The good folks over at The Roadster Shop recently set out on an east coast road trip and documented the experience as part of an ongoing video series for its YouTube channel called “Road Tour.” So far in this series, we’ve seen Roadster Shop put the spotlight on a customer’s 1,300-horsepower 1955 Chevy Coupe, get behind the wheel of a 650-horsepower Chevy C10 and cruise to the beach in a pristine 1963 Chevy Impala. Now, in Episode 4, Roadster Shop has decided to turn some attention towards a customer’s clean 1966 Chevelle SS.
The 1966 Chevelle SS in question started out life as a regular Aztec Bronze-painted SS model with a matching bronze interior, 396 cubic inch Big Block V8 and TH350 three-speed automatic transmission. However, Roadster Shop yanked out the 396 Big Block and old three-speed, with the customer opting to replace them with a modern fuel-injected GM 6.2L LS3 V8 and an electronically controlled 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission.
Roadster Shop specializes in replacement chassis for classics like the Chevelle SS, so this particular build rides on the company’s Rideline IRS platform, a modern take on the classic body-on-frame muscle car chassis that integrates new Roadster Shop-designed front and rear suspension with Fox coilovers, 10-gauge fully boxed frame rails and a Ford nine-inch rear end.
Despite the significant under-the-skin upgrades, this Chevelle SS otherwise looks almost stock. The Roadster shop chassis gives it a lower, wider and somewhat sportier stance, while the Forgeline OE1 wheels, offer modern wheel/tire fitment with a factory look. Those are really the only visible differences between this Roadster Shop-modified Chevelle and a factory one, but when it comes to an iconic vehicle like the Chevelle, that’s just fine.
This episode also follows the Roadster Shop crew as they check out a friend’s 1967 Pontiac GTO and go for a ride in a Nor-Tech fishing boat. Check out the video embedded below to see more of these vehicles and follow the shop’s latest road trip shenanigans.
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Comments
I owned one in 1976. Ermine white with blue interior. Had the L34 396 360hp 4 gear. Wish I had it today!
I have a 66.ss chevelle with a 396.4 speed.12bolt.331.gm reargear..leave the car stock..it needs nothing else.big block motors are power mongs..they kick ass..66 chevelle needs no block frame.or vette struts or lastly..a damn ford rear end..leave my 66ss chevelle all 396 and 66 gm.stuff..r.jones nash.tn
Stock is for Walmart. You may not NEED a full frame with modern suspension design, brakes, fuel injection, etc, but if you want to put thousands of miles on your car a year or have modern levels of NVH / ride quality – we believe a chassis is the way to go. Until then – enjoy your car!
I have a ’66 Chevelle SS 396/375+ hp, 4 spd. Gorgeous Red on Red with Buckets. This baby is staying with me forever.
If I want a ls..motor and auto .I would buy a 2020 Silverado truck..my 66 396 chevelle has a 396.motor 4 speed.forever.mmrj