Robert Kenney
Super Moderator
I have an addiction to things with wheels. Probably goes back to the stone age. I know it ain't an IH but thought it would be interesting (sorry Jeff).
I got the bug to build a roadster from my friend. I helped him build his 32' highboy roadster a couple of years ago and started mine soon after. I have always liked the chevrolet w block 348, and 409 v8's probably because of the beach boys. So I knew that my roadster had to have one. I started by building the 409 out of a factory 1964 425 horsepower 409 and added 11-1 ross pistons billet crower rods and a custom solid lifter comp cam (quick spec @ .050 intake duration 250*, exhaust duration 260*, lobe separation angle = 108*) for lots of noise and rumble. Should net 475 - 500 hp @ 6800. Honestly I doubt I will ever be able to use it all in a car weighing only 2300# but it will sound good.
I stuck the 409 in front of a tremec tko 600 5 speed for great cross country drivebility. The rear axle is a winters v8 quick change with a 3.73 and change gears for 4.11 or 3.56. I set it up for 4.11.
The chassis is a socal speed shop special edition with a model a rear cross member for the quick change.
The body is an all steel brookville body with added structural improvements (by me) for its intended tough life.
The exhaust is a real special piece of the project to me. It was hand built by rod sexton a true master and artist of metal. I cnc'd the flanges out on 1/2" stainless from my cad drawings to be as clean as possible not taking anything from the engines vintage styling. Rod did the rest. It is 100% polished stainless. The through the frame idea came from another socal built car for jj. Barnhardt but executed with perfection by rod. It can run uncorked by removing a blocker plate from the end of the header and replacing only the turn down dump for fun and noise.
I hope you enjoy the pictures. I am helpless against the gear head urge
I don't think they have a gha (gear head anonymous).
I got the bug to build a roadster from my friend. I helped him build his 32' highboy roadster a couple of years ago and started mine soon after. I have always liked the chevrolet w block 348, and 409 v8's probably because of the beach boys. So I knew that my roadster had to have one. I started by building the 409 out of a factory 1964 425 horsepower 409 and added 11-1 ross pistons billet crower rods and a custom solid lifter comp cam (quick spec @ .050 intake duration 250*, exhaust duration 260*, lobe separation angle = 108*) for lots of noise and rumble. Should net 475 - 500 hp @ 6800. Honestly I doubt I will ever be able to use it all in a car weighing only 2300# but it will sound good.
I stuck the 409 in front of a tremec tko 600 5 speed for great cross country drivebility. The rear axle is a winters v8 quick change with a 3.73 and change gears for 4.11 or 3.56. I set it up for 4.11.
The chassis is a socal speed shop special edition with a model a rear cross member for the quick change.
The body is an all steel brookville body with added structural improvements (by me) for its intended tough life.
The exhaust is a real special piece of the project to me. It was hand built by rod sexton a true master and artist of metal. I cnc'd the flanges out on 1/2" stainless from my cad drawings to be as clean as possible not taking anything from the engines vintage styling. Rod did the rest. It is 100% polished stainless. The through the frame idea came from another socal built car for jj. Barnhardt but executed with perfection by rod. It can run uncorked by removing a blocker plate from the end of the header and replacing only the turn down dump for fun and noise.
I hope you enjoy the pictures. I am helpless against the gear head urge
I don't think they have a gha (gear head anonymous).
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simply bad ass!!