(Words by Danny Rusev) For decades, the 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo has been a favorite among hot rodders. The combination of distinctive styling, spacious interior with vinyl upholstery and bucket seats, and the optional engines made the personal luxury coupe one of the American muscle car icons.

From its introduction to the present day, the Chevy Monte Carlo has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts and collectors alike. Tommy Rorex of Beaumont, TX, is one of them, and his 1970 Monte Carlo is one of the coolest builds I’ve seen in a while.

Tommy’s 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Obviously, the car isn’t restored to stock but rather restomodded. Purists, don’t worry; that’s not a Monte Carlo SS. It just has a 454 engine under the hood. It’s a fun, heavily modified street car that’s good for both show and go.

We’ll look into the upgrades later on. Let’s check out Tommy’s story first.

Here is How It All Started

Back in the late ’80s, Tommy Rorex was 16 years old, and it was time to buy his first ride. He came across a ’71 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for sale and became its new owner for $1,200.

It was a rust bucket with a big block that was falling apart but fast as hell!

As has happened to many, Tommy fell in love with his first vehicle’s body style and engine. He’s had a few more first gen Monte Carlo models after that but wanted one he could go over the top with.

This Chevy was already 454 swapped. It didn’t need body work and paint and wasn’t a SS car. In other words, it was the best starting point Tommy found on the market. Believe it or not, the Monte Carlo was repainted by one of its previous owners more than 15 years ago.

What’s Done to the 70 Monte Carlo

Let me start with Tommy’s words: “The only thing left original in the Monte is the headliner for nostalgia!” Since he purchased the Chevy in January 2018, everything but the paint has been rebuilt or redone.

The Monte Carlo rides on QA1 adjustable coilovers with UMI Performance front and rear sway bars, Detroit Speed upper and lower control arms, and front and rear. The wheels are U.S. Mags RAMBLER 18X8 up front and 20×10 in the rear, wrapped in Nitto radial rubber.

Many more modifications are done to the Chevy Monte Carlo: Dakota Digital gauges, Vintage Air, E-Stop electronic emergency brake, Black Widow mufflers, and electric fans for the engine and transmission, just to name a few.

Now let’s take a look under the hood.

Personal Luxury Car with Plenty of Muscle

The 1970 Monte Carlo came with an iron head 454 Chevrolet making decent power and torque. Tommy rebuilt the big block engine and added forged aluminum dome top pistons, aluminum heads, and high-rise aluminum intake.

The Chevy V8 mill is controlled by a Holley Sniper EFI and ignition system tuned by FastManEFI in California. It was dynoed at 700 horsepower and had no issues sitting in traffic with the A/C on, shares Tommy.

He is shifting the power with FTI TH400 transmission and 3,200 stall converter, and it is backed up with an original GM 12 bolt rear end with 3.43 gears. As you’ll see in the video below, the car sounds super mean.

Last Words on the Monte Carlo

Tommy affectionately calls the Chevy “WickedMCselene.” Wicked is self-explanatory, MC is for Monte Carlo, and Selene was the Goddess of the Moon in mythology and the character in the Underworld series of movies, which he loves.

Rorex shares that he’s had a few nice muscle cars during the years, but none was as nice as Selene. It’s one of those badass street machines that you either love or hate.

Tommy’s 1970 Chevy Monte Carlo Video

Now that you’ve seen a few photos and know what’s been done to the vehicle, it’s time to hear Selene’s voice. Tommy did a cool video shoot for Chevy Nation a while ago. You’ll see the Monte Carlo all the way around, a couple of drive-bys, and some rubber burning. 

Turn up the volume and hit the play!