Original X44 - sadly not a COPO.

Look closely and you’ll noticed that a few things have changed since 1969.  I call it the "Rat Touring" movement.

The original 307 was replaced by a 496 (aka Rat) and has an Edelbrock RPM Airgap intake and Aluminum heads, 11:1 compression, a Comp Cams 292H camshaft, MSD Ignition, and 850 Holley Double pumper. Trans is a Richmond Super T-10 Plus. Rear is a 10 Bolt ( Richmond 3.55 Gears, Auburn Posi unit, Moser axles),  power steering, and 4 wheel disc brakes.

More pictures here.

 The big orange machine was converted to a E85 conversion carburetor kit from "RaceonE85.com" Now I need to lobby for more "alternative" fuels in Austin as I go back and forth between Gasoline and E85 - I'm considering fuel injection to make the transition faster in the future. It's living on back on 91-93 Octane for now due to the scarce availability of E85.

Here is the E85 build link.

Update:

Jan 2010 - I start the Pro Touring \G-Machine build I've been after. A complete Speed Tech Performance Pro Touring Kit with ATS AFX spindles, and a C5\C6 Big Brake kit from Kore3 Technologies have been ordered and are on the way. Wheels will be 18" WC3 Forgelines. More to follow...

June 2010 - G-Machine suspension build is complete.

August 2010 - Completed the new 496 build

Feb 2011 - Look for it as the feature in the April 2011 Chevy High Performance magazine.

 

Dyno:

454 Dyno Run before it gets pulled out for the 496. Motor was down 60HP and 100 ft lbs at the wheels. After cracking open the motor, it became apparent why it was down on power. Loose cam gear - cam pin was in the oil pan and the cam bolts backed off  to the point of falling out - gear and end of the cam were trashed even though the lifters and lobes looked good. Those parts are now in the scrape pile... New 496 dyno pull will be here soon.

New 496 idling...