The reliable, and powerful classic car needs some TLC and tuning before it gets put to the test by Hemmings in the 1800-mile road rally.
Here’s a classic Chevrolet still with plenty of get up and go, a ride that’s ready for a 1800-mile race at the drop of a hat.
Well, almost. Hemmings over on YouTube documents the process of bringing the classic muscle car back from hibernation and what’s involved in a general tune-up of a car that isn’t running great.
The following video features clips from The Great Race, anecdotes and useful tips to work under the hood of an oldie.
Here’s what they have in store for this engine-swapped classic with a sweet-sounding V8.
A 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Convertible Gets Ready For A Great Race
In reality, the muscle car that emerges from hibernation under the sheets is a ´69 Chevelle SS 427 convertible. It has a ZZ427 crate engine in place of the 396-CI V8. It makes about 480 hp and 490 lb-ft, up from the SS´ base 396-CI V8’s output of 325 hp.
The car is Hemmings’ own classic Chevrolet, and it has a story to tell. Last year it went on The Great Race, a long-distance trip that takes a toll on any classic car. In 2022, the classic road rally went from Rhode Island to North Dakota. This year it will run from Saint Augustine, FL to Colorado Springs, CO. During that trip it had some roadside maintenance including the addition of an electric engine fan, which the team decide is probably not needed.
They say that the car doesn’t get that hot; it was running at 190 degrees Fahrenheit all day in stop-start traffic with no issues. Out it comes. There is also a power steering cooler mounted below the front bumper that comes off. They aim to re-seat the hood, change the air cleaner and check the brakes and other areas to get it in tip-top shape.
How Much Does A 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Convertible Cost In 2023?
There is a vacuum issue with the car and it is running lean. This turns out to be down to a valve in the crankcase called the PCV valve and needs to get replaced or cleaned. Finally, the car needs ‘dialing in’ once the parts are working correctly, and the Chevelle needs some adjustment to stop the engine running rich.
In the end, the car is both running and sounding like a dream, with that classic muscle car burble. As of 2023, the Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 is worth about $55,000 at auction according to Classic.com. Hagerty suggests $58,000 for a ‘good’ example, but these prices are for hardtop models.
Also, the price of the 427-CI Chevrolet V8 engine like Hemmings has in their car – the ZZ427 crate engine – would cost an additional $14,000 before labor charges.