RIDE OF THE WEEK: 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 427

by Michael Golubiewski
Production Editor

Street muscle

Paul and Andrea Smihosky of Avoca are own this week’s ride, a 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 427. The Chevelle was Chevrolet’s entry into the muscle car category and was produced from 1964 through 1977.

The Smihosky’s Chevelle features a powerful 427 cubic inch big block V8 engine and is capable of 500 horsepower. It has a Muncie M21, 4-speed transmission (rebuilt by Steve Croker of Scranton) and is backed by a 356-cubic-inch ,12-bolt posi rear. Paul says though the car currently has a 427-cubic-inch engine, it started with an original SS with a 396-cubic-inch engine. But for most of its life, it was used as a drag racer in New Jersey, and the 396 motor eventually wore out and was replaced with the 427 engine from a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette.

Paul says the new engine was lined, honed and bored .030 over. The block was square decked and balanced, and he installed a Crane cam and lifter and roller rockers. The head gaskets were replaced with a set of GM 502 aluminum performance heads as well as an aluminum Edelbrock performance intake. He topped the engine with a Holley 800 dual-feed carburetor and an electric fuel pump. The racing suspension was removed and replaced with Hotchkis tubular arms in the front and rear, as well as a set of no-hop bars and factory springs in order to make the Chevelle ready for street driving.

A Four Core aluminum radiator and electric fans cool the Chevelle. Its motor is highly detailed, with stainless steel and chrome wherever possible. Because it was used mostly on weekends as a drag racer, there are only 48,300 miles on it.

Smihosky purchased it three years ago when it was in need of a little TLC. The bodywork and most mechanical work was done by Smihosky’s friend Brian Kacsmar, who worked at a garage owned by Dave Day to change some body panels, and then to J&M Body Shop in Dupont for blue prism flash paint with silver stripes, accented with mother of pearl paint and six coats of clear paint. The Smihoskys and their three children did the interior and trunk upholstery, along with engine and undercarriage detailing. Smihosky says the Chevelle is a pleasure to drive on nice sunny days. His latest project is a two seat Nova.

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