Chevy V8 Grill.

Posted by Alex in Car & Vehicle, Food & Drinks, Pictures on July 9, 2007 at 4:44 pm


Neatorama reader Trent Whatley sent these awesome photos of a BBQ grill made from a Chevy V8 engine block! This beast may not crank out 500 HP but it does produce 60,000 BTU!

Trent wrote:

My neighbor Terry Bacon had all the torches and welders so he played a big role in that department. The idea has been rolling around in my head for a couple years but I just hadn’t found the time or all the parts to pull it off. I did some internet searching to see if anyone had already built one and that is how I found your site. There are some cars that have been turned into BBQ’s and some BBQ’s that are ran by an engine but I have yet to see an engine that has been made into a BBQ. It’s been an interesting turn of events in the making. When I pitched the idea to some of my friends, most thought I was a little off but after they saw it in working order they were impressed. It is still a work in progress with lots of add-on’s to come. Now that it has proved to be a functional unit it’s time to dress her up a bit. I took it to a local car show this weekend and I think my grill had more lookers than a lot of the cars there. It was definitely the hit of the 4th of July BBQ.

Fantastic! Thanks Trent!

Update 7/13/07: Visit Trent’s website here: V8-Grill – Thanks Gear Head!

Also check out: Neatorama’s Top 10 Coolest BBQ Grills (And Then Some!)

Update 10/17/07: Trent just sent me this updated photo and a new blog for the V8 Grill.


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COMMENT

66 comments to "Chevy V8 Grill."

  1. Nora
    July 9th, 2007 at 10:54 pm

    A neat idea, but I've got mixed feelings... I mean... not to be mean to mechanics, but I'm just not sure I want a grill that makes me look like one of those rednecks with car parts all over their yard.

  2. BSDaemon
    July 10th, 2007 at 1:02 pm

    I agree with Nora.

    How to make yourself look like white trash:
    Step #1: Use a Chevy v8 for a barbeque

  3. The Slapster
    July 10th, 2007 at 1:19 pm

    I guess a freakin' daisy-covered grill is more up your alley then eh? Fine, let these guys enjoy their own style instead of being elitist insulting assholes instead.

    That's some nice work, and I'm not even a motorhead. Hope they mod it to shoot flames out the top also.

  4. Berry
    July 10th, 2007 at 1:56 pm

    I agree, Chevy's are soooo white trash.

    A Ford would be much, much better.

  5. Rick Reynolds
    July 10th, 2007 at 2:02 pm

    Good use for a chevy actually. Very creative, I like it.

  6. Bill
    July 10th, 2007 at 2:16 pm

    Definately a good use for a Chevy.....off the road
    and used for something that just might prove to be a good future for GM's

  7. Jason
    July 10th, 2007 at 2:24 pm

    I guess Chevy's are good for something!

  8. Bill
    July 10th, 2007 at 2:27 pm

    White trash, redneck, are these the only politically correct epithets acceptable to the artsy blogging types or are there others I'm not aware of?

  9. Alex
    July 10th, 2007 at 3:05 pm

    I didn't realize how many people don't like Chevy cars! I thought it was neat - redneck or not. I particularly like how the grill comes with the engine block stand!

  10. richb1tch
    July 10th, 2007 at 3:07 pm

    Snobs.

  11. Trent
    July 10th, 2007 at 4:31 pm

    Hey I resemble that remark (redneck that is) and yes the flame throwing afterburners are in the works complete with a propane powered nitrus injection. This thing is not complete by a long shot but after all the rave reviews from the car show this thing had to go public. Any comments are fine hey we are all entitled to our opinions. I just hope some of you enjoy it. Have a great day!

  12. Micky
    July 10th, 2007 at 5:47 pm

    um, like the most coolest thing ever!!!

  13. Bryon
    July 10th, 2007 at 7:01 pm

    Trent,

    This is the coolest thing ever! I love it! Oh yeah, I want one!!

  14. David
    July 10th, 2007 at 8:32 pm

    COOL!

  15. jewelzc4
    July 10th, 2007 at 9:42 pm

    absolutely fantastic. and i don't think it is really ment for the yard bbq. this thing is perfect for the races, carshows, anything were tailgaiting is required. brilliant

  16. SVTRob
    July 11th, 2007 at 12:29 am

    That is awesome. How heavy is the top?

    Rob

  17. SpeedRacer
    July 11th, 2007 at 12:52 am

    I love it! It needs a blower though. How many hrs to gut the block? I have a few that are done in the racecar, they would make awesome bbqs.

    (rant)
    I love the "elite" that post here. Wow, must be awesome to have your poop smell like roses. I mean, come on people, its a freakin BBQ. Keeping up with the Jones' in your CCR'ed gated community must really suck huh?
    (/rant)

  18. Norris
    July 11th, 2007 at 2:14 am

    Not sure that would be the best thing for tailgating. I'm sure it weighs a metric shit ton. I really like the idea though. Great execution. I bet that too many hours of work.

  19. Trent
    July 11th, 2007 at 2:16 am

    The top end weighs around 50# and 35 of it is in the one counter balanced head which makes opening the lid easy. Guting the thing was a battle the first go around but you have to enjoy the challenge. I would love to put a blower on this thing so if anyone wants to donate some blown up parts let's do it. Rite now i'm working on the afterburners and a trailer to haul it to shows on. It's still a work in progress as are all big boy toys.

  20. Jon
    July 11th, 2007 at 8:00 am

    Very nice. Ford or Chevy, it makes a grill that's also a conversation piece.

  21. Chip Bryant
    July 11th, 2007 at 8:51 am

    That thing is killer. I make custom furniture from car and dngine parts. Much cooler than my oil pan grill.
    [IMG]http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e121/cyclopsblown34/bbqgrilland garnishmolding001.jpg[/IMG]

  22. Billy
    July 11th, 2007 at 9:58 am

    Mmm! Gives your burgers that Valvoline and high-octane gas aftertaste! the creamy goodness of soot and a sprinkling of those nitrogen oxides. Now that's some good eatin'.

  23. Ernest Alvarado
    July 11th, 2007 at 10:35 am

    Hey, let people say what they want to about Chevy. They are leading is about every auto sport there is, and have been in the last fifty years.

    The grill is awesome would like to get one...

  24. Terry Bacon
    July 11th, 2007 at 12:02 pm

    Trent, my neighbor, came to me about this project and I jumped right in. I used my plasma cutter to gut the block and head. I have about 16 hours into this and welding the grates, making the Chevy emblem, welding the zoomies, and fabricating the hinges. Trent has a lot of time into it also. Just wait, the fire will be coming out of it soon. It's been a fun project.

  25. Mathew Reid
    July 11th, 2007 at 7:42 pm

    I want one. Please email me with specifics, thanks! Can you do a Ferrari V-12?

  26. Mr.Vent
    July 11th, 2007 at 9:40 pm

    Looks great...until it starts to stain and corrode. Then it'll look just like your neighbor's excess car parts such as the Chevy catalytic converter - [URL deleted] strewn around their lawn and I can't imagine how heavy that lid is being it's made out of cast iron heads. It's too bad there are no shots or details of the hinge mechanism. I'd like to see what he did there... If you have a gas grill that looks like a car engine, you might be a redneck…

  27. Gary
    July 12th, 2007 at 12:09 am

    I think it speaks for it's self,and the person who built it.He may have just made his fortune,and doesn't know it yet. It would only take someone in the automotive industry to come up with a idea, and who knows where it would go from there.Just my opinion...................

  28. Gear Head
    July 12th, 2007 at 9:26 pm

    Hey I stumbled onto the homepage for this monster, http://www.v8-grill.com. There are a couple more pictures there there as well as it's creator. Be prepared as he revs up the motor and the smoke rolls.

  29. John
    July 15th, 2007 at 9:12 am

    JFC! Some of you people amaze me. Trent has obviously put a lot of time into this unique project and the best comments some of you can type are ones to belittle it? You people would find fault with God! He's not trying to sell it or force it on you, just a simple "hey, look what I've done that some of you may like." Even if you don't like it, do you really feel the need to leave insulting/negative comments?
    It makes you wonder how much other cool stuff is out there that people won't share on the internet because of the "say nothing but negative" a-holes like some of the ones who posted here.
    Trent and Terry, very impressive work and thanks for sharing!

  30. Dan
    July 15th, 2007 at 9:32 pm

    Trent
    The grill was the talk of the family reunion this weekend and puts your brother-in-law's horseshoe pit far off in the shadows, although some BBQ from this amazing grill and playing horseshoes at the same time would be even better!

  31. Alex
    July 15th, 2007 at 11:52 pm

    John, the answer is simple: ability to comment + anonymity of the Internet = trolling.

  32. this guy
    July 17th, 2007 at 10:44 pm

    hey just wanted to say cool idea!!! and the other dudes are just jealous because they didn't think of it first... anyways good work

  33. mark lawson
    July 18th, 2007 at 5:59 pm

    Way too cool! Very neat! Can't wait for the flaming pipes and blower set-up. I would like to suggest rigging a way to turn the balancer to give the apearance that the engine may be running. But, too cool still, would be to rig a spit in place of the cam and use the timing chain set-up to turn it. Might gain some more space by using a deeper pan, too. Good work!

  34. mark lawson
    July 18th, 2007 at 6:06 pm

    Looks good! Bugger all to the nay sayers! Maybe find a way to turn a spit in the old cam site. Using the old timiong chain set-up might work if you find a way to turn the balancer. A belt and electric motor set to look like an alternater might do it. A deeper pan may be needed as well. Good work!

  35. Nathaniel Larson
    July 20th, 2007 at 6:27 pm

    I am really impressed with this grill. It looks great, and I think Trent should make one out of a Ford as well, maybe a big block? I only have one question. How do the steaks taste?

  36. James
    July 23rd, 2007 at 8:08 am

    Hey Ford lover's, don't forget that the most winning engine in North American motor sports is the SBC!!! Trent that is the best F-ing grill ever!!!

  37. Trent
    August 12th, 2007 at 11:21 pm

    Thanks to all who have left comments, good or bad. I have to say that I prefer the positive ones but everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
    if you want to see the latest info and pictures on the grill, check her out at http://www.V8-Grill.com and log onto her BLOG at http://v8-grill.blogspot.com/ and leave us your opinions.

    Thanks for lookin'

    Trent

  38. dementedsluver
    August 14th, 2007 at 7:05 am

    Great idea! Maybe you should come up with plans to build one and put them on a dvd and sell them.

  39. Shaggy
    September 5th, 2007 at 2:28 pm

    Awesome idea, originality at it's best. +1 on the good use for a chevy motor.

    Too bad you weren't selling these, I'd buy one right now.

    Oh and I love all the redneck/white trash bashing. I'm neither, I'm considered a yuppie, and I still think this is a bad ass idea.

  40. Norway
    September 15th, 2007 at 6:23 am

    White trash?
    What do you mean, NOT a good word??

  41. rick
    October 13th, 2007 at 7:32 am

    very neat concept. only thing i would change is the size. for the full blown parties your gonna have to build a big block. less rpm's than a small block, but a lot more room for steaks!

  42. Russ
    October 20th, 2007 at 1:47 pm

    HEY TRENT-- THIS IS THE BEST IDEA I HAVE EVER SEEN!! AS A MATTER OF FACT MY PARTNER WE ISSUED PATENTS BACK IN JANUARY ON A COUPLE OF GRILL DESIGNS. OUR GRILL IS SIMPLY CALLED THE "ENGINE GRILL!" WE ARE JUST NOW STARTING PRODUCTION OF OUR FIRST LINE OF GRILLS THAT SHOULD BE IN STORES THIS SPRING IF NOT SOONER. WE CAME UP W/ THE IDEA 4 YEARS AGO IN JULY. WE WERE BUILDING SOME CHARCOAL GRILLS AND DECIDED TO USE A 440 HEADER AS A SPOKE STACK WHEN IT HIT US AT ONCE. THE ENGINE GRILL WAS CONCEIVED!! WE HAVE ESTIMATED OUR GRILL TO BE BETWEEN $400 AND $500 RETAIL. CHECK US OUT AT OUR WEBSITE FABGRILLS.COM.

    GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR WORK!

    RUSS

  43. Russ
    October 20th, 2007 at 1:50 pm

    SORRY ABOUT TYPING ERRORS! THAT WAS A SMOKE STACK! LLOOOOOLLOOLL LOL

  44. Russ
    October 20th, 2007 at 3:17 pm

    AS A MATTER OF FACT MY PARTNER AND I WERE....

  45. NASCAR1137
    October 24th, 2007 at 5:42 am

    DUED START TO MAKE THEM AS FAST AS YOU CAN I COULD HAVE SOLD 4 OF THEM TODAY!!!! THIS HAS GOT TO BE THE FASTEST BBQ I HAVE EVER SEEN HOPE TO SEE THEM FOR SALE AT THE TRACK.

  46. Russ
    October 24th, 2007 at 7:14 am

    WHAT TRACK DO YOU FREQUENT? DID YOU CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE? IF SO REPLY TO OUT CONTACT AREA!!

    THANKS
    RUSS

  47. zach west
    November 24th, 2007 at 9:26 pm

    nice i really like it could some 1 buy 1 of those and if so how much would it be?? but tht really cool

  48. Russ
    November 25th, 2007 at 5:33 pm

    Thanks for asking Zach. Our grill should be ready for the spring of 08 and the estimated price is going to be around $400. If you would like some more info check out our web site at fabgrills.com.

    Thanks
    And
    God Bless

    Russ Freeman
    Fabgrills

  49. Ivan
    January 9th, 2008 at 8:35 pm

    Nice work Trent!

  50. junior
    January 30th, 2008 at 8:22 am

    where do i buy one?

  51. jackie
    February 19th, 2008 at 7:44 pm

    Trent, that grill is truely an artist in the making, not to worry about Dodge, Ford, or other modles those people really don't get the point. Keep on motoring/bbq

  52. Tammy
    April 28th, 2008 at 3:39 pm

    It's so cool!! My Husband has made one on wheels.Its help him thew the lost of air Teen daughter. I like to send you a picture of it. And tell you That it so cool !!! Too eat a steak in it.

  53. Donna
    April 30th, 2008 at 3:04 pm

    It's practical and art. Does GM know about this? They may consider expanding their line.

    Anyway, I think it's a great way to recycle old auto parts.

  54. Rodd
    May 26th, 2008 at 1:02 am

    It received great reviews around our demolition company. Excellent work ... suggest you check to make sure no lead is released from the metal when heated to high temps though.

  55. Mettsalat
    December 2nd, 2008 at 6:18 pm

    Loving it!! Best Grill ever seen ...

    http://dev.mettsalat.de/grill-selbst-bauen/

  56. TULSABBC
    January 26th, 2009 at 6:49 am

    I like the idea it a great way to be creative I drive a Big Block Chevy and all i have to say is a motor is a motor ford chevy dodge it dont matter they all break and there all basically the same but hey Im a car guy so where do i get one of these

  57. Tea body
    February 3rd, 2009 at 3:14 am

    Can't use a Ford engine, won't start and leaks oil. As for being white trash how is Madonna involved?

  58. Denny the Diamond Guy
    March 10th, 2009 at 9:46 pm

    Hey man these people that want to say that it would be to much trash around the yard,.you must have a opile of it already if one piece is going to put it over the edge.I think that it is a great and i would love to buy one if you would tell me how,.they would love this thing at the Drag Strip.How can i buy one and get it to Manitoba,Canada.If some one knows let me know.Cool idea there dude and keep on cookin,..now that raw or shall i say cooked chevy horse power.Awesome man!!

    Denny

  59. 5D-DAVID
    March 30th, 2009 at 1:42 pm

    LOVE THE GRILL. GOT TO HAVE ONE. SEND ME INFO ON HOW I CAN GIT ONE.

  60. david r
    March 30th, 2009 at 8:36 pm

    that is freakin awesome. why talk trash about someone elses creativity, you don't like it stop looking at it. Gearheaders unite, make of the motor shouldn't matter. There is more chevy small blocks than almost any other motor, would you rather see a hemi go this way instead of in a hotrod.

  61. Gary Ritzke
    July 11th, 2009 at 11:19 pm

    I have to say that Trent Whatley and his neighbor Terry Bacon did a real great job making this grill. I have not owned a grill for over 20 years but would love to own this very special grill. I just wish they were selling this baby because I would be first in line to show how special their grill is and how great it works. I retired from GM a little over a year ago and have heard the same thing from some of these very same people who think we were over paid and under worked GOD BLESS THEM ALL. For until they have walked thirty years in my shoes please do not judge me for I am not judging you. Please understand that some people never seem to work no matter where they are we all know then. So please do not do the same thing to these two great and very special men. For what they have come up with too bad it was not any of you e-mailers then how would you feel about some of these peoples comments about your pride and joy. GOD BLESS THEM

  62. Adam Anderson
    August 6th, 2009 at 11:31 am

    Why the hell is anyone listening to Nora in the first post? No disrespect to the ladies out there, but this isn't meant for you. This is a 100% "Guy Thing", although that doesn't include the "wine and cheese" high-brow metrosexual males. Only men that can fix stuff, hunt, chase women, and think beer is the nectar of the gods are included.
    Anyway, This is the coolest grill I have ever seen, and much respect goes out to Trent and Terry - Right on guys!
    I don't know where the controversy is coming from about it being a Chevy engine, I mean it only makes sense to use one. Trent had a choice - He could either recycle something that didn't run worth a crap anyway, or he could tear apart a perfectly good Ford engine. :)

  63. smallblockchevy
    August 11th, 2009 at 5:24 pm

    You all are saying, Chevy is "redneck".
    Ford's are the biggest redneck vehicles ever made. All you see or hear is a damn diesel piece of shit Ford coming down the highway or road or in your all's case, a "hollar".

    Remember, atleast Ford circled the damn problem.

  64. Gary
    August 30th, 2009 at 6:42 pm

    I love that idea for a grill

  65. Carolina Kid
    October 11th, 2009 at 8:02 pm

    call me what you want I am going to build one I have the parts and the know how I am proud to be a REDNECK at least we have a life beyond GEEKVILLE

  66. Ralph C
    October 15th, 2009 at 5:08 pm

    I cant believe how many close minded people will go ahead and read this and then make a snide comment. This is the greatest idea since puncture proof toilet paper. How do you buy one? By the way- Im from liberal tight ass NY.


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