Initial Build - Up
The car started life as a standard blue 202, four speed VC Holden Commodore. In search of something different to the plague of Commodores infesting the Coast, I sought performance and refinement from the General's best, CHEV! After 6 months of preparing and painting the body in a truly outstanding hue, the car was readied for an intended 500 HP small block chev. But, desires and aspirations grow and develop (sometimes in a ridiculous manner - as in this case), which resulted in a 383 stroker small block, awaiting some form of boost, finding it's way into the engine bay.
The car how I bought it in 1998. It came with a 202, 4-speed and 10-bolt diff, cheviot mags, a huge ding in the passenger-side sill panel and the great granny visor.
The original engine bay with the tired six, air-con, trick air horns and a hell of a lot of dirt!
My first attempt at panel beating ended up being 6 months of putty and sandpaper. The body was very much less than straight (and still is), but the good point was very little rust with the only Gold Coast Chrome present being in the bottom pockets of the two front doors. Thanks to Tony at TJ's Restoratins for fixing that problem and welding in the GTR guard flutes as well. After this effort, I can conclude that the old Eager Beaver is not quite up to the task of a good panel job, next time I'll invest in a compressor and spray gun.
After the undercarriage got hit with a few coats of GM Black, the front and rear suspension went back together but not before a splash of Lina Mint enamel, some chroming of nuts and bolts, new tie-rods and ball joints as well as some new bushes.
The new donk in the freshly-painted engine bay. Chev fits quite nicely. I re-wired this part myself, hiding a new harness under the guards. Fuel and vacuum lines also found a home under the guards while the battery now resides in the boot with the washer bottle. As the car is run on Premium Unleaded (now Optimax), the charcoal canister etc. was not needed to pass compliance.
I left the interior stock, except for the usual assortment of guages and a VDO tacho. I made a small switch panel for the fuel pump, fans etc. and a stainless console for the shifter and MSD module.
Big thanks to my mates Scotty, Ben, Nathan, JR, Garbs, Divo, Dimitri, Ed and Gabe. Todd for all his parts and help and Paul for the engine and his patience. Thanks also to Kev, Jase, Pete and Simon.
Engine in aspirated form.