For Don Milligan, owner of Raleigh Speed Shop, the longing for his old 1969 Corvette with a removable hardtop led him to create a new masterpiece. His current C3 Corvette Stingray is a restomod wonder powered by a Chevrolet Performance LS376/480 crate engine, boasting modern performance while retaining classic charm.
Milligan’s Corvette, found in Wilmington, North Carolina, started as a base-model Stingray with a 350 cu.-in. Small-Block engine. It has since undergone a complete transformation, featuring a powerful LS376/480 engine capable of 495 horsepower and 473 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with a TREMEC five-speed transmission. This modern powerplant, known for its reliability and drivability, includes an LS Hot cam, enhancing airflow and performance.
“Our shop does a lot of restomods, so I decided I want to do that,” Milligan said during the Goodguys Griot’s Garage North Carolina Nationals. “I wanted to do it with an LS of course.” Senior technician Greg Folino added, “It’s got all the bells and the whistles. All the modern technology.”
Key Features:
- Engine: LS376/480 crate engine, 495 horsepower, 473 lb.-ft. torque
- Transmission: TREMEC five-speed
- Paint: Blade Silver, inspired by the C8 Corvette
- Wheels: Custom Forgeline Grudge with Diamondback redline tires
- Brakes: Wilwood disc-brake system
- Suspension: Van Steel performance system
Interior Upgrades:
- Custom red leather interior by JB Auto Upholstery
- Dakota Digital gauges
- Vintage Air system
- RetroSound radio with Bluetooth
- Power windows, locks, hidden antenna, push-button start, security system
Milligan’s Corvette also features a custom-fabricated exhaust system, powder-coated original chassis, and modern conveniences like electric headlight buckets and wiper door from Detroit Speed. The blend of old and new makes this Stingray a true restomod, embodying the spirit of classic car culture with contemporary technology.
Milligan’s passion for cars, sparked by his first vehicle, a 1966 Pontiac GTO, continues to drive his work at Raleigh Speed Shop. As chief commercial officer at CBX Global, he balances his professional career with his love for car restoration. His shop, known for its LS engine-powered restomods, has built many standout projects, including a 1929 Cadillac LaSalle with an LS376/480 under the hood.
“Any customer with a GM that is looking for a performance upgrade, and particularly a restomod, comes to us and they see something like [the Corvette] or the Cadillac as opposed to a strict restoration,” Milligan said. “They say, ‘Man, that’s an old car but it drives like a new one. And it has the reliability of a new one and performs much better.’”
The Corvette’s transformation and the craftsmanship of Raleigh Speed Shop highlight the impressive versatility of the LS platform, making it a top choice for enthusiasts seeking modern performance in classic vehicles.
Source: Chevrolet / The-Block
This Article use tools from Chatgpt
