The SEMA Show is the largest trade show in the world and showcases thousands of incredible sports cars, customs, and off-road vehicles from across the globe. However amongst all of the Porches, Ferraris, and BMWs, Southern California-based custom car builder Bodie Stroud debuted an iconic American dream car the Bodie Stroud Industries (BSI) “GMonster” 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air that has been completely re-engineered to do battle with the best from Europe.
This particular Bel Air came to Bodie through a close friend who had always wanted a ’57 Chevy. He allowed Bodie to design and build the car however he liked, but was adamant about two things: the engine and the color scheme. The engine had to be a big block and the colors, chosen by his wife, had to be blue and silver.
The goal of the build was to create a car that could be driven daily and has modern conveniences like air conditioning and power steering, the ability to cruise from the freeway and then sprint to 60mph in under four seconds.
“It was fun working on this car because my friend let me design and build this car however I liked,” Bodie said. “It gave me the opportunity to be creative.”
While this Bel Air may look and feel like a classic hot rod, it has many modern touches hidden throughout. The car rides on a customized factory chassis updated with Bodie Stroud Industries’ all-new Tri-Five suspension package. Grip comes by way of 275/35/19 BFGoodrich G-Force Sport tires up font and 29x15R20 Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R in the rear. Six piston Wilwood disc brakes on all four corners mean that this ’57 Chevy stops and stops quickly.
Instead of following the trend of installing a modern LS motor, Bodie followed his friend’s wish for an old-school powerplant and installed a traditional 509 Chevy Big Block engine built by QMP Racing that produces 800 horsepower. A Kinsler Dragon Claw fuel injection system was then installed to give the motor an old-school look while adding all the capabilities of EFI. Power from the big block is harnessed by a GM 4L80E overdrive transmission, while a Strange Engineering Ford nine-inch rear end works to put the power to the ground. Custom stainless steel headers by BSI and a MagnaFlow exhaust system give it a fearsome roar.
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