By Scotty Lachenauer – Images by the Author
Some guys just know how to build a performance-packed Chevy from the ground up. Many of them have been featured here in All Chevy Performance magazine, and rightfully so. However, some guys just keep poppin’ up on our radar, so we oblige by checking out their latest builds.
When this stunning Tri-Five started struttin’ its stuff at some of the major shows, we had to investigate and see what all the fuss was about. What we found out was that the owner was no stranger to our pages, as a few years back his magnificent 1972 Chevelle was featured in the Aug. ’21 issue. Turns out it was Matt Cirocco behind the wheel of this beast, and the Massapequa, New York, resident was more than happy to fill us in on his new, power-packed street machine.
Matt’s story with Chevys goes way back, when the then young gun started dreaming about his future rides. “I’ve always been passionate about muscle cars and a ’55 Bel Air has been something I’ve held in my heart as the pinnacle of hot rods,” Matt confirms. After watching the classic film American Graffiti, those thoughts were only solidified and pushed along by the fact that his dad once owned a ’55 as well. It was inevitable that a quality Chevy from that model year would one day take up space in his garage.
Over the years, Matt saw quite a few prime examples of hot-rodded Tri-Fives and took mental notes on how he would build his own example if he ever got the chance. Always wanting one, it had to be something he could drive consistently and enjoy day in and day out. Once he found a clean builder car, he was on the way to starting his next big project.
Once his ’55 Chevy Bel Air was in hand, Matt called the talented crew at Miranda Built in Boynton Beach, Florida, to talk about his next build and to come up with a concept for the car. The project started back home in Long Island first, with the bodywork being handled by V&J Auto Body in Lindenhurst, New York. The Chevy’s body was in excellent shape for being a local Northeast car, so no cutting or welding was needed. After cleaning up the skin and prepping the flanks, the crew sprayed the Chevy in a combination of PPG Gypsy Red and India Ivory.
Once the body was set, the ’55 was sent to Miranda Built where the majority of the work was completed. The stock chassis was torn down and the frame stripped, reinforced, and powdercoated. From there, a myriad of top-tier suspension parts was added, including a complete Ridetech adjustable coilover setup. It consists of upper and lower tubular control arms and a MuscleBar sway bar up front while a four-link with coilovers reside out back. Wilwood disc brakes with 11-inch rotors and four-piston calipers take care of the stopping power fore and aft.
Once the underpinnings were set and body mounted to the chassis, Miranda Built keyed on the power source for this boxy Chevy. “We chose a Chevrolet Performance Hot Cammed LS3 to propel this ’55 down the road,” Matt says. “I wanted something dependable with plenty of power, and this package gives me both. The race-inspired camshaft pushes the LS up to about 495 hp right out of the box.” The engine got a complete makeover with black Holley valve covers and a black Holley EFI intake up top. A set of Ultimate headers, custom 3-inch exhaust, and Borla mufflers give the Chevy plenty of audible attitude. It’s backed by a 4L80E transmission, which feeds a Strange 9-inch rearend stuffed with 3.73 gears out back.
The interior was next on the list. It all starts with a custom-built bench seat, covered in red leather in a unique diamond pleat pattern. The door panels and Sparc Industries steering wheel also received the same red leather, while the dash was covered in an ivory leather that matches the exterior paint scheme. The dash is complemented by a Dakota Digital HDX direct-fit analog gauge kit, which handles all the necessary vitals. A Lokar shifter gets the ride through the gears.
To add that “wow” factor to the ’55, Matt chose a set of Schott Accelerator wheels, 18×8 front and 19×10 out back, all shod in Michelin rubber.
Once completed, Matt was floored by the results. “Miranda Built totally knocked it out of the park. Without a doubt, they exceeded my expectations on the build,” Matt excitedly says. “The car is an absolute pleasure to drive. It handles like a sports car and drives like a luxury car. It has all the modern amenities you could ask for, from air conditioning to a custom sound system. Every time I get in the car it’s a total adrenaline rush and I just could not be happier. Hopefully Mom and Dad are looking down on me and smiling while the wife and I enjoy our date nights rolling in this modern ’55 Bel Air.”
Check out this story in our digital edition here.
TECH CHECK
Owner: Matt Cirocco, Massapequa, New York
Vehicle: 1955 Chevy Bel Air
Engine
Type: LS3
Displacement: 376 ci
Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
Bore: 4.065
Stroke: 3.622
Assembly: GM
Rotating Assembly: Stock
Valvetrain: Stock
Cylinder Heads: L92 rectangular port
Camshaft: Chevy “Hot Cammed” hydraulic
Induction: Holly Sniper
Intake Manifold: Holly Sniper EFI intake
Exhaust: Ultimate headers, custom 3-inch stainless exhaust, Borla mufflers
Valve Covers: Holley
Ancillaries: Griffin aluminum radiator, CVF aluminum hood hinges
Output: 525 hp
Drivetrain
Transmission: 4L60E
Shifter: Lokar
Rear Axle: Strange 9-inch with 3.73 gears, Moser axles
Assembled by Miranda Built (Boynton Beach, FL)
Chassis
Frame: Original, powdercoated, and boxed
Front Suspension: Ridetech tubular control arms, HQ Series coilover shocks, Borgeson quick-ratio steering box, MuscleBar sway bar
Rear Suspension: Ridetech four-link, Ridetech HQ coilover shocks
Brakes: Wilwood 11-inch rotors, four-piston calipers, Wilwood master cylinder
Wheels & Tires
Wheels: Schott Accelerator, 18×8 front, 19×10 rear
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport, 245/50R18 front, 285/40R19 rear
Interior
Upholstery: Red and ivory leather
Carpet: Stock
Door Panels: Custom leather
Installation: Miranda Built
Front Seat: Custom
Rear Seats: Factory in custom leather
Steering: Sparc Industries wheel
Dash: Factory, leather covered
Instrumentation: Dakota Digital
Wiring: Custom
HVAC: Vintage Air
Entertainment System: JL Audio
Complete Interior: Built by Miranda Built
Exterior
Bodywork and Paint: V&J Auto Body, (Lindenhurst, NY)
Paint: PPG Gypsy Red and India Ivory
Bumpers: Stock reproduction
Headlights: LED
Taillights: LED
Trim Restoration: By Kevin at SL Metal Restorations (West Babylon, NY)
