Full Build: 1971 Chevy Caprice Transformed into Fat Stacked 840 HP Head Turner

The Detroit Muscle team embarked on a mission, scouring through a vast boneyard, to unearth a gem — a 1971 Chevy Caprice. When we introduced "Fat Stack", as we affectionately dubbed our 1971 Chevy Caprice, it was abundantly clear this project would offer a distinct set of challenges.

Every element– from the trim and body to the exterior and underside – demanded meticulous attention. Yet, after a year's worth of sweat and determination, this refined masterpiece hit the asphalt, commanding the attention of all who beheld it.

This is not merely a car– it's an awe-inspiring spectacle that captivates every eye it meets. Our aim with this project was to craft something both powerful and arresting. Judging by the heads it turns on the street, we're proud to say she's a build done right.

0:00 - Intro
5:33 - Tearing Down A 1971 Chevy Caprice
16:39 - Late-Model Power With A Supercharged LS
25:10 - Tension Prevention With New Suspension
1:00:50 - Busting Rust & Mending Dents
1:11:51 - Adding Candy Color
1:47:45 - Reuniting The Body With Its Updated Chassis
1:52:12 - Perfectly Polished Chrome
2:08:21 - The Perfect Fit For Body Panels
2:28:03 - Cooling Down & Increasing Power
2:44:33 - A/C Conversion
3:00:51 - Automatic To Manual Conversion
3:15:40 - Freshening Up The Interior
3:32:21 - Restoring The Front Grille
4:03:17 - Fat Stack Hits the Streets

PARTS USED IN THIS EPISODE

Advantage Lifts: Backyard Buddy

American Powertrain Systems: Hydramax Hydraulic Clutch Actuator System

American Powertrain Systems: ProFit Magnum Installation Kit

American Powertrain Systems: Tremec T56 Magnum 6-Speed Transmission

American Powertrain Systems: Tremec T56 Magnum 6-Speed Transmission

Continental Tire: ExtremeContact Sport Tires

Duralast: Duralast Heater Core

EBC Brakes: EBC GD Sport Rotors

EBC Brakes: EBC RedStuff Ceramic Brake Pads

EBC Brakes: Super Dot 4 Brake Fluid

FiTech: Fuel Pump

FiTech: Go Fuel In Tank Fuel Pump

FiTech: Hose Kit

FiTech: Throttle Body Go EFI System

Holley: EFI Terminator X

Mobile Environmental Solutions: Inflatable Paint Booth

P.O.R. Products: POR 15 Cleaner Degreaser

P.O.R. Products: POR 15 Fuel Tank Sealer

P.O.R. Products: POR 15 Metal Prep

Steele Rubber Products: Trunk Weatherstrip

Summit Racing: Summit Racing Pro LS Conversion Radiators

Summit Racing: Vintage Air Refrigerant Line Crimping Tools

Summit Racing: Headman Husler Headers

Summit Racing: ididit RetroFit Floor Shift Steering Column

Summit Racing: Moser Engineering M9 Fabricated Rear Axle Housing

Summit Racing: P-Ayr Products Replica Long Block Engine

Summit Racing: QA1 Suspension Handling Package

Summit Racing: Summit Racing Air Intake Tubing

Summit Racing: Summit Racing Pro LS Conversion Radiators

Summit Racing: Vintage Air SuperFlow Horizontal Condenser

Advance Plating: Custom Chrome & Powder Coating

Advance Plating: Custom Chrome & Powder Coating

Blast From the Past: Sandblasting & Powder Coating

Blast From the Past: Sandblasting & Powder Coating

Continental Tire: ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus Tires

CRC Industries: CRC Brakleen Brake Parts Cleaner

House of Kolor: House of Kolor Candy Paint

U.S. Mags: Desperado Wheels

[jamesrobinson]

I've been a fan of this show forever. Being a 65 year young man i have to say this car is the best work you've guys have done. As you we're driving it around i had the biggest grin on my face. So much that my cheeks hurt. I tip my hat to you guys. You have created the perfect machine.

[frogswurld]

My first car was a 71 Caprice with a 400 sb and posi rear end, 1978 and I loved it.
You've built my teenage dream car.

[chucki]

This has to be the best top notch build on Power Nation. Fat Stack is worth the eyes and admiration. Y'all boys done good.😊👍😊👍

[cruisecontrol]

Finally Florida car culture is getting some love like the low riders from Cali. Hats off to you guys!

[mattspontiacta]

This 71 Caprice is beautiful with power to back up the looks.
I think this is the best build you guys have done so far !!!

[dwyanejetersr]

Tommy & Joel another hit out of the park, WOW, amazing job as usual, thanks guys.

[pb]

👍Tommy, skills, professionalism, and humor ..she's a beauty

[jasonvandergriff]

Man this was another great build! Up there with the prestine Chevelle that sold at auction. Tommy has done a phenomenal job on all of the Detroit Muscle episodes. I remember seeing him working as a younger man in the background when Kevin Tetz was building a truck (I think), with long hair and all. 😆 He's come a long way and been a mainstay with Powernation. I can't imagine the channel without him. I can tell he really enjoyed this build and put a lot of heart into it, like everything else he's built. He seemed to really love this one, I hope he gets to keep it for himself. He deserves this awesome car!

[jamesberdine]

Have been watching this build since the beginning of the build with close attention because I have a ‘71 Impala with 400 SB 2 barrel just like Fat Stack started. Love the full size cars. Love the build. The only thing wrong with the car is my name is not on the title.

[craigstark]

I love that it's putting out 840 horsepower with that large supercharger pulley. Lower boost and still crazy numbers!

[innsanewayne]

One of my favorite builds along with the copo Camaro and the green 396 Camaro. I love the fact that you can carry the whole gang with this car and look good doing it!

[DaneSaysStuff]

My word, that thing is GORGEOUS! What an absolute jewel of an often overlooked classic. I've always loved those big cars from the 60's and 70's.

[tomcrotty]

Unbelievable build. Even the green paint is incredible. I’d be interested in the total price tag without the labor cost. Great job guys.

[marshallguerra]

Wow !!!! I binged watched all the episodes on “Fat Stack “ what a classic build. Putting a 6 speed manual transmission. Crazy . !! But fun as hell I bet. You guys did a fantastic job. That’s one car I would love to own. It’s nice to dream!!! Can’t wait till your next build. A+. In my book. !!!

[JamesMunroe]

Your build videos are the absolute best! Tommy is the man!!

[keiganthetennessean]

I followed this build episode by episode but it was awesome relaxing and watching it all the way through on a day I didn't have to do anything. Awesome work again!

[Treyseverythingadventures]

Ladies and Gentlemen this is what we call a Donk a nick name acquired by the shape and the way the rear end sticks out... the name we originated here in Florida... We have been building and racing these Donks (1971-1976 Caprice or Impala is called a Donk) for decades... Now these cars have been being built with LS motors and put out 1200+ HP on large wheels (24-30 inch wheels and tires).... It's call big rims racing, Murf Lane made them even more popular, along with Trick Daddy, RickRoss... And People like Donk master, Nava HNIC, Jit2fly, Gone Hollywood, and many others brung them to prominence in today's age...

[jameslostetter]

It is a masterpiece! My 2 favorite cars are the 67 and 71 Caprice. The coupe or 4 door. Just beautiful...

[charlesmeine]

Always loved a big GM coupe. Really excellent work on every aspect. Nice job, men! You too, Boshers...

[reaperasylum]

Ever since i was knee high to a grasshopper ive been watching powernation before it changed from power block to what it is today. I have watched every episode that y'all guys ever made and Tommy is by far my favorite kinda guy, I've been wrenching on everything from go-karts all the way to big body Dodge's fords and even some Chevy's as well as tractors and semi trucks and i have to say fatstack was by far the cleanest and most bold and beautiful build to have ever came from powerblock or well powernation and yall have been my inspiration to build and work on vehicles from the time i was 4 working under the hood with my grandpa to now 30 years later and i still love every single minute, it's definitely an art and that passion is in my bones. I hope yall continue to pump out these amazing videos great vibes and awesome artwork, this is craftsmanship at it's finest much love and respect from ya neighbors across the river 🤙🏼