Ringbrothers Unveils 1972 Chevrolet Bully
RINGBROTHERS UNVEILS CUSTOM 1,200-HORSEPOWER 1972 CHEVROLET K5 BLAZER “BULLY”. This extensive restomod build features a 6.8-litre LS3 V8 topped with a massive 3.0-litre Whipple supercharger, heavy-duty off-road suspension, a “floating” interior and much more.
SPRING GREEN, Wis., Nov. 1, 2022 Ringbrothers, the world-renowned custom car builder and parts manufacturer, has unveiled its latest creation. A custom-built 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer known as “BULLY.” The four-wheel-drive Blazer makes 1,200 horsepower thanks to its Wegner Motorsports-built 6.8-liter LS3 V8 topped with a 2.9-litre Whipple supercharger. Also, other highlights of the labour-intensive and innovative build include a new chassis, four-link suspension, bespoke interior, heavy-duty drivetrain and many unique parts.
Ringbrothers invested over 8,500 hours in bringing this vision to life, and the Blazer features a multitude of one-off 3D-printed and machined parts. Then, covering the body is a custom BASF Glasurit Waterborne mix called Bashful Blue. Its exterior features ample carbon fibre via the custom fender flares and hood, with machined billet supercharger covers. Also, the reworked body and flares make room for massive 325/65R18 Cooper Discoverer STT PRO tires wrapped around 18×12-inch HRE wheels.
“The aptly named ‘BULLY’ is a thorough reimagining of Chevrolet’s premier off-roader, and every aspect of this build was designed to push the envelope,” said Ringbrothers co-owner Mike Ring. “We wanted to exceed current limits of what to expect in an iconic four-wheel drive while maintaining the extreme attention to detail we’re known for.”
Firstly, “BULLY’s” formidable power is transferred to the ground through a Bowler Tru-Street GM 4L80E automatic transmission. Underneath, “BULLY” rides on a fully custom chassis built by Roadster Shop. The Currie Dana 44 front and Dana 60 rear axles tie to the chassis via a triangulated four-link suspension that employs two FOX coilovers per wheel. Then, the stopping power is provided by Baer’s six-piston brakes on all four corners. A Holley Dominator EFI system handles fuel management duties while Motul lubricants keep the engine at peak performance. Lastly, Flowmaster headers and mufflers customized by Ringbrothers deliver the soundtrack.
“This project was meant to stand above, both figuratively and literally,” added Jim Ring. “Our partners HRE Wheels, Whipple Superchargers, Motul, Painless Wiring, Miller Welding, Holley and so many more enabled us to see this build from concept to production. We’re honoured to work with the very best in our industry and thank them for their continued support.”
Furthermore, for an interior that matches “BULLY’s” stance and performance, the Blazer features fully custom upholstery by Steve Pearson at Upholstery Unlimited. The in-house fabricated seats use an aesthetic based on the theme of “floating” and combine the Blazer’s rugged nature with supreme craftsmanship. Then, three individual pods separate the dashboard and house the Dakota Digital instrumentation and custom Ringbrothers carbon-fiber steering wheel.
In addition to this, Ringbrothers offers several billet aluminium parts, the Ringbrothers steering wheel, side marker light bezels and more for enthusiasts to customize their own Blazer. Visit Ringbrothers.com for more details.
Vehicle: Ringbrothers 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer BULLYVehicle Name: BULLYDesigner: Gary Ragle DesignsBuild Hours: 8,500
Drivetrain
Engine: Wegner Motorsports 6.8-liter LS3 producing 1,200 HPForced Induction: Whipple 2.9-liter superchargerEngine Extras: Holley Dominator fuel management systemTransmission: Bowler Tru-Street GM 4L80E 4X4 transmissionDrive Shafts: Roadster Shop suppliedAxles: Currie Dana 44 front and Dana 60 Rear
Exhaust
Header Details: Customized by RingbrothersExhaust Manufacturer: Flowmaster 44 Stainless Steel
Chassis
Chassis: Custom Roadster Shop ChassisSuspension: Triangulated four-linkShocks: Fox Racing 2.5 Factory Race Series coiloversFront Sway Bars: Roadster Shop
Wheels and Tires
Wheel Manufacturer: Custom HRE Wheels designed by Gary RagleFront/Rear Wheel Size: 18×12-inchTire Manufacturer: Cooper Discoverer STT ProFront/Rear Tire Size: 325/65R18
Brakes
Front: Six-piston Baer callipers on Extreme 15-inch discsRear: Six-piston Baer callipers on Extreme 14-inch discs
Fuel
Fuel Pump: Twin Walbro 450 LPH pumpsFuel Tank/Cell: Custom by Ricks Hot RodsThe Fuel Management: Holley Dominator EFI Fuel Management System
Electrical
Wiring Harness: Painless Wiring
Exterior
Chrome: Advanced Plating & Custom Chrome PlatingPaint Manufacturer: BASF Glasurit WaterbornePaint Color: Bashful BlueThe Paint Booth: Global Finishing Solutions
Interior
Installation: Performed by Steve Pearson at Upholstery UnlimitedGauges: Instrumentation by Dakota DigitalSteering Wheel: Custom designed steering wheel by Ringbrothers, machined by Sparc Industries
Corporate Sponsors
BASF/GlasuritFlowmaster/HolleyMotulProduct Sponsors
C-TekE-StoppGFS Global Finishing SolutionsHeat Shield ProductsHolleyHREMiller WeldingMSDPainless WiringWarn IndustriesWhippleCalifornia Car Cover
One-Off Ringbrothers Parts
- Taillights
- Side markers
- Front turn indicators
- Front and rear bumpers
- Grill surround
- Headlight buckets with upper/lower bars
- Intake vents
- Front and rear skid plate light bezels
- Master brake cylinder base
- Running boards
- Side rollbar covers
- Bedside rails
- Tie-down clips
- Tailgate handle
- Door handles
- Battery charge port cover
- BULLY badging
- Grab handles
- Glovebox cover and grab handle
- Radio bezel
- Shifter & 4×4 bezels
- Dash knobs
- Rollbar clamps
- Rear seat clamps
- Gas cap and insert
- Wheel centre caps
Ringbrothers Parts:
- 28672-1172 1967-1972 Chevy/GMC Truck Hood Hinge Kit
- 28672-2172 1967-1972 Chevy/GMC Truck Dash Gauge Bezel
- 28672-2173 1967-1972 Chevy/GMC Glove Box Door
- 28672-2175 1967-1972 Chevy/GMC Truck Rectangular Mirrors
- 28672-2176 1967-1972 Chevy/GMC Truck 1-Pc Taillight Bezels
- 28672-2177 1967-1972 Chevy/GMC Truck Side Marker Bezels
- 28672-2205 1967-1972 Chevy/GMC Truck Door Lock Pulls 19-64 Thread 1-5/8-inch Tall
- 92000-2012 1967-1972 Chevy/GMC Truck Door Handle Set
- 92000-4800 Steering Column Lever Kit
- 92000-6600 LS Modular Valve Covers
- 99000-3225 Comp Switch Momentary
- 99000-3225 Comp Switch On-Off
- 99000-4600 Shifter Ball
- 99000-4616 12-inch Adjustable Shifter
- 99000-5700 Billet Hood Adjusters .875-inch
- 99000-8005 Eject Button Lighter