It does not cease to put a massive smile on my face instantly. Hey guys, what’s up? It’s Sean from Autotopia LA. Today, we’re here with Nick, and we’re back down at my friend Dean’s SoCal classic car storage. We’re about to dig into something that blew by me recently in one of the cruises – a 1963 and a half Galaxy 500 fastback.
The Choice of a Galaxy 500
Now, I’m curious, why a Galaxy 500? To be honest, my dad had one when he was young. He used to cruise down in the San Fernando Valley, and it had a custom paint job, custom interior, and hydraulics. But from what I can tell, you’re a drag guy, a straight line guy.
Oh yeah, definitely! I moved away from the fe platform like the 390s and 427s because they’re a high dollar build if you want to get some serious horsepower out of them. So, this is a 460 that I’ve punched out to 520 cubic inches. Every nut and bolt has been touched – ARP everything top to bottom.
Engine Build and Power
Let’s talk about the engine build. What are the details? The engine is a 460 that has been bored out to 520 cubic inches. We’ve gone through extensive modifications, touching every aspect of the engine. The result is an impressive 720 horsepower on pump gas. Yes, you heard that right – 720 horsepower!
Suspension and Chassis Upgrades
Moving on to the suspension and chassis upgrades, can you tell us more about that? Absolutely. The front end features tubular control arms from Fat Man Fabrication and RideTech coilovers. We have also added an APCO 1-inch sway bar to enhance stability. Additionally, the custom K-member and reinforced RideTech four-link rear suspension provide improved traction and control.
However, due to the immense power this Galaxie generates, further reinforcement may be needed to handle the stress. But it still performs admirably.
With such power, a reliable brake system is crucial. What brake setup did you go for? I chose the Wilwood brake setup, which includes six-piston calipers with 13-inch rotors in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear. Given the weight of the car, I wanted a brake system that could handle the demands of high-performance driving.
Weight and Performance Comparison
Speaking of weight, do you have any idea how much the Galaxie weighs? I’ve had it on the scales, and it weighs around 3780 pounds without me in it. Surprisingly, it’s not as heavy as I initially thought. It’s comparable to modern muscle cars like the Mustang and Charger, yet it packs considerably more power.
Transmissions and Drivetrain
Let’s dive into the transmissions and drivetrain. What setup did you go for? The Galaxie is equipped with a C6 transmission that has all 4R 100 internals. We’ve upgraded it with billet planetary sets and a cone performance billet torque converter. The drivetrain features a Strange chromoly driveshaft and a Strange third member with 35 spline axles. I decided to retain the stock housing but replaced all the internal components.
Exterior Appearance and Subtle Modifications
Looking at the car, it doesn’t seem radical until you start exploring the details. Can you tell us more about the exterior modifications? The exterior may seem almost stock at first glance, but there are subtle cues that hint at the power hidden within. The choice of wheels and tires is a dead giveaway. They have been carefully selected to handle the Galaxie’s tremendous power and ensure optimal traction
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 750HP All Motor Ford Galaxie Big Block is a beast built for the drag strip. It combines classic aesthetics with modern performance upgrades to create an exhilarating driving experience. The power, handling, and attention to detail make it a standout among muscle car enthusiasts. Whether you’re cruising on the streets or tearing up the drag strip, this Galaxie will not disappoint.
