Fast Facts
'65 Dodge Coronet Travis Hess • Martinsburg, WV
Mopar Power
Engine: Starting life as a Mopar Performance Hemi block, Ray Barton Racing engines filled it with a Bullet solid-lifter cam with .660-inch lift, a steel Mopar Performance stroker crankshaft, spinning Manley rods, and JE forged pistons. After topping the short-block with a set of Indy-prepped Stage V Hemi heads, the final compression ratio comes in at 10.5:1. Induction features a Super Stock cross-ram intake with two Holley carburetors. Custom headers finally send the spent gas out the back through 3-inch pipes.
Transmission: To get power to the rearend, Travis uses a Gene Strouse-built 727 TorqueFlite with a 5,500-stall speed ATI converter, measuring a measly 8-inches in diameter.
Differential: a Dana 60 filled with a set of 4.10:1 gears are mounted to a Detroit Locker spool, and supplemental Mark Williams parts round out the package.
Horsepower & Performance: Knowing Travis' lineage, it's no wonder he and his father Bucky would build a street car capable of 10.20 e.t.'s at a blistering 134 mph.
Sure Grip
Suspension: The front suspension consists of the factory style torsion bar setup. the rear leaf springs with Koni adjustable shocks plant the car firmly to the launch pad.
Brakes: At 134 mph, you better be able to bring things to a halt. the Dodge utilizes factory drum brakes in the rear, and up front is a set of Aerospace Components disc brakes.
Wheels: In keeping with a Super Stock vibe, Travis placed a pair of radir 15x4-inch five-spoke wheels up front and 15x10-inch "steelies" on the back.
Rubber: It may be a street car, but making it hook requires some really good rubber. Travis decided to go with Mickey Thompson tires, using a Sportsman front runner and ET Streets with a whopping 31x14.5x15-inch dimension out back.
High Impact
Body: After Travis acquired the Coronet, he sent it to Straightline Performance in Hagerstown, Maryland, so a six-point cage could be added. the car's trunk was fitted with mini-tubs, and Super Stock springs were mounted underneath.
Paint: When Travis acquired the car, it was already painted. All he did was add his personal touches: the Bass-boat metalflake on the roof and the Von Dutch/Ratfink-inspired striping.
Interior: In true Super Stock fashion, a blue A990-inspired interior is fitted with aluminum work. Auto meter gauges monitor the leftover Hemi parts-bin; a Mooneyes steering wheel is definitely old-school cool. Keeping Travis stuck to the vinyl are M&R seatbelts. No need for a radio or heater, things get noisy and warm enough without them. Mounted to the floor is a Cheetah SCS shifter.