Llama Engineering recently completed a full engine build and blueprint for Paul’s 1972 Holden Kingswood.
Paul wanted a strong, reliable V8 that looked as good as it went. We settled on a 510 combination, the brief covering the engine, ancillaries and a one-off induction system to finish off the engine bay.
The engine was stripped for inspection by our master engine builder Darren, and rather than reuse tired components, we sourced a complete new parts package to meet Paul’s performance objectives. A set of AFR aluminium cylinder heads, forged domed pistons, Mahle rings and H-beam connecting rods. ARP fasteners, and Fel-Pro gaskets rounded out the build, along with a custom hydraulic roller camshaft and lifters.
Darren next inspected and detailed the new block, carried out a full mount and measure before any machining began. Full balance was carried out on the rotating group. The block was then bored and honed to suit the new pistons.
The new heads got the same scrutiny. They were stripped, cleaned and fully inspected, all valves lapped and vacuum tested, and the heads were resurfaced before reassembly. Nothing was taken on trust straight out of the box.
The short block was assembled with the cam installed and degreed in. ARP studs went in, the heads were torqued down and pushrod lengths were measured to get the valvetrain geometry spot on. A genuine Moroso baffled sump keeps oil where the pickup needs it under hard cornering and braking.
To dress the engine, a Billet Specialties Tru Trac serpentine front drive was shipped in, covering the water pump, alternator and power steering pump in one matched kit. With all machining, fits and clearances confirmed, the engine was finished and looking sharp on the stand.
A bespoke Llama fuel system with electronic fuel injection was commissioned. The brake system and transmission was upgraded to support the increase in power.
Off-the-shelf air cleaners would not clear the bonnet, so Frank 3D scanned the engine bay and the underside of the bonnet to capture the exact space available. He modelled a custom air box that keeps clear of the bonnet bracing while leaving room for engine rock. Two side tubes run down to pod filters tucked into the front corners of the bay.
After all the work was complete we took the car through the LVVTA certification process, ensuring the vehicle is safe and able to achieve a warrant while remaining street legal.
The Kingswood was dyno tested on our in-house Mainline system and delivered performance numbers that were inline with our expectations. A final road tune was done and signed off as “exceeding expectations” by our customer. Paul now has a classic Aussie sedan with a carefully built V8 and an engine bay that is a genuine one-off.
