Let’s stay with the “kool factor” and get into the LS 427 built at Don Hardy Race Cars (DHRC) that was topped with the LS Classics Series Tri-power look. It is complete with the big-block three-deuce air cleaner and chrome valve covers. What’s nifty about the LS platform is how much “easy” horsepower these motors can make while retaining their driveability. In the case of this ’67 Corvette convertible the dyno tells us that it averages 574.5 hp and 518.2 lb-ft “under the curve” of 5,850 rpm. (It’s this “power under the curve” that we are looking for when seeking both a powerful and driveable hot rod.) The LS big-block sporting 427 ci did max out at 605.6 hp and 552.3 lb-ft of torque. The DHRC-built LS utilizes an LS7 aluminum block, a 58x reluctor, a DHRC 0.600-plus lift cam, custom pushrods, LS7 lifters, stainless valves with Lunati valvesprings, a pair of DART LS3 heads, all held together with an ample supply of ARP hardware. Part of the package also includes an Edelbrock water pump and a Holley 2×4 throttle body kit, which includes an intake manifold, fuel rails, and FAST 39-pound injectors. A Holley EFI ECU along with an accompanying harness brings the “big-block” V-8 to life. Other engine appointments include Billet Specialties Tru Tracs (serpentine belt system), LS3 coils, an ATI balancer, and a Melling M295 oil pump. The LS is bolted to a T-56 Magnum six-speed manual transmission prepped by Bowler Performance Transmissions. The T-56 has a 2.66 First gear and a 0.63 Sixth gear, making it an ideal street performer for quicker accelerations and great highway cruising at low rpm.

Keeping this potent LS between the lane lines falls to the efforts of a Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis with a fully independent suspension designed for the C2 with a 58-3/4-inch track width. This chassis is designed for superior Pro Touring performance that a potent street-driven ’67 Corvette would command. It has Roadster Shop proprietary suspension based on Corvette C7 Z06 spindles, Fox fixed valve coilover shocks, and a 1-1/4-inch splined front sway bar with 1-1/4-inch upper control arms and 1-5/8-inch lower control arms. In back it has an aluminum centersection that runs 3.90 gears and Roadster Shop axles. Braking is always important, but especially true when you have the power this ’67 Corvette is pulling around. So, Baer 14-inch rotors with six-piston calipers are used in front and four-piston calipers in back. Surrounding the Baer brakes are the e. Black Design wheels that were then machined by Leading Edge Machine & Design custom one-offs featuring a Halibrand-style with functioning knock-off spinners. The wheels measure 18×8 and 18×10 and are covered with 225 and 295/40R18 rubber.