pressure. At fill-up time, Brandon pulls
up to any E85 pump, pops open the
stock hinged flap, and gets to work.
Though the E85 has a lower BTU
content than straight gasoline, keeping
the stock 17.5-gallon fuel tank instead
of a small, race-only fuel cell negates
much of the range reduction impact
when cruising. Better yet, the W-body
positions the gas tank ahead of the
rear axle centerline, not behind it. This
helps put a little more weight on the
front tires for traction.
Electronics: The PCM controlling the
engine is from a 4.8L/4T80E-equipped
2004 Chevrolet Express donor van.
Brandon adapted it all to work with the
Monte Carlo’s stock instrument cluster
and other onboard systems. This way,
all stock gauges work, including the
gas gauge, turn-signal indicators,
speedometer, and even the heated
power seats. Brandon had some early
hassles tuning the idle speed after
installing the hot camshaft, but help
from Matt Happel of Sloppy Mechanics
saved the day. PCM fiddling is done via
a HP Tuners system with 3 Bar
Enhancement. A small battery box in
the spare-tire well helps weight
distribution.
Chassis/Suspension: All stock struts
have been replaced by lighter, stiffer
units from BC Racing. Smaller brakes
Only slight trimming of front fender lips
was required to achieve a rub-free turning
radius with big drag slicks. Brandon used
to run stiffer 275/60R15 drag radials,
but suffered severe torque steer. After
switching to “mushy” M/T slicks, he says,
“I can stand on it and go straight. The more
flexible sidewalls absorb much of the crazy
energy before it gets to the steering wheel.”
from the GM parts bin allow the use of
popular 15-inch rolling stock. The front
spindles were shortened and re-drilled.
No effort has been made to improve
cornering prowess since this is a
straight-line car. Ground clearance is
close to stock.
Wheels/Tires: Brandon’s former
11.9-second 2014 Mustang GT donated
its 10x15 Race Star rear rims and 28.0-
10.5-15 MT ET Drag slicks to the front
of the Monte, while a set of low-resis-
tance 17x4.5 Race Star rims and M&H
P185/55R17 tires cause many double-
takes. The back-space measurements
are 7.25 inches, front; 1.75 inches, rear.
Interior: This is no gutted rattle trap.
Monte Carlos are personal luxury
machines, and Brandon has kept his
that way. The only thing missing is
the back seat. Otherwise, the power
windows, heated driver seat, leather
upholstery, center console, and tilt
steering wheel are all bone-stock—and
work. And being an original Intimidator
edition, the head rests of each bucket
seat are embroidered with full color
Earnhardt logos. The only missingitems Brandon might worry about later
are a rollcage, driver safety harness,
and parachute. Yep, with traction, this
puppy ought to nudge the 9s.
Exterior: Brandon could have saved
himself a ton of effort, like the whole
engine-swap thing, if he could only
accept the looks of the Gen 7 Monte
Carlo’s 2006–2007 body restyle. Then,
all he’d need to do is swap in the
Caddy-sourced 4T80E transaxle. The
LS4 5.3L V8 would already be there for
his add-on turbo. But, no, Brandon was
stuck on the curvier Gen 6 (2000–
2005) Monte Carlo, where GM never
offered a V8. We dig the function-
meets-form hood openings for turbo
body and exhaust stack clearance.
Body: The 3,600-pound, all-steel
Monte has no fiberglass or carbon-fiber
replacement panels. Skip the paint, too.
The body is covered in “Urban Jungle”
adhesive wrap by Avery Graphics,
applied by “Sam” at Peak Graphics
(Enfield, CT). The front wheel lips have
been slightly trimmed. We’d guessti-
mate that F/R weight distribution is
about 65/35.AUGUST 2019 CARCRAFT.COM 51