Some folks out there love the show-and-shine, pampering their ride with stacks of car wax and obsessive detailing. This 1970 Chevy El Camino, however, takes a different route. This thing is built with an emphasis on speed, aesthetics be damned, and the result is oodles of smiles per gallon.
Recently featured by the folks at AutotopiaLA, this big-block beast cradles a monstrous 498-cubic-inch V8 engine, which is outfitted with 13:1 compression, a solid roller cam, and ported Dart Pro heads. Paired with a custom 1250 Dominator carburetor, the setup cranks out a staggering 830 horsepower. To harness all that muscle, the owner opted for a Turbo 400 transmission equipped with a 5,500-stall Edge Racing converter. A GM 12-bolt rear end with 3.73 gears and a full spool provides the durability and traction needed for drag racing, while drag-specific shocks and springs optimize handling for straight-line performance.
Outside, the owner went with a pin-on hood, while the manual brakes were retained for simplicity. The exterior sports RC Components wheels in front and Weld Racing wheels in rear. Providing the traction is a set of 295/65R15 rubber.
The owner says he might refine the bodywork and paint down the line, but for now, it’s primer black and all business. The cabin is equally as utilitarian, sporting a new TCI shifter, an aftermarket tachometer, a new steering wheel, and some new pedals. In fact, this Chevy El Camino still retains the original bench seat and lap belts.
“I don’t have to worry about, ‘oh man, look you got a nick right here, oh man, somebody open their door up,’” the owner says.
Though still a work in progress, the owner has already put 500 miles on the new engine. During a test drive, the El Camino demonstrates its raw power and responsiveness. Indeed, the philosophy behind this thing is clear: prioritize performance, and let the aesthetics follow.
Check it out for yourself right here:
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