Lizard Racing Posted May 23, 2020 Posted May 23, 2020 I bought this kit because I built a '65 Wagon when it was new. I don't remember it being a surf wagon. The new kit has lots of extra parts to make it a surfer, drag racer or crew version. Because I almost can't build a stocker without making some kind of racecar out of it, I did some research to determine into what category it would fit. Finding different advertised horsepower and shipping weights, I discovered the car would not have an advantage in the Stock category (a very handy source is the NHRA rule books in another thread). My thoughts then ran to Modified Production but that would mean cutting a hole in the hood for the hi-rise manifold and fabricating a cover for the carbs. I was looking for something unusual and got the idea of using the Corvette fuel-injection 327 and run in B/FX. 1965 was the last year for the fuelie engine and in the class, not much weight would need to be dropped. The NHRA might or might not have approved such a combination. I found no evidence of a Chevelle running a Corvette engine. Underneath: modified kit headers inspired by Snake 45 and fabricated traction bars. Rule say you have to keep the stock exhaust, but all examples I have seen have mufflers deleted. Also note a modified deep oil pan. I had Corvette valve covers, expansion tank and fuel injection parts in the bin. The air meter (right side) is from the parts bin. Fabricated air inlet from the grille (may or may not be legal). I substituted some American mags for the kit Cragers, as the front ones would be too wide for front tires. I repeated the mythical Rocky Mtn. Chevrolet sponsor, also used on the SS/F '68 Camaro previously done. Decals made with clear background and yellow lettering completely vanished on application. So I had to resort to white background paper (to use white lettering) and inserted text boxes with blue background. The blue color is not quite a match for the paint shade. I have enough white drag racers with red, blue or black lettering. The problem with running an FX car is that it is only eligible for the current model year. After that it has to go into Modified Production or some other category. Someone interested in doing that would have to buy a car as soon as it was available (assuming the factory would not supply one pre-release), then modify it real quick in order to be ready for the first meet of the year. Pretty tough running a Chevy with no factory support. This project brought back some memories. Thanks for viewing.
Snake45 Posted May 23, 2020 Posted May 23, 2020 Very very VERY cool! You know I love this stuff! Glad I was able to help out with the headers. Model on!
TarheelRick Posted May 25, 2020 Posted May 25, 2020 Sweet Chevelle, my favorite year. Like the idea of the fuelie engine. I have one I am planning on building as probably an O/S class car. Thanks for the inspiration.
MeatMan Posted May 26, 2020 Posted May 26, 2020 Nicely done! The BFXers were and continue to be overshadowed by the AFXers.
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