However, Zach had loftier goals for this A-body. While maintaining the outer appearance, he ensured that the Roadster Shop SPEC Series chassis met the handling and ride performance standards. The chassis is based on CNC laser cut and contoured framerails tied together with crossmembers and chassis bracing, allowing a 3-inch exhaust system to run neatly between the rails and an adjustable dropout transmission mount.

The Roadster Shop SPEC chassis is outfitted with AFCO coilovers, power rack-and-pinion steering, adjustable upper A-arm eccentric mounts, Wilwood Pro Spindles, parallel four-bar rear suspension with more AFCO coilovers, and a Quick Performance Ford 9-inch rearend housing 4.10 gears with an Eaton Truetrac and 35-spline axles. The brake package is based on the Wilwood Superlite 6 Big Brake kit that features 14-inch rotors and six-piston calipers in both the front and rear, all operated by a Wilwood master cylinder topped with an Atomic Machine cover.

The ’rails themselves are narrowed over stock dimensions allowing for wider rear wheels and tires when mini-tubs are now used. The wheel-and-tire combination is based on a set of Billet Specialties 18×9.5 front and 18×12 rear all wrapped with Nitto rubber. The fronts are 265/35R18, while in the back they measure 335/30R18; now, that’s a massive amount of rubber for a streetcar.

The powerful 427 big-block V-8 is based on a Don Hardy Race Cars–built aluminum Dart block and heads neatly topped off with a Whipple W175Ax 2.9L direct drive twin-screw supercharger. The block and head configuration is based on DART aluminum components, and the internals are all specific to Don Hardy–built V-8s, right down to the machinework and final assembly. The electric supply is completed with an XS lithium battery supplying the Powermaster starter and alternator. Cooling efforts fall to the C&R Radiator aluminum radiator and heat exchanger, a polished water pump, and a Wagner serpentine belt system. Handling the computer chores is a Holley Terminator Max supplying the spark through Don Hardy plug wires. The tube headers come from Ultimate Headers attached to 3-inch stainless steel tubing, all welded by Lieberman, that run effortlessly through the SPEC chassis back to a pair of stainless mufflers. Look closely and you can see that ARP fasteners are used throughout the engine and bay. Now, getting all this torque, 940 lb-ft, the rearend falls to the Bowler Performance Transmissions–prepped TREMEC six-speed and shifter coupled with a RAM clutch package.

There’s plenty of retina-detaching, seat-of-the-pants acceleration, and the high-tech chassis provides plenty of grip and road-hugging capability. So, what’s it like inside? The factory dash is now equipped with New Vintage USA period gauges, a Vintage Air A/C system, and a Rebel Wire harness installed while at Rynobuilt Rod and Custom. The tilt steering column comes from Ididit with a Billet Specialties three-spoke wheel. A custom console from Rynobuilt, covered by Trujillo Interiors, houses the Bowler Performance shifter, the MB Quart touch screen audio/GPS, and a pair of center-mounted cup holders. The stereo system has mounted its “heartbeat” within the trunk–Hifonics amplifiers, subwoofers, and speakers. The fiberglass kick panels house the 6-1/2-inch Premium component set, and the rear package tray houses the 6-1/2-inch three-way components, the Premier set from MB Quart. From here, Metra Electrics supplied all the wires, RCA cables, fusing for the audio, and accent lighting. Adding to the sound and heat control, Lizard Skin coating on the inside and underside of the body is used for sound control, as well as a heat ceramic coating. The front buckets are based on factory frames, but the seating is a custom-shaped foam now covered with black leather and suede for the door and kick panels. The carpeting is done in an automotive black tight weave loop. All this neatly carried out stitchwork was performed by Jeffrey Trujillo Interiors. Also installed is a five-point harness featuring 3-inch-wide belts. Although subtle, there is a Ridetech rollcage. By now, you have seen plenty of powdercoating thanks to Rocky Willis.

This present-day example of a modern-day muscle car tribute to the vintage days has been seen at the SEMA Show, Goodguys events, and others. What a great way to cruise your local event in this potent 1970 Chevelle packing close to 1,000 hp and torque.