We’re headed back to the Mid Michigan Motorplex in Stanton, Michigan with Cars and Zebras for yet another classic drag race, this time featuring a 1970 Chevelle SS LS6 lining up against a 1963 Plymouth Savoy 426. As expected, the video includes a full breakdown of specs on both cars, plus multiple rounds of heads-up, straight-line competition. And yes, it’s all delivered with that characteristic C&Z humor along the way.
Let’s kick it off with the Chevelle SS and dive straight under the hood. Equipped with the highly coveted LS6 454 engine, this Chevelle is throwing down with an impressive 450 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 500 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm, all thanks to specs like an 11.25:1 compression ratio, forged steel crankshaft, forged aluminum pistons, solid lifter cam, and a Holley 780 carburetor. The video also touches on the car’s price in 1970 ($3,985), which, when adjusted for inflation to 2024 dollars, would be equivalent to around $32,000.
Lining up alongside the Chevelle is a 1963 Plymouth Savoy, which is showing up to the party with the Max Wedge 426 engine. When new, this powerplant was rated at 425 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 480 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. Although not as well-known as the Chevelle, the Savoy was a powerful contender in its day, with the 426 boasting a compression ratio of 13.5:1. Interestingly, the engine is connected to push-button TorqueFlite transmission. The host also provides a breakdown of the car’s price, which was $3,235 when new, or $33,279 in 2024 when adjusting for inflation.
While power numbers are important, so is vehicle weight, with the Plymouth Savoy posting an advantage at 3,740 pounds with driver, as compared to 3,980 pounds with driver for the Chevelle SS. Naturally, the racing is saved for the end, with the first of three rounds kicking off around the 11-minute, 48-second mark. The video also manages to capture some burnout action before the lights turn green, so make sure to look out for that:
Comments
Dude’s funny as heck. Both cars are secks on wheels. Those old Mopars were unsung street heroes! Thanks for posting.
One complaint about the 426 Hemi is that it really didn’t get going in the 1/4 mile. Often the 440 had the edge. But extend the distance and nothing’s staying close. I cheered for both of these cars. The Chevelle is one of my top five cars of all time and the 426 Hemi has no equal.
I understand they’re talking about the 426 Max Wedge in this video. Not the 426 Hemi. Am I wrong?
Yes it was called the Stage III Max Wedge the normal motor had 11:1 compression with the 13.5:1 HP is increased by 15HP from 410 to 425HP
This was the sorriest commentation to a video I’ve ever seen