Let’s just get this out of the way now and say that we miss the Monte Carlo. It was the perfect blend of personal luxury wrapped in a classy and sporty body that was built for the masses. When it was launched in 1970, it was essentially an upscale version of the Chevelle  – or a Chevy version of Pontiac’s Grand Prix.

There was even a high performance version in the Super Sport, offering big-block power and tons of torque. It would make a name for itself in the classic musclecar hobby, only to return during the mid-80’s as an emasculated version of its former self with a 180 HP 305 cubic inch small-block. Although that particular example would live on as a collectible in its own right, it wouldn’t be until the brief period of 2006-2007 that GM would once again install a V8 into it’s mid/full-size coupe.

Even though this time around it featured a 303 HP LS4 V8, the drawback was that it was FWD, a layout it was stuck with since it was relegated to W-body car duty that dated back to its 1995 reintroduction. As a result, most enthusiasts stayed away in droves, fearing the dreaded torque steer commonly associated with FWD vehicles that make any real power.

Sam Buscemi is not so easily deterred. He took it upon himself to grab a 2007 example (the final year for Monte Carlo production), and turn it from a quick daily driver into a car that no one would expect could eat their lunch. No seriously, the car that you’re looking at on this page is packing a whopping 800 FWHP, and an equally impressive 700 pound-feet of torque.

Of course, there are a few things you should know, First, it’s no longer relying on the original LS4 block, but rather, a de-stroked 401 cubic inch version of the 427 LS7 that’s usually found in the C6 Z06 Corvette. Secondly, it’s stuffed full of forged goodies from Callies, Oliver Speedway, and Diamond. The block was topped off by a pair of World Products LS7X heads (shod with Jesel rockers), and a Billet Fabrication intake manifold with a classy Monte Carlo callout on top. The spent gases are expelled through a Jardine Header Palace exhaust system.

Oh, and it’s got a Comp turbocharger hidden under the hood too. All of the power and torque is put to the pavement through a 3.29 gear set from Chevrolet Performance, while a 14-inch Wilwood six-piston braking system brings this W-body to a halt in a hurry.

With everything that has gone into this car, Buscemi credits Matt Snell at Paul’s Automotive for all of their hard work, and immense patience for creating such an incredible monster from an unpredictable source.