Sticky Business
Keith's Elco may be Viper-inspired, but the polished Detroit Wheels ZR1 replica rims he runs bear a closer resemblance to one of Chevy's best. These rollers are appropriately ZR1-sized at 17x9.5 and 17x11 inches, front to back, and they wear Sumitomo HTR Z rubber, 275/40ZR17 and 315/35ZR17. Braking prowess comes via Wilwood Superlite six-piston front calipers clamping down on 13-inch drilled and slotted two-piece rotors; the rear binders are Dynalite four-piston calipers grasping 12-inch two-piece rotors. The system is actuated by a Wilwood master cylinder and proportioning valve assisted by a Hydratech Hydroboost hydraulic power brake assist unit. And lest we forget the straight-line, this Elky's also sporting a Hurst Line-Loc.
Framework Homework
Looking to get the most bang for his buck, Keith thoroughly researched his suspension options, digesting every piece of info he could find. The final combo, attached to the Elky's original frame, goes something like this: Pole Position Racing adjustable upper A-arms team with Global West tubular lowers to surround fabricated steel '71-76 Impala-spec spindles; Coleman Racing designed them for asphalt oval track combat. Coleman was also sourced for billet-aluminum steering arms and Impala hubs. The shocks are QA1 double-adjustable coilovers with QA1 progressive-rate springs, but dig this: Keith runs the original '70 El Camino 151/416-inch sway bar. Rearend action is handled by a set of Wolfe Race Craft adjustable lower control arms, teamed with Edelbrock adjustable uppers. Keith dealt with the dreaded suspension bind issue by utilizing spherical bearings and rod ends throughout, including Wolfe Race Craft pieces in the rearend housing. Damping duties are fall to QA1 Stocker Star 12-way adjustable shocks teamed with Original Parts Group 2-inch drop springs. Directional control happens through an AGR quick-ratio power steering box, linked to the El Camino's original steering shaft and column.
Slicked Back
This El Camino SS may be more than a quarter-century old, but its drag-racing life left behind a straight body, excepting a few dents on the tailgate. Rods & Restos of Fridley, Minnesota, sanitized the stripped shell by shaving and filling the lower side, tailgate, and driprail moldings along with the door guards and fender emblems. A mirrorlike coat of PPG Tuxedo Black accentuated by Arctic White hood stripes completed the transformation.
Extra Effort
This one's easy. Keith's '70 El Camino SS busts the quarter in 11.85 at 118.30 mph, has warped through a circuit of Brainerd International Raceway in 2:02:67 with a top speed of 148 mph, and completed the Power Tour Long Haul in 2004. What else do ya want? CHP