Detroit Speed Custom Build: Simon Tawil's 775 HP Big-Block Chevelle
Simon Tawil wanted a restomod street car with brute force—a big-block Chevelle that could cruise effortlessly but still light up the tires at will. Detroit Speed took that vision and built a machine that balances power with refined handling, making it every bit as aggressive as it is comfortably streetable.
Starting with an all-original 1970 Chevelle SS, the world-class building team at Detroit Speed had a solid foundation. The body had minor damage but was pretty rust-free, allowing the team to focus on performance without chasing down corrosion issues. While the car retains its unmistakable 1970 aesthetic, subtle Pro Touring influences hint to its capability. The tucked front and rear bumpers, a custom aluminum front chin spoiler, and Audi Azores Green paint with black SS stripes give it a sharp, understated aggression.
Under the hood, this Chevelle packs a 555-cubic-inch big-block Chevy from Hammerhead Performance, producing a stout 775 horsepower. AFR cylinder heads and a Dart block provide the foundation, while a Holley EFI intake and 1000 cfm throttle body handle induction. Custom stainless-steel headers route the exhaust through a 3-inch stainless system, giving the car a menacing soundtrack.
Backing up that power is a built 4L80E automatic transmission, linked to a Performance Driveline Engineering driveshaft and a Detroit Speed-built rear housing with C6 floater ends. A Ford 9-inch rear with a 3.50 gear ratio ensures that power reaches the pavement with confidence.
Detroit Speed’s engineering fingerprint is fully integrated into the chassis, weaving together many of its premium American-made products. The front end features the X-Gen 595 Front Suspension Module, seamlessly grafted into a reinforced factory frame. TIG-welded upper and lower control arms and a DSE steering rack provide precise control. In the rear, Detroit Speed’s X-Gen Universal Quadralink Suspension with Swivel Link Technology gives the car unmatched stability under hard acceleration and aggressive cornering. Single-adjustable coilovers fine-tune the ride, while Baer six-piston brakes provide stopping power.
Inside, the car blends sports functionality and classic styling. A Vintage Air system keeps the cabin cool, Classic Instruments gauges monitor vitals, and a Sparc Industries steering wheel mounted on an Ididit column provides precise input. Holley Retrobright LED headlights and Digi-Tails LED signals enhance visibility, while Steve Holcomb’s custom interior work ties everything together.
Detroit Speed met every goal with Simon’s Chevelle, engineering a high-end machine that delivers relentless performance without sacrificing on street manners. With hundreds of horsepower on tap, precise and race-inspired handling, and timeless GM muscle style, this build is proof of what’s possible when modern innovation meets classic muscle.
About Detroit Speed's Custom Vehicle Building Services
Detroit Speed is among the gold standards in custom vehicle building and restorations, blending premium, cutting-edge engineering with award-winning craftsmanship. From complete turn-key Pro Touring builds to high-performance chassis and suspension upgrades, Detroit Speed’s in-house capabilities cover every aspect of a world-class custom build, with precision fabrication, modern drivetrain integration, and expert tuning all seamlessly executed to craft turn-key projects. Detroit Speed transforms classic muscle cars into modern-handling machines without compromising vintage aesthetics, using its industry-leading suspension systems that deliver race-proven performance with refined street manners. Whether it’s a full restoration, a high-horsepower engine swap, or a custom chassis tailored for aggressive driving, Detroit Speed executes with unmatched quality and attention to detail.
