Powering this multi-colored beauty is a 698-cid Sonny Leonard GM big-block running a Sonny Bryant stroker crank riding on Michigan engine bearings along with a set of Bill Miller Engineering (BME) forged-aluminum ARP cap screw-equipped connecting rods with a set of eight 14.5:1 compression JE forged-aluminum pistons swinging on the other end. Also along for the ride is a Crane roller cam, kept in synch by a Jesel belt drive. Lubrication is handled by a Peterson dry sump oil system while cooling is handled by a CSI high-flow electric water pump and C&R high-flow aluminum radiator.
Bolted up top is a par of Sonny Leonard-Brodix “big valve” heads outfitted with Manton pushrods, PSI valve springs, and Competition Cams rocker arms. Induction comes in the form of a Sonny Leonard sheet metal intake sporting a set of 1100cfm Holleys fed by a Magna Fuel system. Ignition duties are handled by an MSD crank trigger ignition and Pro Power coil firing NGK spark plugs through a set of MSD spark plug wires. A set of Lemons Headers handles the exhaust.
That smooth transmission of power to the pavement is handled by a Hughes Performance Powerglide built using a Dedenbear aftermarket case, a Hughes Performance manual valve body and trans brake, and Outlaw shifter. The final link in the Cavalier’s power train is a Mark Williams racing drive shaft.
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RJ’s Race Cars sells these cars as painted “rollers,” so all of the paint and bodywork is done when the owner picks it up. . The “break apart” 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier body itself is a Five Star, carbon fiber, Cavalier facsimile painted by Five Star using a PPG candy purple basecoat with magenta, yellow and lime green accents.
On the inside, the Cavalier is stuffed full of RJ’s excellent tin work along with a pair of carbon fiber bucket seats, the aforementioned Outlaw shifter, Race Pack computer, and Stroud safety Equipment. Out back in the trunk area, the Cavalier carries an 8-gallon JAZ fuel cell, and twin Turbo Fire batteries.
Weighing in at 2500-pounds, Navarez’s new Cavalier has ran a best of 7.17-192.00 in action at the 2006 PSCA post-SEMA Show event that was held the first weekend in November at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. But with the potential of this car, we’re sure we’ll be hearing more from Mr. Nevarez, even if he doesn’t get the top spot right away. After all, the (former) King may be dead. But if Gil has his way, his fans will be singing Long live the (new) King!