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1955 Bel Air with a 9.8 L Big-Block V8

front-side view of a custom 1955 Chevy Bel Air

CAL Automotive Creations (CAL) unveiled a special 1955 Chevy Bel Air in the BluePrint Engines booth at the 2026 SEMA Show. The classic coupe is powered by a Blueprint Engines 598 ci (9.8L) big-block V8 capable of 741 hp (545 kW) and 703 lb-ft (953 Nm) of torque on 10.5:1 compression. The motor features a cast iron block with a 4.50-inch stroke and 4.60-inch bore. Inside is a forged crank, forged H-beam rods, forged pistons, and Hydraulic roller camshaft (.647″ intake/.647″ exhaust lift; 258° intake/266° exhaust duration @ .050″, 112° LSA). CAL backed the big-block with a Bowler 4L80E four-speed automatic transmission and trusty 9-inch rear end. Everything is supported by an Art Morrison chassis modified by CAL for a lower ride height. They added a set of Ridetech coilovers and Baer six-piston brakes. CAL reshaped the quarter-panels on the classic tri-five body. It then received a custom dark brown metallic color accented by billet grill and trim. The finishing touch is four custom Leading Edge Machine wheels (20×8, 22×12).

closeup view of billet grill on a 1955 Chevy Bel Air

598 ci big-block V8 in the engine bay of a 1955 Chevy Bel Air

closeup view of valve covers on a 598 ci big-block V8

closeup view of custom Leading Edge Machine 20x8-inch wheel on a 1955 Chevy Bel Air

rear-side view of a custom 1955 Chevy Bel Air

closeup view of custom Leading Edge Machine 22x12-inch wheel on a 1955 Chevy Bel Air

closeup view of custom dark brown metallic paint on a 1955 Chevy Bel Air

closeup view of a coilover and control arms on a 1955 Chevy Bel Air

view of custom interior in a 1955 Chevy Bel Air

closeup view of a gauges in a 1955 Chevy Bel Air

closeup view of a steering wheel in a 1955 Chevy Bel Air

closeup view of Bel Air badge in a 1955 Chevy Bel Air

closeup view of custom center console in a 1955 Chevy Bel Air

CAL Automotive Creations builders standing next to a 1955 Chevy Bel Air

2 thoughts on “1955 Bel Air with a 9.8 L Big-Block V8”

  1. IMO, this vehicle is an abomination. A vehicle with classic and historical significance should only be restored to original condition and specifications.

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