Most car projects are never totally finished, and we recently came across the Copperhead, a custom Street Rod first built several years ago by Legens Hot Rods and now being updated by Schwartz Extreme Performance .
You may recognize the Copperhead as a former cover car featured in Street Rodder magazine, but the car has come a long way since then.
The Copperhead started life as a 1936 Ford coupe, but builder Steve Leg-ins transformed it into the smooth two-tone showstopper seen here. There are numerous body modifications like shaved door handles, smoothed hood sides, a detailed slat grille made by Grille Art and the custom-flamed two-tone copper and light gold paint scheme.
Inside the Copperhead, you will find a hand-sewn copper colored leather interior stitched up by Paul Atkins. The dash features gauges from Classic Instruments, and Legens integrated the original horn grille into the dash, only now it is used as an air conditioning vent.
One of the recent upgrades inside is the addition of an XM satellite radio system to entertain owner Seth Wagoner when he is out cruising.
When first built, the Copperhead ran a trio of carburetors under the hood, but those are long-gone. Now, a GM Performance Parts Ram Jet 502 fuel injected crate engine provides the power, and a six-speed manual transmission makes this car more fun to drive. The Ram Jet is a plug-and play, 502 cubic-inch fuel injected monster that cranks out 502 horsepower at 5100 RPM and 565 foot-lbs of torque at 3200 rpm. Note the copperhead snake graphic on the unique hi-ram intake manifold. A custom designed radiator with curved tanks and a hidden electric water pump help keep the Ram Jet cool. The Ram Jet plant makes the Copperhead a legitimate stoplight contender.
Under the car, you’ll find a tubular chassis suspended by a coil-over Mustang 2 front suspension system utilizing Bilstein adjustable coil-overs. Wilwood disc brakes are responsible for stopping the Copperhead, and Schwartz Extreme Performance added the custom sway bar to keep the car flat in the turns. The Borg-Warner T56 six-speed manual transmission is painted to match the engine, and a pair of Flowmaster Hushpower mufflers and mandrel-bent custom exhaust tubes mellow the exhaust rumbles.
Schwartz Extreme Performance re-engineered the rear suspension for increased performance with the addition of a custom rear sway bar and a J-shaped panhard rod to keep the rear axle in place. The rear brakes are also Wilwood pieces, with external emergency brake calipers added to make sure the Copperhead stays where the driver leaves it. Bilstein coil-overs and a Ford 9-inch rear axle round out the rear suspension. Copperhead rolls on Colorado Custom Lazear wheels.
The Street Rod movement always seems to be looking for a new direction when it comes to building cars, and we hope the recent trend of building-in improved performance continues. Many Street Rods run and drive, but it takes extra engineering to make them steer, handle, and brake like true sports cars. The Copperhead had the look its first time out, and now it has the abilities to back it up.
We like to see cars built to drive, and the Copperhead is proof that you can always modify your ride to make it perform the way you want.
With the availability of high-quality performance parts and talented shops ready to install them, tuning up your street rod to perform like a capable road racecar for the street has never been easier.
Like we said before, custom cars are never really finished.
DISCLAIMER: Demonstrations and procedures contained in the V8TV show or website may not provide all necessary or relevant information. Applicable local laws and regulations may vary and should be checked before any project is commenced. Be sure to follow all applicable safety procedures. The Men's Channel and V8TV Productions, Inc. make no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the completeness, accuracy, or practicality of any such demonstration or procedure or any information with respect thereto contained in the preceding program.
