Alex Hernandez’s Big Wheel 1971 Chevy Caprice Donk
In the world of custom big-wheel cars, few builds stand out quite like Alex Hernandez's 1971 Chevy Caprice. This classic donk isn’t just any Caprice; it’s a head-turning, big-wheel beauty-meets-beast that has won accolades and admiration everywhere it goes. Alex, the owner of Sac Speed Shop and Sac Speed Promotions in Sacramento, California, has a lifelong passion for cars, influenced by his father’s love for muscle cars and low riders. This passion is vividly reflected in his stunning 1971 Caprice, a project that has evolved dramatically over three years.
THE BUILD: A JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION
Alex’s journey with this big wheel Caprice began unexpectedly. "It was a customer build that I ended up buying during the build process," Alex recalls. Ownership changed hands mid-project, and with it, the vision for the car expanded. "We completely changed the powertrain once I acquired it and kept changing the build to go bigger and better throughout the whole build."
The Caprice boasts an all-steel body with a new roof featuring a panoramic sunroof, custom modifications like a shaved firewall, and a cut core support for blower piping. The paint, a custom mix called rose gold, was applied by Alex’s buddy, Jay, adding a unique luster to this already eye-catching donk.
UNDER THE HOOD: LSX POWER
The heart of Alex's donk is an LSX engine built by Geordie at LS Garage. With a displacement of 434 cubic inches, a 9.5:1 compression ratio, and a host of high-performance components, this engine is built for power. It features a Dragon Slayer crankshaft, Callies connecting rods, Diamond pistons, and a Brian Tooley Racing camshaft. The top end includes Lingenfelter LSX casting cylinder heads and a Frankenstein intake manifold, ensuring maximum airflow and efficiency.
Where the brute power — and the unmistakable and intimidating growl — comes is by way of a big ProCharger F1X supercharger adding forced induction, making this Caprice a formidable machine on the strip. The power is managed by a Holley Dominator EFI system and delivered through a Stage 5 4L80 transmission with a Circle D billet torque converter. Sacramento Driveline provided the driveshaft, ensuring durability and reliability.
QA1 SUSPENSION: HANDLING THE POWER
Handling such immense power requires a robust suspension system, and Alex’s Caprice is equipped with a full QA1 big wheel suspension kit. The front and rear suspensions are entirely QA1; this setup includes QA1 springs, shocks, and struts, all installed by Christian at Sac Speed Shop. Complementing the suspension are 16-inch extreme Baer Brakes, providing the stopping power necessary for this high-performance vehicle.
ROLLING ON FORGIATOS
The Caprice rolls on impressive 26-inch Forgiato Wade wheels, finished in rose gold to match the car's stunning exterior. These wheels not only enhance the car's aesthetics but also support the massive Baer brakes, ensuring that performance is not sacrificed for style.
INSIDE THE CAPRICE: LUXURY MEETS PERFORMANCE
Inside, the Caprice features a blend of luxury and performance. The stock Cadillac CTS-V coupe seats have been cut down and wrapped in custom black leather, complemented by Alcantara and suede upholstery. The dash, custom-built by RK Customs, features a Holley 12-inch screen, blending modern technology with the classic style seen throughout. The steering wheel, a Forgiato Wade piece, matches the exterior wheels, maintaining a consistent theme throughout the vehicle.
RECOGNITION AND FUTURE PLANS
Debuted at SEMA 2022, Alex’s Caprice has made waves in the custom car scene. It has been showcased at events like LS Fest West, Hot Rod Power Tour, and Whips by Wade Certified Summer, winning trophies at every show. Despite its success, Alex remains humble and focused on the future. "Patience is key, and things are more expensive than you’d think," he advises those looking to embark on similar projects. His dedication and vision continue to drive the Caprice's evolution, with plans for more events and possibly more modifications on the horizon.
This 1971 Chevy Caprice, with its powerful LSX engine, comprehensive QA1 suspension, and luxurious interior, is no doubt one of the finest big wheel builds in the country, running every bit as good as it looks.
DEDICATED BIG WHEEL SUSPENSION KITS
QA1 offers a comprehensive lineup of suspension systems and components for GM Donk 1971-76 B-Body (Caprice, Impala), Big Box Chevrolet (1977-90 B-Body Caprice and Impala), Bubbles (1991-96 B-Body Caprice and Impala, and 1978-88 G-Bodies. If you're making do with modified suspension parts to accommodate the increased ride height of your big wheels, or want to take your vehicle's performance to new heights, QA1's big wheel products are engineered specifically with the needs of these unique cars in mind.
BROWSE ALL OF QA1'S BIG WHEEL SUSPENSION SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS
