900hp 1970 Chevelle Retro Rocket

• September 16, 2024
• Story By
  Kevin Aguilar

In a world increasingly defined by modern technology, Zach Hightower of Wellington, TX, found a deep passion in the classic power of vintage muscle cars. Fueled by the stories his father shared about a legendary Super Sport Chevelle, Zach set out on a quest to revive the golden era of modifying cars.

However, he knew that turning a raw, powerful machine into a work of art required careful planning, a creative touch, and just the right mix of parts to make it all come together. The adventure began when Zach acquired a '70 Chevelle, already packing a hefty big block engine. But for Zach, "hefty" wasn't enough; he envisioned something far more extraordinary — a machine that would surpass even the highest expectations.

Fundamental Foundation

Understanding that a strong base was essential, Zach decided to rebuild the car from the ground up. Although the market was flooded with aftermarket suspension options, he realized that the secret to managing immense power and achieving top-tier handling lay in a brand-new chassis. He turned to the Roadster Shop, a name synonymous with cutting-edge chassis and suspension designs. They provided Zach with a SPEC chassis, complete with an independent front, four-link with a pan-hard bar in the rear, AFCO coil-overs, and rack and pinion steering for precision handling.

Picking up the Pieces

But as with any great endeavor, the path was not without its obstacles. The first shops Zach worked with on the project fell short, leading to delays in the build. However, fortune intervened when a mutual friend introduced him to Ryno Lieberman of Ryno Built Rod and Custom in Carl Junction, MO. This marked a turning point in the build process, as Ryno's shop became the new home for Zach's ambitious project.

Heart of the Beast

With the car’s stripped shell now in Ryno's expert care, the project took an unexpected yet exciting detour. Zach had planned to drop in a 427 LS engine with a Dart block and heads, topped off with a massive 4.5L Whipple supercharger. But Ryno, always practical, pointed out that the supercharger wouldn’t fit under the original hood. After some reconsideration, they opted for a 2.9L blower instead, along with a TREMEC T56 6-speed transmission paired with a Bowler shifter, knob, and bezel, and a fully built Ford 9-inch rear end from Quick Performance.

Style Meets Performance

The restoration continued with careful attention to the car's exterior. With the help of restoration parts from Original Parts Group and H&H Classic Parts, the Chevelle's body was restored to its former glory. Zach's commitment to maintaining its original aesthetic led him to Jason and Erika Ballard of Ballard Auto, who expertly straightened the body, sprayed it in Cranberry Red (code 75), and added the iconic black stripes.

The finishing touch was a set of 18” Billet Specialties Hydro wheels, fitted with Nitto NT555 G2 tires in the front and NT555 RII D.O.T. compliant drag radial tires in the rear, ensuring that the car's immense power was met with equally impressive high-performance tires with matching tread design.

Superior Interior

Inside the car, the blend of classic and modern continued. Ryno refurbished the seats, stripping them down and rebuilding them from the frame up, while Jeffery Truillo brought new life to the interior with black leather and suede upholstery. A Vintage Air climate control unit, an Ididit steering column with a Billet Specialties wheel, and a Ridetech roll cage completed the transformation. For those long drives, Ryno installed an MB Quart 7” touchscreen head unit, full speaker system, two Hifonics 10” subwoofers, and amplifiers, ensuring top-notch entertainment.

Reaching the End Goal

After eight long years, the finish line was finally in sight, with the '70 Chevelle ready to make its grand appearance at the 2023 SEMA Show, proudly showcased in the MB Quart booth. True to the nature of such projects, there was a last-minute scramble to get the 900hp beast up and running in time. Enter Tuned by JP, who performed some final tweaks on the dyno and behind the computer, bringing the car to life just in time for the show.

This epic creation stands as a testament to the persistence needed in the world of car customization. The '70 Chevelle, now an undeniable masterpiece, is proof that dedication and attention to detail can transform a long-term project into a breathtaking reality. As Zach takes his Chevelle on road trips and to shows around the country, it’s clear that this car isn’t just a pretty face — it’s a rolling invitation to an extraordinary adventure.

Hard Facts