Get ready for an exhilarating ride as we dive into the story of Chris Bywater and his badass HT Premier! This year has been a game-changer for Chris, a 25-year-old auto electrician, as he welcomes a new baby and a new home with a six-car garage. And let me tell you, his HT Premier is a true showstopper, but it hasn't always been smooth sailing.
Chris's journey began with an LH Torana, which he sold after a successful burnout competition. With his eyes set on something bigger, he acquired the HT Premier, and that's when the real fun started.
The Transformation Begins
Chris stripped the car down to its bare bones and took it to the experts - Craig Brewer of Pro Pipes & Race Cars. Craig, known for his seven-second Pro Street HR van, Frogstomp, gave the HT a serious upgrade. The rear end got a complete makeover with a tub and four-link treatment, and a custom six-point roll cage was installed. The body, already in excellent condition, was sent to the soda blasters, revealing a pristine 42-year-old car with minimal imperfections.
A Work of Art Under the Hood
Chris's brother, Adam, a true artist with a paintbrush, transformed the engine bay into a masterpiece. It's so stunning, you might hesitate to cover it up! Every wire and auxiliary component is meticulously hidden, creating a sleek and seamless look.
While Adam was busy with the paint job, Chris was already planning and sourcing parts for the build. The engine, a crucial component, was found close to home. Craig's van, with its impressive performance, inspired Chris to aim high.
The Countdown to Summernats
Chris set his sights on having the HT ready for Summernats 24. The car returned from Adam's shop in late November, and with a dedicated team of mates, they worked tirelessly around the clock. Sleep and cash were sacrificed, but the end result was worth every penny, or so Chris thought.
A Test Drive to Remember
Chris couldn't resist taking the HT for a spin before Summernats. A few laps and a massive power skid later, he realized the hard way that driving without a windscreen was a bad idea. His eyes were throbbing, a painful reminder of the need for proper protection.
The final touch, a billet steering wheel, arrived just in time for the Summernats trip. But there was a twist - it didn't fit! Chris had to machine a boss kit in the middle of the night before packing up and heading to Canberra.
Summernats Success and Beyond
The 12-month build had its ups and downs, but the attention the HT received at Summernats made it all worthwhile. Chris took home a couple of trophies in Tuff Street, including an Engineering Excellence award. The Supercruise was a blast, and he was glad he kept the bench seat, accommodating seven friends in style.
Back home in Melbourne, Chris and his mates celebrated with a wild night out. The cost? 600 bucks in fuel and a set of rear tires. But hey, as Chris says, it was worth every penny to hit the streets with a 700hp big-block Chevy and your crew.
The Ultimate Burnout Challenge and a Setback
The HT's next adventure was the Ultimate Burnout Challenge at Avalon Speedway. Things started well, with the crowd going wild as Chris pulverized a set of rear tires. But then, disaster struck. An oil surge caused a rod to go rogue, taking the entire bottom end with it. The HT was left stranded for a while.
Looking Ahead
With the house settled, Chris is planning a new engine combination. He's keeping the details under wraps, but promises it will be even more powerful, louder, and faster. 2013 is shaping up to be another exciting year for Chris Bywater and his HT Premier. Stay tuned for more high-octane adventures!
Chris Bywater
HT Premier Specifications:
- Colour: De Beer Mercury Silver
- Engine: Chev big-block, 468ci
- Heads: Brodix aluminium
- Inlet: Brodix single plane
- Cam: Solid roller
- Rods: Manley
- Crank: Forged
- Pistons: JE dome tops
- Ignition: MSD 7AL
- Exhaust: 2¼in primaries, 4in collectors, twin 3½in system
- Transmission: Powerglide
- Converter: TCE 5200rpm
- Diff: Strange 9in, 3.7:1
- Brakes: BA disc (front), Wilwood disc (rear)
- Suspension: Pedders springs, 90/10 shocks (front), Koni coil-overs (rear)
- Wheels: Weld Magnum, 3½x15 (front), 10×15 (rear)
- Tires: Dragstar (front), Hoosier Quicktime Pro (rear)
