Drivetrain
In this instance, horsepower ran a distant second to a flat, flexible torque curve. Except for tubular engine-swap headers and barking mufflers, the engine is stock, which equates to 400 hp at 6,000 rpm and a like amount of grunt at 4,400 rpm, still plenty stout for a street driver. Although we're no fans of engine covers, the LS2 in Frank's ride lies beneath one of the slickest hats we've ever laid eyes on. Nothing exotic here, either. A 4L65E automatic overdrive is controlled by a Lokar shifter and works off a stock torque converter. Frank wisely had the system plumbed with a Flex-a-lite fluid cooler. A rebuilt stock driveshaft links the LS2 to the 9-inch housing that Route 66 narrowed 4 inches (51 1/2 overall). So that there would be no operating issues, Route 66 laid in a positive-traction differential, 3.50:1 gears, and 31-spline axles.
Body
Bill Jelinek strove to retain the original look of the '69, right down to the RS headlight doors. He filled all the seams with metal and excised everything on the firewall, deftly obscuring the usual protrusions by routing them "underground." Jelinek squirted PPG Impulse Blue and then laid down the wide Pearl White SS stripes over the 2-inch cowl hood.
Chassis
A Barcalounger on wheels, it ain't. Route 66 modernized the rear of the car with a Chassisworks G-bar four-link that positions Air Ride Technology air springs rather than the usual coilover arrangement. At front it was the Chassisworks cavalry of components: 2-inch drop spindles, subframe, and tubular control arms to host more Air Ride springs. While they were up there, Route 66 laid in an Chassisworks power-assisted rack steering system. Now Frank has got a fully flexible and adjustable suspension that handles and sticks to the tarmac like grim death.
Wheels & Brakes
No foolin' here. Barry White's SRRC hoops (18x8 and 18x10) carry serious Nitto skins: P265/35ZR N555s at front and P305/40 N555R drag radials on the rubber-burning end. When it comes to burning off energy whatever the situation, Wilwood drilled and slotted 13- and 12-inch discs are squeezed by four-piston calipers