Tuff VR

Customer: Steve Bartie (RIP)

The Toy Shed have been involved in Steve’s Commodore for 5 or 6 years.

It had various engine upgrades carried out by other workshops, and when it came to us, Steve was having trouble with the vitech fuel injection that had been fitted to the blown 304 V8.

Once we got that sorted, we built him a 355 stroker engine and fitted/tuned that. It now ran low 12s on the drag strip. Steve was later diagnosed with terminal cancer, so a plan was hatched for the final big rebuild. This was to include 20 x 12 rims for the rear. Sumer brothers 9 inch and 4 link kit. Chuck Mann built 4L80E trans and a 304/383 roller cam engine/ 6/71 stage 3 Hihelix blower.

As time was limited, we had Reece Fish build the long engine while we started on the car. First up was to tub the rear and fit a rear sub frame to hold the 9 inch. Once the drive line was fitted, a custom fuel system/tank was fitted to the boot. This also allowed room for a dual 3inch exhaust system to be built exiting each side at the rear. A link computer was fitted to run the custom sequential multi point injection system we had built. This featured a 1350 cfm throttle body under the hat on the blower, and also ran the water meth injectors in the hat. A tci computer runs the 4L80E trans.

This combo made over 600 rwhp on a soft tune.

The entire job was completed in around 4 months and Steve ran 11.0 on its first outing.

As he didn’t want to fit a roll cage, this was right on the money so Steve was rapt.

Steve managed to hang in there for a few more events but has sadly passed away.

Thanks for letting us build your dream mate.