Moving forward, Arme suggested going with a Chevrolet Performance LSX376 crate engine to completely flip the script on the broken-down Chevelle. Of course, there were plenty of additional performance modifications planned with the addition of a Concept One eight-rib accessory drive, modified Edelbrock Cross-Ram intake, two drive-by-wire throttle bodies, HP Tuners fuel injection, MSD coils and wires, Hedman Hedders, a custom 3-inch exhaust system by American Legends—oh, and a twin Comp turbocharger setup to make a huge change in pace. The system also features dual air-to-water intercoolers with a 3-gallon trunk-mounted tank, as well as a front heat exchanger. The engine and the 4L75E transmission were finished in a two-tone Cerakote burnt bronze/custom titanium color to match the wheels and upcoming trim package.

When it was time to start working on the Chevelle’s shell, Dana stated that “the original vision was crafted as a blend by [Arme], Sean Smith, and I, that included making some radical changes to modernize aspects of the car without losing what made the ’66 unique. The challenge was keeping all the original body lines while trying to sharpen and highlight them without going too far. I think we achieved the overall vision even though major fabrication was done to most of the car’s panels.”

To reach that ideal balance of custom and original styling, the project relied heavily on skillful bodywork by Relic Works. While there, the Chevelle underwent the shaving of the factory driprails, door handles, windows, and locks. All emblems and trim pieces were also removed for the sake of continuity. Original panels, such as the SS hood, front fenders, and so much more, were stealthily massaged as Dana mentioned, and the appearance of the ’66 was carefully updated with the incorporation of specialized headlights from Dapper Lighting, one-off bumpers, a carbon-fiber front splitter, and custom-designed 3-D resin-printed taillights and hood vents.

Nothing but modern amenities would do inside the confines of the Chevelle. Stitched Envy was recruited to upholster the custom door panels, center console, modified factory dash, and Glide Engineering seats with black leather and Alcantara material. Dakota Digital instrumentation also made an appearance, as did a full audio system featuring Rockford Fosgate components. A fresh Vintage Air climate-control setup was also added to provide proper cooling and heating functions as needed throughout the year.

“Originally, the car was set to debut at the Barrett-Jackson/Castrol EDGE Path to Performance (Barrett-Jackson Cup) in mid January 2025, but we jumped on the opportunity to unveil the Chevelle earlier in HP Tuner’s SEMA 2024 booth instead,” Dana explains. “Tony Arme and his crew lost 2 1/2 months of expected build time in order to make the SEMA deadline, but they made it happen. I have since named the Chevelle ‘Phoenix’ due to its glorious rise from the ashes. As someone who hasn’t been in the hot rod scene for very long, it was a unique experience for me to feel like I contributed to it by introducing this car to such an amazing industry of builders and enthusiasts.”