By Nick Licata – Images by Jason Matthew
Eddie Gunder, a long-time car enthusiast, acquired his dream 1969 Chevelle in 1990 through a trade that unexpectedly led to a lifelong friendship with the previous owner, Mike Nagle. After years of enjoying the car in its black paint, Eddie decided to restore it to its original gold hue, adding custom touches like mini-tubs and a Motion Stinger hood. The Chevelle now boasts a 540ci Merlin big-block engine, a Turbo 400 transmission, and a classic muscle car stance, representing decades of memories and cherished friendships. Read full article here.
TECH CHECK
Owner: Eddie Gunder, Rocky Point, New York
Vehicle: 1969 Chevelle
Engine
Type: Merlin big-block
Displacement: 540 ci
Compression Ratio: 12.5:1
Bore: 4.500
Stroke: 4.250
Rotating Assembly: Scat crankshaft, Scat H-beam rods, JE pistons
Valvetrain: Manley valves, Comp rockers and pushrods
Cylinder Heads: Merlin aluminum
Camshaft: Comp solid roller, 660/666 lift, 254/260 duration at 0.050
Induction: Edelbrock 454-R Victor intake, Holley Dominator 1,050-cfm carburetor
Assembly: Don’s Machine (Smithtown, NY)
Valve Covers: Moroso
Accessory Drive: March
Exhaust: Kooks headers, 4-inch exhaust, and mufflers
Ignition: MSD 7AL
Ancillaries: Edelbrock water pump, Spal fans, Ron Davis aluminum radiator, K&N air cleaner, Rick’s stainless 21-gallon fuel tank, Optima RedTop battery
Output: 746 hp, 665 lb-ft
Drivetrain
Transmission: Turbo 400 with reverse manual valvebody by FB Transmissions (Bayshore, NY)
Torque Converter: Transmission Specialties 4,500 stall
Shifter: Modified stock
Driveshaft: Denny’s Driveshafts
Rear Axle: Moser Muscle Pak 12-bolt, limited-slip posi, 4:10 gears, Moser 35-spline axles
Chassis
Frame: Stock with narrowed rear framerails by Eddie G’s Muscle Car Garage (Holbrook, NY)
Front Suspension: Moroso Trick spindles, modified GM control arms, Lakewood shocks, Moroso Trick springs, Borgeson steering box
Rear Suspension: Global West control arms, QA1 shocks, air bags
Brakes: Wilwood 11-inch rotors, four-piston calipers front, GM drums rear, Master Power master cylinder
Wheels & Tires
Wheels: Polished Radir Tri-Ribb III, 15×4 front, 15×10 rear
Tires: Mickey Thompson Front Runner 26×6 R15 front, ET Street 315/60R15 rear
Interior
Upholstery: PUI factory style
Installation: Eddie G’s
Seats: Stock bucket
Harness: G-Force Racing Gear
Steering: GM
Shifter: Factory horseshoe modified
Instrumentation: Stock, vintage Sun gauges
Wiring: Custom Auto Wire
Rollcage: Mild steel by Eddie G’s
HVAC: Nope
Entertainment System: Factory AM radio
Exterior
Bodywork: Eddie G’s
Painter: Joe Mercuri
Paint: PPG Olympic Gold
Hood: Motion Stinger fiberglass
Plating: Paul’s Chrome (Evans City, PA)