- VOLUME 43, NO. 11, [56] SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 -
As any thorough build, Al began with extensive chassis work toensure he had the proper foundation on which to plant his masterpiece.
With his own two hands, he began deconstruction. From the firewall
back, Al fabricated a custom 2x3-inch tube frame. The custom steel
was smoothed and painted, along with the Thorbecke upper and
lower control arms used for the front suspension. The rear uses
Thorbecke products, too, in a three-link configuration. In addition to the
boxed frame and suspension components, Al narrowed the rearend
by 9 ¾ inches to accommodate the massive wheels and body drop.
The extremely attractive rolling attire on which the HellBlazer cruises
are Hot Rods by Boyd Slayer custom wheels. Each wheel measures
22 inches tall with the front set at 8 ½ inches wide and the rear at a
massive 10 inches wide for a classic hot-rod staggered stance. Backing
each wheel are Wilwood disc brakes to quell the muscle under the
HellBlazer’s hood.
The power plant is a classic all-American muscle choice. Al and hisfather assembled the Merkel Racing 383 small-block before moving it
3 inches back, using a motor mount adapter plate. The V-8 uses ported
and polished Trick-flow heads and MSD distributor, wires, and coils. An
Edelbrock manifold pairs with a custom March 8-trumpet air cleaner
to provide a healthy volume of air intake. On the other end of the
equation are bolted Sanderson ceramic-coated headers, flowing into
a custom exhaust. The motor and its accessories are good for a tire-
shredding 491hp and 502ft-lbs of torque. The huge power numbers
are sent through a TH400 trans equipped with a Lokar shifter, down a
custom driveshaft, and into the narrowed GM 10-bolt rear.