country don't harass muscle car types unless they are doing patently stupid things like street racing or stunting. I was given only a warning from the M.H.P. for doing 180 in a 70 zone because I wasn't flipping lanes or recklessly passing other motorists. Life in rural Montana is great -- the American dream still lives on...
I plan to run the Montana Gunfighter (the car's name) in next years Silver State Classic and the Big Bend race. With the 4 inch open exhaust system, you'll hear me before you see me!
