1968 and 1969 Chevy Chevelle SS - Chevelles In Paradise
Where Every Day Is An Adventure In Driving
Bob McClurgWriter
Hawaii's Keith AuHong and Tyrone Goda own two of the nicest late-'60s, big-block-powered Chevelles on the Hawaiian Islands. Both Goda and AuHong are members of the Aloha State Chevelle Club, Keith being acting president, and both actively drive their Chevelles around the island of Oahu.
Keith's black-on-black '69 Chevelle SS. 396 is powered by a highly detailed, modified version of the smallest factory big-block sporting a set of 10:1 compression pistons, a Comp Cams hydraulic bumpstick and related valvetrain, a set of closed-chamber heads, an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, a 750-cfm Demon carburetor, MSD ignition, and Hedman/Flowmaster exhaust.
The heavy Chevy still employs the original Muncie four-speed gearbox along with a Hurst shifter, CenterForce II clutch, and a Lakwewood bellhousing. Rear gears stuffed in the 12-bolt housing are a stump-pulling 4.56:1. Modifications to the Chevelle's chassis also include Competition Engineering shocks and late-model Chevelle front disc brakes. Wheels and tires on this black beauty are from Weld Racing and Mickey Thompson.
Keith painted his Chevelle in PPG black. Upgrades to the OEM black interior include Vintage Air A/C, Auto Meter gauges, and a 300-watt Kenwood/Sony audio system. The Chevelle is a big winner in local car show competitions and is bracket raced out at Hawaii Raceway Park on occasion, where it runs in the mid-12s at more than125 mph
The story surrounding Tyrone's Royal Blue metallic big-block '68 is an interesting one. This is Goda's second car, which was sold way back in the early '70s in order for Tyrone to be able to pursue his career as a meat cutter. Ironically, Goda re-discovered the car in 1995, and Tyrone was able to buy it back.
Powering the '68 is a Chevrolet Performance Parts ZZ 502 crate motor, featuring 9.5:1 compression pistons, a GM Performance Parts hydraulic roller cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM cylinder heads, Wysco aluminum valve covers, an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, a 850-cfm Demon fuel meter, MSD ignition system, and Hooker Super Comp headers, replete with Flowmaster two-chamber mufflers.
Backing all of this up is a Powertrain Industry-prepared, B&M-equipped TH400 utilizing a TCI, 2,500 stall-speed, 11-inch breakaway torque converter and B&M Megashifter. Power is transmitted to a Currie Enterprises-built, '95 Ford 9-inch rearend sporting 4.30:1 cogs, and 31-spline axles. SVO/Ford Explorer rear disc brakes were added for stopping prowess while Monroe shocks and Lakewood traction bars help plant the horsepower. Other modifications to the car's suspension include a full complement of PSC polygraphite suspension bushings. Wheels and tires are from Centerline and BFGoodrich while dual Optima Batteries ride out back in the trunk.
Tyrone himself was responsible for straightening out the Chevelle's tired sheetmetal exterior while painter Garrett Tamura re-squirted the car in PPG '93 Ford Royal Blue Metallic with clearcoat. Both the black vinyl top and factory black interior were installed by the owner. Other additions to the Chevelle include a JVC audio system.
With a best of 11.80 at 127.00 mph, traversing the strip at Hawaii Raceway Park, Tyrone's colorful '68 Chevelle SS is one mean motor scooter, Hawaiian style.