Engine transplants have been around since time immemorial. After all, if you have an old classic with an outdated powertrain, wouldn't you want to keep it up to date and give it something that fits more to our times?

Raybestos Garage certainly understands this thought. That's why they took it upon themselves to take a 1964 Pontiac GTO-R, one of the most iconic American muscles in history, and give it a modern powertrain make-over to the tune of an LSX 454-powered 700-horsepower modern-day maniac. Raybestos and Hot Rod Chassis & Cycle used the frame from the '64 GTO-R and added a few noteworthy parts, including a GM-sourced LSX crate engine, a Tremec six-speed manual transmission, a Moser 9-inch rear-end, custom fabricated body and suspension, $20,000 Raybestos NASCAR brakes, and a reverse-sweep 180-mph speedometer.

After all the work done on this American beast, we're left with a 700-horsepower machine that, get this, is being given away for free by Raybestos! That's right, you can drool over this car and have it in your garage in as easy as a few clicks. All you have to do is sign up for the contest on Raybestos' site and you stand a chance to win a one-of-a-kind classic with a modern twist. We're still trying to figure out what's in it for them, but it may just be the crazy amount of advertising the group is getting for this contest alone.

There's also plenty of videos detailing the build of the car and some behind-the-scenes looks at how this tuned-up workhorse became the head-turning monster it is today.

UPDATE 08/11/11: We've updated our video line-up of this monster-infused Pontiac GTO-R with some more tidbits on how the car is doing! Give it a watch, folks! It's mighty interesting, to say the least.

1964 Pontiac GTO-R by Raybestos Garage

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 1964 Pontiac GTO-R by Raybestos Garage
  • Engine/Motor: GM-sourced LSX crate engine
  • Horsepower: 700 horsepower
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

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