Crafting A Sleeper: Bryan Holzemer's 1968 Chevrolet Biscayne
When he’s not serving the automotive enthusiast community as a member of the Technical Support and Sales team at QA1, you might find Bryan Holzemer working on and polishing his uber-mint and so-clean-you-could-eat-off-of-it, big block-powered 1968 Chevrolet Biscayne.
Bryan, from Belle Plaine, Minnesota, a short drive from QA1 headquarters, has transformed his Chevrolet Biscayne into a striking representation of the classic American muscle, with touches of modern advancements blended with timeless attributes. This build, marked by personal dedication and attention to detail, tells a story of passion, perseverance, and a deep affinity to the automotive world.
SETTING THE HOOK
Bryan’s love affair of performance cars began at the age of 16, behind the wheel of a 1979 Trans Am. This formative experience was shaped by Al and Lil Pehrson, whom Bryan met through a Trans Am club. Their mentorship and guidance were pivotal in turning his Trans Am into an 11-second street car. Reflecting on this period, Bryan shares, "Al and Lil really opened the door to this world for me. Their guidance was invaluable in turning my first car into something truly special."
Today, Bryan channels his automotive expertise into his professional life at QA1—his role assisting others in building their dream projects aligns with his passion and puts him at the tip of the spear of automotive performance and high-tech suspension innovation.
THE GENESIS OF BRYAN'S CHEVROLET BISCAYNE
The tale of Bryan's Chevrolet Biscayne began in 2013 when he found the car in Queens, New York. It was a fortunate find—a recently painted vehicle with a running engine, albeit with a modest 350 paired with a T-10 four-speed transmission and stock suspension. "I was drawn to the car's lines and stance after seeing a buddy's Biscayne. When I found this one, it was a decent driver, but I knew it had the potential for much more," Bryan recalls.
Driven by his vision for a standout show-and-go piece, Bryan embarked on an extensive rebuild that spanned three years. The journey was not without its challenges, but each obstacle strengthened his resolve to build something remarkable.
TURNING THE VISION INTO REALITY
The transformation of the car was set in motion in 2019 when the transmission started making noise. What began as a search for a replacement transmission evolved into a full-scale rebuild. Bryan replaced the original setup with a QA1 Level 2 suspension system, a 468 cubic inch Chevy big-block engine, a Tremec TKX transmission, Wilwood brakes, and a 3-inch Flowmaster exhaust system.
"The decision to upgrade was easy when a friend offered me his 468 big-block,” Bryan explains. "It meant rethinking and reworking several components, but the result was well worth the effort." This upgrade significantly enhanced the car’s performance, making it a formidable ride on the road, and not just a pretty face.
ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND PERSONAL TOUCHES
One of the most remarkable aspects of Bryan’s Chevrolet Biscayne is its sleeper aesthetic. The car retains a basic, unassuming appearance while housing legitimate performance capabilities. It features manual steering, a radio delete, no air conditioning, and a manual transmission—choices that reflect Bryan’s appreciation for simplicity and authenticity. "I love the simplicity of it. The manual steering, the radio delete, it all gives it a raw, authentic feel," Bryan says.
The car's exterior is accentuated by a Glassteck fiberglass stinger hood, adding a subtle yet aggressive touch. The paintwork, done by Bryan's brother Jeff Holzemer, adds a personal and familial element to the build. Inside, the car retains its OEM seats and upholstery in Medium Blue, with an OEM in-dash tach adding a touch of classic functionality.
THE DETAILS
Bryan completed all the work himself, showcasing his hands-on automotive skills. The suspension upgrade on the 1968 Chevrolet Biscayne involves using QA1's high-performance suspension components, specifically the QA1 Level 2 full vehicle handling kit.
This kit for 1965-68 GM B-Body vehicles is designed to enhance performance and handling, with a bolt-in installation that integrates seamlessly with OEM components. It includes carefully selected spring rates to optimize performance while maintaining a smooth ride. The level 2 kit features front and rear double adjustable Pro Coil shocks, street upper and lower control arms, front and rear sway bars, adjustable upper trailing arm, tubular lower trailing arms, and an adjustable panhard bar. Additionally, it comes with a thrust bearing kit and tie rod adjuster sleeves. For vehicles that have been significantly modified from their original weight, the kit is available without shocks, allowing for customized spring rates.
Wilwood Dynalite brakes ensure superior stopping power, while 15x8-inch Corvette rally wheels maintain the car's classic look.
Under the hood lies the heart of the beast—the 468-inch big-block Chevy engine, of which the performance speaks for itself. An Edelbrock intake manifold, a Holley Ultra HP 850 cfm double pumper carburetor, and Hooker Super Competition headers are just a few of the high-performance parts that contribute to the car's impressive power output. The engine is mated to a Tremec TKX transmission, with a Hurst shifter and a Centerforce clutch ensuring smooth and responsive gear changes.
LEARNING AND ADAPTATION
Every build involves a learning curve, and Bryan’s Chevy was no exception. "The TKX has the same rear mounting dimensions as a 700R4, so I was able to purchase a G-Force crossmember that bolted right in," Bryan explains. This kind of practical problem-solving displays Bryan’s hands-on approach and understanding of automotive DIY tinkering.
COMMUNITY AND RECOGNITION
While Bryan does not race the Biscayne, he enjoys its performance and the reactions it garners at local events. "I try to attend the roll-ins in Henderson and Belle Plaine every week, and love going to the Street Machine Nationals," he says. The car has won several trophies at various shows. Reflecting on the build, Bryan emphasizes the value of quality components and proper planning. "QA1 should be the only option to improve the drivability and comfort of your driving experience!" he advises, underscoring the importance of choosing the right parts for the job.
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Bryan’s brother Jeff played a significant role in the project, particularly with the paintwork. "My brother helped out with all the painting support, so I have to throw a shout-out to him!" Bryan says. This collaborative effort added a layer of personal significance to the build, making the final product even more special.
Bryan’s 1968 Chevrolet Biscayne is an impressive blend of classic design and modern performance. His painstaking attention to detail and passion for classic American iron resulted in a vehicle that delivers modern performance wile still paying homage to the golden era of muscle. As it cruises through southeastern Minnesota and beyond, this black beauty grabs attention—rightfully, for its looks, throaty big-block exhaust note, and as the Basque (or Biscayne) language puts it, "azkar joan," or "go fast."
