Russ Wolden had a hot ’66 Chevelle back in high school that he parted ways with years ago, and he’s come full circle after building this 1966 138 vin Super Sport Chevelle. He found this Chevelle back in 2008 in Southern Oregon, but unfortunately, Russ had let his emotions get the better of him and he overlooked much about the true condition of the car.
Over the next five years, he had the car restored and built exactly as he wanted, leaving no part of this Chevelle untouched. Russ says
“There wasn’t one straight panel or trim piece and there was hidden rust. Five years later, the build was done and I have now logged over 10k miles on the odometer.”
This ’66 did not come with its numbers matching power train, so Russ had no reservations with modifying the Chevelle for his enjoyment via a Weiand supercharged small-block 357ci putting down about 740hp through a TH400 transmission. A 3.50 geared Currie track 9” rear end with a Detroit locker lends this Chevelle great highway cruising manners.
While Strange double adjustable shocks and a Detroit Speed front end allow Russ to carve corners to his heart’s content. A Z-51 Corvette brake conversion works with the upgraded suspension just in case that blown 740hp gets a little rowdy.
While Russ is enjoying his ’66, he will continue to make improvements to the performance and comfort as time goes on. He plans to beef up the TH400 with a Reid Case and Coan 2.10 planets, and also to enhance the shifting feel with a B&M Pro Ratchet shifter through a new factory console. Russ says;
“Driving this car makes me one happy old guy! This car keeps me grinning ear to ear while making 6,800 rpm shifts under boost or just when listening to it run in the driveway!”
