Submitted 22-03-2005
Matt's ZG Fairlane 500:

(back to Other Visitors Cars)

See Matt's 240Z race car here!

See Matt's AU XR6 Ute here!

Personal:

Name:

Matt Ryeland

Location:

Brisbane
Guess how Matt got his forum username?
Gotta love that muscle car stance!


Username:

PZG302

Age(ish):

37 going on 17


Vehicle:

Year of Manufacture:

1974

Model:

ZG Fairlane 500


Body Style:

Sedan

Colour:

Tropic Gold

Specs:

Engine:

302 Cleveland

Transmission:

C4 3 speed sequential gearbox


Power:

185kW

Torque:

It’s a V8 so plenty


Brakes:

Standard disc drum setup with Kelsey Hayes single piston calipers, used on Highway Patrol cars. Has been known to run full race pads in the front


Suspension:

Front – Heavy Duty Springs, about 1-1½”

Rear – Reset 1-1½” lower with extra leaf on each side


Wheels:

Front - 14X7 12 Slotters, genuine Ford

Rear – 14X8 12 Slotters, genuine Ford


Tyres:

Front – 235/60/14 Bridgestone SF340 Eager's

Rear – 245/60/14 Bridgestone SF340 Eager's


Stereo:

Kenwood CD Head unit

Kenwood 6 stacker in boot

2x6” Kenwood 3 way speakers in the front kick panels

2x9” Audio God 3 way Speakers in 1” thick rear parcel shelf – no need for sub as boot acts as bloody big air box for great bass

RMS 100Wx4 Eurovox Amp, same spec as used in some HSV models


Engine Modifications:

10 thou overbore, heads skimmed with hardened valve seats for PULP, uses 98 Octane only, and a stage 2 cam for a bit more oomph down low.

350 Holley, but may go back to 500 Holley for top end performance and not worry about hesitation down low as it drowns in fuel.

ZH electronic ignition so no more points to worry about

2¼” twin exhaust system


Interior Modifications:

Black suede sports steering wheel.

Car converted from column to floor shift

Car retrimmed in original patterned material and new carpet June 2003

Power windows retro fitted with original ZG Fairlane parts


Exterior Modifications:

Why mess with something that looks this good.

Darkest legal tint on windows

Classic not plastic sticker


Other Modifications:

Special wheel alignments have been done for track days, surprises a lot of people when it goes around the track.

Thermo fan to cope with hot Brisbane days stuck in traffic and Transmission cooler for towing


¼ Mile Times/
Performance:

On the drag strip a 2.92 diff does not work.

Has done a 59.5 second run at Mt Cotton Hillclimb

1.14 laps at Queensland Raceway on the Club circuit, lap record for Group Nc Touring Cars is 1.02 by John English in a Charger

The Behemoth Story:

I am the fourth custodian of Behemoth, purchasing it from a friend some 10 years ago. In its life it has only covered 190000 miles, though some harder than others. I still have the owners guide and service book with the original owner’s details typed in by the dealer, Peter Warren Ford in Sydney. Up until February it was my daily driver, but has now been retired to getting me to the golf course on Saturdays and the odd run around Brisbane.
I have used Behemoth for everything from racing through to towing the other race car. It is most at home on the highway cruising between Brisbane and Sydney, an easy trip at about 110km/h, or maybe a little more when the opportunity arises, with the air on and some tunes cranking out from the stereo.

Looking after Behemoth is easy, an oil and filter change every three months, fuel filter every six months, and air filter and plugs every twelve months takes care of the mechanicals. A wheel alignment every six months with under car check takes care of the rest. To keep an eye on the dreaded tin worm, regular washing, try to wash it at least fortnightly, and a polish every three months keeps the body in good condition.
The big comfortable chairs are like sitting in your lounge room and overtaking is effortless with the 302 burbling away. The only downside being its appetite for fuel. The motor was rebuilt in October 2003 after pieces of a lifter collar were found in the oil during a routine oil and filter change and a couple of lifters were noisier than usual. Every twelve months the wax is stripped and we start again, resulting in paintwork that beads water at all times.

The best part of owning an old classic is the comments from others, “I wish I never sold mine, they were the best models ever made”, “My dad had one of those, it was my favourite car”.

We reckon:

A classic aussie muscle car - you cant deny the look of the twin headlights and 12 slotters on this fairlane! And that paint job looks like you could eat your dinner off it - obviously Matt takes a lot of care with his "Behemoth" - whether it be under the hood or with the wax!

A very unique machine and one we are proud to have grace the visitors cars pages!

Discuss Matt's 'Behemoth' here!

(back to Other Visitors Cars)