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Chris Bolin's 427ci LS Swapped 1965 Chevelle SS
1965 Chevelle SS Finished at JBA Performance
By: Cole VanMiddlesworth
Photography: JBA Performance
There's an LS swap and then there's Chris Bolin's '65 Chevelle; possibly one of the most gorgeous cars to come across my desk in recent memory. When most people think of LS swapping a car, they think junkyard 5.3's and an eBay turbo. Not Chris. Sporting a Blueprint Engines LS3 stroked to 427ci and mated to a Tremec T56 Magnum, his Chevelle has the guts to match the glory.
Chris bought the car in 1979 for $300 with a non-original 396 and a 4-speed and says the upgrades have never stopped. The car came to us with the bodywork and interior finished but needing the new 427 installed. Lead technician Tim Naylor spearheaded the project and had the car running in a few short weeks with minimal issues along the way.
The Chevelle was painted about 20 years ago and while the work was done well, it was showing its age. While waiting for parts the car was brought next door to our second building and given the full treatment by Pure Detailing. Brandon spent three days doing a two-step paint correction and a ceramic coating on top. The car looks brand new and should continue to do so for another 20 years.
Chris uses it as a cruiser with daily driver capabilities, but also drag races from time to time. It truly is a car that does it all and is a testament to what happens when vision meets technical knowhow. We're proud to be involved in the car and look forward to helping keep it on the road for years to come.
Year: 1965
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Malibu SS
Engine: Blueprint Engines LS3 427 Stroker 625hp
Transmission: Tremec T56 Magnum
Suspension: Ridetech Coilovers
Paint: Jaguar Metallic Blue
Interior: Custom Upholstered 2006 GTO Seats
Gauges: Classic Instruments
Brakes by BAER
Air Conditioning by Vintage Air