LS3-Powered Pro Touring '66 Chevelle is a Clean Build

Back From The Shed

When Doug and his father uncovered the 1966 Chevelle sitting in the shed, it had been the first light the car had seen in 14 years. Time had taken its toll on everything. Rodents, rust, and the inevitable body damage that befalls cars when they turn into shelving units had all worn themselves successfully across any hopes of getting it running as it was. They decided, instead, to rebuild - from the ground up. 

Photos courtesy of Hot Rod Network

It Runs In The Family

For anybody who's ever had to part ways with a car they weren't yet ready to part with, the saying "the one that got away" takes on a new meaning. But if there ever were one that "could" get away, it would be Doug's '66. As the Hot Rod article recounts, it was special-ordered by his parents. they would take delivery of the car about a month before Doug himself was born. The Chevelle would actually be Doug's first car ride on the way home from the hospital (a tradition he'd end up repeating with his first-born). 

>>Join the conversation about this LS3-powered 1966 Chevelle right here in LS1tech.com.

The Runner

16 years later, the title would be transferred to his name, and it would be his car all throughout high school and college. When the motor, with a good 180,000 miles on it, tired out, Doug and a friend attempted a garage rebuild that never went quite right. It ran OK, but there were little leaks, and it was never quite dialed in the way he wanted it to be. He'd go on to put another 34,000 miles on it before parking it for good in 1996.

>>Join the conversation about this LS3-powered 1966 Chevelle right here in LS1tech.com.

Nagging

Over the years, the car became derelict, but not forgotten. It was Doug's father, and his repeated interrogations as to "when the car was going to get worked on," that would implore the serious thought of a rebuild. One such conversation occurred between the two men, and finally, Doug confessed, "if we had the space to work on it, sure." He would call his parents the very next weekend, where his mother would tell him, "well, you're dad's out back pushing down the old shop so he can build a new one." If ever there were an alignment of the stars, it was then, and there. The car was coming back!

>>Join the conversation about this LS3-powered 1966 Chevelle right here in LS1tech.com.

A New Beginning

Sometimes, a new beginning starts with a new direction. Doug was always a Corvette fan, so when presented with the choice, it only seemed fitting that an LS3 crate motor would be the selected platform for power. The 'hot cam' option delivers the 480-horse package that Doug uses to load his T-56 Tremec Magnum up through all six gears. The LS376/480 blows its hydrocarbons through 1 3/4" primaries, to a 3" stainless exhaust, a Magnaflow Turbo muffler, and a 4" resonator. The only thing Doug regrets not doing is adding an electric cut-out so its "loud enough for my father."

>>Join the conversation about this LS3-powered 1966 Chevelle right here in LS1tech.com.

Dirty Side...Clean?

If somebody were to tell you to "keep the dirty side down," you wouldn't know what do to. The car is virtually spotless! This car so seamlessly interweaves its half-century-old body and frame, with its modern powerplant and running gear. you almost can't tell where Chevelle stops, and aftermarket begins.  

>>Join the conversation about this LS3-powered 1966 Chevelle right here in LS1tech.com.

Aviation Grade

Not only is it spotless, but it's also bulletproof. All that Detroit Speed hardware (that usually pops out like a sore thumb when the rest of the car isn't spotless) toughens up the Chevelle for any road you want to throw at it. DSE four-links and JRi coilovers keep the Moser 12-bolt busy pumping traction to the road through its 3.73:1 gearset. Even the exhaust clamps are aviation-style v-band clamps. If any expenses were spared on this restoration, I can't see 'em.

>>Join the conversation about this LS3-powered 1966 Chevelle right here in LS1tech.com.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our How-to section in the forum.