A 1971 Challenger recently came into the shop, after hearing about ICON from L. Minor; the owner of the In-Violet 1970 Plymouth Cuda. This owner has big plans for this particular E-body including 4 wheel Wilwood disc brakes,  mini-tubs, Currie 9" rear end, a Magnumforce Racing tubular K-member with power rack and pinion steering, and subframe connectors. Motivation for this car comes way of a crate INDY 528 Hemi and is coupled to a Keisler Engineering 5-speed conversion. The car will also be fit with an aluminum radiator with dual electric fancs, hydraulic clutch, and an electric power assist braking system. The entire car will be re-wired before this job is completed as well. One of the most trying tasks was the mini-tubs. The owner wanted the best of every world when he asked if we could complete the mini-tubs, utilize a stock fuel tank, and run 3" exhaust through the factory exhaust cut outs in the rear valance. The job was trying in every sense, but ICON managed to make the near impossible happen. At this time the monsterous Hemi and 5-speed has been installed, a wiper motor block off plate fabricated, and the axle housing powdercoated with the correct pinion angle being set. The custom driveshaft has been installed as well along with the Cal-Tracs system to round out the rear suspension. The fuel system has began being installed with a new fuel tank, 1/2" pickup, and custom bent 1/2" stainless steel lines. The fuel will be pumped and regulated by Edelbrock parts and Russel fittings. The car is currently recieving sound deadening before the carpet goes in the interior as well as a few minor floor modifications. The interior will be stock appearing with minor tweaks and the car is planned to be going into the body shop for a fresh coat of paint, Black. This is sure to be one bad Challenger when she gets finished.

UPDATE 19 Jan 2008: The Challenger is Alive! The owner swung by and took the car on its maiden voyage without any major issues. Some minor issues however still have to be resolved including mounting the bettery box in the trunk, headlight wiring, finishing of the interior work.

UPDATE 1 Feb 2008: While working some of the bugs out of the Hemi in the Challenger, valvetrain noise was encountered so the valve covers were removed to look for any obvious problems. There were. The roller tip pins on the #5 Exhaust rocker arm has worked its way dangerously close to falling out. The other problem found was a collapsed lifter. We did not have feeler gauge that fit so we just slid a quarter in the gap. INDY Cylinder Heads was contacted and they responsed by sending a new lifter as well as rocker arm overnight. While the Hemi was apart the headlight wiring was installed so. These parts were installed and the hemi was buttoned up and is currently being driven.