Matt Graves is the Marketing and Sales directory at American Powertrain. Matt set out to build a pro-tourer using a vehicle most would not envision. In 2021 he debuted a 1983 Cadillac Coupe DeVille called “Chicken Coupe” for the Hot Rod Power Tour.
The heart of the project is a World Products “Warhawk” 427 ci LSx V8 crate motor using Holley G-body LS swap mounts. The motor features an iron block with Eagle crank, Manley rods, Mahle pistons, and Comp camshaft with 248/254 duration and 0.637/0.657-inch lift. On top sits a World Products 220 cc heads and Holley Race intake manifold with 1000 cfm throttle body. The combo is good for 600 hp (441 kW) using 93 octane.
Since Matt works at American Powertrain, he installed their Tremec Magnum six-speed manual transmission behind a Centerforce DYAD twin-disc clutch and Quicktime bellhousing. Being the transmission is a custom driveshaft made by American Powertrain and Currie 9-inch rear axle. The rear end using an Eaton Truetrac limited-slip differential with 3.73 ratio and 31-spline axles.
Matt improved the coupe’s handling using a Burgeson quick-ratio steering box and QA1 B-body Level 2 suspension. The suspension kit included tubular control arms, sway bars, and coilovers.
The factory brakes were swapped for Baer six-piston calipers and 14-inch rotors on each corner. Those were covered by American Racing VN510 Draft 18×10-inch wheels wearing Kumho Ecsta PS91 tires (255/40, 275/40). You can read more details on the car at Hot Rod.
Source: Hot Rod and Carbuff Network