Since we are halfway through the build-up of the Goodmark Chevelle, we thought we'd take a minute to reflect upon and realize what has been put into this car-and what the end result is starting to look like. This simply is not your average project/give-away machine. Not only has the workmanship been above and beyond stellar, but the parts that have been used-from the Goodmark body panels to the Hotchkis suspension components and everything in-between-have all played a huge part in making this Chevelle a real-life, high-end street rod. And just think, we've only seen the first half.
As you'll see in the next few pages, a major step towards cruisin' down the road is about to take place. We knew that this project should receive good, solid, reliable power and utilize today's technology. With this in mind and realizing the scope of this project, GM Performance Parts was happy to provide the nostalgic-appearing, yet technologically advanced 350ci Ram Jet fuel-injected long-block (PN 12495515). This GM small-block uses Vortec heads (PN12558060), high-silicon aluminum pistons (PN12522850), Roller Tappet camshaft (PN 14097395) with aluminum roller rocker arms (PN 12367346). The best part is you can order any of these parts to build your own Ram Jet 350, or order the motor complete at any GM dealer. To back this 350hp engine is a Hughes Performance 700-R4. Hughes is more than well-known in the street and strip world for building strong, reliable manual and automatic transmissions for more than 30 years.
While the engine was on the ground, the boys at Metal Finish USA had a good chance to trial-fit the March Performance alternator, A/C, and power steering brackets and components. The headers, motor and trans mounts and flywheel, torque converter, and 700-R4 were also mounted and readied for their new home. As you will soon see, everything fit just like it should, so the only thing left to do is to stop talking about it and show you.
Next month we will bring you the installation of the fuel lines, transmission lines, brake lines, driveshaft, and exhaust-oh yeah, the body might just finally be bolted into place.
Ram Jet 350Technical InformationHorsepower350 @ 5,200 rpmTorque400 @ 3,500 rpmMax. Recommended RPM5500 Compression Ratio9.4;1Block two-bolt, cast ironCrankshaft10243068 cast ironConnecting Rods10108688 PM rodsPistons12522850 high-silicon aluminum with offset pinsPiston Rings12522848Camshaft14097395 roller-tappet designIntake Manifold12489371Distributer1104060 HEICylinder Heads12558060 VortecIntake Valves10241743 1.94 inchExhaust Valves12550909 1.50 inchValve Springs10212811Rocker Arms12367346 Aluminum roller designValve LashZeroSpark PlugsMR 43LTS Gap @ .045Rapidfire #8 @ .035R42 LTS @ .045Fuel92 OctaneIgnition Timing10 degrees BTDC @ 700 rpm