Max & Tom Raditsas
Holden VS Commodore ute

“My dad Tom and I have got a 1996 VS Commodore ute in the build, which has been converted to an LS1 with an 8/71 Mike Kuhl blower and Joe Blo Quattro injector hat.

“It has been fitted with suicide doors and fully tubbed with a 9in diff, while the factory dash has been replaced with an aluminium one.

“Now the engine and bodywork has been completed, and next on the list is finishing off the interior and diff.

“Our goal is to hopefully get it featured in the magazine when it’s done.”

Adam Zahnow
Holden VH Commodore SL/E

“My VH SL/E Commodore is a genuine Shadowtone car in Rhone Green over Mercury Silver. It’s been getting a nut-and-bolt resto, but it has snowballed, with expenses blowing out and me having to making sacrifices in life for that extra part here or that incoming invoice there.

“The engine is a built Holden 304 that uses a VS Series II block, grout-filled to the Welch plugs. It includes a COME 383 stroker kit; four-bolt mains; Torque-Power dual-plane manifold; Mopar 440 oil pump; oiling mods; bronze lifter bores; 6.5L sump; extensively ported VN heads; ceramic-coated headers; ICE ignition system; annular-booster 820cfm carb; a large hydraulic-roller cam; roller rockers; and all the fruit to go with it.

“That’s backed by a TH350 auto and a VL Turbo diff with a Truetrac centre and 31-spline axles. The factory leather interior has been reupholstered in NOS Spruce Green velour, and also features a NOS hoodlining, fresh carpet, and all the factory SL/E appointments like a trip computer, full instrument dash, and electric windows.

“The original rims have been transformed into one-off specials that have been detailed, Cerakoted and polished, complete with new barrels and a nice, dished stance. The car was in good condition rust-wise, making the bodywork and new paint a much easier process.

“Adding the SL/E stripes has been a labour of love; being a factory SL/E car, marking it out for the pinstriping was a much easier task, and the striping is as close to original as possible.

“The paintwork is only ‘off the gun’ at this stage, as it still has to be buffed. I hope to complete the build by the end of the year and then get out on the open road and really enjoy the car.”

Jase Walker
Holden VK Commodore

“I’ve been building my 1984 VK Commodore SL for a while now, but unfortunately, I had to put it on hold after I was diagnosed with melanoma.

“After a few years of battling, I’m now well enough to continue. She started off as a carby 3.3L car on dual fuel, but that’s being swapped out for a VR SS injected 304 with a TH400 and a Borgy rear end with 3.45 gears and LSD.

“Down the track, I have plans to do a stroker with a solid cam, and it will eventually be carby-fed.

“She has a Group A/3 bodykit and a custom interior, along with a smoothed engine bay and bumpers.

“All the work has been done by me and my partner Belle, who also has her own VS ute project on the go.”

Gary Hazell
HSV VY ClubSport

“My 2004 VY ClubSport is currently being rebuilt by Tony and Dom Mazzitelli at RPM Parts & Performance in Perth.

“It’ll be getting re-powered by a Dart LS with an 8CCW crank, Oliver rods, CP pistons, Higgins six-bolt heads, a Shaun’s Custom Alloy intake manifold and all the other fruit.

“With a pair of Pulsar 7975 reverse-rotation turbos, we’re hoping for 1600-1800hp. It’ll all be controlled by a FuelTech FT600.

“Behind the engine will be a 2500hp-rated Turbo 400, and the rear end is getting tubbed as well.

“The guys at RPM have been unreal to deal with so far, and I can’t wait to see the final product.”

Got a sweet ride that’s currently in the build and want to share it with our readers? Email photos of it (2MB+ each) along with some details on the build to inthebuild@streetmachine.com.au.