Without weight and aerodynamics in his favor, Terry had the challenge of motivating his Chevelle in an efficient manner. His weapon of choice is an SB2 small-block, built by Albert Racing Engines. Coming in at 436 ci, the engine features a Dart Little M block, packed with a Callies crankshaft, Crower connecting rods, and CP pistons. This bulletproof bottom end is topped off with a set of ported SB2 heads that work in harmony with the custom grind camshaft from Cam Motion to provide adequate airflow. Fuel makes its way through the Gary Williams–prepped Holley Dominator carburetor, while an MSD Digital 7 ignition box (hidden under the dash) provides spark. When Albert Racing Engines finished the stout small-block, they gave it a workout on the dyno, resulting in 873 hp at 7,500 rpm. Terry also runs a Speedtech nitrous system, which is a fogger setup, jetted for approximately 100 hp. Behind the SB2 is a Powerglide transmission, built to the max by Rogers Automotive, using a Reed case, 1.80 gearset, and transbrake. Incoming power is applied with a Coan 8-inch torque converter, while outgoing power is sent through a Mark Williams aluminium driveshaft.
An open door reveals an immaculate interior, which certainly isn’t the norm for a drag car of this caliber. Factory carpet and all original interior panels give Terry’s Chevelle the right amount of classic flair while, the original seats, restored by Hinshaw’s Chevelle are the perfect finishing touch. The eight-point rollcage is tucked tightly to the body, so that it blends in with its surroundings, and Terry took every opportunity to hide typical race car equipment, by mounting auxiliary gauges in the glove compartment, and the necessary switches and buttons in the original console. He even mounted the Auto Meter tach in the classic knee-knocker location, which is well received by the hard-core Chevelle guys. For safety, Terry installed Simpson five-point harnesses, as well as an onboard fire suppression system.
Terry is a bodyman and painter by trade, so he is deeply involved with all sorts of projects, from restored muscle cars to Pro Mod drag cars. He’s a knowledgeable guy when it comes to perfecting body panels, and his work on this Chevelle proves it. The all-steel panels are laser straight, and feature a slick coating of R-M Diamont base/clear paint, using the original Sandalwood Tan color. Terry laid down the urethane materials and spent a great deal of time color sanding, buffing, and polishing the new finish. Final fit and finish is superb, and you’ll be hard pressed to find a flaw in his paintjob. Terry restored the trim, and sent the original bumpers to Tri-City Plating for re-chroming, and continued to assemble the Chevelle with the utmost attention to detail. Super Sport badges ride on the front fenders and grille, indicating a 396 big-block, which is slightly inaccurate, but we’ll let him slide on that minor detail!
CHP