Nelson Granger's 1979 Holden HZ Kingswood is a sleeper car that packs a powerful punch. This article delves into the build, modifications, and performance of this unique vehicle, offering a deep dive into the mind of a passionate car enthusiast. From the engine to the suspension, every detail is carefully considered to create a balanced and capable machine.
Nelson's journey with this car began with a simple desire to build something unique. He started with a straight, but incomplete, 1979 Holden HZ Kingswood, which he had purchased five or six years prior. The initial plan was to cut the quarters off it to repair his HJ Kingswood, but the car's neat condition convinced him to keep it intact. Instead, he decided to build a budget-friendly project, giving it a quick coat of the factory Chamois color and adding a pensioner peak over the windscreen, paying homage to his grandfather's car.
The heart of the HZ Kingswood is a 454ci BluePrint Engines small-block Chev engine, which may seem small in name only, but it packs a powerful punch. Nelson opted for a BluePrint crate engine with an Edelbrock intake, 850 carb, and a 150hp shot of gas, resulting in an impressive 600hp at the treads on 98-octane fuel. This combination is simple yet effective, delivering the power needed to make the car handle better than his other two big-bodied Holdens.
The driveline features a beefed-up Turbo 400 gearbox and a Truetrac centered Salisbury diff, which might not be the most common choice, but it works well for the budget and engineering goals. Nelson explains that the 10-bolt setup, combined with the weight of a nine-inch and the relocation of control arms, can make the car handle terribly, so he opted for a more practical solution.
Despite the powerful engine, the HZ Kingswood still manages to run a snappy 10.08sec quarter-mile with a 1.38sec 60-foot, on 235 radials. This impressive performance is achieved with a few tricks learned from Nelson's previous builds, such as using Torana steering arms for more lock and introducing some castor to improve compliance. The suspension and braking mods have been kept to a minimum, ensuring a balanced and well-rounded package.
Inside the car, Nelson aimed for 70s Holden perfection, retaining the standard Kingswood equipment and adding a black retrim. The interior is free of any ratchet shifters or roll cages, preserving the car's purity. Nelson's goal of running a nine in the car is still a distant dream, as the vehicle is not teched for such high-performance modifications.
The HZ Kingswood was finished in time for the Street Machine Drag Challenge 2024, where Nelson and his mates ran a string of low 11s in the ITF Hire 235 Aspirated class. Nelson describes it as a street car, but one that is taking him to more events, offering a fun and reliable driving experience. This sleeper car truly showcases Nelson's passion for building and modifying vehicles, creating a unique and captivating machine.
In conclusion, Nelson Granger's 1979 Holden HZ Kingswood is a testament to his creativity and expertise in the world of car customization. The build showcases a careful balance between power, handling, and aesthetics, resulting in a sleeper car that is both impressive and enjoyable to drive. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful machines are those that look unassuming but deliver an unforgettable performance.
