"My buddy at Mert Littlefield Blowers says to me, 'We just finished building some new 6-71 blowers.'" Roger built the motor for reliability and the utmost in drivability, so the blower was set up to run with an 8 percent underdrive. In terms of positive manifold pressure, this equates to a 6- to 7-psi boost. Ignition advance, boost retard controls, and that rock-bottom 8.1:1 compression ratio let the motor slip 91-octane pump gas; it'll even run on regular if Roger doesn't crowd the throttle too hard. The rest is here for you to see.
Roger's last words: "My wife deserves a lot of credit for putting up with all the time and money I spent on the car over the years. I just hope she doesn't want to start driving it to work again!" You might want to let her do that once in a while, Roger. Never know when you'll be getting a yen to tuck a 598 under one of Mert's huffers. Could be real soon, huh?
Inside
The black vinyl was applied by West-minster Auto Upholstery in Westminster, California. The original dashboard is still in place with a new dashpad, a 150-mph speedometer, an 8,000-rpm tachometer, and Auto Meter oil, water temp, and boost gauges. Other amenities include a Grant steering wheel, new door panels, glass, weatherstripping, an electric trunk release, a rear window defroster, and a special interior lighting package.
Performance
It looks the part, but it's a runner, too. Generating 812 hp at 6,400 rpm and 735 lb-ft of torque at 5,700 rpm, the 496ci has propelled this second-gen down the quarter-mile as quickly as 10.44 at 135 mph.
Power Train
Motivation comes from a cast-iron '74 454 that's been bored and poked to 496 ci with a 4.310-inch bore and 4.250-inch stroke. Rotating assembly consists of an Eagle 4340 forged steel, Eagle H-beam 6.385-inch-long connecting rods, 8.1:1-compression JE pistons, and a custom-blower-grind Comp Cams Xtreme-Energy hydraulic roller. Induction is handled via Pro Topline aluminum 360cc rectangle-port cylinder heads with 122cc combustion chambers, minor bowl blending, and Manley Severe Duty valves. Forcing the air is a Mert Littlefield 6-71 super-charger topped off with a pair of Sean Murphy Induction 750 Holley Stage 2 blower carbs (830 cfm actual flow), a K&N air filter, and an 8 percent underdrive to produce around 6-7 psi of boost. Roger rows gear in a Richmond six-speed (3.27, 2.13, 1.57, 1.23, 1.00, 0.76:1). The scattershield and clutch of choice are from McLeod. Transferring the power to the 3.08:1-geared 10-bolt rear is a stock driveshaft shortened and balanced with Spicer HD U-joints by Drive Line Specialties in Garden Grove, California.