This was my dads car! I can tell you he ran mid 12's consistently with great reaction time . Car always performed well because it had amazing traction. And i have pictures of it pulling the wheels off the ground (with sway bar removed). My dad sold the car to a guy who owned it for 2 short weeks before selling it to vice grip shame he told you it ran 10's.
@Nathan Bopp i agree, man. im glad the chevelle is in good hands. Wish my dad had a way to tell his story with the car so vice grip could stop guessing and know the real truth behind the car.
Wow, what a great coincidence !!! I hung around the pits at Niagara Dragway in Niagara Falls, NY since I was 12 (1967) and not only mingled with the local champions, indeed, your Dad's car is 100% classic racer...
Derek, it was blowing through the converter on the dyno, that’s why the power was so low. You can hear how short those dyno pulls were. Run it at the track before you change too much and see what it runs, then go from there. It’s a cool ass car and will be neat to see an old 80s street racer at the track.
Definitely agree. Theres no way that thing is only making 230hp. Was either blowing through the converter or the dyno didnt have nearly enough load to make the car work.
I’ve have worked on cars for a long time and when I first started if something didn’t go my way id get mad and later on I realized that the car doesn’t care if you get mad at it or not plus derik has a very positive attitude all the time
I thought about what to say over night bc you'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt. But this was trash content. I get it, he's hurt and just trying to get a video up to try and stay current and make the extra money to fund his drag adventure. I would've rather waited for him to build one of his many projects on the tree row. But cleeter has dug his claws in him. You can see the trend change. I hope the hemi half brings him the money he needs where he can chill and start making quality content he needs and not try and chase the next drag event.
Sounds like it blows right through the converter pretty hard right off the hit. I’d like to see this car hit the track and see what it’ll do how it sits right now. High strung small blocks are always cool so I personally would love to see what you’ve got but if and a guy decides to pep her up I think a big inch big block would be really really cool to see as well. Love the content you’re putting out Derek. It never gets old
Also I think it might be interesting to get some new valve springs and see if it’ll keep the valves in check cause it seems odd that it sounds so healthy, runs fantastic, and it’s only revving to 5,000 efficiently and making only 230hp’s???? My stupid C4 cross plane makes 255hp to the tires and it’s almost stock
I guess this is all prior to sick week. I assume the Malibu stayed home and you took vanishing paint and the Monte. I don’t know!!!! I’ll just keep watching. Hope your RIBS are healing. I know your pain. You Jessica and the family stay safe and well . 😊. Artie
The dyno doesn’t load the car at all. It’s a dyno com by the look of it. Not suprised. Not trying to be mean. Just not the best dyno. Not even close. Your average acceleration rate for this kind of horsepower should be 300 rpm per second ish.
Derek, I'm an old school mechanic. I built my first car based on the knowledge of my dad and his friends. Used to spend hours every day hanging out with amazing men who's knowledge has mostly been lost to time. I'm probably one of the few people left who has experience and knowledge using a dwell meter and a "distributor machine". I knew and hung out with legends; from motorcycles to cars. I knew John Lingenfelter. He built a badass BBC for my "godfather" out of his garage back in the 80s. Before he became a famous engine builder. What I'm saying is that I enjoy watching your channel and would very much enjoy working in your shop with you. There aren't many of us left; and the fact that you have the desire and the platform to help keep it alive and spread it means a lot. Keep up the good work and spreading the "hobby". Hope to meet you some day and maybe turn some wrenches with you. Never change who you are. Keep it going.
I love the way this car is set up Derek. It's exactly the way we built them back in the mid to late 70's. Those are Lakewood Traction bars. Almost everyone that had an A body in the day had them. Keep up the great work sir.
@@twodogsyyc6729 Didn't Nova's have leaf springs ? I had 4 Nova's 1968 - 1972 ... All had leaf springs and traction bars with pinion snubbers, not ladder bars
I'm getting older and I can tell that my mind is slipping a bit, but as long as I have the chance, I will always watch and be a fan of your channel!!! Thank you so much.
Truth! You know the videos clickbait “shocking truth of” are usually immature disses. Derek’s was the first I’d seen the absolutely DID NOT badmouth them at all and was actually totally complimentary
I think you should check spring height and seat pressure ! That will change a lot with an engine that has been setting around for several years and not being ran ! Also most of the CSB I have been around run thier best with ign. timing at 35 - 36° I hope this helps your small block be all it can be ! Love your show !
Thanks as always Derek for all you provide fer us fellers and fellettes. Alway a gift well received when we hear about sparkolaters and lightning whirlers. Now if you only had a battery sponsor…Too much? Perfect
I think it would be great to see how fast you can get it down the track, keeping as much of the old school parts as possible. Whatever you decide to do, I will enjoy watching you make it happen.
That really surprised me. I guessed it would come in around the high 200 to low 300 HPs. I think I'd want to take it to a local track and see what you get out of it (real world) before making drastic changes. Really nice car and loved the video.
@gooblio Keep in mind it wasn't until the 70s that ratings were changed from gross to net and horsepower numbers dropped about 100hp so this doesn't feel to off at all and seems right to me
Derek, regarding the valve float at 6,200 or less, those valve springs have for sure lost some of their strength over the past few decades, if you want the rev's back, replace the springs.
I came here to say this. Also a set of decent aluminum heads would probably be a better upgrade but it would be neat to see what improvement just a fresh set of springs would make.
Love your channel, Jim from Oklahoma ( I am a self proclaimed Mutt)I started watching you back last November during my wife’s back surgery recovery ( she is doing great) I married my high school sweetheart 46 years ago. I just wanted you to know your character shows through out your content and you inspired me on my own project (1950 ford truck) Thanks for all you do.
It doesn't need a big block. 400 blocks are legendary, and that one is too. It was either blowing through the converter, or that dyno wasn't loading it at all. I've toyed with alot of SBC's and BBC's but the 400 is certainly my favorite.
I love the 2 boltmain 400s install splayed main caps and make a 377ci for asphalt modified race car or go up to a 421ci for dirt modified race car pre1974 preferably
I have a 400 4 bolt main bored .60 over in my 85 c10. Ported vortec heads, cam, intake, pistons, rods, crank and jegs efi kit. Puts down 453hp at the wheels with a TKX 5 speed. Let me tell ya, my dyno pulls don't sound like that.
Me personally I like a 400 30 over with 6-inch rods a set of bowtie heads and 250 dome pistons about 655 lift roller cam about 4200 converter in a glide with a 1.76 and trans brake
My Dad bought a used one in 77 for my brother i was thirteen oh how i loved that car. They sold it before I could drive i was so upset . It had a two tone color shen and leather bucket seats. May God bless all!
Man , does this bring back great memories for me. Tuning my friends '67 Cougar for the drag strip , burnouts with wrinkle wall slicks . Wow, to be 20 again.....
Great video Derek. I have worked on my own cars a bit over the years (I am old) but you are so far above my abilities and quite frankly my initiative and it is a joy to watch. No drama, no kitch, great humor and just some real mechanic stuff. I love watching it my young brother. And I bought a hat today for a chance at the hemi-half. It would replace my 2002 F150. :) God bless you man. Keep it up.
Hey Derek, glad to see that your dirt bike enjuries are doing good!👍 thanks again for your sick week footage! That was just pure awsomeneessesss! 🔥 ❤️👊
Dang I was a little high. It's still really cool. I used to think big numbers on older styles but after having 4cyl cars that were fast and just bn around I knew how it was. Cool ass car. 😎
Thanks Derek, another great video. Rather than an engine swap how about a series where you continue to go through the car and make sure everything is working to its best? Check the convertor and box, valve springs and all the other things that could have gone away since the car was built. Get a baseline on the track here and then do some average feller upgrades?
I think many of us have been right there so many times with the ratchet and wrench and washer and nut all taking turns slipping and falling. I could feel the blood pressure rising just watching that first couple minutes. Derek is a good example to show patience and humor to get past all that. Good times!
Getting upset about it doesn't do anything but make the job harder then some people throw stuff and break things or dent a good looking car stuff happens and everyone has butterfinger days just keep plugging along or take a break
I was always a fan of getting two fitting kits for the air shocks. I would run a seperate line to each side. That way the air doesn’t transfer one side to the other on corners. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻. Awesome build good sir.
I'd take a few full bore blasts down the 1/4 mile before really settling on changes there, Derek. The dyno is way cool, but it's at the track that really matters. All that said, if you do decide to repower the old girl, well, there's no replacement for displacement I always say.
I've been a viewer from afar for a few years now and never really sat through an entire episode...I have to say your content is very entertaining and informative...the narration is very entertaining. Now that I've given your channel a proper chance I have to say I'm a fan and will be looking forward to new content on this channel especially about on this Chevelle ☺️
Great video Derek, love to see you build this to win some races! Big block for sure, put some fear into competitors when they hear VGG is at the track!
It’s so good to see you using a lift and not on the floor or the ground. I’m glad you’re giving your body a break. You deserved it for a long time. It’s not like we’re made out of eye ranium from a tornado. You take care brother, we just love ya.
Thank the lord for this channel!!!! I’m your typical car fixer upper type of fellar, in the pits for a few months healing up from shoulder surgery, so this is keeping me from going bat shit crazy.. excited to see Derek’s future projects and help me getting back to my projects
I'm kinda shocked that the car only made 233hp. I was thinking around 500hp. Keep the videos coming! I enjoy everyone! Hope you're on the mend! Have a good day!
I was thinking bare minimum 400 hp. But the double hump heads might be starving the engine for air above 5000 rpm. Even Vortecs can't meet the demand for an airflow-hungry 400
He gotta be blowing right through that converter 1 have a 406 in my 72 chevelle with afr heads 12:1 compression .600 lift at 300 duration with 107 overlap with air gap intake and a 850 race carb 38 degrees total timing. Trans is a borgwarner supert10 and 3.73 12 bolt she makes 450 hp and 550 tq with good air To the ground. he's just flaring that trans /converter and probably floating valves.
Just a suggestion…Make some shims for the rear brackets between the lips to keep bolts from bending. Bent bolt can have a crack in it and break suddenly. Love the build and your dedication to its history!
Love your positive attitude. That's part of why I watch your videos. You're always fun to watch, nice and your videos don't have any of the silly crap some other channels put in for views or whyever they do things like pranks or being mean to people. Keep it up. I would leave in the engine it has and start with the changes you're sure would be the most fun. Cam first probably or build it out to keep up with that cam. This is my dream car too. Just a fantastic looking car.
Man, that engine sounds good. I agree with a lot of the heads on here. I’d get a second opinion by running it on your favorite back road or a track. The power band seems a bit peculiar with this setup.
Yours channel is truly the only channel I am always watching for the next video. I never miss one and never skip a second of your videos. Thanks for being you and sharing with me!
Great idea, great show. Cars were fun back then. Your Chevellle was a pretty radical piece. Still is. Before you change the gearing, why not replace those 18 year old valve springs (They don't make springs like they used to; that's a good thing) and put some shorter tires on those pretty wheels. Since the tack was set for 6500, chances are the cam is solid and capable of twisting that tight. AJ might very well be on to something. Anyway, @ 6500, with the 4.11's, and a 27" tire it would be pushing wind north of 120. Everything back to spec and a fresh coat of reman juice and mid 12's @105 ought to be doable and fun. Keep doin what your doin.
I think you should keep the 400 sbc, their good motors and with a set of ARP rod bolts and a nice top end you can get pretty quick; and even quicker if you show the bottom end some love.This car represents history and working with what you have, keep the drive train. Love the show, happy hot rodding.
i agree, sbcs are torque monsters with the right setup, i personally think he should run it as is for a bit, but do a rebuild with some updated ported and polished aluminum heads, solid roller cam, fully forged rotating assembly, thing would be nuts, and run some spray
The car reminds me of my 69 chevelle, thing was a beast on a muncie 4 speed :D Love the sound of it Derek. Like just about everyone else was saying, maybe check the converter/trans and or take it to a shop where the guys have more experience with a dyno and can tell you what's going on. My Chevelle had around 280 hp to the wheels and i'm sure that thing has more!
Derek, It probably could use some new valve springs. After sitting for XX number of years some of them are bound to be weak from sitting there compressed all that time. I'd also consider letting one of the name-brand cam companies choose a different cam, maybe change it to a roller cam. I'd keep this one for cruising and drag racing. If you want to be a lot faster and money isn't a problem, then toss a big block in it... I hear John Kaase has some nice ones. 😜 Lol!
Sometimes you just need to take a step back and look at the whole painting to remind yourself you´re still making art before you can go back to finicky details
That blue is really nice on that. It's such a nice car. Hope your feeling better Derek. From my own experience ribs hurting is the worst. To know you did sic week with that was impressive. Love of a wonderful woman to help really matters in times like that for sure.
Someone once said imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I'll be dipped but it sure is hard not to rob you of some the classic things you say. I love the content, very entertaining. I especially like the make it run episodes of some of the not as popular vehicles. 👍👍
Great video as always, a little disappointed this Chevelle wasn't ready for Sick Week. But was also cool seeing what Vanishing Paint accomplished. Little sad I am just now discovering things like Sick Week exist...dad had an old 64 Malibu that was built for this type of event would give anything to have him back for one run at it.
Great video Derek! Such a great car and a nice small block to boot. Take her on the strip and see what she turns. Might get high 13’s. Perfect cruiser. Thank you for your tuning skill teachings on carburation fine tuning. I’m always learning from you.
Great video Derek. What a great car. The way she sounded I thought for sure she’d make more power. But still a great car with a great story. Thanks for sharing.
Great vid. I usually don’t comment, but there are a couple things I’m seeing here. 1. I would be very tempted to pull the valve springs and test pressure. Probably 30 years old and need to be changed. 2. It’s likely blowing through the converter. I’ve personally seen very low 12 second (3500 pound) cars only make 250 wheel hp on the chassis dyno because of this. I’d love to see this car run at the track as is with new valve springs and a 29” tire. I’d bet it runs in the 12s.
Can I just say how much I enjoy watching your channel? Thanks for sharing your "adventures" here - and it is so refreshing seeing car related content without all the usual swearing and stuff.. also, there's so much I already learned! Like, I had no idea about "sparkelators" or "fuelmakinhappeners".. :-D Just great, G-D bless ya. Heart-felt greetings from old Denmark.
I agree that it did sound like it was blowing through the converter. You seemed really disappointed contrary to what you were saying, I would of guessed 350-375 hp. You gotta remember this thing sit a long time and the engine is probably tired as well. Nothing wrong with big block swap, just small block was the thing back in the day. I would just have fun with it until it blows. Then give it independence 2.0 treatment!!
That really looks like a great car Derek. The first car I ever drove with my learner's permit was a friend of mine's 71 Chevelle the exact same color only it had the 307 anemic flavored engine 😂 I still had fond memories of it though. Thanks for all that you do and the great videos that you share with us. Keep up the great work 👍✌️🇺🇲
My opinion is most small blocks have too big of carb and to much cam. They sound wicked but the right cam/carb combo you can get 350hp easily out of her! Great video.
They do, and WAY too big of both. The heads are the restriction and even a big cam can't overcome the choked airflow. They're doubly limited with being low-RPM engines, but the old shitty heads had just enough flow to match them. You can kind of gain low-mid power but the heads are CFM peaked by 4500-5000 depending on displacement.
No way I’m this early?? Love the videos From VGG Keep up the hard work you guys! Derrick I’m so proud of you I’ve been here since first 50k subscribers and I cannot believe where you are. I can’t wait to see where else your hard work takes you and your family. Love and well wishes from your friend Kady here in New York ❤❤❤❤
HoT ePSom BAThs HoRSe-LiNeMeNT RuBs...(mebbe a muSTARD PLAsTeR)...iCe PACKs AT MiDDAY ...Then Too, As The Wise oLd INJuN KNoWs TheRe's NuThiN' beTTeRN' a GooD WooD heATeR!!!...heALiN buSiNeSS!!(FeR oLd aNCienT eVeN iNJuRieS).
Derek is just like me everyday at work, yelling and scream about dropping tools and parts in the bilge of a tug boat. Time to but independence engine in liberty
Thank you for posting these videos. My very favorite car is the 1970 to 1972 Chevelle. My brother had a 1972 Chevelle with a 402 big block with two four barrels on a tunnel ram. 4 speed Muncie m22 Rock crusher with 373 posi rear end. Now this was in 1984 when we put it together. It was a beast for it's time.
![BOWKYLION - วิงวอน (ex-change) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cLdnZWDaO-w/mqdefault.jpg)
This was my dads car! I can tell you he ran mid 12's consistently with great reaction time . Car always performed well because it had amazing traction. And i have pictures of it pulling the wheels off the ground (with sway bar removed). My dad sold the car to a guy who owned it for 2 short weeks before selling it to vice grip shame he told you it ran 10's.
Your dad's car is in good hands. Look how well he treated independence. It's getting the royal treatment, but won't disintegrate being used
@Nathan Bopp i agree, man. im glad the chevelle is in good hands. Wish my dad had a way to tell his story with the car so vice grip could stop guessing and know the real truth behind the car.
Wow, what a great coincidence !!! I hung around the pits at Niagara Dragway in Niagara Falls, NY since I was 12 (1967) and not only mingled with the local champions, indeed, your Dad's car is 100% classic racer...
Sounds like a solid 400hp then! That dyno is completely messed up.
@@ArthurSperotto you can tell HP numbers by sound? You could make millions off that
Derek, it was blowing through the converter on the dyno, that’s why the power was so low. You can hear how short those dyno pulls were. Run it at the track before you change too much and see what it runs, then go from there. It’s a cool ass car and will be neat to see an old 80s street racer at the track.
Great observation man. I concur.
It almost sounds like the Dyno wasn’t loading it at all. It revved way to fast.
Agreed. Track test please!
Definitely agree. Theres no way that thing is only making 230hp. Was either blowing through the converter or the dyno didnt have nearly enough load to make the car work.
I think you're on to something.
I enjoyed watching you drop wrenches and bolts trying to get that shock in. You are human after all, and I’m super impressed with your patience.
I know exactly how he feels. Sometimes the smallest jobs...... Gave me a good laugh because I can totally relate!
And sometimes you just need to take a lunch break!
I’ve have worked on cars for a long time and when I first started if something didn’t go my way id get mad and later on I realized that the car doesn’t care if you get mad at it or not plus derik has a very positive attitude all the time
I thought about what to say over night bc you'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt. But this was trash content. I get it, he's hurt and just trying to get a video up to try and stay current and make the extra money to fund his drag adventure. I would've rather waited for him to build one of his many projects on the tree row. But cleeter has dug his claws in him. You can see the trend change. I hope the hemi half brings him the money he needs where he can chill and start making quality content he needs and not try and chase the next drag event.
Same here:)
Literally went and checked in my garage when you said make sure the compressor's off lol. Surprisingly it was
Sounds like it blows right through the converter pretty hard right off the hit. I’d like to see this car hit the track and see what it’ll do how it sits right now. High strung small blocks are always cool so I personally would love to see what you’ve got but if and a guy decides to pep her up I think a big inch big block would be really really cool to see as well. Love the content you’re putting out Derek. It never gets old
Also I think it might be interesting to get some new valve springs and see if it’ll keep the valves in check cause it seems odd that it sounds so healthy, runs fantastic, and it’s only revving to 5,000 efficiently and making only 230hp’s???? My stupid C4 cross plane makes 255hp to the tires and it’s almost stock
I guess this is all prior to sick week. I assume the Malibu stayed home and you took vanishing paint and the Monte. I don’t know!!!! I’ll just keep watching. Hope your RIBS are healing. I know your pain. You Jessica and the family stay safe and well . 😊. Artie
I don't think the dyno was right it acts better than those numbers on the road
The dyno doesn’t load the car at all. It’s a dyno com by the look of it. Not suprised. Not trying to be mean. Just not the best dyno. Not even close. Your average acceleration rate for this kind of horsepower should be 300 rpm per second ish.
Just to add. I tune cars day in and day out. I have a mainline. Best in the business as far as I’m concerned.
gotta love the price tag on the safety glasses, hahaha.... Derek you are just the funniest guy on the you tube and an inspiration in so many ways!!
Good luck to all on the hemi-half!! Cold snacks engaged!!
Derek, I'm an old school mechanic. I built my first car based on the knowledge of my dad and his friends. Used to spend hours every day hanging out with amazing men who's knowledge has mostly been lost to time. I'm probably one of the few people left who has experience and knowledge using a dwell meter and a "distributor machine". I knew and hung out with legends; from motorcycles to cars. I knew John Lingenfelter. He built a badass BBC for my "godfather" out of his garage back in the 80s. Before he became a famous engine builder.
What I'm saying is that I enjoy watching your channel and would very much enjoy working in your shop with you. There aren't many of us left; and the fact that you have the desire and the platform to help keep it alive and spread it means a lot. Keep up the good work and spreading the "hobby". Hope to meet you some day and maybe turn some wrenches with you. Never change who you are. Keep it going.
I love the way this car is set up Derek. It's exactly the way we built them back in the mid to late 70's. Those are Lakewood Traction bars. Almost everyone that had an A body in the day had them. Keep up the great work sir.
Yep ... Had them on my GTO.
100% I had them on my Nova way back when.
😃They were practically standard equipment!
@@twodogsyyc6729 Didn't Nova's have leaf springs ? I had 4 Nova's 1968 - 1972 ... All had leaf springs and traction bars with pinion snubbers, not ladder bars
A Tuesday video!!! What did I do to deserve this?
You ate all your Wheaties
Calm down feller...
Same!
You're the bestest viewer
I just can't believe it. But I gots to, I'm lookin at it.
Nothing like a Tuesday VGG video drop to make the week just that much better!
I'm getting older and I can tell that my mind is slipping a bit, but as long as I have the chance, I will always watch and be a fan of your channel!!! Thank you so much.
Hope you are feeling better Derek!! Remember we are not spring chickens anymore!!!
Back in the day these beasts roamed free. Big blocks, ladder bars, wide rubber. It warms a guys heart to see it. Can you hear the thunder? 😎
Fresh set of valve springs would probably do wonders on that.
Let it rumble out the rest of its days as it sits now….it sounds great…looks amazing….is likely a tin of fun, and it’s not a widow maker.
Derick, it's official. You're an American icon and treasure. Keep doing EXACTLY what you're doing.
Truth! You know the videos clickbait “shocking truth of” are usually immature disses. Derek’s was the first I’d seen the absolutely DID NOT badmouth them at all and was actually totally complimentary
Thank you for a bonus video in the middle of a week!! Hope you and your family are well.
This car is so sick. Hopefully you keep this and do a ton of content with it
I think you should check spring height and seat pressure ! That will change a lot with an engine that has been setting around for several years and not being ran ! Also most of the CSB I have been around run thier best with ign. timing at 35 - 36° I hope this helps your small block be all it can be ! Love your show !
Thanks as always Derek for all you provide fer us fellers and fellettes. Alway a gift well received when we hear about sparkolaters and lightning whirlers. Now if you only had a battery sponsor…Too much? Perfect
I think the word is Bat-tree. LOL
I think it would be great to see how fast you can get it down the track, keeping as much of the old school parts as possible. Whatever you decide to do, I will enjoy watching you make it happen.
They're putting out videos like crazy. Phenomenal work ethic.
Well for every 1 video he’s probably filmed another 2-3 to keep ahead.
I personally like it the way it is. Would love to see it go down the track! Bigger tires of course ! Maybe compare it to the dyno afterwards on time.
I'd love to see you take this car to the track just the way it is to get a baseline before doing anything else. . It looks and sounds great.
That really surprised me. I guessed it would come in around the high 200 to low 300 HPs. I think I'd want to take it to a local track and see what you get out of it (real world) before making drastic changes. Really nice car and loved the video.
Yeah something is wrong, it was making high 200s with a stock 350 in 71. And I think it was around 375 with a 454 .
I said 290.
@gooblio Keep in mind it wasn't until the 70s that ratings were changed from gross to net and horsepower numbers dropped about 100hp so this doesn't feel to off at all and seems right to me
Derek, regarding the valve float at 6,200 or less, those valve springs have for sure lost some of their strength over the past few decades, if you want the rev's back, replace the springs.
I came here to say this. Also a set of decent aluminum heads would probably be a better upgrade but it would be neat to see what improvement just a fresh set of springs would make.
HEY Derek the ladder bar's are perfect! Don't forget about pinion angle.🤣 I'm glad you have this car. Make her Scream!!
Love your channel, Jim from Oklahoma ( I am a self proclaimed Mutt)I started watching you back last November during my wife’s back surgery recovery ( she is doing great) I married my high school sweetheart 46 years ago. I just wanted you to know your character shows through out your content and you inspired me on my own project (1950 ford truck) Thanks for all you do.
It doesn't need a big block. 400 blocks are legendary, and that one is too. It was either blowing through the converter, or that dyno wasn't loading it at all. I've toyed with alot of SBC's and BBC's but the 400 is certainly my favorite.
Something didn’t sound right. Those were some short runs. Loaded I wouldn’t think it would rev out so quick
The first Chevy V8 I played with was a 400 so I might be biased but I've got a 496 these days and I'd still say the most special feeling is the 400
I love the 2 boltmain 400s install splayed main caps and make a 377ci for asphalt modified race car or go up to a 421ci for dirt modified race car pre1974 preferably
I have a 400 4 bolt main bored .60 over in my 85 c10. Ported vortec heads, cam, intake, pistons, rods, crank and jegs efi kit. Puts down 453hp at the wheels with a TKX 5 speed. Let me tell ya, my dyno pulls don't sound like that.
Me personally I like a 400 30 over with 6-inch rods a set of bowtie heads and 250 dome pistons about 655 lift roller cam about 4200 converter in a glide with a 1.76 and trans brake
Should run separate lines to the shocks so you can "tune" them for better launches... sweet car can't wait to see more!
My Dad bought a used one in 77 for my brother i was thirteen oh how i loved that car. They sold it before I could drive i was so upset . It had a two tone color shen and leather bucket seats.
May God bless all!
Man , does this bring back great memories for me. Tuning my friends '67 Cougar for the drag strip , burnouts with wrinkle wall slicks . Wow, to be 20 again.....
Great video Derek. I have worked on my own cars a bit over the years (I am old) but you are so far above my abilities and quite frankly my initiative and it is a joy to watch. No drama, no kitch, great humor and just some real mechanic stuff. I love watching it my young brother. And I bought a hat today for a chance at the hemi-half. It would replace my 2002 F150. :) God bless you man. Keep it up.
Hey Derek, glad to see that your dirt bike enjuries are doing good!👍 thanks again for your sick week footage! That was just pure awsomeneessesss! 🔥 ❤️👊
Ohh sorry that was before sick week..😑🤦♂️
Smile cam sound ha see what you can do with out changing the engine keep up the great work
Dang I was a little high. It's still really cool. I used to think big numbers on older styles but after having 4cyl cars that were fast and just bn around I knew how it was. Cool ass car. 😎
Thanks Derek, another great video. Rather than an engine swap how about a series where you continue to go through the car and make sure everything is working to its best? Check the convertor and box, valve springs and all the other things that could have gone away since the car was built. Get a baseline on the track here and then do some average feller upgrades?
I think many of us have been right there so many times with the ratchet and wrench and washer and nut all taking turns slipping and falling. I could feel the blood pressure rising just watching that first couple minutes. Derek is a good example to show patience and humor to get past all that. Good times!
That car would have ad clip nuts from the factory that would have made that job much easier, too bad they were missing, but it was good watching!
I'm always knocking the light down and then I can't see.
Getting upset about it doesn't do anything but make the job harder then some people throw stuff and break things or dent a good looking car stuff happens and everyone has butterfinger days just keep plugging along or take a break
Absolutely love your vids derek Keeps a guy goin through the week!
I was always a fan of getting two fitting kits for the air shocks. I would run a seperate line to each side. That way the air doesn’t transfer one side to the other on corners. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻. Awesome build good sir.
Nothing like getting home from a hard days work with some good ol’ fashioned american food and watching some vice grip garage
I'd take a few full bore blasts down the 1/4 mile before really settling on changes there, Derek. The dyno is way cool, but it's at the track that really matters. All that said, if you do decide to repower the old girl, well, there's no replacement for displacement I always say.
I've been a viewer from afar for a few years now and never really sat through an entire episode...I have to say your content is very entertaining and informative...the narration is very entertaining. Now that I've given your channel a proper chance I have to say I'm a fan and will be looking forward to new content on this channel especially about on this Chevelle ☺️
Thank you
His Older stuff as well is amazing!!! Very funny as well as informative. 😎
You definitely want to go through the history on the channel and watch through the older recovery videos! Great content.
@@ViceGripGarage were you able to speak with the original owner/builder yet ? His son put a post up about it and seems legit !
@@jasonsparshott7208 IDK he lost me when he said it pulled a tire off the line I just don't see it with that engine/trans combo
What a great sounding engine. What a great addition to your fleet
I do love the look of that car. Hope to see a lot more of it on the channel.
As always Derrick,you prove why they gave you a tv show 👍👍
I prefer you on your own but you seem to be growing into it
Congratulations
Great video Derek, love to see you build this to win some races! Big block for sure, put some fear into competitors when they hear VGG is at the track!
I watched your videos and it taught me how to put my 77 hi boy back on the road! Love your station
The exhaust at idle sounds like Hot for Teacher.
Great stuff!
I could hear this post!
Nailed it!
It’s so good to see you using a lift and not on the floor or the ground. I’m glad you’re giving your body a break. You deserved it for a long time. It’s not like we’re made out of eye ranium from a tornado. You take care brother, we just love ya.
Thank the lord for this channel!!!! I’m your typical car fixer upper type of fellar, in the pits for a few months healing up from shoulder surgery, so this is keeping me from going bat shit crazy.. excited to see Derek’s future projects and help me getting back to my projects
I love this guy! Very intelligent and humorous!!!
I'm kinda shocked that the car only made 233hp. I was thinking around 500hp. Keep the videos coming! I enjoy everyone! Hope you're on the mend! Have a good day!
I know I was thinking 400 😂
I was thinking bare minimum 400 hp.
But the double hump heads might be starving the engine for air above 5000 rpm. Even Vortecs can't meet the demand for an airflow-hungry 400
Prob junk converter and slipping.
100% has to be slipping!!!! Stock 400 makes 200!!!
He gotta be blowing right through that converter 1 have a 406 in my 72 chevelle with afr heads 12:1 compression .600 lift at 300 duration with 107 overlap with air gap intake and a 850 race carb 38 degrees total timing. Trans is a borgwarner supert10 and 3.73 12 bolt she makes 450 hp and 550 tq with good air To the ground. he's just flaring that trans /converter and probably floating valves.
Just a suggestion…Make some shims for the rear brackets between the lips to keep bolts from bending. Bent bolt can have a crack in it and break suddenly. Love the build and your dedication to its history!
Love your positive attitude. That's part of why I watch your videos. You're always fun to watch, nice and your videos don't have any of the silly crap some other channels put in for views or whyever they do things like pranks or being mean to people. Keep it up. I would leave in the engine it has and start with the changes you're sure would be the most fun. Cam first probably or build it out to keep up with that cam. This is my dream car too. Just a fantastic looking car.
Watching you drop tools is the most entertaining thing I have seen all day! Here I thought I was the only one who did that!
Derek’s whole interaction with the left rear is hysterical
Yeah I was cracking up bro. I said he looked like a monkey F'in a football...lol he had his arms crossed over it was comical.
IIIIIIIII, OK……Lunch!
What a clean car! Deserves more than that good sounding small block😊
Man, that engine sounds good. I agree with a lot of the heads on here. I’d get a second opinion by running it on your favorite back road or a track. The power band seems a bit peculiar with this setup.
Shout out for all the washer makers in the world! What a great endorsement for the underrated washer lol
Yours channel is truly the only channel I am always watching for the next video. I never miss one and never skip a second of your videos. Thanks for being you and sharing with me!
What a nice ride! I'd put some comfy seats in it and use it as a cruiser. And it sounds amazing.
Great idea, great show. Cars were fun back then. Your Chevellle was a pretty radical piece. Still is. Before you change the gearing, why not replace those 18 year old valve springs (They don't make springs like they used to; that's a good thing) and put some shorter tires on those pretty wheels. Since the tack was set for 6500, chances are the cam is solid and capable of twisting that tight. AJ might very well be on to something. Anyway, @ 6500, with the 4.11's, and a 27" tire it would be pushing wind north of 120. Everything back to spec and a fresh coat of reman juice and mid 12's @105 ought to be doable and fun. Keep doin what your doin.
Today's lesson tuning a fuel-makit/happener. Thanks again Derek. More demystify ing .Mick
I’m confused because I’ve never heard 230hp sound like that! But I guess I got ta believe it….I’m looking right at it! Awesome car either way!
I think you should keep the 400 sbc, their good motors and with a set of ARP rod bolts and a nice top end you can get pretty quick; and even quicker if you show the bottom end some love.This car represents history and working with what you have, keep the drive train. Love the show, happy hot rodding.
i agree, sbcs are torque monsters with the right setup, i personally think he should run it as is for a bit, but do a rebuild with some updated ported and polished aluminum heads, solid roller cam, fully forged rotating assembly, thing would be nuts, and run some spray
Always enjoyed your stuff. Completely gotten back into drag racing again just keeping up up with your vids! Love it!!!
What a great video! This is why I keep coming back!
Hey Derek. I love this freakin’ car! I can’t wait to see what you’re gonna do with it. A big block would be fun!
The car reminds me of my 69 chevelle, thing was a beast on a muncie 4 speed :D Love the sound of it Derek. Like just about everyone else was saying, maybe check the converter/trans and or take it to a shop where the guys have more experience with a dyno and can tell you what's going on. My Chevelle had around 280 hp to the wheels and i'm sure that thing has more!
You know you've officially made it somewhere when you get you get you one of them there forklifts for the shop. Congratulations Derek.
He is the calmest mechanic I have ever seen
Derek, It probably could use some new valve springs. After sitting for XX number of years some of them are bound to be weak from sitting there compressed all that time. I'd also consider letting one of the name-brand cam companies choose a different cam, maybe change it to a roller cam.
I'd keep this one for cruising and drag racing. If you want to be a lot faster and money isn't a problem, then toss a big block in it... I hear John Kaase has some nice ones. 😜 Lol!
Definitely would be cool to see this car in the high 9s! Carry on the legacy of what the car was built to do all those years ago!
That LUNCH TIME was perfectly timed 😂 its better than setting the entire rig on fire out of frustration 😂
Sometimes you just need to take a step back and look at the whole painting to remind yourself you´re still making art before you can go back to finicky details
Love this car Derek do whatever you feel. I hope we see this car around for awhile. Thanks for the great channel.
That blue is really nice on that. It's such a nice car.
Hope your feeling better Derek. From my own experience ribs hurting is the worst.
To know you did sic week with that was impressive. Love of a wonderful woman to help really matters in times like that for sure.
Pretty sure he did sick week with the Vanishing Paint Challenger.
@@txprospector He did sic week with the rib injury I believe. It looks like these videos were recorded before sic week.
@@gartan8449 my mistake I thought you were talking about the car. Sorry
@@txprospector No problem bud. I read my comment again and realized it was badly done. My bad. I need to stop commenting on videos half asleep.
Hope your felling better after the broken bone etc. Never slows you down much but it must have been hard. 👍👍
It revved so fast in the dyno. Like no load at all. Check 'yer drivetrain Derek. 👍
That thing sounds great!
Someone once said imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I'll be dipped but it sure is hard not to rob you of some the classic things you say. I love the content, very entertaining. I especially like the make it run episodes of some of the not as popular vehicles. 👍👍
Great video as always, a little disappointed this Chevelle wasn't ready for Sick Week. But was also cool seeing what Vanishing Paint accomplished. Little sad I am just now discovering things like Sick Week exist...dad had an old 64 Malibu that was built for this type of event would give anything to have him back for one run at it.
I really hope you keep the centerlines, they really make the whole car into the 80s vibe.
They're Cragers...
Super cool Chevelle. Looks like there are some bugs to still work out. Maybe an overly loose converter? Hope you have further videos on this one!!
Great video Derek! My brother had one back in the 70s. I’d like to see you keep it what it is.. very cool. Maybe some slight improvements.
Great video Derek! Such a great car and a nice small block to boot. Take her on the strip and see what she turns. Might get high 13’s. Perfect cruiser. Thank you for your tuning skill teachings on carburation fine tuning. I’m always learning from you.
Great video Derek. What a great car. The way she sounded I thought for sure she’d make more power. But still a great car with a great story. Thanks for sharing.
Great vid. I usually don’t comment, but there are a couple things I’m seeing here.
1. I would be very tempted to pull the valve springs and test pressure. Probably 30 years old and need to be changed.
2. It’s likely blowing through the converter. I’ve personally seen very low 12 second (3500 pound) cars only make 250 wheel hp on the chassis dyno because of this.
I’d love to see this car run at the track as is with new valve springs and a 29” tire. I’d bet it runs in the 12s.
Can I just say how much I enjoy watching your channel? Thanks for sharing your "adventures" here - and it is so refreshing seeing car related content without all the usual swearing and stuff.. also, there's so much I already learned! Like, I had no idea about "sparkelators" or "fuelmakinhappeners".. :-D Just great, G-D bless ya. Heart-felt greetings from old Denmark.
I agree that it did sound like it was blowing through the converter. You seemed really disappointed contrary to what you were saying, I would of guessed 350-375 hp. You gotta remember this thing sit a long time and the engine is probably tired as well. Nothing wrong with big block swap, just small block was the thing back in the day. I would just have fun with it until it blows. Then give it independence 2.0 treatment!!
That really looks like a great car Derek. The first car I ever drove with my learner's permit was a friend of mine's 71 Chevelle the exact same color only it had the 307 anemic flavored engine 😂 I still had fond memories of it though. Thanks for all that you do and the great videos that you share with us. Keep up the great work 👍✌️🇺🇲
The 307 was no powerhouse engine for sure but with good maintenance these engines were reliable and dependable and took a beating
My opinion is most small blocks have too big of carb and to much cam. They sound wicked but the right cam/carb combo you can get 350hp easily out of her! Great video.
They do, and WAY too big of both. The heads are the restriction and even a big cam can't overcome the choked airflow. They're doubly limited with being low-RPM engines, but the old shitty heads had just enough flow to match them. You can kind of gain low-mid power but the heads are CFM peaked by 4500-5000 depending on displacement.
Thanks for sharing the view of a 'tune by ear' situation.
I’d say, leave it like that. Looks and sounds great!! ❤
No way I’m this early?? Love the videos From VGG Keep up the hard work you guys! Derrick I’m so proud of you I’ve been here since first 50k subscribers and I cannot believe where you are. I can’t wait to see where else your hard work takes you and your family. Love and well wishes from your friend Kady here in New York ❤❤❤❤
Thanks for sharing hope you’re feeling better brother 🇺🇸🇺🇸👍
HoT ePSom BAThs HoRSe-LiNeMeNT RuBs...(mebbe a muSTARD PLAsTeR)...iCe PACKs AT MiDDAY ...Then Too, As The Wise oLd INJuN KNoWs TheRe's NuThiN' beTTeRN' a GooD WooD heATeR!!!...heALiN buSiNeSS!!(FeR oLd aNCienT eVeN iNJuRieS).
That 400 is capable of 550 + HP I would slowly move up from here you don’t need a big block, it’s torque that wins on the street
I agree that 400 is perfect for that car, big block cubes, small block weight.
Derek love the show!!! Keep wrenching and bringing great videos. Hate watching tv. Love you videos!
Derek is just like me everyday at work, yelling and scream about dropping tools and parts in the bilge of a tug boat.
Time to but independence engine in liberty
While the HP were lower than expected (my guess was around 300 to the wheels), it's a beautiful car and I know you'll enjoy it either way!
Thank you for posting these videos. My very favorite car is the 1970 to 1972 Chevelle. My brother had a 1972 Chevelle with a 402 big block with two four barrels on a tunnel ram. 4 speed Muncie m22 Rock crusher with 373 posi rear end. Now this was in 1984 when we put it together. It was a beast for it's time.