Every second Thursday, the Motor Trend YouTube channel drops a brand new episode of Hot Rod Garage and this week’s episode doesn’t disappoint, as host Tony Angello continues to turn HRG’s 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle project car into a swift yet streetable steer.
Angello immediately goes to work swapping out the original drivetrain for a big-block 454 cubic-inch V8…except it’s not a 454, it’s an HT502 ci Big-Block cleverly disguised as a 454. Pop the hood and you’ll find all the trappings of a 454 LS6: even 454 markings proudly sit up top while an orange-painted engine block further completes the rouse.
It’s a harmless bit of more-go-less-show trickery and only the keenest of observers would be able to tell the former big-block from the latter. Plus, the HT502 is rated at 377 hp with a towering 502 lb-ft of torque, so it’s sure to shut up most of the haters anyway.
Once Angello completes the timing and checks for leaks it’s off to drag strip to get some baseline performance numbers. The ’70 Chevelle lays down an a casual 14-second quarter mile run at 103 mph, even with an open differential, a 3.08 rear-end, and what appears to be stock tires. No doubt, a few tweaks here and there and a fresh set of rubber could easily knock it down into the 13-second territory.
Check out the episode below but don’t let that 16-minute run time fool you, only the first nine minutes are dedicated to Hot Rod Garage, then it’s a Q&A with the guys from Roadkill.
It’s always nice to see killer build videos like this and, like Angello, we can’t wait to see how the Chevelle performs once a few more modifications are chucked its way.
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