The heart of any successful hot rod project is the correct selection of the powerplant. In a car as small and light as this one, the ever popular small-block Chevy V-8 provides more than enough suds to terrify both passengers and bystanders. Dennis used a '79 four-bolt main version and bored it .030-over for a grand total of 355 ci. Very few modifications were required to update the motor to contemporary performance standards. The 8.5:1 cast pistons with Seal Pro rings and a RV grind COMP Cams combine with a set of CI heads with hardened seats to complete the list of internals. A Holley 600-cfm four-barrel with vacuum secondaries perches atop an Edelbrock manifold and the fuel mix is ignited by an HEI distributor from Summit Racing that sends the electronic message through Taylor wires. Spent mixture is expelled through a set of Block Hugger headers and exits through the body into Zipper Motors original stainless steel. A Walker brass radiator keeps the coolant at the proper temperature and the cooling fluids pass through powdercoated stainless steel hoses. The engine detailing is simple but thorough. The block and manifold have been ground smooth and painted and polished stainless steel bolts provide accent. The chrome valve covers and air cleaner are Yearwood and provide just the right amount of glitz to the otherwise very businesslike engine bay. Dennis credits his buddies Bill Bradshaw, who did the engine machine work, and Gary Gillihan, who assembled the motor, with the stellar performance of the 300 ponies corralled in the diminutive roadster. A GM TH350 transmission connects the motor to the quick-change. Performance of the stock transmission was deemed inadequate and a few mods by tranny wizard Allen Smith of Vacaville, California, were instituted. A B&M Holeshot torque converter with a 2,400-rpm stall speed update the innards and the operative controls include a Lokar shifter and a shift kit. In a car as light as this one, a neck brace is, if not a requirement, at the very least a sound idea. Zipper Motors supplied the very short driveshaft.
The Zipper body is fiberglass and the top bows are also part of the manufacturer's package. The doors were widened 4 inches to permit access by any body larger than a gerbil. The steel hood was made by Rootlieb and massaged by owner Dennis. Dennis also built the expanded steel grille insert. The hood and belly skirt have been severely ventilated by as many louvers as possible. Let no square inch go unpunched. All bodywork was performed by owner Dennis and his friend, Brian Jennings of Concord, California. Brian was also enlisted as the painter of choice. In a moment of perhaps Catholic inspiration, Dennis chose PPG Cardinal Red acrylic enamel as the paint for the roadster. Thank heavens he didn't go for the cardinal's hat as well. The color looks good on the car, but that little red hat would be something less than macho flopping around on Dennis' gourd as he jams to the rod run at excessive speeds.
The Mr. Horsepower graphics set the race theme and were done by Mike Schartel and Pee Wee Flass. Henry Ford lamps, circa 1928, provide illumination front and back and the mirrors are Zipper custom units. Utilitarian components have received either chrome plating by Sherm's in Sacramento, California, or powdercoating by The Red Baron.
While not particularly roomy, the interior is well, if sparsely, appointed. Dennis modified the Zipper dash with an aluminum engine-turned panel to hold the Moon tech instrumentation. A self-canceling directional system keeps pilots from having to think too much when changing direction. Apparently Dennis has little or no shame when it comes to getting his buddies to work on his car. Somehow Ray Ogden was talked into installing the wiring in the little lakester using Gem components. The seatbelts are also Gem. Gary Gardner of Baker's upholstery shop in Fairfield, California, is responsible for the fine stitchery work in Dennis' little red wagon. The drop-in seats from Zipper are covered in black Naugahyde, and Gary also fashioned the custom stowage pockets in the doors and the console, while using Black BMW short-pile wool rugs for the foot-to-floor interface.
There is no stereo, TV, Playstation II, iPod, or other electronic entertainment device in this vehicle. Apparently, Dennis is privy to one of the most ancient and sacred secrets of hot rod society: All the entertainment you need in a roadster is the sound of the engine and the feel of the breeze in your face. Oh yeah, and the covetous glances of the pedestrians and cage pilots one encounters while out tearing up the country-side in that ultimate fun machine-the mighty street roadster.