V8 Speed & Resto Shop

06/05/2026

This 1953 Studebaker Champion had the iconic style, but its driving manners were lacking. To get it handling as good as it looks, the V8 Speed and Resto Shop team replaced the outdated front end with a modern Scott's Hot Rods suspension stub. We integrated a new frame section, tubular control arms, adjustable coil-overs, and rack and pinion steering to provide precise cornering and a more comfortable ride. 🛠️

Next up: finishing the repaint and hitting the road for test miles!

Follow the full build progress here: https://v8speedshop.com/53Stude

Whether you have a street rod or a classic car that needs a refresh, we’re ready to help bring your automotive vision to life. Get in touch with us to start your project!

06/05/2026

For our local So-IL and SEMO friends, keep Sunday in mind for a great small town car show, the Optimist Car Show Waterloo, IL June 7, 2026! We'll be there, hope to see you also!

Come join us this Sunday in Waterloo! Registration is on-site only, beginning at 8:00 AM. People's Choice and Specialty Awards presented. We plan to start the awards ceremony before 3:00 PM. Drop a pic of your car in the comments, and we'll look for you at the show! And don't forget the Waterloo Optimist Club - Waterloo, IL Beer-B-Que event is Saturday, so you can spend the weekend in Waterloo!

05/25/2026

We want to remind everyone to take a moment out of their day to remember those who sacrificed everything for our country. We’re grateful for the freedom we have to build, restore, and drive the cars we love.

We hope everyone has a safe Memorial Day.

05/21/2026

57 years together. That’s a massive milestone!

When we are in the middle of a restoration, we are focused on the immediate details. But this is the outcome we are working towards! We always look forward to seeing pictures like this. It’s why we do what we do!

Happy Anniversary to The Hilsenbecks! Thanks for sharing the moment with us.

05/19/2026

WANTED: Project Manager! 🛠️🗒️

We’re looking for a Full-Time Project Manager to join our team at V8 Speed & Resto Shop and help us steer restoration builds from the very first kickoff meeting all the way to the final client reveal. If you have 3+ years of project management experience, know your way around management software, and love the challenge of keeping budgets and schedules on track, we want to talk to you. This isn't just about managing timelines,it's about partnering with our talented team of fabricators, mechanics, painters, and body techs, keeping our clients and vendors in synced, and anticipate issues before they happen. If you're a problem solver who wants to be part of a first class team that turns automotive dreams into reality, apply today or share this with someone who's ready to level up their career! 🏆

👉 APPLY NOW: https://v8speedshop.com/projectmanager

05/14/2026

🟠 ⚪️ LT4 Supercharger Lid for a '69 Camaro Pace Car 😲

*A Pro-Touring / Resto Mod Camaro Lover’s Dream!*
The classic 1969 Camaro Pace Car, a California native with a storied past, has undergone a dramatic transformation. Its original drivetrain is a distant memory, replaced entirely with a modern masterpiece. A Schwartz Performance chassis now forms the foundation, boasting an independent rear suspension featuring components from a sixth-generation Camaro. Under the hood lies a monstrous *LT4 engine* with a dry sump oil system, breathing life through a 10L90 automatic transmission. To keep this beast cool, a C&R Racing radiator and cooling system with SPAL brushless fans ensure optimal temperature control.

05/13/2026

The Ultimate Family Wagon with an 840+ HP Secret Under the Hood!

The team at V8 Speed and Resto Shop is wrapping up a project that defines the "sleeper" aesthetic! While the exterior sports a nostalgic, "ice cream cone" look in Starmist Blue and Colonial White , the magic truly happens under the hood. This build pairs an unassuming 1950s family wagon with an "angry" John Kaase-built 427 single overhead cam (SOHC) engine and a high-performance chassis. Every detail has been refined on this car to leave people scratching their heads! Keep an eye out for this unassuming "family hauler" on the road soon! Thanks to Murray Komant for the awesome rendering that is becoming a reality, to ZyCoatUSA for controlling the temperature of the exhaust and headers, and to HushMat for keeping the driver and passengers comfortable!

05/10/2026

‼️Take a look at this rare 1948 Oldsmobile 98 Futuramic “Sedanette” ‼️

It's the ultimate blend of Art Deco style and Jet Age engineering, complete with its original straight 8 engine and Hydra-Matic transmission. As it sits today, it’s a beautiful "mild custom" with a lowered stance, "Sombrero" hubcaps, and sleek profile that out-styles everything else in its era. Plus it still runs and drives great!

We had huge plans for this car, working with designer Murray Komant on a vision inspired by the legendary CadZZilla! Whether you keep it a classic cruiser or want the full radical custom build, we have the rendering (and the wildest "Quad 8" engine idea!) ready to go.

This Olds Is Available! Visit our website or give us a call to learn more about making this classic your own!

05/09/2026

V8 Speed and Resto Engine Shop is featured in the SEMA News! Thanks for the article! (Our engines are certainly "Movers" and not "Shakers!") 👍

https://www.sema.org/news-media/enews/2026/19/movers-shakers-v8-speed-shop-fat-fender-garage-and-more

05/08/2026

Employee Spotlight: Mike Bess, Restoration Technician 🔧🧰🪛

If you’ve ever walked by Mike’s workstation at V8 Speed & Resto, you know it looks a little different than the rest of the shop. It’s a mini-museum filled with just some of the antiques and curiosities he’s collected over the years.

As our Restoration Tech, Mike doesn’t just fix cars, he solves puzzles that most people don’t have the patience for. He has a lifelong curiosity about how things work and a passion for discovering exactly when a piece was made and what its story is.

Whether it's a finicky 40-year-old gauge or a complex century old "widget," Mike has the rare combination of patience and technical knowledge to bring it back to life. He’s the guy who ensures that every small detail of your restoration is as authentic as the day it first hit the road.

We’re proud to have Mike’s curious mind and steady hands on our team!

Help us celebrate Mike by dropping a "Hello" or your favorite antique find in the comments below! 👇