Revamping a Hemi-Swapped Gasser 1955 Chevy Bel Air For Insane Power!

Episode 296 features my favorite car in the Finnegan's Garage fleet--Blasphemi! This 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air has been with me the longest and its the first long-term project we ever tackled on Roadkill, the Motor Trend show I still film each month with David Freiburger. I'm still pushing towards that magical place where speed and reliability share real estate and in this video we perform three new mods to accomplish that goal. First, we slide a larger pair of Stainless Headers Manufacturing collectors onto the primary tubes of our headers. Next, we replace a small Hilborn injector with a larger one that my buddy Phil Rohr sent me. Finally, we build a new set of header collector extensions aka Bullhorns and then a longer pair of front leaf spring shackles. You can find more info about the parts and companies we worked with in the following links:
www.stainlessheaders.com
www.customsbybigun.com
www.holley.com/brands/hilborn/
That's not all; Don't forget about my biggest giveaway yet for a vehicle from my personal collection plus other cool prizes. Head over to www.fsmgarage.com for your chance to enter to win my 1970 Datsun 510! Two runner-up winners will receive a Wirecare Motorsports wiring kit and six runner-up winners, will receive an autographed FSM Flexfit hat. Official rules can be found at www.fsmgarage.com/pages/win-m... and no purchase is necessary to enter. As always, head over to www.wirecare.com for all of your wiring needs.
Good luck and Thanks for watching!
-Finnegan

[@bthivierge]

I just wanna know when Revell will be making a model kit of this car. Would look good on the shelf next to Wrench Connection. Come on Finnegan make it happen!

[@mchristr]

Not crazy about Gassers (I know, I know, sacrilege) but if this car infects a new generation with Tri-Five fever...that will be just fine.

[@michaelteasdale2919]

Do you think he needs more things to sell!?!

[@alexcorona]

Just take a stock kit and modify it, it’s the same thing as hot ridding a full time car. In today’s era it’s easier than ever since we have 3D printers and resin printers that are dirt cheap. Heck you can print out the whole car…

[@GordoGrande69]

The recently rereleased Revell '55 makes a great starter kit. Everything can be printed like the other guy said. I think Slixx even has a decal sheet with Blasphemi on it.

[@lunsy9420]

​@@alexcoronaBack in the early 90s I bought a step side Chevy truck model. It was just the stock truck. I tubbed it out, used wheels from a dragster model. I even used red thread for plug wires. My girl got mad at me and smashed it. But like you said you can build any model just like a real car.

[@bertmorlas3534]

8:20 seven beers can end in nine fingers.

[@paulmccool378]

Mike said "Like a trailer hitch" and I groaned involuntarily...

[@bikerider5296]

We all have shin dents from an evil trailer hitch. My encounter was a come to Jesus moment that I'll never forget.

[@S4B3R117]

"I wonder how heavy it would be if you didn't eat a whole pizza last night" Lmao, GOTTEM

[@user-cb3ti8qt1w]

Don’t forget the extra BLOWER GASKETS Mike.

[@thagerdorn2009]

Recovering from my third colon surgery, nothing better than some Finnegan on Sunday morning while watching roadkill on motortrend fast tv on PlutoTV!!

[@WyoCutlass71]

You watch both at once?

[@BlacklistTattoo-lb7in]

get better soon

[@shakerman55]

I first saw this car drive into Charlotte NC when they made the trip from California. It was amazing to see then, and it only gets better! 😎

[@HPSFRoadrunner]

Fabing custom parts, no matter how simple or basic, has to be one of the most rewarding parts of building a hotrod.

[@wackowacko8931]

If throttle tip-in is a little finicky, use something that the OEM manufacturers did to make the throttle progression more linear. If you have looked at any mechanically operated throttle on a throttle body from Detroit, the cable wraps over what looks like the outline of someones ear on the end of the throttle shaft. This makes the tip-in less sensitive at idle, but progressively changes the throttle to open quicker the closer it gets to WOT. This setup "feels" more intuitive to whoever drives the car, because it seems more linear as you drive it.

[@steveww07]

true

[@MC-cy1zi]

Came here to say that, don't have to now 🙂 But to make a noticeable diff. with those Ginormous throttle blades it will have to be made suuuuper progressive.

[@aj200415]

This is genius! Iv seen this on many throttles, but never really paid attention to why it’s designed the way it is. Thanks for the info!

[@jonathancorbett5917]

That or shorten the main arm, and add a longer arm with a v end to catch the cable between idle and 1/4 throttle. same result but little different look.

[@naughtmeenaym869]

Ear-shaped is a good description.

[@chadb.749]

17:00 Love that blower surge.

[@gutlass]

Thank you for returning to the early posting time! I was able to return to my routine of watching Finnegan's Garage before church. It was awesome!

[@charlestorruella8591]

Why are you going to church Sunday is god's day its for working on your car not listening to some dude that has no idea what God wants a f god wanted you to be in church he would have wrote the bible himself instead mam did and try to say it's his words what a load of shit

[@tonykemper8896]

Blasphemi is back!! and better than ever! I can't wait to see it in person when im there picking up my new datsun 510!! 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@justion337]

Finnegan, you should really add a radiused plate or actual set of trumpets on those throttle body openings. It can make a significant difference, as much as 5-10% in flow in some cases.

[@BuffMyRadius]

Gotta go find a four pack of salad bowls!

[@stevemoores510]

Blasphemi, star of the show and it didn’t even break!

[@markkuahlamaa770]

Thanks ! The Best The Best , Car Channel ! Hello From Finland !

[@JaredR1996]

My favorite car on the channel finally makes a return 👍

[@Gavin-qh7li]

One beer = safety glasses Two beers= gloves Three beers=long sleeves Four beers= pants Five beer=EVERYTHING'S GOOD WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG

[@threadtapwhisperer5136]

eet ees the way, mibrothers. more impairment means more safer-er gear added..

[@bbqporkins728]

Thank you for the 8am release...Happy Mothers Day MoFo 😂

[@leprechaungarage]

Always a good time with Finnigan . Can’t wait to see some laps

[@SAM-eg7jg]

Those cut off exhaust pieces..... Bucket of GOLD..!

[@Ron_Masterjohn]

Was looking forward to this all week. Thanks Mike. 😊

[@jimzivny1554]

The 55 just keeps getting better!

[@nichojohnston3175]

New shirt idea Mike!! Time 9:36!! “Ahh, powered by frosty cold beverages” 🍻

[@ronaldgentry9923]

Love that Van in the background in the shop, Miss my Hippy Van and the fun times that went along with it.

[@13699111]

I'm 72 still missing my 1969 old Ford hippie van had some wildnights

[@aserta]

7:23 protip drill the holes first, then cut it on the bandsaw with allowance, then use a piece of wood, with a drill bit (of the same diameter as your hole) to pivot the part against the belt sander. That way, you get a nice, clean centered corner.

[@scottimusgarrett15]

Good tip!🤘

[@georgem.6136]

Man can’t wait to see Blasphemi make some fast passes again!

[@GladeRiven]

I like that you are throwing in two extra wiring kits with the Datsun "Just in case." EDIT: Oh, hey, I have that same drill press! Neat!

[@user-cb3ti8qt1w]

I love hearing Blastphemi run what a great car no matter how temperamental it can be. Looking forward to seeing it some where this summer

[@gordowg1wg145]

For the throttle control at smaller openings, chuck that lever and get a snail type that is progressive - they're variable effective length, so initially they only open a little and as the throttle is opened they progressively open more and more, proportianally! They're easy enough to find on-line, or you can fab' your own. They're also MUCH kinder to the cables, if aligned properly. BOX the front shackles - it'll make the front end MUCH more stable!

[@brianspenst1374]

I just started rewatching Roadkill now that I have access to the newest seasons. To catch up I started with the first season. It is cool to see the beginnings of Blasphemi and a reminder of why I started watching your channel.

[@_Boxcar_]

I have been doing it wrong for years. I have the beer but totally forget the safety glasses. I will change this from now on😂😂😂

[@scottimusgarrett15]

I think you need a lumpier cam.😂 Thanks, Finn and Joe! Good episode! I'm surprised that you didn't impulse-buy that wicked-cool Wizard Van that was in the background, Finn! Happy Mother's Day to your long-suffering wives!🤘❤️🙂🇨🇦

[@alvinpowell6189]

Will be so good to see the 55 back out dragin and drivin!!!!!

[@RayTuttle-of5qd]

Blasphemi one of my favorite projects cars! She has certainly come a long way. I remember the Roadkill episode when you and Frieberger went to Oregon to get the chassis and you and Tony thrashing at drag week and winning Epic

[@jaredshoemaker9196]

Love the first 10 seconds of the video. Very real and genuinely relatable hot rodding. Very cool.

[@jayburrough4308]

That's one big basement shop and it's very nice. Great channel keep the content coming 👍

[@DBGMLV]

Still miss the gold ceramic coated headers Ray Charles welded with his feet. Those looked awesome.

[@RaymondFrazee]

1/4 mile wheelie coming up!

[@lancehowlett3910]

Ahhh the collector slips on.

[@michaelblacktree]

That cam has ALL the chop! 😆

[@kthrapp340]

grew up some friends auto crossing 510's and 2002's. Fun cars for sure. Bringing back some memories!! I had a 72 Datsun pickup. Was fun project.

[@FunctionalHistories]

Who wants to see us do a 1:64th scale diecast of Blasphemi for Finnegan on our channel? Let's see if we can get Mike's attention THIS way. :D

[@Friscorockhead]

I have a bunch of 1/18 scale cars, but yes. I'd buy a Blasphemi model of any size. I want a 1:1 but I hear those are pretty pricey.

[@FunctionalHistories]

@@Friscorockhead I'd love to take care of it for you, but I need Mike's permission. :/

[@Friscorockhead]

Blasphemi is my favorite car on youtube, by far! It needs to be on the streets. It has such a big presence and the people need to see it on the road. What it's capable of in the quarter mile is a secondary issue, in my opinion. I know I'm probably in the minority with that.

[@hangfire6368]

Watching that Hemi idle in the gravel driveway in a dust cloud with the open throttle bodies gave me anxiety:-)

[@brown84vette87]

Kind of surprised you didn't just do a separate slip fit collector for the side pipes, it looks like the primary tubes already have a joint right behind the front tire.

[@jhonbaluyut1559]

More love for Blasphemi 🍻

[@jimhmod]

When racing we called it "the beer to bolt ratio". It was intricate part of our race team.

[@digitalmojofpv6217]

I feel you on the beer to safety ratio.. I tell myself the same thing while fabing on my hot rods and downing some super cold brews.

[@JohnRoberts71]

Great content thanks for sharing

[@ChairMan71196]

That lil clip at the beginning of the video would be a badass pic froze in the right place.

[@robertjohnson4784]

Wow the Datsun takes me way back I'm 63 years old so I remember those cars very well. I live in FLA definitely not buying the sweatshirt LOL

[@PatrickTolmie-fe1ty]

Good to see you out of that cast and walking normal keep up the good videos and as always be safe

[@64CHEVYTWO248]

HI GUYS ITS LOOKING BETTER ALL THE TIME !! I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT TIME TO SEE IF YOU ARE AT THE DRAG STRIP !! TODD FROM MICHIGAN

[@goatflieg]

At long last, someone (Finnegan) has addressed the critical Beer-to-Work ratio. I approve of your formula. My own beer rule has always been the same rule I apply to listening to podcasts or music while I'm working: if it's mindless work such as long bouts of sanding or cleaning, I will allow myself one beer per hour, not to exceed three beers. Podcasts or music can be ongoing indefinitely until I have to concentrate. Then all beer, podcasts or music must stop until I'm done working for the day. Your results may vary. Don't try this at home. Don't tell my wife; I already have, and I keep written records. The elephant in the room has been acknowledged... and of course it's a hemi.

[@arnoldvaupel3565]

O.K., I will preface my comment by saying I know I have NO business having an opinion on other people's vehicles, but I can't help but thank you for going back to the aluminum slots.

[@user-vx4xy8hb7c]

Joe not knowing about the 1/2" milwaukee glitch was funny my impact does the same thing when I walk up to my tool box and touch something the light will sometimes turn on and it only ever happens on the 1/2" never had it happen on any other tool from milwaukee

[@abedanielspictures]

Beer to glasses ratio is completely OSHA compliant. Old School Has Advantages.

[@williamjeffersonclinton69]

Don't mess up, he says. I can hear Freiburger yelling, "Like you did the muscle truck fenders, Finn?"

[@hillbillyholler516]

They weren't original so it didn't matter. They had already found some aftermarket fenders to fit before he cut them on roadkill.

[@georgetubbs8211]

man those longer ports are going to make the top end sooo much stronger!

[@markakullian4623]

Enjoy all you do. Been following a loooooong time. Great team

[@ThomasHimm-ew5ye]

The stance looks great man

[@miketillery9770]

So the place I work at does Electrostatic Discharge testing (ESD) ranging from 2KV to about 25KV. I did the same thing to a Milwaukee sitting on the table while working one day. Funny seeing it come from the welder too.

[@Troy_Built]

I learned the hard way to check to see if the throttle goes over center and binds. It was a blown prostreeter in a hotel parking lot and I managed to steer it in between two of the concrete planters. That was a major butt pucker moment before I got it shut off.

[@australianoz]

In my opinion there are 2 mechanical methods to restrict that throttle body for drivability. 1 is another row of throttle plates above the first, commanded by either a servo or manual/adjustable lever or a 4 holed flat aluminum plate that can slide horizontally above the body to restrict airflow as required. Sure it ain't cost effective to build either way but it sure'll do the job I reckon.

[@herbienbrian2]

You know your getting serious when your engine doesn't need to be painted anymore. 😎

[@philipschrantz8402]

You really need to take the Charger to a rallycross event. Massive jocularities!

[@williamburnett373]

On the street, maybe a restrictor plate placed on top of the throttle body to limit airflow would accomplish what you need.

[@andhotrodshop]

@12:20 I was just seeing Joe roll right into that chevelle 😮😮 so glad he didn’t 😂😂😂 that May have been a whole different episode then 😅

[@haroldbirge6881]

🏆"55"of my all-time favorites🍀✌️

[@andrewmeadows2596]

Cool should last at least an extra 10 minutes before it blows up again

[@jackcaldwell485]

Only thing i say about your hoodies is you are leave alot of fans of yours who need larger sized out! I am 6ft8 and ate good in life so i want 5x and 6 x sizes to make them fit , i am just saying man, is all, i love the fact you use paradise dragway in calhoun ga

[@br549200]

Have all the beers you want, you’re a big boy!

[@user-dj7pn6cf6m]

Man love the progress on this car always evolving

[@Squintz45]

7 beers and 8 pairs of glasses and I am set!

[@mchristr]

"You should really try ear protection when using a die grinder." "What?" YOU SHOULD USE EAR PROTECTION..." "WHAT?"

[@MeatBallOfWar666]

Chevy Corsica. Not popular, didn't last long as a model. But, having driven many a beater, they were so fun. Essentially a bigger, faster Saturn. Which were also fun.

[@davidfriedline7525]

Can't wait to see it on the strip Finn ! I thought you may Dyno while you were there ? Hope the intake makes a difference for sure ! Peace and Love brothers !

[@Anne_40]

Surround yourself with Excellence because Good Fortune favors the prepared. ❤️

[@adrianlivesey4375]

love the Datsun, wish we could win it in the UK

[@erickbernard8208]

Frosty cold beverage, Richard Holdner says the same thing lol

[@bobsracing34]

Make a restrictor plate for the larger throttle body for street use.

[@SkillMasters-vy2lo]

Amazing amazing video brother

[@AK-DIRECT907]

I remember when you 1st got it running way back when.

[@bmh67wa]

I don't think I've ever watched a video on KZbin where someone mentioned a Mazda Protege. I drive a '96 as my daily. It's looking a bit rough these days but it gets great gas mileage, has ice cold AC, and it's mechanically sound. Unfortunately it's a rust magnet and the paint has seen much better days but I don't care. It does what I need it to do and no one would ever consider stealing it, even if I left the windows down and the key in the ignition and with a "steal me please!" sign on the windshield. 😂

[@tomstech4390]

Go back to the lighter trunk lid and seal it better (rewatched that episode yesterday) air coming out from under the rear window inflated the trunk. Easy weight saving.

[@jameseastwood4984]

I always recommend a beer when doing household electrics in the UK, takes the edge off 240v.😅

[@RaymondFrazee]

8.50 on the back wheels!

[@merylpelosi8485]

Maybe you should put in one of them new-fangled LSs or LTs or whatever they call them these days. I heard the wrecking yards are full of them. It would be nice to see a Chevy in a Chevy for a change. I'll bet Trans-Dapt even makes adapters for it. You might need to make headers because stock manifolds would probably hit the steering box. You may want to upgrade the cast iron Powerglide to the newer Turboglide. The '55 rear end should be just fine. Maybe a set of 4.11s would help.

[@alexcrouse]

Microsoft proved that you are the best programmer you can be 2 drinks in. Taking the edge off is real. I don't drink, but i can't deny the science!

[@bullittoothtony4043]

🤣🤣🤣 “science”…

[@andybobandy641]

How bout making a slider plate that sits across the top of the four openings that you can operate from inside the cabin so you can cover half the holes while you're driving in the street, but pull it all the way wide open for the track. It totally sounds like something you could MacGyver together!

[@tomstech4390]

Rather than plugging a hole I reckon a longer throttle arm is better, per inch of throttle peddle you'll get less airflow as its less aggressive. They do similar things to cars with fly-by-wire where you put it in sport mode and the throttle curve is straighter line. Also no roadkill in the UK after all these years means we only have this to watch Finnegan and nothing for Freiburger.

[@TFossett]

Fine then Mike, I won't do it at home..... I'll do it at work

[@lgun1]

I watched you guys moving that arm to the bottom and thought, this will be a neat trick, if it works, but it won't.

[@jacksonbermingham2168]

if u can unbolt two linkages for on street. still be mint .. maybe have too look into some weight saving again she stacked a bit on. alot of go fast bolt ons and probably do same time because of weight

[@stannelson2582]

Can’t wait to see it go some rounds. Someday

[@Kindaquick1]

The bird was telling the other birds not to poop on that awesome 55, or there is gonna be a problem.

[@shanewright6958]

Another good one 👍👍

[@oikkuoek]

Lloyd and Harry builds a drag car.

[@Alwhite1929]

I guessed 3,150. I was damn close. 😁

[@williamsullivan479]

So , I keep seeing the Caddy in the background. Please put it on the road.!

[@AM-mb1gv]

thanks man👍🏻