KILLER RIDES #11

THE HOME OF AUSTRALIA’S Toughest STREET CARS

BUILT FORD TOUGH!

ISSUE #11 - APR 2019

427-Powered PRO-STREET Super Coupe

543ci PLYMOUTH GTX LS1 HK MONARO - NITROUS BIG BLOCK CAMARO 1400HP LX TORANA CHRYSLERS ON THE MURRAY - SOUTH WEST MOTOR SHOW KAR NUTZ & IDLE WILDS SHOW ‘N’ SHINES - LYGON STREET CRUISING

From the Desk DRIVING THEM IS MORE THAN HALF THE FUN OF OWNING THEM! There’s street driven cars, and then there genuine street cars. I really don’t care either way as long as you’re on the street enjoying what can sometimes take many years to construct.

After publishing the story in Issue 10 on Mick Darkes big-block Torana and how he drove it from Sydney to Canberra and back during the Summernats period, I have received a lot of feedback from people who religiously cruise their street and strip cars as often as they can. And that’s great! Likewise, Peter Chronis is preparing to cruise is 700hp blown GT across the country 02 to Adelaide for the GT Nationals without a care in the world. He knows the car will make it, albeit with plenty of fuel going through the big tank, but at least he is out their enjoying it.

I can’t help but imagine how cool it would be to have a few hundred like-minded car guys and girls in suitably modified cars going for a big cruise – not unlike the Power Tour in the USA. I’ve always had street cars and love nothing more than getting it clean and cruising until you run out of fuel or time. Life’s too short to be in the garage staring at a car you simply couldn’t put on the street. That’s just my two cents worth anyway.

I can’t help but imagine how cool it would be to have a few hundred like-minded car guys and girls in suitably modified cars going for a big cruise – not unlike the Power Tour in the USA. Those that have been there simply rave about it. So who is going to set one up here! I have the plans, but need some help to make it happen. Anyone?

See you on the street.

Paul.

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Contents REGULARS

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Pro-Street 427ci Futura Coupe

ISSUE NO.11 Apr 2019

06 WHAT’S HAPPENING News, views and things of interest

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10 HAVE YOUR SAY Tell us what you think

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66 1400hp 572ci Torana

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ANSMA HAPPENINGS Whats happening in the Scene

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DARE TO BE DIFFERENT Inspirational Engine Bays

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ASRF NEWS Hot Rod & Custom Information

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COMING ATTRACTIONS Reworked LX Torana Hatch

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MOPARS ON THE MURRAY The largest Chrysler gathering in Oz!

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543ci Big Block GTX

Chryslers on the Murray

60 WILD IN THE WEST WA’s South West Motor Show 76

PUTTING THE FUN IN FUNDRAISING Idle Wild Hot Rod Club’s Annual Show

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CRUISING FOR A CAUSE Just your average Sunday breakfast in Lygon St!

102 PERFORMANCE PACEWAY The Kar Nutz Club’s annual Show n Shine

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LS1 HK Monaro

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Dare to be Different

120 KILLER PIC Holden vs. Ford smoking the most famous main straight.

122 WINDOW SHOPPING New Products from our Advertisers 124 PERFORMANCE DIRECTORY Quick Find Ad’s

FEATURES 26

BACK TO THE FUTURA Tough as Nails Pro-Street Ford Coupe

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PURPLE REIGN Power-packed 543ci Plymouth GTX

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TORANASAURUS Big blocked. Blown. Injected. And brighter than the Sun!

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THE ULTIMATE WEDDING GIFT Reworking a classic Monaro with technology

110 BOTTLED UP ANGER A 1200hp Nitrous-sucking Camaro streetcar.

Lauren LaurenJade Jade--Xposed XposedPhotography Photography Greg ‘Beach’Joe BallMaday ,Vincent De Rossi Joe Crispin, Julie Marshall Chad Silvey Flaming Mike RimDavison Productions Tim Karstormz McCormack, Photography Leisa Bonnici

110 Nitrous Big Block Street & Strip Camaro

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What’s Happening

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MOTOREX TO HOST FREE SEMINARS

MotorEx is more than just a car show and in 2019, the event expands further with the inclusion of a series of Seminars presented by VCM. These include international guests such as West Coast Customs’ Ryan Friedlinghaus and local identities including Rob Herrod (Herrod Performance), Richard Ferlazzo (GM stylist), Owen Webb (Motoractive) and Mario Pancione (VCM). Each session runs for around 30-minutes (including a 10-minute Q&A) with seats limited to just 30 people per session. The best news is, each Seminar is free to attend! Bookings are now open through MotorEx.

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METAL MAN TOOLS LAUNCHES BRAND NEW WEBSITE

Any hands-on type of car guy will always be updating his tools, or at least adding to the collection.

If this is you, listen up! Stewart McNabb at Metal Man Tools has launched his new website showcasing all his products faster than the previous one. It’s also much easier to navigate around. So why not check it out at www.metalmantools.com.au

GETTING’ THE HUSTLE ON…

Anyone who has done the trip will tell you that there is nothing like Hot Roddin’ in the USA and thanks to Dean at Rogue Rod Shop, you can be part of “The Hustle” and ship your Rod or Custom over to the US for a road trip like no other! The Hustle takes in the 50th NSRA Street Rod Nationals, Bonneville Speedweek and Hot August Nights in Reno along with visits to Speedway Motors in Nebraska, Sacramento Vintage Ford and Brizio’s Street Rods to name just a few of the highlights.

Over 2800klms of cruising through the Hot Rodding Heartland are planned for this event that kicks off in August. If you’re keen to ship your own vehicle over, better contact Dean asap to make sure your car arrives 7 in time for the start of the tour. For more details, check out Roguerodshop at Facebook or call Dean on 0401 309176 or via email – roguerodncustom@gmail.com

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What’s Happening BATHURST AUTOFEST VIDEO

We were on such a tight deadline to get the Bathurst Autofest into Issue #10 of Killer Rides that there wasn’t any video footage available to add to our feature, but that’s all changed now and one of the best we’ve seen is this cool clip from the Eyetrix team. Enjoy!

MINUTES WITH...

Geof Tartoosie

OCCUPATION: Owner of Mobile AutoCare, Adelaide Auto Expo, WHATS THE BEST CAR EVENT YOU’VE BEEN TO? Goodwood Geof’s Garage & My Garage Rules TV Festival of Speed 2017 AGE: 52 CURRENT STREET CAR? 2018 Vito Van – work car

WHAT EVENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ATTEND, BUT HAVEN’T? Monaco F1 Grand Prix

PRO-STREET OR PRO-TOURING? Touring because you can do CURRENT MODIFIED CAR/PROJECT? Fibreglass 356 Porsche both, go hard in a straight line but also stop and turn into that Coupe body on a 62 VW Beetle Chassis with a Tesla electric en- corner. gine.

WHAT’S YOUR EARLIEST AUTOMOTIVE MEMORY? I had a pedal car when I was 2. It had a smiley face on the front and a sad face on the back, it was red & white. It was my getaway car when I used to steal celery from the farmer for mum.

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HOW DID YOU GET INTO CARS? My mum used to buy me a toy car every Friday when we went shopping if I was a good boy, I’m smart, I had 100’s of cars. Oh and Elvis Presley, Viva Las Vegas movie….

BL AUTOMOTIVE / KILLER RIDES DYNO DAY

So you think your car makes lots of horsepower. There’s only one way to find out for sure – strap it onto Big Leo’s new chassis dyno inside BL Automotive. To celebrate the latest installation at BL Automotive, Big Leo and Killer Rides have teamed up to hold a Dyno Day. You can enter your car, get three consecutive runs on the dyno and know exactly how much power your ride is making. There will be various trophies on offer on the day too. Stay tuned for more information and dates soon!

HAVE YOU EVER MANAGED TO GET OUT OF A SPEEDING FINE? HOW? I was driving from Vic to SA in a friend’s Landcruiser after the Melbourne GP. Just out of Ararat a cop coming the other way clocked me at 112 in 100 zone. He said “what’s your excuse”?, I said “I didn’t have one”. He said “give me your licence and come up with a good excuse by the time I come back”. He came back and I said it’s not my car and I was playing with the cruise control and went up in speed instead of down on the set button, or if you don’t like that excuse I was being chased by Aliens”. “Aliens it is” he said, “have a safe trip home”…

FAVOURITE FORM OF MOTORSPORT? WHY? F1, it’s the pinnacle.

WHAT’S THE WEIRDEST THING YOU’VE DONE IN YOUR CAR? Nothing weird but here’s some things I’ve done starting with the letter “S” - Speed, sex, sleep, skid, slide, spray, skull & sell.

IF YOU DIED TOMORROW, WHAT WOULD YOU BE REMEMBERED FOR? Being a “car” guy.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME THAT DOESN’T INVOLVE CARS? Friends, Family, Music & Movies

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE ABOUT TO TAKE ON A MAJOR CAR BUILD? Have a clear vision of what you want BLOWER/TURBO/NITROUS OR ASPIRATED? WHY? I have cars to achieve. Daily driver or Elite Showcar or racecar etc. Plan the with all of those. It’s like asking who is your favourite child? build, do it once, do it properly. Set a budget. Use known good Lucky for me it’s like having 4 girlfriends, when one gives you tradespeople to help you and give them a deadline. Ask too much grief you hop into another one. questions, there are no dumb ones.

FAVOURITE RACER? Peter Brock

Have Your Say! Got something to say? Send it to paul@killerrides.com. au or message us from the Killer Rides Facebook page.

GENUINE STREET DRIVEN

G’day Paul, First up, congrats on another top notch issue of Killer Rides – brings back great memories of when you published Extreme Magazine. Please keep it up. I read with interest the story on the black, big-block Torana and how he drove it to the Summernats and back from Sydney. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I would never have believed he had done that trip in such a tough car! I passed him on the freeway on my way home from Canberra and couldn’t believe my eyes! I wish I had snapped a photo of it cruising! Congrats to you Mick Darke for proving you can build a tough car and drive it too!

Troy B Via Email G’day Troy, Mick certainly has bigger balls than most by driving the Torana to the Nats 10 and back. After seeing so many almost-stock daily drivers on trailers, it’s great to see a traditional “tough street car” hit the road for a long distance cruise. Now imagine how cool that would be with a few hundred more! I guess we can only wish…

QUICK TURN AROUND

Hi Paul, I saw you at Bathurst Autofest running around snapping away as you have done for as long as I can remember, but what I didn’t expect was to see the event in Killer Rides just three days later! The smoke had barely settled from the weekend and Killer Rides manages to showcase the best event I have been too! Great work mate. Love Killer Rides.

Danny T Via Messenger G’day Danny, it was more good timing than anything. Yes I put in a big few days to include that event in Issue 10, but to get the reaction we did was well worth the hours required to make it happen. I’ll do that at every opportunity I can. Enjoy…

LS…THERE ARE OPTIONS

Hi Paul, I am really getting sick and tired of seeing LS-engines jammed into every vehicle imaginable. Yes, they are cheap. Yes, they make good power and yes, they are readily available, but why can’t people think outside the square? Ford has a number of late-model injected engines available and there seems to be a few late-model Hemi’s getting about now too, not to mention the bullet-proof Lexus alloy V8! Whatever happened to doing something different in our sport. It seems it’s just one sheep following another these days. Boring…

Nick F. Via Messenger G’day Nick, There’s a reason why they are so popular and you’ve nailed it on the head – they are affordable! Not only that, but they are easy to fit into small cars such as Mini’s and Niki’s (yes, both have been done!) and parts can be found at the corner store. I’m all for people doing things completely left of centre, but at the end of the day, people are trying to build their rides within a certain budget. Can’t blame people for that…

I’M HOOKED

Hi Paul, A group of us were sitting around the BBQ about a month ago talking cars as we do, and a mate mentioned about the lack of car mags at newsagents now. Then another mate men- 11 tioned about Killer Rides being online and free, so we jumped onto his smart TV that he has in the BBQ area and checked it out. Wow! How did I not know about this before? We started at Issue one and spent the whole night going through each mag. You’ve done very well and the video features are awesome – even better in the later issues that start automatically. I’ve subscribed and can’t wait for each new Issue to appear on the website. I think the boys will be having a Killer Rides BBQ each month so we can all check out this great mag!

Gavin M Via Email.

Hey Gavin, Thanks for the kind words. That’s the beauty of being on line, you can check it out anywhere at any time! Couldn’t think of any better setting than amongst mates having a BBQ and kicking back enjoying the “Home of Australia’s Toughest Street Cars!”. I’ll keep checking my inbox for an invite to the next BBQ…lol.

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UPDATE ON CONDITIONAL REGISTRATION SCHEME IN NSW

Many of you in NSW are likely to have one or more of their vehicles on Historic or Classic Plates and are probably unaware of a recent change to the registration process that the RMS and Service for NSW have introduced about a month ago, with no notice and no consultation I must add. The change is that the “Historic Vehicle Declaration” and the “Classic Vehicle Declaration” can no longer be emailed to your Club for endorsement as they are required to be originals, RMS and Service for NSW will reject any document that appears to be a copy. There was no official information released by RMS when these changes we made so we are in the dark as to why such a change was made?

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Dare to be Different

Every self-respecting car builder wants to have an engine bay that makes other car owners jealous. We show you some of the best from around the world…

INSPIRATIONAL

s y a B e Engin

Old school is still very cool! This injected big block lives inside a ’57 Chev truck and is a perfect example of less is more! The smooth firewall and inner guards make the engine a standout and the candy red against the silver is the perfect colour combo.

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Chip Foose once described lifting the bonnet on a high-quality car to be like opening a jewellery box. With the lid open, you’re exposing the jewel – in this case, the engine. Without doubt, the first area most car builders concentrate on is the engine bay itself. Not only is it about making it as clean and tidy as possible, but still keeping the functionality. The show car guys strive for more, taking their engine bats to the next level. Handcrafted inner guards, innovative air cleaners and engine covers, fabricated firewalls and anything else that can set them apart from the others and gain points for winning that all-important Top Engine Bay award.

We check out some of the best and most innovative engine bays we could find from Australia and around the world. Maybe it will motivate you to build your own jewellery box…

Late model engines are hard to make look good, but adding some 17 trick induction is a great start to making yours different. The owner of this ’62 Oldsmobile has modified the bonnet to house functional air filters and then covered the rest of the engine bay with alloy panelling.

This ’55 Ford uses a contrasting colour combo to really highlight the trick looking Coyote engine.

The mix of colour in gloss and matte finish is a winner too.

The latest trend in engines bays in the USA (and to a lesser extent Australia) is to coat the underbonnet area in a matte finish of the body colour.

This ’62 Impala uses this effect nicely, the latemodel engine is hidden by the custom cover that blends into the reworked radiator support panel.

Love how the brake booster remains in the engine bay but has been recessed into the new firewall.

Twin turbo V8 engines tend to take up a lot of space in any size engine bay such as this ’71 Camaro. The owner sheeted the engine bay in quick-release alloy panels and coated them in the interior colour to offset the body colour blue. The mass of polished and coated tubing makes this busy engine bay more appealing.

Dare to be Different When your GT Fairlane is running a detailed to the hilt BOSS engine, you want it to be the focus of everyone’s attention. A simple, but effective moulded engine bay ensures that this Ford big block takes centre stage when on display.

While there hasn’t been as much fabrication here as some engine bays have, the overall look is ultra-clean but still functional – just what the owner of this Chevelle was obviously after.

Moulded inner guards and firewall, custom air-cleaner and rocker covers combine with the sheet metal intake for a jaw dropping look when the bonnet is popped…

Like the Oldsmobile, the engine bay in this early Camaro has been covered by patterned alloy panels leaving the eight-stack injected small 18 block to be the centre of attention.

Elaborate induction covers are all the go at the moment and most of the time they tie the engine to its surrounds just like on this twin-turbo Camaro. Keeping the engine hardware coating in grey ensures it doesn’t stand out too much, taking the focus off the fabricated engine bay. All of the panels are easily removed too, just in case theirs some issue in or around that boosted power plant.

Adam LeBrese set the standard in Australia with the fab work on his Pro-Touring XC Falcon coupe with F1styled front suspension complete with air bags. Powered by a quad-weber fed Ford Cleveland that was 19 recessed for better weight distribution, the engine bay received even more work at the hands of Drago Ostric when the custom engine cover was wrapped around the engine leaving the suspension exposed.

Rob at Rides by Kam has put a huge amount of work into his latest creation – this much modified Dodge Challenger and the engine bay is no exception. Under all of that custom panelling is a big horsepower Hemi engine. Again, the colour laid on to the engine bay and surroundings is a matte version of the body colour.

Dare to be Different The Ride by Kam previous build, the twinprocharged Nova, had a very complex engine bay, but once again, Rob spent lots of hours making sure the details were aesthetically correct such as the custom made, symmetrical Pro-chargers. As detailed as the engine bay is, it still screams performance.

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X

The engine cover on this Nova is the main focus here, but with a mix of carbon-fibre and body colour. Again, matte paint is used on the custom firewall and inner guards…

Without doubt, the first area most car builders concentrate on is the engine bay itself. Not only is it about making it as clean and tidy as possible, but still keeping the functionality.

No engine covers here! Just raw, unadulterated injected Hemi goodness! This engine sits inside the King Kong Cuda – one of Australia’s best cars at the time. The fabricated engine bay surrounds a finely detailed, big horsepower Hemi big block.

This page is for all ASRF related happenings and information and will become a regular page in Killer Rides with input from thise within the ASRF. If you have something to add, email it to paul@killerrides.com.au or send info and images via our Facebook page.

Those not making the trek to Maryborough for the Nationals are invited to take part in the Easter in the Hawksbury event.

Staged by the Macquarie Towns Club at the Clarendon Showgrounds, the low key event is all about having fun with Hot Rods.

For further information, contact Joe or Linda Farrugia on (0414) 770423 21 ItIt may be more than 12-months away, but

the 2020 Regional Nats in Goulburn will be here before you know it. The event willtake over the inland City over Easter with100’s of cars expected to be part of the Nationals.

Time to start thinking about accomodation otherwise you could miss out! More info at asrf.org.au

All NSW MEMBERS are

reminded that renewals

are due by APRIL 2019.

“If you are on any type of

Concessional Registration scheme and do not renew your membership you are deemed unregistered by the RMS,” advised Dave Clift, ASRF NSW Divisional Director. Time to act people!

Don’t forget to check out regular updates at www.asrf.org.au

BL AUTOMOTIVE - LX TORANA HATCH WORDS / PICS – Paul Beck

Coming Attractions

HATCHING A PLAN A recent visit to BL Automotive revealed an LX Torana hatchback that was going through a major street-smart resto.

There’s no denying that the LX Hatch is one of the most sought-after muscle cars in Australia. Its on track achievements are legendary and in the street machine scene, we’ve seen some of the toughest builds of any make or brand.

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The owner of this tough Hatch has decided to keep the exterior appearence pretty much how the purists would expect, but with the addition of bigger diametre Simmons wheels. At this stage, the body work had been done and a fresh coat of white paint with black highlights had been added.

Inside, the interior has been gutted - including the dash and its internals, and will have been refitted now that the sound dedening has been added to the floor.

Once completed, this Torana will be a tough street car, with classic muscle car looks - exactly what the owner was after...

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Lifting the bonnet reveals the VN-headed, 355ci stroker Holden V8 built by Big Leo at BL Automotive. With a single carb and on pump fuel, the engine produced 525hp on the dyno and is backed by a Turbo 350 auto with 4500rpm converter and a 9-inch diff with 31-spline axles and a 3.5-geared TruTrak centre making for a tough as nails driveline.

Once completed, this Torana will be a tough street car, with classic muscle car looks - exactly what the owner was after...

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BACK TO THE a r u t u F

NICK LABARA – 1966 FUTURA SPORTS COUPE WORDS / PICS / VIDEO – Paul Beck

What do you do when you’re hooked on horsepower and have just bought a tough, tubbed US-spec Falcon Futura coupe? Rebuild it, or course…

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The car scene in Australia is a relatively small world. Sometimes, I’ve seen cars from years ago simply disappear without ta trace. Others, like this very cool Futura coupe, resurface with a new owner and a new look many years later. I photographed this coupe back when I owned Extreme Magazine. Back then it was a lighter shade of metallic blue, had a basic-spec roll cage, tubs and rolled on Weld wheels. Power came from a 289 / 4-speed combo and overall it was a very nice ride. Fast forward a bunch of years, and the coupe reappeared in its new guise at the Sydney Hot Rod & Custom Show at Rosehill Racecourse with new owner, Nick Labara – who made the changes to the Futura after spending time behind the wheel and initially just wanting more power.

As history shows, upping the ante under the bonnet usually kick starts a full rebuild, and that’s exactly where Nick found himself. Luckily for him, that process was taken care of by the right people and was completed in just eight short months.

Nick has been enjoying the Coupe whilst he concentrates on finishing his next project, an XY Falcon. Then, when that one’s finished, he will turn his attention back onto the Coupe which may end up getting some forced induction under the bonnet in the form of a Procharger.

It’s all about the stance! The sports coupe sits just right and tucks those big 15x15” Mickeys under the guards perfectly!

The tough 427-cuber Windsor made more than 650hp and is destined to score a Procharger. It’s not bad on the eyes either!

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Whilst the 289 wasn’t stock, it just didn’t perform to Nick’s liking, so he had John at Feneck Race Engines build an aspirated Windsor stroker punching out 427 cubes and more than 650hp! The Dart block was fitted with a Lunati crank, Carillo rods and forged JE pistons. CamTech supplied the cam that works with the Howards lifters. The alloy Trick Flow heads have been modified to suit with the space between the heads filled with an Edelbrock intake and 1000cfm Holley carb. Firing the beast is an MSD ignition system with custom headers and exhaust system dumps the spent gases.

The power gets passed through a tricked C4 auto with 4800rpm converter to a narrowed 9-inch diff. As tough as the driveline is, it performs effortlessly on the street and gets used regularly.

The traditional Weld Wheels have been ditched in favour of more stylish big ‘n’ little Weld Vitesse wheels in true Pro-Street style.

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Like the previous engine, the light blue paint is now just a distant memory. The new colour started off with a standard formula that Nick and a mate played with to get the right shade. At this stage, Glen from Exclusive Customs got involved and tweaked the colour further to where it is now. The body wasn’t in bad shape, and needed minimal work before the PPG paint was ready to be laid on. The orange stripe contrasts the colour beautiful.

Roll cage. AutoMeter dash. Race seats. Harness belts.

The interior screams Pro-Street.

Nick constantly gets asked how much work was involved in stretching the front doors and doing the two-door conversion, but that’s from people who don’t realise that Ford offered an XT Falcon look-alike in a coupe version.

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Thanks to the new ANDRA-spec roll cage, the Futura is now strictly a two-seater. With those two seats being fixed back Sparco race seats fitted with Race Quip harness belts. Kirrawee Motor Trimmers took care of the stitch work on the door trims in black velour.

The interior also features a full AutoMeter dash, a Hurst shifter mounted to the fabricated trans tunnel and a period-correct wood-rimmed SAAS steering wheel. The interior is pure Pro-Street – just how Nick likes it.

Nick couldn’t be happier with how the Falcon has turned out. There were no problems during the 8-months it took to transform the Futura – proof that if you’ve got the right people on the job, good things happen and dreams can become a reality.

Now bring on the XY!

Nick knows the value of the people that helped construct the coupe this time around and wanted to shout out to those who made it happen. Andrew Schrader for his massive involvement from start to finish; John Feneck for the tough Windsor; the Coburn family for the amazing body and paint work; Mario at Rocket for always helping source the right gear; Dave at Miller Chassis for fabrication and last but not least, my beautiful wife Rose.

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MOPARS

27TH CHRYSLERS ON THE MURRAY - Gateway Lakes, Wodonga March 15-17, 2019

y a r r u M e h t n O

The 27th staging of the Chryslers on the Murray event was certainly the most impressive yet.

With 835 entrants, the numbers don’t lie…

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ALL ROADS LEAD TO WODONGA

For Mopar faithfuls, there was only one place to be over the weekend of March 15th-17th March – the border towns of Albury & Wodonga where the annual all-Mopar event is held.

Bringing car owners and their families from all parts of the country for the event, its no wonder that the Chryslers on the Murray is regarded as the biggest and best event of its type outside of the USA. With almost 1000 cars entered, you can’t argue with that fact.

The three-day event incorporates a huge show and shine, a cruise to Ettamogah Pub for the annual Spotlight group photo, a swap meet, dyno challenge, guest speakers, driving events at the nearby DECA centre and more including new build unveils! If you have an interest in Mopar’s at all, this is about as close as you’d come to heaven!

WORDS - Paul Beck PICS - Paul Beck, Engine Masters Australia

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HITTIN’ THE TRACK

As has been the case for the past few years, the event kicked off with some high-powered fun at the nearby DECA centre where entrants were able to flex their Mopar’s muscle in a series of driving events on the centre’s circuit.

Those that are driven by high-horsepower were easy to spot – they were the ones laying down black strips and creating plenty of smoke in the process.

Others though, weren’t quite so aggressive in their cars, taking to the track just to be a part of everything the Chryslers on the Murray is renown for. The program for the driving events section included Sprints and Go-Whoa as well as general cruising of the track.

UNVEILING NEW BUILDS

At 7pm, the focus was back at the Gateway Lakes complex where, for the first time ever, the 38 organisers had arranged for no less than 12 vehicles to be unveiled to the Mopar faithful that had gathered at the venue. One by one the covers were removed to reveal a stunning new ride – whether it be lovingly restored or tastefully modified, and there was a great mix of both! It proved to be a hit with those in attendance so look for this to be a permanent fixture at future COTM events.

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SHOW AND SHINE

With the promise of 30-plus degrees and clear blue skies, Saturdays show and shine was always going to be a huge part of this year’s event. 835 Mopars (and AMC vehicles) of varying models, styles and condition filled the grounds creating a sea of chrome and colour. The judges certainly had their hands full picking out the winners of the Top 5 USA, Top 5 AUS and general category awards. While the show and shine was happening, the swap meet was also in full swing with those scouring the various sites looking for that elusive, hard to find part.

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835 Mopars (and AMC vehicles) of varying models, styles and condition filled the grounds creating a sea of chrome and colour.

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In the swap meet and with the many traders in attendance, lots of parts were swapped for cash for projects that may make an appearance in 2020.

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As part of the spotlight deal, the owners of those models made their way to the Ettamogah Pub for a group photo shoot.

CRUISE TIME

With the official duties of the event over for the day, many owners headed out on the streets between Albury and Wodonga for an impromptu cruise session. Many other vehicles ventured out fore the night too with spectators lining the footpaths to take in the great atmosphere created by the cars cruising responsibly. The only issues came from ‘wannabes” in their stock daily drivers carrying on like tools to gain attention – which usually came from some of the local kids yelling out to them to “chuck a skid!” Thankfully, these clowns were light on during the night.

In one stretch of road there would have been 5000 people lining the footpath with their chairs, eskys and kids in tow. Parking was at a premium with every vantage point taken – including the two big service stations!

It was like taking a trip back in time to when cruising Northbourne Ave in Canberra was a big part of the Summernats…

IN THE SPOT LIGHT

Each year the event puts the “spotlight” on a different model, and in 2019 it was to be the VE, VF and VG Valiant.

As part of the spotlight deal, the owners of those models made their way to the Ettamogah Pub for a group photo 44 shoot. The sight of all of these cars grouped together was something to behold. Many other models also made the short cruise to the Pub to take in the group pic and maybe a Beveridge or two…

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TOP 5

Sunday morning saw even more cars arrive on site for the show and shine ensuring this was by far the biggest and best COTM yet. In the swap meet and with the many traders in attendance, lots of parts were swapped for cash for projects that may make an appearance in 2020.

Thousands of people made their way to the Gateway Lakes compound over the course of the weekend with plenty of variety in the cars on display. Stock, modified, old and new, the 2019 Chryslers on the Murray showed exactly why this is the number one Mopar event in Australia.

Entrants travelled from every state in Australia to be part of the event, showing the passion you’d expect from a group of diehard Mopar fanatics.

TOP 5 46

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Judging the Top 5 in both USA and Australian cars was a mammoth task with so many good examples entered into the 2019 event. The judges went over each car that presented itself for judging with a fine tooth combe looking for event the slightest imperfection.

At the end of the process, these 10 cars made the cut and were awarded accordingly!

At 2pm, the awards ceremony started with lots of trophies awarded for various makes and categories including Killer Rides Magazine Editors Choice, which also comes with a feature in Killer Rides Magazine. I chose Vince and Anthony Cipri’s nitrous 426-powered Dodge Dart to be the winner of this award. The Dart was just finished in time for the event and certainly made an impact along some very tough cars on display. A worthy winner of my first award at the event, so watch out for a full feature soon. With the trophy presentation over, so too was the 2019 Chryslers on the Murray.

Killer Rides will definitely be on board with this event again in 2020 and beyond and we would personally like the COTM committee for allowing our involvement in such a great event. Enjoy our pictorial on the 2019 Chryslers on the Murray. Special thanks goes to AnnMaree from Engine Masters Australia for the driving event pics.

EDITORS

Choice

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VINCE & ANTHONY CIPRI - NITROUS 426 DODGE DART

2019

Chrysler of the Show ANGELO FURFARO - PROVC VALIANT - TWIN TURBO NASCAR POWER

PURPLE Reign 50

The 1967 Plymouth GTX is probably the rarest of all B-body Mopar’s in Australia. Mick Noller is lucky enough to own the toughest!

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MICK NOLLER – 1967 PLYMOUTH GTX WORDS / PICS / VIDEO – Paul Beck

Mick owns quite a collection of cool cars – most of which are Mopar’s, but it’s this GTX that he rates right up there as one of his favourites. Why? Maybe the 700-odd horsepower 543-cube big block providing the power has a lot to do with it, but overall this car does everything right. Even though it’s really set up to go quarter-mile racing, Mick and his GTX embarrassed some more fancied runners at the recent Chryslers on the Murray track day when completing the circuit (yes, around corners!) in 1.06 minutes.

With a 1000 hp Jeep Trackhawk beating Mick around the track by a mere 4 seconds.

The coupe has certainly come a long way since it arrived on Aussie soil as a “nice, daily driver” with a stock 440 and four-speed combo. Mick wanted to make it a nicer car, but the more he got into the build, the more it became an obsession and this is how it ended up. Mind you, the build hasn’t quite finished yet with yet another driveline combo being readied along with a change of wheels as well. Trust me, as tough as it is now, it will get much tougher before Mick is finished with it. Stay tuned…

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There’s no denying that Mick’s GTX is a tough car. The engine, the colour, the stance and the performance – this Plymouth has it all.

The Plymouth GTX has a unique body style.

It’s “squareness” adds to the tough look and when given the right stance, as Mick has here, it screams muscle car. Apart from the hole in the bonnet and the dummy fuel cap (there’s a fuel cell in the boot!), the body is pure 1967-spec.

Mick had mate Dave look after the minor repairs to the sheet metal before laying on the new PPG Plum Crazy colour – one of Mopar’s most popular colours.

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The body colour extends into the interior where it compliments the factory styled black vinyl seats and door trims. Mick handled the interior remake himself using Crest front seats and factory rear seat as the basis. The door trims are still original.

From the driver’s seat, the Billet Specialties steering wheel and aluminium column come into view as does the array of aftermarket Mopar gauges. The Vertical Gate shifter sits on top of a modified trans tunnel that is now removable to allow easy access to the gearbox should the need arise.

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Jumping behind the wheel of the GTX is like stepping back into the 60’s muscle car era where it was all about getting down the road quicker than your mates. They were certainly drivers cars back then…

The factory dash has been complimented with various switches, Mopar gauges and a billet tilt steering column topped with a Billet Specialties steering wheel.

Mick is a hands-on type of car guy and built the engine in the Plymouth at home in the well-equipped garage. Using a cross-bolted and steel-capped RB Wedge block, he stroked it to 543-cubes using a Scat crank and rod combo along with JE pistons, Total Seal rings and a Comp cam that lets everyone know this “ain’t no stocker!” A high-volume, external pickup Milodon oil pump and sump complete the tough as nails bottom end.

A pair of alloy Victor 440 heads were soon to join the party, but not before being kitted out with Manley valves wrapped in Comp springs. Once bolted into place, the gap between the two heads was filled with a modified Weiand tunnel ram holding twin 750 Holley Ultra Carbs high above the bonnet line for all to see. A dual 3-inch exhaust system dumps the gases, providing a menacing sound in the process. The spark comes from an MSD 6AL ignition system incorporating a blaster coil and matching leads. On the dyno at Chryslers on the Murray, the engine produced 551.7hp at the tyres – around 700 at the flywheel…

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The engine now sports 543-cubes and makes around 700hp at the flywheel. The new, all-aluminium INDY wedge with INDY 572-13 heads and Hilborn injection should eclipse that easily…

An old-school Hemi A833 four-speed trans with Vertical Gate shifter sends the horsepower rearward via a 3.5-inch Mark Williams tailshaft to the 9-inch diff that uses 35-spline axles and a Strange housing to deal with the power. Other underside additions include the Magnum Force front end with rack and pinion steering and strange coil-overs, while the rear is set up with a four-link and matching shocks and springs. Wilwood disc brakes and calipers live inside of each Weld Draglite, which measure 15x5 on the nose and 15x12 out back.

There’s no denying that Mick’s GTX is a tough car. The engine, the colour, the stance and the performance – this Plymouth has it all. But, Mick has big plans in place to make this coupe much, much better! The new engine combo will score a custom, eight-stack EFI set up, the A833 box is getting the flick for a Tremec, the wheels are getting swapped and the interior is getting a make-over with Recaro seats and a retrim.

138 DUNSTERS LANE, CROOM, NSW 2527 20-minutes South of Wollongong

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When completed, the GTX will be a nicer car to drive on the street and will perform better on the strip as well as around the DECA circuit when the Chryslers on the Murray rolls around again. I for one, can’t wait to see the next incarnation of Australia’s toughest ’67 GTX…

STANDARD AND PERFORMANCE ENGINE REBUILDING SERVICE SUPER FLOW ENGINE DYNO PERFORMANCE SPARES IN STOCK PRECISION MACHINE WORK INBOARD MARINE SPECIALISTS Track Pic by

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Email: sre_mc@hotmail.com

MOBILE 0418 431518

SOUTH WEST INDOOR MOTOR SHOW - Busselton, WA - WORDS – Clinton Wall PICS – Ryan Annear & Tania Dodd

IN WILDTHE

WEST

Busselton, the event capital of Western Australia, just 2.5-hours south of Perth plays hosts to many major events including Triathlon and Ironman, Quit Forrest Rally, Cinefest Film Festival and the Gateway to the Margaret River Wine Region and the South West Indoor Motor Show.

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Country Smash Repairs in Busselton became the naming partner for the 2019 show and was blown away by the quality of vehicles and the amount of people it brought into town.

The event started with a City Cruise on the Friday night to another new sponsor’s venue, Darleen’s Bar and Tape House on Prince Street, where Rocky Ridge Brewing Co Golden Ale was flowing and tunes by Laine Wolfe were entertaining the crowds. This part of the show was a big hit with the car guys and the community because everyone came out to see what the noise was all about. Thanks to the local Police, the entrants with highly-modified and blown vehicles were given permits to cruise the Streets without any restrictions as long as they did the right thing. A big thumbs up to the Busselton Police who were instrumental in making this happen.

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On Saturday morning, some entrants took the opportunity to hit the roads and cruise the area before the doors opened for the public...

On Saturday morning, some entrants took the opportunity to hit the roads and cruise the area before the doors opened for the public, where they were treated to a great selection of Hot Rods, Street Machines, Muscle Cars, Customs as well as some amazing bikes that were on display. With five previous Meguiar’s Superstars in the main stadium and another outside, along with other high quality vehicles left Summernats and MotorEx judge Mark Cook a hard task of deciding who will win what.

Whilst the show was happening, some entrants had decided to take the opportunity to explore the local Wineries and Brewerys before returning just in time for our Saturday night award presentation BBQ. Over 40 awards where handed out on the night including the Top 10 which was stretched to the Top 13!

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Thanks to the local Police, the entrants with highly-modified and blown vehicles were given permits to cruise the Streets without any restrictions as long as they did the right thing.

Sunday morning saw some sore heads arrive at the for Day 3 with even more cruising the streets before pack down and returning home. Marking yet another success event. Event Promoter Clinton Wall wanted to offer a huge thanks to the car entrants and spectators that made the weekend a success and to the entrants and sponsor that stayed back to give us some help packing up temp fencing and the marquee. For more information on this and other Hold On Promotions events, check out their Facebook page for more happenings‌

TOP 13

Richard Hatton - 74 VH Charger Rob Cinani - 68 HK Monaro John Claydon - 40 Ford Sedan Delivery Ralph Italiano - 32 Ford 5 Window Coupe Charlie Vinci - 34 Ford 5 Window Coupe Chris Dicker - 77 HZ Holden Ute Wayne Waller - 32 Ford 3 window Coupe Travis Sturk-Ralls - F55 Ford Pickup Peter and Sandy - 69 HK Sedan Lennard Vidot - 71 HQ Monaro Kevin mc Dowall - 71 Pantera Greg Freeman - 69 Chevy Camaro Brad Fletcher - 73 XA Ford Coupe

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Whilst the show was happening, some entrants had decided to take the opportunity to explore the local Wineries and Brewerys

PEOPLES CHOICE

Rob Cinani - 68 HK Monaro

BEST STREET MACHINE Greg Freeman - 69 Chev Camaro

BEST HOT ROD

Ralph Italiano - 32 Ford Coupe For all other awards visit Hold On Promotions Facebook page.

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TORANASAURUS PAUL ALLEN – LX TORANA SEDAN WORDS / PICS / VIDEO – Paul Beck

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1400HP

With around 1400hp powering this Torana sedan, Paul Allen has created a monster.

Paul Allen has the look of regret on his face when he tells of a time when his parents back yard housed a line-up of Torana’s – back in a day when they weren’t worth a lot of money and he would occasionally sell them to friends who simply just had to “make an offer of what they thought was a fair price”.

Fast forward to 2019 and with the prices of Torana’s in any condition going through the roof, Paul realises just what he had sitting there. Who was to know?

One of those hatchbacks was swapped for this LX sedan way back in 1998.

It was a roller then, so Paul pulled the driveline from his tough Hatch and dropped it into the newly acquired sedan. But the need to run quicker times over the quarter mile saw many combo’s mounted to the Torana’s engine bay before getting to this mechanical monster.

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Once the engine landed in Australia, Paul had good mate and engine guru Jake Edwards, look over the combo and make changes to suit the planned 14/71 blower and bird catcher hat that was to be the crowning glory.

The sedan kicked off its racing life with a tunnel rammed 416ci small block Chev that was good enough for a 9.89@143mph pass. From there, a 6/71 blown 389ci small block got its chance to impress and the ET’s dropped to 9.40@145mph. A nitrous 572ci big block was then slotted in helped score the Torana’s first 8-second pass stopping the clock at 8.99@158mph – and that was achieved on 275 radial tyres no less!

Paul’s desire to go even quicker saw an Ohio Crankshaft built 572 cuber take the nitrous big block’s spot in the LX’s engine bay. Once the engine landed in Australia, Paul had good mate and engine guru Jake Edwards, look over the combo and make changes to suit the planned 14/71 blower and bird catcher hat that was to be the crowning glory.

The Dart Big M block houses an Ohio Crankshafts crank (obviously), Oliver rods, a wildly idling camshaft and an 11-litre Moroso dragster sump. The Brodix CNC 360 heads have received Manley Severe Duty valves wrapped in Pac springs and more suitable rocker arms that were up to the task. The engine package also includes an Enderle 110 gallon fuel pump, G-Rotor oil pump, custom made headers by good mate Mick Sutton and a 4.5-inch exhaust system and a full MSD ignition system to fire the beast. All this gear added up to 1200-plus 70 horsepower at the rear treads!

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Once the engine landed in Australia, Paul had good mate and engine guru Jake Edwards, look over the combo and make changes to suit the planned 14/71 blower and bird catcher hat that was to be the crowning glory.

Jake also assembled the tough as nails Turbo 400 gearbox that uses an SDE race converter to get those hard launches happening. Down the back, there’s a Race Products chrome-moly sheet metal diff housing with 3.4-gears, full-floaters and 40-spline axles. 1400hp? No problems getting that to the tyres…

Getting all that gear into the relatively small confines of the Torana engine bay meant that there needed to be some major modifications made. Gone is the original Torana front end, and in its place is a Pro Fab built tube version that not only allows the use of the Dragster sump, but also gives Paul more space to fit those big custom pipes in. On top pf that, there’s a big reduction in weight!

The front end also scored Strange struts with Hyper coil springs and Strange disc brakes. The rear end features Lovells coils, Calvert shocks and Wilwood discs. The wheels of choice are 15x12 and 17x7 Billet Specialties Drag.

When the deal was first done, the Torana resembled a typical SL/R tribute. That didn’t last long with Paul changing the colour scheme to a custom VB Beer can green. Whilst the car looked awesome, damage from losing a bonnet at 120mph mid track proved the colour couldn’t be matched so Paul decided a change was to happen.

Paul called on a friend to return a favour by painting the Torana in Vauxhaul Devil Yellow giving the LX plenty of impact. The flares aren’t the only fibreglass parts on the Torana to cop the new colour. Every hinged panel is from Alfa Fibreglass including the doors, bonnet, boot lid, front spoiler and nose cone.

As you’d expect from a strip car, the interior is void of all the bells and whistles you’d want to have in a street car. There’s no stereo, air-con or GPS. What you will find is a pair of RCI race seats covered in Tan vinyl (as is the factory rear bench), a custom dash filled with Autometer gauges, alloy door-trims, B&M shifter added in the original console and a multi-point chrome-moly cage by Doug Stewart. The interior is purposeful and functional and more than comfortable for eight or so seconds at a time…

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The interior is purposeful and functional and more than comfortable for eight or so seconds at a time…

572ci

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So after owning the Torana for 20-years and putting it through more than a few rebuilds, Paul has come to yet another crossroad. He has been offered a McAmis-built car to put his driveline into to make the most of what that pumped big block has to offer. So where does that leave the Torana? Well Paul has a Torque Power “Big Paw” Holden based block and head combo in the shed just itching to go into something just like the Torana.

If, or when that happens, the Torana will return to the street with an occasional hit at the track. It’s the ideal set up for Paul as he can cruise with his partner strapped in beside him and his kids piled into the back. Doesn’t get any better than that…

LEO VANGELOVSKI

PHONE: 4285 0300 MVRC LIC: 54814

STOCKISTS OF

MOB: 0415939307 ABN: 73669 696 204

NOW WITH IN-HOUSE CHASSIS DYNO!

www.blautomotive.com.au 74

leo@blautomotive.com.au 57

Paul wants to say a big thank you to Leonie Gann, Jake Edwards, John Whyte, Mick Sutton, Kevin Peisley and all the friends that pitched in during any of the Torana’s builds…

PUTTING THE FUN IN Fundraising

IDLE WILD HOT ROD & CUSTOM CLUB SHOW - M CENTRE, MINCHINBURY – APRIL 7TH, 2019 WORDS / PICS – PAUL BECK

Car enthusiasts are well known for putting their hands in their pockets to help out those in need, and that’s exactly what the entrants at the Idle Wild Hot Rod & Custom Club’s annual show and shine did.

The Idle Wild Hot crew are one of the most active clubs in the scene, and recently they put together a show to raise money for a family whose four kids are suffering with Autism and Asperger. Raising money for such a worthy cause was always going to bring together a big array of cars and people only too willing to open their wallets to help ease the burden this family faced on a regular basis.

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The annual show is based in the M-Centre Carpark in Minchinbury – about 10-minutes west of Sydney Dragway on the Great Western Highway and provides not only a high-profile to attract passers-by, but also ample room to house upwards of a couple of hundred cars.

After a few days of unpredictable weather, show day was bathed in bright sunshine which helped attract plenty of cars to be put on display.

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The club goes to great lengths to make this more than just cars in a car park and includes kids rides, trade stands and lots of raffle prizes – with the funds generated all collected all being donated to the cause.

As seems to be the norm these days, some entrants had decided to leave the show long before the trophy presentation that left a few holes in the show area, and by the time I got there, I had missed snapping pics of some cars that had already left the premises. What I did find was a great mix of Hot Rods, Street Machines, Customs, Classics and Bikes.

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The Idle Wild Hot crew are one of the most active clubs in the scene, and recently they put together a show to raise money for a family whose four kids are suffering with Autism and Asperger.

Fully Interactive Digital Hot Rod & Custom Quarterly Magazine

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Congrats to the members of the Idle Wild Hot Rod & Custom Club on putting the show together and making a big difference for a family that needs a break in life. We done to the entrants too who also contributed‌

sI umsbueer One N COMING SOON!

FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF

For more information, please contact Paul Beck, Publishing Editor 0432 795336 - paul@killerrides.com.au

CRUISIN’

HOT ROD SOCIAL BREAKFAST #2 Words – Paul Beck

Lygon Street, Carlton. Victoria Pics – Leisa “Fordgal” Bonnici

For a Cause...

Hosted by Kingpin Kuztums, the second Hot Rod Social Breakfast took over one of the most famous strips in Australia – Lygon Street in Carlton, Melbourne.

When you visit Melbourne, you must go to Lygon Street. The long strip is home to some of the best food outlets in Melbourne and the atmosphere after hours is what you’d expect from such a vibrant nightlife.

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I have spent a lot of time in the area – especially when in town for the annual Hot Rod Show, and inevitably there would be plenty of cool cars cruising the strip each night of the long weekend.

I’m sure it’s the same every other weekend of the year as well.

It’s what us car guys and girls do…

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The long strip is home to some of the best food outlets in Melbourne and the atmosphere after hours is what you’d expect from such a vibrant nightlife.

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Lygon Street is full of great places to get breakfast and when the street is full of Hot Rod’s, Customs and cool Street Machines, it really is like taking a step back in time.

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The team at Kingpin Kuztums have put together this Breakfast cruise to relive the good old days of cruising in cool cars with mates. They also stage the everpopular Rats, Tatts n’ Pinups Events at various Hotels (see ad on page 91 for listing!) Lygon Street is full of great places to get breakfast and when the street is full of Hot Rod’s, Customs and cool Street Machines, it really is like taking a step back in time.

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The group helped raise much needed funds for the Bush Fire Relief Fund by attending the cruise. Nothing like cruising for a Cause!

The Ultimate

Wedding Gift

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Whilst most people spend their Honeymoon buying souvenirs, Matt Sadler bought himself a half-built HK Monaro!

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MATT SADLER - 1968 HK MONARO WORDS / PICS / VIDEO – Paul Beck

Sometimes, you just have to act on things when they are presented to you, no matter what the situation is. It’s not every day that you get offered a classic HK Monaro project at the right sort of money. So when this neglected project was stumbled upon during his Honeymoon, Matt jumped on it. His new wife, Merissa wasn’t so sure. Right or wrong, the Monaro was purchased and the newlyweds still enjoyed their Queensland Honeymoon, just now with some added luggage…

Matt’s plans for the Monaro were simple, built a unique street car that gets driven! Matt isn’t one to have his car go on and off a trailer just to put on show, is simply has to be driven to be enjoyed!

Whilst Matt was keen to get the Monaro finished and on the road, the build process took some 11-years to complete. Some things just can’t be rushed with other life happenings taking priority over the Monaro’s rebuild.

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1 S L W 285K

O T U A E 0 6 4L

H C N I 9 D E K 4-LIN

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Matt had no intention of restoring the Monaro back to how the factory designed it, so he had no issues of giving the HK some subtle modifications...

The Monaro was purchased as a rolling shell that had really seen better days. Time hadn’t been kind to the HK’s outer shell and a lot of work was needed to bring it back from the brink of extinction. As luck would have it, Matt’s mate Rob knows a thing or two about body and paint and put his hand up to get both sorted.

Matt had no intention of restoring the Monaro back to how the factory designed it, so he had no issues of giving the HK some subtle modifications including the removal of the door and boot locks, fuel filler, all mouldings and then reworking the engine bay, and undersides of both the bonnet and boot lid. Hours were spent getting the sheet metal straighter than ever before. With the panel shaping tools back on the bench, it was time for colour. It’s about here that the purist start getting annoyed…

Not caring about original colour codes, Matt could have coloured the Monaro any way he wanted. What he decided upon is actually a Ford colour! What? Surely not… Yep, the colour is from the Ford Ute range and is called Breeze. It certainly adds a cool look to the much older Holden. To compliment the body colour, Rob added the factory-style GTS stripes in a lighter shade of the same colour to great effect.

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Originally Matt was going to redo the interior in a basic black. But after chatting to Steve at All Trim, Matt was convinced to change his mind and add some colour to the Monaro’s insides. Once again, there’s some Ford DNA added in the form of XR8 Ute front seats and XR8 sedan rear seat, modified to fit and covered in a contrasting green leather. The door trims were designed and fabricated by Steve, as was the boot area.

The dash is a highly modified HK item that now features an array of digital Wordskog gauges and the head unit that controls the extensive JVC sound system. The billet steering column is topped with a Billet Specialties steering wheel. The custom centre console is a far cry from the circa ’68 version but suits the updated trim perfectly. It now holds the B&M shifter, electric window switches and air-suspension controller. I’m pretty sure Matt is so happy he didn’t go with his first choice of an all-black interior!

The diff was the only part of the driveline that was still in the car when Matt purchased it. With an empty engine bay and trans tunnel, Matt found himself yet again, looking at options to repower the HK. The car was always going to be a regular driver, so Matt had no hesitation in slotting in a built, 285kW LS1 and 4L60E trans (with 3500 stall) giving the Monaro the driveability of a new Commodore. The factory 10-bolt diff was swapped out for a nine-inch version sporting 35-spline axles and 4.11-gears. The rear-end is now suspended via a four-link set-up and air-bags with Pedders shocks. The same gear is used on the front end and give the Monaro a low-slung stance when not on the move. The ride is much improved over the factory underpinnings.

Hiding inside the 20-inch Simmons wheels are a quartet of disc brakes – HQ on the nose and BA Falcon out the back. A Wilwood pedal box with twin master cylinders operates the Ford calipers on each corner. Stopping is now a breeze, even without a booster‌

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The car was always going to be a regular driver, so Matt had no hesitation in slotting in a built, 285kW LS1 and 4L60E trans (with 3500 stall) giving the Monaro the driveability of a new Commodore.

During the lengthy build, Matt had the usual hassles of chasing parts and accessories and of course waiting for work to be done. It was a struggle, but after the drive, all the hassles were long forgotten. Matt never intended, nor wanted, to build a show car but has had some success at events since the car has been finished including three years of Car of the Day at the NSW All Holden Day.

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Gary Myers - Burnout Legend!

Cars like this don’t happen without the help of people in the know, and Matt wants to thank the following people for their contribution; Malibu Mechanical for the engine build; Rob for the body and paint; Steve at All Trim for the interior makeover and of course my wife Merissa for being patient during the build…

! gs rin Sp lls ve Lo e us I y wh ’s at th , rs ca y m in s rt pa “I only use the best ” o! to e oic ch ur yo em th e ak M ! rs ye M am Te r fo e oic ch LY Lovells are the ON

www.lovellsauto.com.au

KAR NUTZ CLUB TWILIGHT SHOW N SHINE - CLUB MENANGLE – MARCH 23, 2019

PERFORMANCE

WORDS / PICS – PAUL BECK

y a w e Pac

In conjunction with the Automotive Dimensions crew, the Kar Nuts Car Club get more horsepower to the Menangle Paceway than ever before.

Everyone was keeping an eye on the weather, with the forecasters predicting rain to fall across the south west of Sydney, right about the time the event was in full swing. That promise of the wet stuff certainly didn’t deter too many people with a huge array of custom, classic, resto and cool collectable cars taking up just about every available parking spot at the Menangle paceway – a stunning venue perfectly suited to holding an event like this.

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The later time offered a more relaxed atmosphere, as did the many food trucks, kids amusement rides and live music. It really was a great way to spend a Saturday evening.

Led by Barney Kodsy, the combined groups pooled their talents to stage a great event taking advantage of the daylight savings hours by opening the show at 4pm through to 11pm – a big change from the usual 9am kick off time. The later time offered a more relaxed atmosphere, as did the many food trucks, kids amusement rides and live music.

It really was a great way to spend a Saturday evening.

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Everyone was keeping an eye on the weather, with the forecasters predicting rain to fall across the south west of Sydney, right about the time the event was in full swing.

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The rain did eventually fall, but not before the venue was chock full of cars and people all ready and willing to stick it out no matter what Mother Nature had planned for the evening.

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The rain did eventually fall, but not before the venue was chock full of cars and people all ready and willing to stick it out no matter what Mother Nature had planned for the evening. Hardcore car guys and girls don’t give in that easily‌ At the end of the night, lots of people had turned up to check out the cool cars on display marking yet another successful event. Keep an eye out for future Kar Nutz events including the monthly meets at Penrith Homemakers Centre.

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r e g n BOTTLED UPA Is there anything nastier than a wheel-standing, bottle-fed, big block black Camaro? Paul Paterson doesn’t think so…

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PAUL PATERSON – 1967 CHEV CAMARO RS WORDS – Paul Beck PICS – Lauren Jade_Xposed Photography

Actually, this story could have been so much different if things had worked out just how Paul had planned. After cruising the streets in a 383ci EK Holden and big blocked ’66 Fairlane, Paul headed to Queensland to check out a Pro-Street ’57 Chev that Roly Leahy bought in from the US. But, upon entering the workshop, Paul spotted a blue with black vinyl roof ’67 RS Camaro for sale and something inside him said “screw the ’57, get the Camaro!”

Now it may very well be a guy thing, but once the Camaro was back on Victorian soil, Paul was working on a plan to change the Camaro from what it was, to something very different. Can we ever leave things alone? Probably not – but that’s a good thing, right?

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Now it may very well be a guy thing, but once the Camaro was back on Victorian soil, Paul was working on a plan to change the Camaro from what it was, to something very different.

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Whilst the Atlantis Blue paint was in fair shape, Paul knew that the Camaro would look so much tougher in black. Before too long the Camaro was relieved of its vinyl roof and the blue paint was just a memory.

For Paul, the original colour scheme made the car look like a resto, he wanted his Camaro to stand out.

Thanks to Troy Favor, the PPG Jet Black and satin RS stripes have transformed the coupe into the tough street car Paul had envisioned. The Cowl Induction bonnet and boot spoiler are the only non-original additions to the exterior. Paul even had the original mouldings and badges refitted to the now glistening body. Bolting on the satin finish Centerline Auto Drag wheels (the rears with beadlocks) completed the external make-over and Paul was now sporting a grin from ear to ear.

The Camaro’s interior has bene updated to continue that tough street car feel. The low back bucket seats that were fine in the 60’s didn’t make the cut and have been replaced by a pair of sports seats that have provision for the Pro-Force harness belts – a necessity when Paul hits the drag strip. Likewise, there’s now a chrome-moly four-point cage with a drivers intrusion bar just in case the unthinkable happens. Unfortunately, that puts an end to any rear seat passengers, but you can’t have everything.

The factory dash has been complimented with an AutoMeter tacho with shift light with several more gauges added to the centre console and at the opening of the bonnet scoop. You can never have too much information… A wood-rimmed Grant steering wheel gives a 60’s feel.

There’s no stereo in the Camaro and why would you need one when you have a 1200hp, nitrous-sniffin’ big block providing the tunes? Built by James Melmoth at MCE Melway Competition Engines, the 548 cube big block Chev is not just a regular runner at the track, but also on the street.

James knows just what it takes to keep that street and strip balance and kicked engine build off with a new Chev Bowtie block, adding a suitable 114 crank and Compstar H-Beam rod combo, forged pistons, and a custom roller cam. The Dart Pro 1 heads have been modified to breathe much better than they did out of the box and provide the platform for the Victor Junior intake and single 1050cfm Quick Fuel Dominator that gets plenty of E85 pushed through it via an Aeromotive 1000 EFI pump with return.

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A pair of custom headers flow the gases through four-inch collectors and a dual 3.5-inch exhaust system after the Crank trigger ignition system puts the fire into the belly of the beast. In aspirated form, the stout Chev produced 897hp, but with a tickle of the gas, that number soured to a neck-snapping 1200-ponies!

There’s no stereo in the Camaro and why would you need one when you have a 1200hp, nitrous-sniffin’ big block providing the tunes?

A reverse-pattern Turbo 400 with 9.5-inch, 5800rpm Nitrous converter feeds the power through a three-inch tailshaft to the tough nine-inch diff that features 31-spline Moser axles and a 4.11-geared centre. To date, the driveline has proved to be up to the task of dealing with the Camaro’s power – even on regular trips to the track!

It’s one thing to have heaps of power under your right foot, but another to be able to get it to the ground in an effective way. More often than not, races are won or lost on the start line. Sending your tyres up in smoke it pointless unless you are in a burnout comp. Paul has put plenty of work into the underside of the Camaro to help it hook up when that green bulb flashes.

The front end has been kitted out with “stored energy” Moroso springs and Competition Engineering 3-way adjustable shocks along with VT Commodore cross-drilled discs and AU Falcon calipers. Down at the business end, there’s a pair of 1-inch lowered split-mono Calvert leaf springs and 9-way adjustable Calvert shocks. HQ drum brakes provide the stopping power on the rear.

As you can see, there’s plenty of adjustments both ends to suit any track condition Paul is faced with. Check out the track shots and tell me that this Camaro doesn’t hook up! Those pics were taken on an airstrip!

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It’s one thing to have heaps of power under your right foot, but another to be able to get it to the ground in an effective way. More often than not, races are won or lost on the start line.

Paul said he tends to get attached to the cars he builds but with that said, he isn’t ruling out the possibility of selling the Camaro if something catches his eye in the future. Maybe a Pro-Street ’57 Chev?

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Thanks to Troy Favor, the PPG Jet Black and satin RS stripes have transformed the coupe into the tough street car Paul had envisioned.

Paul wanted to thank some people who were involved in the Camaro’s build process and also for helping keep it a regular competition at race meets as well as on the street. They are Mikes Pipes, James Memoth at MCE Melway Competition Engines, Wayne Cartledge at Racecomp Motorsport, Danko at Addicted Performance, Burko for the transmission and of course the family – his wife Carolyn and kids Jesse and Jorgia for being patient while he plays cars…

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Killer Pic PIC - Tim McCormack

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BATTLE

THE

RAGES ON!

The Holden versus Ford battles still rages on the main straight at Mt Panorama, Bathurst. This time though, it’s between two hardcore street cars trying their best to out-smoke the other on the countries most famous main straight!

Window Shopping LEAD WIPING KIT FROM METAL MAN TOOLS

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Metal Man Tools now have available 2 Australian made Lead Wiping Kits, yes for those that want to do it the way it was done in “the good old days”. The kit consists of 4 traditional 30/70 body solder lead sticks, these are the same as are used by the best metal craftsmen throughout Australia, also included is the finest quality tinning paste to “tin” the area to be lead filled, 2 Australian hardwood lead paddles, one flat and one rounded for smoothing the lead and 1 tub of specially formulated paddle wax to stop the lead sticking to the smoothing paddles. The Starters Kit also includes a double quantity of body solder lead, an adjustable file holder and a quality double sided file blade suitable for lead filing. The kit also includes instructions on how to go about lead filling a panel. Lead filling is not only a traditional way to finish a panel but the whole process is very rewarding as you go about developing a skill that not many have in these days of “bog” finishing.

For more information on this or the many other specialized metal working tools in their extensive range simply contact Metal Man Tools on 0447-406980 or sales@metalmantools.com or go to their website at www.metalmantools.com.au

ULTIMATE CONVERSION WIRING

No matter whether you need a conversion module, a factory ECU unlocked, a full or patch wiring harenss or a complete rewire of your project, the team at Ultimate Conversion Wiring can help you with what you need. The specialists in all wiring needs for that engine conversion, Ultimate Conversion Wiring have the knowledge and parts in stock to get your car sorted and on the road.

Call Justin and the team now on 0412 293606 with any enquiries or jump onto their helpful website at www.ultimateconversionwiring.com.au

GENUINE CENTERLINE AUTODRAG AND CONVO COMING TO SPEED-PRO

Those hardcore car enthusiasts that require the best wheel choice at the best price have to look no further than Speed-Pro for a wide selection of sizes in both AutoDrag and Convo-Pro from Centerline. Proven to be one of the most popular wheels for all makes and models, these are sure to sell quickly. To secure your set, contact the team at Speed Pro - www.speedpro.com.au - 03 97945177

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Performance

y r o t c e r i D

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www.prostreet.com.au

Showtime!

To have your event listed here, send details to paul@killerrides.com.au

APRIL - 2019

MAY - 2019

JUNE - 2019

7 - QLD QLD Auto Spectacular Willowbank Raceway, Ipswich 07 5461 5461

04 - NSW Tuned United Festival Skyline Drive-In, Blacktown 12-00pm - 4.00pm

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7 - NSW Idle Wild Hot Rod & Custom Show M Centre, Minchinbury

05 - VIC Keilor Rotary Club Car & Bike Show Cnr Old Calder H/way & Arabin St www.rotarykeilor.org.au

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05 - QLD QLD Cruisings Pride & Joy Car Show Country Paradise Parklands Nerang qldcruising@gmail.com

09 - NSW KIller Rides / Illawarra Street Scene Coffee and Cars Catch Up Bunnings Albion Park Rail 7am-9am Phone Paul - 0432 795336

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11 - QLD All Holden Day Thabeban Rd, Bundaberg www.bundabergholdenclub.org.au 11-12 - VIC Meguiar’s MotorEx Melbourne Showgrounds www.motorex.com.au 09 - NSW KIller Rides / Illawarra Street Scene Coffee and Cars Catch Up Bunnings Albion Park Rail 7am-9am Phone Paul - 0432 795336 18-19 - NSW Shannons Tamworth Motor Show Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre www.tamworthmotorshow.com 25-26 - NSW Sydney Hot Rod & Custom Auto Expo Rosehill Racecourse www.hotrodandcustom.com.au

09 - NSW Brasher Nats Sydney Dragway www.brashernats.com.au 15 - NSW Powercruise 1 Day Powerplay Sydney Motorsport Park www.powercruise.com 17 - NSW Smoke ‘n’ Skidz Round 2 Sydney Dragway www.sydneydragway.com.au 22- QLD Hot Rods for the Homeless The Founders Pavilion, Toowoomba Showgrounds www.hotrodsforthehomeless.com.au

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Twilight Monthly Meets at Penrith Homemaker Centre

JAN 12TH

FEB 9TH

MAR 9TH

APR 13TH

MAY 11TH

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