This Mad Opel Kadett Has A Flat-Plane-Converted Chevy V8 Under The Bonnet

When this Kadett was made in 1976, Opel probably didn’t expect this to happen to it. Originally available with a maximum of 108bhp, this bright yellow Kadett now pushes out more than 650bhp.

Its 5.7-litre Chevrolet LT5 V8 engine currently revs to a dizzying 10,000rpm. For a while, the engine used the standard cross-plane crank, but - as detailed in an article on Engine Labs from a couple of years ago - the mega Kadett now has a flat-plane crank, allowing it to rev into the stratosphere.

The car competes in hill climb competitions across the world, and is piloted by seven-time national hill climb champion Holger Hovemann.

The Kadett has a little secret, though. The floor pan, engine and greasy bits are all from a C4 Corvette donor car that crashed at some point, and a heavily-modified Kadett body has been slotted on top. So it’s not really a Kadett, but we’re sure that detail won’t stop you enjoying the video above.

Video via Reddit Cars