Hot Rod Garage Season 2 Episode 8 1970 OPG HT502 Chevelle

In this episode of Hot Rod Garage, hosts Tony Angelo and Lucky Costa take on a 1970 Chevelle that's been sitting in storage for years. This particular Chevelle is a little different from the norm, as it's equipped with an OPG HT502 engine instead of the more common big block or small block Chevy engines. The OPG HT502 is a modern crate engine that boasts 502 cubic inches and around 460 horsepower straight from the factory.

The guys start by tearing down the car and inspecting its condition. They find a few surprises along the way, including some rust repair that was done poorly in the past. Despite these setbacks, Tony and Lucky are determined to bring the Chevelle back to life and give it a new lease on life.

The first order of business is to get the OPG HT502 up and running. The engine has been sitting for a while, so the guys need to replace a few parts to get it firing on all cylinders. They also need to install a new serpentine belt system to handle the accessories on the engine. With some elbow grease and a little trial and error, the OPG HT502 comes to life and sounds incredible.

Next, the guys turn their attention to the suspension and brakes. They swap out the worn out shocks for some new QA1 pieces, and install new control arms and sway bars to improve the handling. They also upgrade the brakes with drilled and slotted rotors, new calipers, and stainless steel braided lines.

With the mechanical aspects of the car sorted, Tony and Lucky move on to fixing the cosmetic issues. They start by removing the old vinyl roof, which is in bad shape. They also replace the hood and trunk lid, which were dented beyond repair. After some body work and a fresh coat of paint, the Chevelle looks like new.

The final touch is a new set of wheels and tires. Tony and Lucky go with a classic 5-spoke design for a timeless look, and wrap them in BF Goodrich rubber for some added grip.

Once everything is complete, it's time to take the Chevelle out for a test drive. The guys hit the road and immediately notice a huge improvement in the car's handling and performance. The OPG HT502 pulls hard and sounds amazing, and the car stops on a dime thanks to the upgraded brakes. Despite a few hiccups along the way, Tony and Lucky have succeeded in bringing this once-forgotten Chevelle back to life.