At some of the most prestigious automotive events across the nation – from the HOT ROD Power Tour to C10 Nationals – a gleaming goldish-brown 1955 Chevrolet 210 Handyman station wagon consistently turns heads. The owner? Jeff Thisted, a familiar face in the automotive world who frequently serves as the emcee at these high-profile gatherings. But Thisted’s Handyman isn’t just about its good looks; under the hood is a performance beast in the form of a supercharged Chevrolet Performance LSX376-B15 crate engine, transforming this classic wagon into a modern muscle machine.
From Naturally Aspirated to Supercharged Muscle
Thisted’s passion for cars runs deep, and his decision to upgrade his Handyman with the LSX376-B15 came in April 2024. Having previously run a naturally aspirated LS engine, he was inspired by his friends who opted for superchargers. “All these friends of mine have superchargers, and I see them all around,” he said during September’s Bowtie Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park. “I said, ‘Well, why not?’”
The new engine was sourced from Gandrud Chevrolet and features a 3.0L Whipple supercharger paired with a Wegner Automotive front drive kit. Wegner Automotive in Wisconsin assembled, tested, and tuned the engine, dialing it in to produce an impressive 773 horsepower at 6,600 RPM with a mild setup. “It’s reliable as can be; it starts every time, whether it’s cold or hot,” Thisted shared. Despite its power, the setup was designed to be user-friendly, as the Handyman isn’t just a showpiece—it’s a driver, as proven by Thisted’s journeys across the country.
The LSX376-B15 Engine: Built for Boost
At the heart of this powerhouse is the LSX cast-iron block with six-bolt, cross-bolted main caps. The engine is equipped with a fully forged rotating assembly and hydraulic roller camshaft, while LSX-LS3 six-bolt rectangular-port cylinder heads ensure optimal airflow. As its name suggests, the LSX376-B15 supports up to 15 pounds of boost, making it perfect for supercharged setups like Thisted’s. Before adding the supercharger, the engine is rated at 473 horsepower and 444 lb-ft of torque by Chevrolet Performance.
Not only does the engine deliver serious performance, but it looks the part too. The block and valve covers are painted in the iconic Chevrolet orange, with “LSX376” proudly displayed on the covers, ensuring everyone knows this is no ordinary power plant.
A Thoughtful Build Inside and Out
Thisted’s 210 Handyman isn’t just about the engine. Backing the supercharged LSX376-B15 is a GearStar GM 4L80 Performance Transmission Level 4, paired with a Yank Performance billet torque converter capable of handling up to 1,000 horsepower. The transmission setup also includes a Gear Vendors overdrive unit and a QA1 carbon-fiber driveshaft, further enhancing the wagon’s performance capabilities.
The Handyman rides on a Roadster Shop SPEC chassis, which perfectly complements the high-performance crate engine. This modern chassis features all-new suspension components, along with Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes, ensuring the car stops as well as it accelerates. The rear axle is fitted with 3.70 gears, making it both street-friendly and performance-ready.
“The Roadster Shop chassis was an easy decision,” Thisted said. “It’s practically plug-and-play, especially for a vehicle like this.”
Classic Style with Modern Comforts
While the powertrain is all about modern performance, the Handyman’s aesthetic stays true to its roots. Finished in a stunning Autumn Bronze Metallic, the paint is a close match to the car’s original hue. Sitting on American Racing Torq Thrust wheels wrapped in Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus tires, the car maintains a timeless look while benefiting from modern rubber for improved traction and handling.
Inside, the wagon’s cabin has been tastefully upgraded. Dark saddle-colored TMI seats provide comfort and style, while the dash pad and door panels have been carefully selected to match. Other amenities include Dakota Digital RTX gauges and a Vintage Air air-conditioning system, bringing modern convenience to this classic cruiser.
A Lifelong Passion for Chevrolet
Thisted’s love for cars started young, with his first vehicle being a 1969 Corvette. Over the years, he’s owned a variety of vehicles, including a 1968 Impala wagon and a 1972 K5 Blazer, but his heart has always stayed loyal to Chevrolet. He found his beloved 1955 Handyman online nearly 15 years ago while searching for another classic wagon. Originally stored in a climate-controlled environment in upstate New York, the wagon had minimal rust—an impressive feat for a car from that region. It ticked all the right boxes, featuring a small-block engine, automatic transmission, air conditioning, power steering, and power brakes.
Since then, Thisted has made numerous upgrades, and the most significant one to date is the supercharged LSX376-B15. But through it all, his love for the Bowtie brand has remained steadfast.
“I see the USA in my Chevrolet,” Thisted said, referencing the classic Chevy slogan. And as he continues to travel the country with his one-of-a-kind 210 Handyman, it’s clear that this is more than just a car to him—it’s a rolling piece of history that embodies his lifelong passion for Chevrolet.
“I like all cars,” he said. “But I’m a Chevy guy.”
This iconic 1955 Chevrolet 210 Handyman, with its stunning looks and powerhouse engine, is a testament to Thisted’s dedication to the craft of automotive performance. Whether it’s on the road or on display, this wicked wagon is sure to leave a lasting impression wherever it goes.
Source: Chevrolet/The-Block
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
