Chris Bywater's 700HP HT Premier: A Journey of Power and Precision
The year 2012 marked a significant turning point in Chris Bywater's life. At 25, he and his wife, Jess, welcomed their first child, and they also purchased their dream home, complete with a spacious six-car garage. It was the perfect setting for Chris's prized possession, his 700HP HT Premier, which had been patiently waiting in the garage with a broken engine, a testament to the thrill of car ownership.
Chris's passion for cars began with the LH Torana, a powerful machine with a nitrous-fed 383ci small-block engine. However, his sights were set on something even more extraordinary for the HT Premier.
He embarked on a meticulous transformation, starting with a complete strip-down of the vehicle. The car was then entrusted to the renowned Craig Brewer of Pro Pipes & Race Cars, who had built the legendary 'Frogstomp' Pro Street HR van. The rear end underwent a comprehensive makeover, featuring a tub and four-link setup, with a shortened nine-inch differential. A six-point rollcage was installed, and the steering box was replaced with a rack and pinion unit, ensuring precision handling.
The body of the HT Premier was in excellent condition, and after a thorough cleaning by soda blasters, it was found to be free from accident damage, rust, or major imperfections, a rare find for a 42-year-old vehicle.
Chris's brother, Adam, a skilled bodyworker, took on the task of refining the Prem's aesthetics. He meticulously straightened and smoothed the bodywork and the engine bay, creating a masterpiece that showcased the car's power without revealing any auxiliary components. The engine bay, in particular, was a work of art, a testament to Adam's craftsmanship.
While Adam was adding the final touches with a Mercury Silver hue, Chris focused on acquiring the necessary parts for the engine upgrade. He found the perfect match close to home, as Craig Brewer was selling the powerful 468ci big-block Chevy engine from his van, which had been running on C16 and nitrous, delivering low eights, and on aspirated air, low nines.
Chris's goal was to have the HT Premier ready for the Summernats 24 event. He and his friends worked tirelessly, day and night, to bring the car to life. Despite sacrificing sleep and cash, the result was breathtaking.
In late November, the Prem was almost complete, and Chris couldn't resist a test drive. He took it for a spin, doing laps around the block, followed by a thrilling power skid. The experience was intense, and he learned a valuable lesson about driving without a windscreen.
The final touches included a billet steering wheel, which arrived just in time before the trip to Summernats. However, a minor setback occurred as the wheel didn't fit, requiring Chris to machine a boss kit to adapt it to the column. Despite the late-night packing and rush to Canberra, the Prem's arrival at Summernats was a triumph.
The HT Premier left a lasting impression, winning two trophies in Tuff Street, including the Engineering Excellence award. Chris also enjoyed the Supercruise, accommodating seven people in the bench seat.
Back in Melbourne, the Prem was treated to a methanol prime and a visit to the pub with friends. The night ended with a fuel cost of 600 bucks and a set of rear tires, but the experience was priceless.
The Prem's next adventure was the Ultimate Burnout Challenge at Avalon Speedway, where it impressed the crowd with its rear tire destruction. However, a sudden oil surge and a rod failure led to a challenging recovery. Despite the setback, Chris is already planning a new engine combination for 2013, promising even more power, noise, and speed.
Chris Bywater's HT Premier is a testament to his passion for cars, precision engineering, and the thrill of the open road. With its powerful engine, meticulous craftsmanship, and memorable adventures, the Prem continues to be a legend in the automotive world.
