[camcojb]

This isn't a Pro Touring build at all, but I thought it was interesting anyway.


Rod Saboury’s REAL 6 second street car – part 1

by Mike Goodwin



Mention the name Rod Saboury to one of your racing buddies and you’re sure to get an interesting response. While researching this article I encountered varying views on Rod and his numerous projects. From accolades in main stream media to disdain on Corvette restoration message boards this man has proven one thing, he is able to craft attention grabbing cars that leave a lasting impression. Another thing I learned about Rod is that his enthusiasm for a project is infectious. When we discussed his latest project he was like an expectant papa pacing the floor of the maternity ward. I just couldn’t help but get wrapped up in the excitement.



Currently on a chassis table at the famed Lowdown Hotrods of Cambridge Ontario sits Rod’s latest project a 1963 Corvette split window coupe. Although an original ’63 body shell and dash are being used you Corvette purists can breathe easy, they came from a chopped up donor that was destined for the scrap heap. With this ‘Vette Saboury is once again pushing the envelope with his design. “I want to have the first 6 second, 200 mph REAL street car” stated Rod “One of my goals is to qualify for one of the fastest street car races and then go cruising with all the locals that night. Lets see if any of those guys with the so called ‘Fastest Street Cars’ will join me, NOT!” Some pretty powerful words that by all indications he will have no problem backing up.



In order to accomplish his goal Rod plans to incorporate a few out of the ordinary design concepts. To start with the factory wheelbase on a ’63 Corvette is 98”, somewhat short for safe handling at over 200 MPH. To ensure the car will track straight it was lengthened to 110”. That’s where the design became interesting. Instead of just adding a stretch to the front end like most car builders Rod made an effort to keep the car looking as stock as possible. To accomplish this he commissioned bodyman Frank Morawski of Baltimore MD. to section the main cabin. Frank cut the car in half and added 4'' in the roof behind the doors. He did such a good job that a Corvette aficionado would be hard pressed to notice the alteration. Rod also had the rear end centerline shifted back 2'' thus requiring only a 6” extension to the front end. Additionally the rear quarter panels were widened and raised to accommodate the 34” of Mickey Thompson rubber that will be housed beneath. “Without a side by side comparison to a stock ’63 the body will appear factory” stated Saboury.



The Vette’s chassis incorporates a chrome moly double frame rail design with a Funny Car style front half. Rod went to this extent because he plans to make the car NHRA legal and pass the advanced ET chassis certification for cars that run quicker than 7.50. With the expected 2000+ horsepower that will be needed to put this car comfortably in the sixes Chassis builder Tom VanDerGeld, owner of Lowdown Hotrods, incorporated a unique rear end setup that will help it launch straight and level. A full floater 4-link design that utilizes no wishbone or panhard bar will be used. “ It’s similar to the one we used in Gary Irving’s ’37 Chevy Nitro Coupe” stated Tom.



Rod’s next big leap in design strategy was to enlist the talents of famed engine builder Mike Moran. Under the hood will throb another unique combination, a 400 Chevy Small Block with Big Block heads force fed by twin 80mm Precision Turbos. The specifics of the engine are so secret that Moran was reluctant to even let VanDerGeld use the engine for the layout of the front end chassis setup.



With the expected monster horsepower ratings from the Mighty Mouse the only transmission Rod considered was a Lenco. A 4 speed version will soon be nestled between the rails backed up by a Ram triple disk clutch and Trick Titanium bell housing. “We decided to go with a triple disk to lengthen the lifespan of the clutches since I plan to cruise this thing. I even plan to do a leg of the Hot Rod Power Tour. In fact this car is being outfitted with all the necessary street equipment including power windows hide away head lights, and I’m even trying to figure out how to get the air conditioning to work! It’s been a while since I have had a car of this caliber and I’m spending extra time on the fine details. I also need to point out that this project would not have been possible without the assistance of Moran Racing Engines, Lowdown Hotrods, Mickey Thompson Tires, Weld Wheels, Flowmaster Mufflers & Auto Meter Instruments.”



To finish things off Rod once again enlisted the talented artist David Peters, the designer of all of his previous paint creations, to come up with a head turning scheme. “I hope people have a hard time accepting this design. If they like it that means they’re familiar with the design concept and I want this car to be unique”. Judging from the past if anyone can build a true 6 second street car that people will not soon forget, it will be Rod Saboury.