I bought this 1970 SS 454 Chevelle new on February 13, 1970.
It remained stock until 1974 as my only transportation to school and work.
This is when I contacted Terry Stutes of Lewiston Illinois to add murals
to each side and trunk. In the winter of 1975, diamond tufted interior
was added by Joe Wilcox of Beardstown Illinois. Chrome and braided
line was added in 1977. The original motor was a LS5 454 and I always
wanted an LS-6. In 1978, I purchased a new short block and the parts
to build a LS6 and installed it. The Chevelle remain basically the same
today.
September 7 1985, I was injured in a fall will working on a roof.
Although the injury left me a Quadriplegic, I still go to Car Shows and
attend Super Chevy at Indianapolis every year. We haul the convertible
on a Tommy Aluminum Trailer pulled by my 1990 Ford Conversion Van and drive
the Gray Chevelle.
I may not be able to drive my Chevelles any more; I do have many
memories. The Cowl Induction hood, which feature a vacuum-operated
flap at the rear of the SS hood, allows air from the high-pressure area
at the base of the windshield feed the four-barrel. With the stock
LS5, if you opened the air vents you could hear the Rochester carburetor
moan loudly though the interior.
Having driven Chevelles with the L78, LS5, and LS6 engines, the LS5
is probably the best for all around driving. The reason is, on the
Interstate with the LS5 mileage running 65 mph was 16mpg. The best
I could get with the L78 or LS6 was 12-13 mpg. While attending the
NSRA and Car Craft Street Machine Nationals in the 70's and 80's, I enjoyed
entering the driving events. The LS5 with the Turbo 400 transmission
was much quicker in switching directions in out of garages. You learned
the best way to steer and the most fun was with the gas pedal. The
LS6 is great to drive, by the fun in passing those who don't like to be
passed, and sound of the headers and the cam echoing back from guardrails.
Those who have not driven a Big Block Chevelle don't know what they are
missing. My mother when in her late 60's enjoyed driving my Chevelles.