Popular Posts Boosted Diesels: Inside Turbo Systems and Nitrous Combos Aeromotive Drop-In Phantom Brushless Fuel Pumps for Late-Model GM 1500 Pickups Mario Monette's 4,000-HP Compound-Turbo C15 Engine "The Beast" Coveted Shop Space: Do You Have Enough? 98mm Twin-Turbo 572 cid SMX Engine Connect with us advertise with us

Boosted Diesels: Inside Turbo Systems and Nitrous Combos

Aeromotive Drop-In Phantom Brushless Fuel Pumps for Late-Model GM 1500 Pickups

Mario Monette's 4,000-HP Compound-Turbo C15 Engine "The Beast"

Coveted Shop Space: Do You Have Enough?

98mm Twin-Turbo 572 cid SMX Engine

Popular Posts Boosted Diesels: Inside Turbo Systems and Nitrous Combos Aeromotive Drop-In Phantom Brushless Fuel Pumps for Late-Model GM 1500 Pickups Mario Monette's 4,000-HP Compound-Turbo C15 Engine "The Beast" Coveted Shop Space: Do You Have Enough? 98mm Twin-Turbo 572 cid SMX Engine Connect with us advertise with us

Boosted Diesels: Inside Turbo Systems and Nitrous Combos

Aeromotive Drop-In Phantom Brushless Fuel Pumps for Late-Model GM 1500 Pickups

Mario Monette's 4,000-HP Compound-Turbo C15 Engine "The Beast"

Coveted Shop Space: Do You Have Enough?

98mm Twin-Turbo 572 cid SMX Engine

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Add Your Listing Edit Your Listing By Category Engine Components A/N Fittings/AdaptorsAir Induction SystemsBatteriesBearings (camshaft)Bearings (engine sleeve type)Bearings (main rear main)Bearings (Rod)Belt Tensioner/IdlersBrass FittingsBushingsCam CapsCamshaft Belt DrivesCamshaft KitsCamshaft SealsCamshaft Thrust Plate and PartsCamshaftsCarburetorsChain KitsClampsComplete EnginesConnecting RodsConnecting Rods Nuts BoltsCrankshaft ConversionsCrankshaft KitsCrankshaft Oil SlingersCrankshaft Pulley SleevesCrankshaft Repair SleevesCrankshaft SealsCrankshaftsCylinder Head ComponentsCylinder Heads New: Aluminum BareCylinder Heads New: Aluminum CompleteCylinder Heads New: Cast Iron BareCylinder Heads New: Cast Iron CompleteCylinder Heads Reman: Aluminum BareCylinder Heads Reman: Aluminum CompleteCylinder Heads Reman: Cast Iron BareCylinder Heads Reman: Cast Iron CompleteCylinder Liners (sleeves)Diesel InjectorsDipstick Adapters (Chevy Ford)Dowel PinsEFI ComponentsEngine BlocksEngine Blocks - RemanufacturedEngine KitsEngine Management Systems/ECUsEngine MountsExhaust ComponentsExhaust Components: Complete SystemsExhaust Components: Custom ExhaustsExhaust Components: Leak DetectionExhaust Components: ManifoldsExhaust Components: Tube NotchingExhaust Components: Tube SwagingExhaust Components: Tube/Frame Bending MachinesFilters - AirFilters - FuelFilters - OilFlywheel (ring) GearsFlywheel AssembliesFuel Injection - ElectronicFuel Injection - MechanicalFuel PumpsFuel System ComponentsGasket CementGasketsGear DrivesGovernorsHarmonic Balancer Repair SleevesHarmonic Balancers/DampersHead Bolts/StudsHex ShaftsHydraulic Lash AdjustersIgnition ComponentsInjector TubesInjectors - DieselInjectors - Gasoline DirectInjectors - IndirectIntake ManifoldsIPR ValvesKeysLockwashersMain Caps (4-bolt)Manifold StudsNitrous Oxide Systems, ComponentsNitrous Valves and PlatesNuts and BoltsOil CoolersOil Filter AdaptersOil PansOil Pressure SpringsOil Pump KitsOil Pump ScreensOil Pump ShaftsOil Pump Timing CoversOil PumpsOiling Systems; Dry SumpOverhead Camshaft Repair SleevesPiston Pin BushingsPiston Pin Lock RingsPiston PinsPiston RingsPistonsPlugs - ExpansionPlugs - MagneticPlugs - Oil DrainPlugs - StandardPush RodsRadiator/Oil FansRering KitsRestoration Engine PartsRocker Arm Rebuilding ComponentsRocker Assemblies and KitsRocker Stud GirdlesSealsSerpentine BeltsShimsShort BlocksSpark PlugsSpringsSuperchargers, componentsSwitchesTappetsThread RepairThrust WashersTiming Belt/Chain TensionerTiming Belts/ChainsTiming Chains, Gears, SprocketsTiming ComponentsTiming CoversTransmission AdaptorsTurbochargers, componentsValve CoversValve Guide LinersValve GuidesValve KeysValve Lifter BallsValve LiftersValve Locks and SealsValve Seat InsertsValve Spring InsertsValve Spring RetainersValve SpringsValve Stem Oil SealsValve Train PartsValvesWater PumpsWater Tubes Engine Equipment & Preparation Adhesive DispensingAir Flow BenchesAir Handling SystemsBalance Shaft Elimination KitBalance Shaft Line Boring EquipmentBalancing AccessoriesBalancing EquipmentBelt SanderBench GrinderBlock Pressure Testing EquipmentBoring Bar InsertsBoring Bar Tool BitsBoring Machines/Connecting RodBoring Machines/CylinderBoring Machines/LineBoring Stand (For Portable Boring Machines)Brass FittingsBroachBushing Bearing & Seal Driver SetsCAD/CAM SoftwareCam Bearing Installation ToolCamshaft Degree Wheel (Digital)Camshaft GrindersCap & Rod GrinderCBN Inserts - NewCBN Inserts - ResurfacedCleaning Specialized EngineCNC Machining CentersCNC Retrofit KitsCompressed Air EquipmentConnecting Rod GaugesCoolant Filter MachinesCore Shift TesterCrack Repair EquipmentCranesCrankshaft Balance WeightsCrankshaft FurnaceCrankshaft GrindersCrankshaft Journal Weld KitsCrankshaft PolisherCrankshaft Polishing BeltsCrankshaft StraightenerCylinder Head Adapter PlatesCylinder Head Assembly/Disassembly Equip.Cylinder Head Chamfering ToolCylinder Head GaugeCylinder Head HoldersCylinder Head PolishingCylinder Head PortingCylinder Head Pressure TesterCylinder Head StraighteningCylinder Hone StopsCylinder Porting ToolsCylinder Sleeve PressDemagnetizersDiamond DressersDiesel Injector Hole Repair ToolsDiesel Injector Sleeve Installation ToolDowel PullersDye Penetrant InspectionDynamometersEngine Adaptor PlatesEngine Cycle AnalyzerExhaust Leak DetectionFeeler GaugesFlexible Honing Tools/Brush HonesFlywheel GrinderFuel Injection Cleaning ServicesGrinder Head StraighteningGrinding CoolantsGrinding WheelsHardness TestersHead/Block Crack Repair KitsHead/Block Resurfacing (Belt/Sanders)Head/Block Resurfacing (Milling)Heat Tabs Temperature SticksHolding FixturesHone Stop FixtureHoning JigsHoning Machines Wrist PinHoning Machines/CylinderHoning Machines/LineHoning Machines/RodHoning Machines/Valve GuideHoning PlatesHoning StonesIgnition System TestersIn-Process Gauges(Cam and Crank Grinders)Inspection GaugesLeak Down TesterLeveling DeviceMagnetic Particle Inspection Crack DetectionMicropolishing EquipmentOHC Line Boring ToolsOil Leak DetectionPCD Inserts - NewPin Fitting & Rod Reconditioning/TestingPin PressPin RemovalPiston KnurlerPiston Ring CompressorsPre-Cup Machining ToolsPush Rod Guide PlatesReplacement Chuck for Valve FacersRocker Arm GrinderRod AlignmentRod Bolt ProtectorsRod FurnaceRod VisesRun-In StandsStandsStud PullersTapsTest EquipmentThickness GaugeThread GaugesThread Repair & Replacement KitTorque PlatesUltrasonic Test EquipmentVacuum TesterValve Grinding BenchValve Guide & Seat Driver SetValve Guide & Seat MachineValve Guide Boring FixtureValve Guide HoneValve Guide KnurlingValve Guide PilotValve Guide ReamerValve Guide ToolValve Refacer (Cutter)Valve Refacer (Grinder)Valve Refacer WheelsValve Seat CuttersValve Seat InserterValve Seat PullersValve Seat ResurfacerValve Seat Runout GaugeValve Seat Tool GrinderValve Seat WheelsValve Spring CompressorValve Spring TestersValve Stem GrinderValve Stem Height MeasuringValve Stem PolisherWater Tube PullerWet Flow Bench Conversions Supplies & Service Chemicals & SolventsCore Cleaning & ProcessingCranes & HoistsHand ToolsLubricantsPressesServicesShippingStorage Racks & BenchesWelding

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Whether you’re a professional engine builder, machinist or manufacturer, or an automotive enthusiast who likes engines, racing and fast vehicles, Engine Builder offers content aimed at you. Our print magazine offers in-depth tech features on everything you need to know about engine building and its different markets, while our newsletter options keep you up-to-date on the latest news and products, tech info and personalities in the industry. But, you only get all of that if you subscribe. Subscribe now to receive Engine Builder magazine in print and/or digital each month, and our Engine Builder newsletter, Engine of the Week newsletter or Diesel of the Week newsletter directly in your inbox each week. You’ll be covered in horsepower in no time!

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From front to back and side to side, not a single inch of this 1931 Chevy 5-window coupe was left untouched. Done by Bruce Harvey of Pro Comp Custom, Rick Bird’s ‘Sho Bird’ recently won the 2022 Don Ridler award and the car features a 509 cid twin-turbo W series big block Chevy engine done by Shafiroff Racing Engines as the cherry on top.

Engine of the Week is presented by

This past spring, the 2022 Piston Powered Autorama came back to Cleveland after a short hiatus due to Covid. The show, which features all things piston powered, is a great opportunity for us engine guys to get a glimpse at some cool stuff. One of those things this year was a truly special hot rod – the 2022 Don Ridler award-winning 1931 Chevy nicknamed Sho Bird. The car is custom built from bumper to bumper for customer Rick Bird, and features a Shafiroff Racing Engines’-built 509 cid W series big block Chevy engine.

We got a chance to speak with Bruce Harvey of Pro Comp Custom. He’s the man who helped build this crazy cool custom car. The project, as expected, had no budget, which always makes things interesting, and it took more than two years to complete at Bruce’s Glenshaw, PA-based custom shop – just outside Pittsburgh.

Car owner Rick Bird originally bought the ’31 Chevy more than 30 years ago and had it sitting in a barn. Bruce and Rick had teamed up on other projects prior to conversations beginning about what this Chevy coupe could be. Bruce began telling us about the Chevy by giving us details of the engine first. It’s a 509 cubic inch W series big block Chevy engine that’s based off a nostalgic 409. The engine is all aluminum and polished, and features a twin-turbo set up, which is creatively encased in the bottom of the front bumper.

“That was an adventure because we had to put the turbos really low,” Harvey says. “When you do that, you have some issues, but we got through it and now it really performs well. The turbos are from Nelson Racing Engines and they are 72mm. It’s got about 850 horsepower and you can drive it anywhere. It has an automatic six speed behind it. It’s capable of 1,300-1,400 horsepower, but we have it tuned down because the customer is going to drive it.”

The 509 W engine was built by Shafiroff Racing Engines in Bohemia, NY. The engine shop utilized custom components and the long block was sent to Bruce at Pro Comp Custom. From there, Bruce put a Hogan intake on it and then added the turbos and the headers. We TIG welded everything and built everything and encased it.”

Another unique thing about the car is it features hydro shocks, which are hydraulic with coilovers to provide an awesomely smooth ride. You can also raise the car up and down.

“It’s set up on a cantilever setup, which is really cool because we were able to mount the shocks forward,” Harvey says. “It’s kind of a unique design.”

Bruce went on to tell us that the ’31 Chevy got chopped, sectioned and every panel has been changed to some degree in order to ensure the hot rod flowed properly from front to back.

“Everything matches,” Harvey says. “There’s a lot of designs in the car that carry through the whole car. I even have a design in the rear fender with the cutouts and that matches the body right below the rear side window. The body lines in that area match. It does the same thing on the floor and on the underside. We tried to make it complete from front to back.”

Looking at the car, whether from up close or a distance, you can tell no detail has been left untouched.

“They base the Detroit Autorama off of three different things – creativity, engineering and level of difficulty,” he says. “We took those three things and tried to do one-off stuff that’s never been done before. Even when it comes to the paint. I don’t think there’s ever been a Ridler car with candy paint because the level of difficult is probably 10x. You can see that the paint flip flops like four different colors and we’ve got bowties flowing through and it fades off. We based the build off of those three things and it took 20,000 hours.”

Two and a half years might sound like a long time, but for Pro Comp Custom to get these kinds of details showcased in that amount of time is actually quite impressive.

“It was fun since day one,” he says. “We had the perfect client. He kind of let us run with the car and do what we wanted. We discussed things, but he loved our ideas and it made it a lot of fun and there was no budget. We had until the deadline to go as far as we could. It was seven days a week until it was done.”

For as good as this car looks, we imagine it’s even more fun to drive. Once the indoor show season wraps up, owner Rick Bird plans to get the ’31 Chevy out on the road. If you get a chance to see it in person, you won’t soon forget it.

Engine of the Week is sponsored by PennGrade Motor Oil, Elring – Das Original and Engine & Performance Warehouse Inc./NPW Companies. If you have an engine you’d like to highlight in this series, please email Engine Builder Editor Greg Jones at [email protected]

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