Ep 4. 440 Big-Block Samurai

Roadkill is back with its 8th season and episode 4 named ‘440 Big-Block Samurai’. The episode starts with David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan receiving a request from a viewer to modify a 1975 Chevy Van G10 van, which he has named ‘Suzie’. The guys seem to be in a dilemma, as they have modified many cars but have never worked on a van. Nonetheless, they decide to take up the challenge as they know it would be interesting.

The plan is to equip the van with a 440-cubic-inch big-block Dodge engine and modify it as a 1970s Japanese style show van, which would comprise of a Disco ball, a shag carpet, and a velvet interior. The duo start working on the van and start by removing the rusty old engine, and the interior to make space for the new modifications. However, as they start working on the engine, they realize that the modifications suggested by the viewer were not as simple as they thought.

To fix the engine, they have to cut off the front of the van, create a custom frame, and align the engine with the rear wheels. The additional work makes the project run over schedule. Hence, they decide to convert the van body into a unique Japanese-style mini-truck as that would require fewer parts and would be easier to complete.

The show now takes a twist as they decide to make the mini-truck's body resemble a Japanese Samurai. To make this possible, they buy a 1980 Suzuki Samurai and start reworking the body of the van to fit the Samurai's new design. The duo continues to make gradual modifications such as the Samurai's eyebrows, armor plates, and his traditional loincloth. As they keep working on the vehicle, they find that there is still a lot left to do, and they are not going to meet their deadline.

Despite the shortage of time, they continue with the work and continue doing small modifications to the Samurai's body. They spray-paint the vehicle in a bright red color and then add a few external modifications to make it look even more like a Samurai. Finally, after several days of hard work, they present their final product, 440 Big-Block Samurai, to the owner.

440 Big-Block Samurai is indeed a masterpiece and something that one would have never expected to come out of a Chevy Van G10. The project is a testament to the fact that anything is possible with some hard work and some creative thinking. The Van turned mini-truck, which resembles a Japanese Samurai is something that everyone would like to take a closer look at. David and Mike, with their never-say-die attitude and their unbelievable skills, have proved once again that they can take up any challenge that comes their way.

In conclusion, ‘440 Big-Block Samurai,’ the fourth episode of Roadkill’s 8th season, is a must-watch for all automobile enthusiasts. It’s a brilliant show that has a perfect blend of creativity, innovation, and humor. David and Mike, with their charm and wit, turn this episode into an extraordinary viewing experience.