Memo Castillo thought about building a straight-up race car when he became this Mali's second owner, but darned if he didn't start to enjoy just driving it. The factory-style two-tone interior, done 15 years ago, still looks great. Memo rebuilt the vintage 327 small-block with 10:1 TRW forged pistons, Edelbrock aluminum heads and intake, and an MSD ignition system. Hedman headers and Flowmaster mufflers handle exhaust duties. The combo is good for almost 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The tranny is a Turbo 350 with lower First and Second planetary gears and a Continental 3,000-stall converter; a 3.42:1 Posi diff rounds out the drivetrain. The steering and suspension were rebuilt years ago, but Memo recently installed four-wheel power disc brakes and replaced the rally wheels with new Americans wearing 17-inch BFGs. "This car can be driven anywhere," Memo declares, only to later admit, "I still have all the parts to build a crazy engine sitting on hold." We know how it is, Memo.
Get your car in CHP!E-mail: Send photos and info to chevyhiperformance@primedia.com. Digital photos must be 300 dpi at 5x7 inches.
Mail: CHP Rides, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048