We figured 600 naturally-aspirated horsepower from a big-block Chevy would probably do the job, and to build an engine that could run the number, yet still be happy on the street, we turned to Dart Machinery. This is the story of how they put together a 509ci rat that’s just what Grandpa needs.
This super sleeper project (and unofficial husband of Project Grandma), Grandpa has already been modified well beyond its stock specifications, including a full Spohn Suspension to improve handling as well as a fully-built Dart 509 engine to replace the ancient 305 small block.
We knew that dropping a big power plant into our car would be a simple fix for the “go juice” for Project Grandpa. However, the part that concerned us was the suspension. We knew that we wanted to go with Ridetech for their air springs, but what about the rest of the system? Thankfully, we got in touch with Spohn Performance who helped set us up with everything to make this car go from driving like a cloud to a lighting bolt!
When it comes to selecting a project car, there’s plenty to consider. The various items at the top of the list to think about include which vehicle to use, the intended use of the car, brand loyalty, as well as any personal preferences that you’d like to incorporate into the project. That being said, you might be wondering what we were thinking when we picked up this gem – a 1982 Chevy Caprice Classic Station Wagon. I mean, who in their right mind would want this?
