VOL.

III ISSUE 3

THE LUXURY JEEP THAT LEAVES SUPERCARS IN ITS DUST

A 950HP, HOLDEN-CONVERTED PONTIAC G8 P.20 CUMMINS IS KING P.28
VIEWS FROM THE TRAIL P.10 MID-SEASON WITH #BROSTANGS P.06
LETTER
FROM THE PUBLISHER DRIVING LINE STAFF
Publisher Nitto Tire
Editor-in-Chief Kristin Cline
CROSSING CULTURES Senior Off-Road Editor Ali Mansour
Truck Editor Matt Moghaddam
From the deserts of Dubai to the streets of Vegas, this issue’s features cross cultures in more ways than one. Director of Audience Growth Mike Sabounchi
Content Coordinator Anna Barrett
UAE1 was sent to Off Road Evolution for a supreme makeover before getting hauled back to Dubai’s deserts.
Nathan Tejeda’s Pontiac-turned-Holden may be U.S.-manufactured, but he’s managed to create something
Cover Photography Tim Sutton
straight out of Australia. Both builds are much more than meets the eye.
Contributors Lori Carey
Mike Garrett
GET TO WORK Jacob Leveton
Mike McGlothlin
Car culture isn’t all fun and games, unless, of course, you love spending time in the garage as much as we do. Kyle Wells
Either way, let’s get to it. Discover why Cummins is king, give a Tundra a lift or make the next step forward Shana Whitford
Byron Yoshida
in getting that long-dreamt-of build out of your mind and progressing toward perfection.

Art Directors Tim de Leon

Herson Contreras
CRAWLING, CRUISING, RACING & SHOWING Gustavo Chen
Alexis Fu
We love the unique, purpose-built cars you drive. Events we’re highlighting in these pages show off the
wide variety of things enthusiasts do with their vehicles, whether that’s grassroots racing, rockcrawling, Account Director Vivian Osugi
Account Manager Kyle Jackson
show-and-shines or beach wheeling. Coast-to-coast events—on both dirt and asphalt—like LS Fest West, Jeep Project Coordinator Randy Wilcox
Beach, Street Car Takeover and Easter Jeep Safari show that car gatherings today are more than just sitting
in a parking lot; they’re about putting your vehicles to their best use. Thanks for letting us come along for
the ride.

Nitto Tire Brand Publishing

GET MORE...
More stories.
More photos.
More car features.
More motorsports.
More trail reviews.
More builder profiles.
More behind-the-scenes.
More live show coverage.

MORE AWESOME CARS.

GET YOUR DAILY DOSE OF
AWESOME AT DrivingLine.com
For past and present issues in digital form,
visit www.drivingline.com/magazine
 ‘ELLO GOV’NA!
Vaughn Gittin Jr. landed in the U.K. for the Goodwood Festival of
Speed, joining fellow team Nitto Formula Drift driver “Mad” Mike
Whiddett. There’s nothing quite as classy as drifting up Lord
March’s driveway.

Photo Courtesy of RTR Motorsports

4 DRIVINGLINE.COM
DRIVINGLINE.COM 5
 BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

44

KYMERA
CUMMINS-POWERED
COLORADO

70
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
DOUBLE
TROUBLE
#BROSTANG STREET
INTERVIEW EVENT COVERAGE STREET CAR TAKEOVER

36
06 VEHICLE SHOWCASE

TECH
ALEX HEILBRUNN’S MONSTER BMW

58
BLUEPRINTS FOR YOUR NEXT BUILD

62
EVENT COVERAGE POWERED UP AT LS FEST

AUSSIE BEAST
74

20 OFF-ROAD/TRUCK
EVENT COVERAGE CRAWLING & CRUISING

10
TECH CUMMINS IS KING

28
TECH SKYJACKING A TUNDRA

30
VEHICLE
SHOWCASE ONE FORD RANGER’S INCREDIBLE JOURNEY

52

READERS’ RIDES

80
DOUBLE EVERYONE IS VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT
WHAT WE DO, AND THAT MAKES IT FUN.

TROUBLE
— VAUGHN GITTIN JR.

VAUGHN GITTIN JR. AND CHELSEA DENOFA

TEAM UP AS TEAM RTR TO CONQUER
FORMULA DRIFT.
Story by Mike Garrett
Photos Courtesy of RTR Motorsports

With the 2017 Formula Drift season entering its final stretch, we
caught up with Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Chelsea DeNofa to talk about their
season so far; it’s the first they’ve been teamed together as Team RTR.

DL: Obviously, making the jump to a two-car team was a big step for you,
what else changed for 2017?
DL: What is the biggest thing you’ve learned working with Vaughn
VGJ: There is a lot of "new" for everyone this year. New team members, and his team this year?
new Ford Performance/Roush Yates engine program, new Bosch ECU
CD: How to have an awesome time at the track! These boys know
with serious data capabilities. Things really started to settle in at
how to do their job with low stress and high enjoyment. I have also
Round 4, and now we’re approaching where we want to be.
learned the importance of having your mind right and keeping
myself focused on mine and the team's goals.
DL: Compared to your past experiences operating your own team, how
have you benefitted from working directly with Vaughn?
DL: How much information is typically shared between you two at an
CD: It's been an awesome change-up. Previously, I was the driver,
event? Has this benefited you in comparison to running as a
logistics manager, chassis guy, engine builder, tire mounter, crew
single-car team?
chief, marketing guy, et cetera. Now I fly in, do my homework, promote
and make brands rad and drive. This has helped me become more VGJ: We’re still working on how to best leverage the two cars to
professional, both behind the wheel and off-track. It's so awesome to get maximum benefit. It's easy to run in circles with different driving
have a team you can trust with the career you’ve been building since styles and approaches to the tracks. There have been some
high school. benefits here and there versus a single-car team, but I expect that
to increase significantly as time goes on.

DL: What has been the most challenging aspect of adding a second RTR CD: We share everything related to the cars: data acquisition,
Mustang to the stable this season? shock setup, tire pressures, temps, as well as lines, speeds, angles
and much more. Vaughn and I have very different driving styles, but
VGJ: The biggest challenge has been taking advantage of the data that
we know how to curve the results to make improvements on both
can be shared between the two cars. That is new to us and it took us
cars. Each lap I take benefits Vaughn and vice versa.
longer than expected to fully leverage. Getting the cars set up for each
track very quickly allows Chelsea and I to focus on dialing in ourselves
behind the wheel.

8 DRIVINGLINE.COM
 DOUBLE TROUBLE
WHEN IT'S TIME TO GO, I'M RELAXED,
FOCUSED AND READY TO SHRED.
— CHELSEA DENOFA

DRIVINGLINE.COM 9
DOUBLE TROUBLE

DL: How would you rate Chelsea’s performance so far?

VGJ: I am really pumped on Chelsea's performance thus far.

There are a lot of new things to him—for example, everything.
We knew this was going to be a development year for him to
align with how we do things and our approach to Formula Drift
competition. We are close to that breakthrough for him that I went
through some years ago. He is gonna consistently be a serious
threat to everyone very soon.

DL: Where would you like to be sitting when the smoke settles at
Irwindale in October?

CD: My goal has been to podium an event this year. I'd like
to finish off the season feeling that I am one with the car and
as though I have a chance to beat any of my competitors—
especially Vaughn!

FOLLOW ALONG WITH FORMULA DRIFT

AT DRIVINGLINE.COM/DRIFT
10 DRIVINGLINE.COM
 JOURNEY TO THE CENTER
OF THE EARTH
Your next “Must-Do Jeep Trail”? Reward Mine in Inyo County,
California, will take you on a journey unlike any other. Get ideas for
your next great adventure at drivingline.com/trail.

Photo by Lori Carey

DRIVINGLINE.COM
11
 CRAWLING
& CRUISING
THE JEEP EVENTS
YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS.
Story and Photos by Ali Mansour

If you’re a Jeep enthusiast, you’ve likely heard about one of the many Jeep-specific events
held across the nation. We spent the first half of 2017 attending a slew of different events, but three
stood out above the rest. We’re referring to Red Rock 4-Wheeler’s Easter Jeep Safari, Jeep Beach,
and Nitto’s Jeep Xperience. Each of the events is extremely different from one another, but they
all have a unique draw that makes them a yearly staple for many.

WHILE THERE ARE STILL MORE JEEP ADVENTURES TO BE HAD IN 2017,

WE’RE TAKING A LOOK BACK AT A FEW OF OUR FAVORITES HERE.
12 DRIVINGLINE.COM
EASTER

CRAWLING & CRUISING

Put on by the Red Rock 4-Wheelers, Easter
Jeep Safari is the ultimate spring break for diehard
Jeep enthusiasts. Now in its 51st year, the annual
Moab, Utah, event has become bigger than ever
with thousands of participants filling up the town

JEEP SAFARI
from all across the globe. There’s no other week-
long Jeep event that blends hardcore off-roading
and epic scenery the way EJS does.

DRIVINGLINE.COM 13
CRAWLING & CRUISING

The views are absolutely amazing in Moab.

This scenic overlook can be found on the Top
of the World trail.

There’s an assortment of named trails in Moab

ranging from easy to extreme. We recommend signing
up for a few of Red Rock 4-Wheeler’s official trail rides
for any first-timers.

14 DRIVINGLINE.COM
 CRAWLING & CRUISING
Moab’s red rock is extremely traction-rich, meaning
you’ll spend most of your time rockcrawling. Given Easter
Jeep Safari is such a major event, you’ll usually end up
running into OE and aftermarket manufacturers on the
trail. Here, KMC Wheels is putting its latest Jeep Wrangler
Unlimited build, dubbed the “Black Badger,” to the test.

DRIVINGLINE.COM 15
CRAWLING & CRUISING

JEEP
While Moab’s red rock trails make it the go-to for hardcore ’wheeling enthusiasts,
Daytona’s historic shoreline offers a family-friendly vacation atmosphere that every level
of Jeeper can enjoy. Most enjoy heading to the beach for vacation—even those with it
in their backyard, so to speak. That’s essentially how Jeep Beach got its start. Founded

BEACH
by the Mid-Florida Jeep Club, the all-volunteer organization had an idea for a Jeep-only
event to be held on the shores of the famed Daytona Beach. Now in its 15th year, the
annual event is a week-long Jeep fest that blends a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere
with plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Yes. There are actually places to ’wheel

your Jeep at Jeep Beach! While offsite trail rides
are available early in the week, there’s also an
obstacle course built on the infield at the Daytona
International Speedway.

Continued on Page 17

16 DRIVINGLINE.COM
 CRAWLING & CRUISING
Another fun feature you’ll find at the Speedway is the
massive vendor show. This year, nearly 200 vendors were on
hand not only demonstrating new products but cutting great
deals on stuff as well. ARB had its project Quicksand Wrangler
on display, which some of you may remember from the 2016
Jeep Experience Alaska trip.

Of course, cruising the shoreline is one of the event’s

biggest draws. On the last day of Jeep Beach, participants were
invited to hit the beach for a giant group cruise. After 2,300 Jeeps
hit the sand, the club stopped counting. It was one of the most
enjoyable traffic jams we’ve ever been a part of.

DRIVINGLINE.COM 19
CRAWLING & CRUISING

JEEP For the 2017 Nitto Jeep Xperience Texas, we found ourselves in two of West
Texas’ premier off-road parks: Katemcy Rocks and Wolf Caves. The second year of

XPERIENCE this Jeep event was capped at 75 vehicles and had an assortment of trails for every
level of experience. Both parks are situated just outside of Mason, Texas, with each

TEXAS
having hundreds of acres of dedicated ’wheeling territory. While this is a smaller annual
event, it’s extremely well organized and has a great balance of people and ’wheeling.

20 DRIVINGLINE.COM
 CRAWLING & CRUISING
K2 would play host as not only a top-notch ’wheeling venue but
base camp to the Jeep Xperience event. Here, participants would get
in some world-class rockcrawling, win thousands of dollars’ worth of
raffle prizes (including a new set of Nitto Ridge Grapplers) and enjoy a
BBQ dinner and live band Saturday night.

Located just a few miles up the road from Katemcy Rocks,

Wolf Caves had similar granite formations, but very unique trails.
Having two parks to split the ’wheeling groups up meant more time
’wheeling and less time idling on the trail. With both parks having
more than 400 acres of accessible trail terrain, we barely scratched
the surface of what they had to offer.

ADVENTURE FURTHER WITH US.

HUGE GALLERIES ON DRIVINGLINE.COM

DRIVINGLINE.COM 21
22 DRIVINGLINE.COM
 AUSSIE BEAST
A 950HP, HOLDEN-CONVERTED PONTIAC G8 Words by Mike Garrett
Photos by Kyle Wells

AUSTRALIAN DOMESTIC MARKET?

TAKE A LOOK AT ONE OF LAS VEGAS'
MOST UNIQUE STREET CARS.
For car enthusiasts in America, it's a common phenomenon to desire the
cars and parts we don't have in this country. Just ask any JDM fan who dreams
of driving a Skyline on U.S. shores or the European fanatic who dreams of home-
market-only BMW models or other Euro brands that aren't imported. What's a
little less common, however, is for the owner of a V8-powered, American-branded
machine to feel the same way. But that's exactly what happened with Nathan
Tejada of Las Vegas, who is the owner of the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT you see here.

DRIVINGLINE.COM 23
AUSSIE BEAST
Nathan knew he wanted the power of GM's legendary LS series V8, but he wanted
it in a platform that was both more roomy and more unique than your typical Corvette
or Camaro. Known as one of the last great Pontiacs before GM shut down the brand in
2009, the G8 was essentially a rebadged VE Holden Commodore sedan imported straight
from Australia, much like the Chevy SS that came a few years later. While he knew the
G8 would satisfy his need for classic V8 performance in a family-friendly sedan, Nathan
wasn't going to stop with a factory-issue model. Instead, he wanted to use the already-rare
Australian import as the basis for a one-of-a-kind build, and he teamed up with the team
at Revolution Street Cars in Vegas to help realize his goal.
When looking for inspiration for the G8 project, it made sense to look toward the
car's homeland, where the Holden Commodore has a large and passionate fan base.
More specifically, Nathan wanted his car to have the look of the hot Commodore HSV
W427 model. On the exterior, Nathan went right to the source, converting the Pontiac into
24 DRIVINGLINE.COM
a Holden by doing full HSV W427 conversion in the front and rear, as well as adding a
Commodore hood fitted with a custom Camaro ZL1 hoodscoop. He also added a trick
front splitter to further build on the race-car look. Not content to just have the car look
like a Holden on the outside, Nathan also gave the interior a big makeover, converting
the steering wheel to Commodore-spec and adding a pair of HSV GTS leather seats.
From the factory, the Pontiac G8 GT came equipped with a potent 6.0L V8, but you
won't find the stock engine under the hood of Nathan's car. He's since upgraded to a
fully built LSX 427 with upgraded internals, a Trick Flow cam and a 1.9L Eaton LSA-style
supercharger up top. On an engine dyno, the setup was good for 950 hp and 900 lb-ft
of torque, which gives the Pontiac-turned-Holden more than enough thrust to back up
its exotic looks. In fact, the idea of a 950 hp sedan with more-than-plenty of room for the
family is just plain awesome.
 AUSSIE BEAST
To handle the additional power, the 6L80 transmission was built by Revolution
Street Cars with a 3,800-rpm stall converter and an Earl's cooler, upgraded pan
and the addition of custom paddle shifters inside. To help keep all of that additional
horsepower in check, the car has also been fitted with a set of Maverick Man adjustable
coilovers, Spohn trailing arms and a set of Cadillac CTS-V Brembo brake calipers up
front. Rounding things out are a set of MRR M228 wheels styled after the ones that
come on the Camaro Z/28. The wheels measure 20x10-inch (front) and 20x11-inch
(rear) and have been fitted with a set of Nitto NT05 tires measuring 255/35R20 and
275/35R20 in the front and rear, respectively.

When you combine a unique base car, an engine outputting nearly 1,000 hp
and a whole lot of influence from Down Under, it's not hard to see why Nathan's G8
was one of our favorite cars at the recent LS Fest West event. We're already looking
forward to seeing what Nathan does next with his "ADM" beast.

DRIVINGLINE.COM 25
AUSSIE BEAST

SPECS
VEHICLE ’08 Pontiac G8 GT

OWNER/HOMETOWN Nathan Tejada / Las Vegas, Nevada

BUILDER Revolution Street Cars

ENGINE Chevrolet Performance LSX 427 V8;

Wiseco pistons; K1 Tech rods; Manley crank;
Trick Flow cam; Injector Dynamics fuel injectors;
Eaton 1.9L "LSA" supercharger; AFCO
supercharger heat exchanger; American Racing
headers; catback exhaust; Fore Innovations twin
fuel pump; 950 hp; 900 lb-ft of torque
(engine dyno)

DRIVETRAIN GM 6L80 built by Revolution Street Cars; upgraded

Camaro transmission pan; Precision 3,800-rpm
stall converter; Earl's transmisison cooler; custom
paddle shifters

EXTERIOR Holden HSV W427 front and rear end conversion;

Holden hood with custom ZL1 scoop; G8 Only
front splitter

INTERIOR Holden Commodore HSV GTS seats; PLX devices

boost, A/F and trans temp gauges; Speed Hut fuel
pressure gauge

SUSPENSION Maverick Man coilovers; Spohn trailing arms

WHEELS MRR M228 20x10" (front) and 20x11" (rear)

TIRES Nitto NT05 255/35R20 (front) and 275/35R20 (rear)

SPONSORS Revolution Street Cars; AFCO/Speedway Motors;

Nitto Tire; G8 Only; Demon 8 Designs

HEY MATE! DON’T GET YOURSELF IN A BINGLE,

VIEW THE FULL GALLERY AT DRIVINGLINE.COM

26 DRIVINGLINE.COM
28 DRIVINGLINE.COM
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DRIVINGLINE.COM 29
 A simple design with unmatched reliability, tremendous performance
potential and rugged, million-mile durability sums up the appeal of the 12-valve
5.9L 6BT Cummins. To thousands of diesel lovers, this 1,100-pound hunk
of iron is the patriarch of the modern diesel performance era. The ¾- and
1-ton Dodge Rams they grace can be made to produce 500 rear-wheel

CUMMINS KING
horsepower (rwhp) with relative ease, rack up more than 20 mpg on the
highway and easily last more than a half-million miles. In addition to being
the powerplant of choice in the truck-pulling game, the 12-valve is a regular
choice in the engine-swap world as well, powering countless Jeep, rat-rod,
muscle-car and dragster projects.

But why, exactly, is a 20-year-old diesel—straddled with ancient injection

technology—so high on everyone’s priority list? From free horsepower and

10 REASONS WHY THE 12-VALVE a near-indestructible design to the immense parts interchangeability that
exists across all model years (including on-road, off-highway and marine

IS THE ULTIMATE DIESEL ENGINE applications), the following 10 reasons spell out why the 12-valve version
of the 5.9L is so legendary.

Story and Photos by Mike McGlothlin & Courtesy of the Manufacturers

30 DRIVINGLINE.COM

1. STOUT CONNECTING RODS
The forged-steel connecting rods found in the 12-valve 5.9L (and
’98.5–’02 24-valve engines) are of an I-beam design and are capable
of easily handling 800 rwhp in stock form. For drag-race and sled-pull
applications, a host of aftermarket companies offer polished, shot-
peened and balanced versions of the factory rod, which can be made
to withstand 1,200 rwhp (give or take) before bending.
2. HEAVY-DUTY
ROD BOLTS
Even though the factory rods can handle north of 800 rwhp, the
stock rod bolts are on borrowed time past this point, as they can back
out with age and increased engine speeds. Luckily, ARP manufactures
heavy-duty rod bolts for the ’89–’02 5.9L, which offer approximately
23 percent more tensile strength than the factory units (PN 247-6303).
3. SIX BOLTS PER CYLINDER
With six 12mm-diameter head bolts per cylinder, the 5.9L Cummins
is rarely ever at risk of blowing a head gasket, even with serious boost
and cylinder pressure in the equation. In fact, the stock head bolts can
stand up to as much as 100 psi of boost before stretching! For this
reason, a lot of 5.9L gurus simply re-torque the factory hardware (versus
adding head studs) before pushing big boost.
4. P7100 (AKA THE HOLY GRAIL)
The most popular 12-valve among diesel enthusiasts is the ’94–’98
version. These engines were equipped with the mechanical Bosch
P7100 injection pump (also known as P-pump or inline pump), which
features six plunger and barrel assemblies, a cam and delivery valves.
When the camshaft rotates (the cam is in charge of the firing order), its
lobes move the six plungers up and down in their respective barrels
(thereby creating injection pressure). Most factory P-pumps were set
at a conservative 12.5 degrees (BTDC), but bumping up into the 18- to
19-degree range is always good for a noticeable boost in power and is
also considered about as far as a daily driven setup should be taken.
In competition sled-pull engines, it’s not unheard of for pumps to be set
at 40+ degrees of timing.
5. FREE HORSEPOWER
Being a mechanically injected engine, you’re not beholden to
electronically interfacing with the ECM when you make fueling changes
on the 12-valve Cummins. This means you can add horsepower with a
few simple handtools and your own two hands. The free mods begin
with the air/fuel-control (AFC) housing, which sits at the rear (top) of
the aforementioned P7100 injection pump. Moving the AFC housing
all the way forward (toward the front of the truck), turning the star wheel
beneath the AFC housing toward the passenger side of the engine,
removing the fuel plate and disabling the turbocharger’s wastegate are
all methods of adding horsepower.
6. INTERCHANGEABLE PARTS
While not everything is interchangeable between the ’89–’93
5.9L and the ’94–’98 versions, a host of parts can be swapped over.
Among the list of interchangeable hard parts includes the camshafts,
connecting rods, the turbos are similar and a P7100 injection pump can
be added to the ’89–’93 engines (in place of the fuel-limited rotary VE
pump) with the right components and know-how. Adding a P7100 to the
first-generation 12-valve engine effectively takes the truck’s horsepower
capability from 350 to 600 rwhp. For those kinds of gains, it’s definitely
worth the hassle of hunting down all the conversion parts you need.
7. AFFORDABLE
INJECTOR UPGRADES
Unlike today’s electronically controlled, common-rail diesel
injectors that can run upward of $3,000 per set, performance injectors
for a 12-valve typically range from $450 to $1,000. One common injector
comes from the 370hp version of the 12-valve used in marine applications.
Made by Bosch, the marine 370 injectors feature a five-hole nozzle with
0.012-inch-diameter orifices (known as 5x12s in Cummins-speak) and
can add up to 100hp.
CUMMINS KING
8. HX35 TURBO
The Holset HX35 found on ’94–’98 12-valve engines is one of the
toughest factory turbochargers we’ve ever come across. Even though it
was designed to see 20 psi of boost in the 5.9L Cummins’ application,
it doesn’t seem to be out of its efficiency range at double the boost.
While making 35 to 40 psi (courtesy of a disabled wastegate), the HX35
not only yields more power but lower exhaust-gas temperature (EGT)
as well. And with a larger (14cm) or modified (ported) factory 12cm
exhaust housing, exhaust flow increases, drive pressure drops and
the HX35 can support 450 rwhp—not bad, considering these engines
start out with 160 to 215 hp at the crank, depending on the model.
9. SIMPLE DESIGN
A cast-iron block and head, forged-steel crankshaft and connecting
rods, an inline-six design and mechanically controlled direct injection
all play into the hands of a powerplant built for maximum reliability
and longevity. A stroke of 4.72 inches (accompanied by a 4.02-inch
bore) yields 359 ci, incredible low-rpm torque and remarkable fuel
efficiency. Along with it being in an inline engine’s nature to produce
gobs of torque, they’re also easier to work on than the V8 competition.
You can pull the turbo in minutes, and a novice mechanic can replace
the water pump in less than an hour.
10. HIGH-FLOW HEADS
Despite all the progress that’s been made with the 24-valve head
design over the years (a 24-valve head has been used on the Cummins
line since ’98.5), competitive sled pullers and drag racers seeking the
most horsepower possible almost always revert back to the 12-valve
cylinder head. In fact, it’s not uncommon to find a 12-valve head sitting
atop a 6.7L Cummins’ block in the upper echelon of diesel motorsports.
With the intake shelf milled off, the intake and exhaust ports opened up
and multi-angle valve jobs with huge valves added, the 12-valve unit
can’t be topped in the flow department. While a worked-over factory
12-valve head can flow extremely well, due to the way they were cast,
there’s only so much material you can remove before you compromise
the head’s structural integrity (they often crack after limited use).
DIESEL-SCHMIESEL. JUST KIDDING, IT’S A BIG DEAL.
KEEP UP WITH US @DRIVINGLINE
DRIVINGLINE.COM 31
SKYJACKING
A TUNDRA
TRANSFORMING TOYOTA’S MOST POWERFUL
½-TON FOR WORK AND PLAY.
Story and Photos by Ali Mansour

The ’14 Toyota Tundra was a big deal in many ways. It not only marks
the third generation of Toyota’s ½ -ton, but this Tundra would be entirely
built and designed on U.S. soil. Competing in the extremely lucrative
½ - ton North American marketplace, the Tundra has consistently charged
a path uniquely its own. With an available 5.7L V8 pushing out 381 hp and
401 lb-ft of torque, the Tundra offered serious go-power and impressive
towing potential of 10,100 pounds on certain models.

Today, the third-gen Tundra continues to be an attractive option for

those looking to transition into a ½ -ton pickup. Thankfully, the aftermarket
has been responsive to these pickups as well. One company, in particular,
that offers an assortment of suspension options is Skyjacker. Having more
than 40 years in the suspension manufacturing business, Skyjacker now
offers everything from basic leveling kits to full-tilt 6-inch suspension
systems for the late-model Tundra platform.

We recently stopped by our local off-road shop, Low Range 4x4, in

Wilmington, North Carolina, to check out the install of Skyjacker’s latest
6-inch kit (TU761PKS-B) on a ’14 Tundra. While you can see a complete
video install at drivingline.com, we’re highlighting the suspension kit’s
details here.

“ ...THE TUNDRA HAS

CONSISTENTLY CHARGED
A PATH UNIQUELY ITS OWN ”

32 DRIVINGLINE.COM
SKYJACKING A TUNDRA

33
DRIVINGLINE.COM
SKYJACKING A TUNDRA
1 3
1 The biggest shift in independent front suspension
lifts over the past two decades has been the transition to
replacement steering knuckles. By replacing the steering
knuckles, you can leave the stock upper control arms in
place. This cuts down tremendously on install time and
complexity. Skyjacker’s Tundra knuckles don’t change the
track width, so the truck remains uniform front and back.
34 DRIVINGLINE.COM
2 To achieve 6 inches of lift, Skyjacker sends new front
and rear crossmembers, which bolt to the stock lower control
arm mounts. To make room for the front differential, you’ll
need to cut out the stock rear crossmember. The heavy-
duty steel crossmembers come powdercoated and can be
optioned with an additional bolt-on skidplate.
3 Toyota did a pretty good job dialing in the front
spring rate on the ’14 models, so Skyjacker built a set
of replacement lift struts that retain the stock coil. This
replacement strut is fit with more dynamic valving to adjust
for larger tires and off-road conditions. To moderate the
suspension travel, a set of bumpstop drop brackets are
also included.
Continued on Page 35
 SKYJACKING A TUNDRA
4 5

4 Skyjacker offers this kit with complete replacement
rear leaf springs. Not only do these springs ride better
than stock, but they eliminate the need to run a lift block.
Working with the new spring set are Skyjacker Black Max
8500 shocks. These are some of Skyjacker’s latest shock
options that provide multi-stage valving and advanced
foam-cell technology. The Black Max shocks have a twin-
tube construction and increased fluid capacity, all in efforts
to reduce heat and maintain consistent shock performance
on- and off-road.
5 This Tundra is a daily driver and occasional off-roader,
so the owner wanted a tire that could go the distance, but
wouldn’t leave him spinning in place in the dirt. Ultimately,
he landed on the Nitto Ridge Grappler in a 35x12.50R20.
This tire’s been touted as the ultimate all-terrain tire, and
with a load-range F sidewall, it can more than handle any
hauling needs of this ½-ton.
6 Fit with the 5.7L V8, the truck still felt plenty strong
on- and off-road. While a numerically higher differential
gear ratio would put things back closer to stock, it isn’t an
absolute necessity. Overall, we were impressed with the on-
and off-road handling. The Ridge Grapplers were extremely
quiet and ride quality was far smoother than stock. While
lifting a ½- ton 6 inches might not be for everyone, it’s a
great option for those looking to increase the attitude and
altitude of their pickup.

SOURCES FIND MORE TRUCK TECH AT

Low Range 4x4, lowrange4x4.com | Nitto Tire, nittotire.com | Skyjacker Suspension, skyjacker.com DRIVINGLINE.COM/TRUCK/TECH

DRIVINGLINE.COM 37
 STREET CAR
TAKEOVER
INDY BRINGS IT
Story and photos by Matt Moghaddam

What do you get when a few car guys invite a bunch of other car guys to
dragstrips across the country, racing everything from daily drivers to dedicated drag
cars in head-to-head, single-elimination rounds for cash? You get Street Car Takeover.

Founded in 2013, Street Car Takeover began as an open gathering of local

car enthusiasts at a track in Kansas City, Missouri, seeking to put their street cars
to the test on the dragstrip. The success of that first event launched a tour of Street
Car Takeover events held in major cities across the country.

Of the 17 major cities Street Car Takeover events now stop at, Indianapolis
is one that stands out as iconic. Home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, local
enthusiasts are no exception when it comes to motorsports passion, and they
brought the heat for this grassroots-style racing event.
38 DRIVINGLINE.COM
STREET CAR TAKEOVER

39
DRIVINGLINE.COM
STREET CAR TAKEOVER

Friday night’s meet and greet is a great way for

attendees to check out each other’s rides, get
to know everybody and get their power numbers
on the mobile dyno rig.

The following day, no-prep racing heats up the

Lucas Oil Raceway. A wide array of available classes
ensures a large variety of vehicles will show up.

40 DRIVINGLINE.COM
 STREET CAR TAKEOVER
Classes include Garage Built, Small Tire, Street Racer,
Extreme Street, Street Outlaw, Front-Wheel Drive, Street
Truck and Daily Driver classes. This kept a level playing
field and allowed for plenty of competitive excitement.

DRIVINGLINE.COM 41
STREET CAR TAKEOVER

No-prep racing, where the track is basically dusted off with no real preparation,
leads to some wild passes down the strip. Other features of the event include
drag racing, roll racing and grudge matches, where local racers settle their
differences at the green light with their own cash on the line. Big daily cash
payouts, upward of $3,000 for class winners, keeps everyone on their toes.

The beauty of Street Car Takeover is that there’s something for

everyone. Whether you’re building a hot rod in your garage, tinkering
with a tuner in your parent’s driveway or have a dedicated race
team, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.

FOLLOW US @DRIVINGLINE
FOR LIVE COVERAGE FROM EVENTS NEAR AND FAR.

42 DRIVINGLINE.COM
facebook: Boost Brigade
9 Vanderbilt, Irvine, CA| 92618
www.boostbrigade.com | instagram:
| 949 588-8300 | www.greddy.com @boost_brigade
| @greddyracing
PEDAL
DOWN.
PULSE
UP.

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acceleration and torque—guaranteed—and installs in about 90 minutes.
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ADOPTING CALIFORNIA EMISSION PROCEDURES. SEE KNFILTERS.COM FOR CARB STATUS ON EACH PART FOR A SPECIFIC VEHICLE.
SILVERADO SLEEPER
We met this animal at Street Car Takeover Indianapolis
and had to know more. A fully built, LS-based, 388-cid,
5.3L motor gets things started. Read the full story at

1,500 HORSES YOU NEVER SAW COMING! drivingline.com/issue12.

Photos by Matt Moghaddam

DRIVINGLINE.COM 45
46 DRIVINGLINE.COM
 LOSE THE LAMBO
THE JEEP FOR THE MAN WHO HAS EVERYTHING
Story by Matt Moghaddam
Photos by Tim Sutton

Roll up to the local Cars & Coffee on a Saturday morning in Dubai, and
you’re sure to find a few cars well into the six-figure price range. With Ferrari,
Lamborghini, McLaren and Maserati on the list of local dealerships, this city is
no stranger to supercars. But a Ferrari 488 Spider is absolutely useless when it
comes to the fastest-growing trend in Dubai’s automotive world—a trend that
begins where the pavement ends.

DRIVINGLINE.COM 47
 When a prominent sheikh from the United Arab
LOSE THE LAMBO

Emirates wanted to build the ultimate high-horsepower

sand toy, he got in touch with Mel Wade, owner of Off
Road Evolution and EVO Manufacturing, in Fullerton,
California. When Mel heard about the sheikh’s plans
for a premium, two-door Jeep JK—dubbed UAE1—he
knew this build had to be unlike any other he had built
before. Not long after their first meeting, the Jeep was
on a boat from the Middle East headed to California for
its makeover.

Over the years, Off Road Evolution has produced

some of the most widely recognized, high-end Jeep
builds in the world. The company pioneered the coilover
conversion and cantilever suspension systems in Jeep
JKs, and it’s now a major manufacturer of Jeep armor
and suspension components, as well as a full-service
off-road shop. Mel wanted to use EVO Manufacturing’s
off-the-shelf production parts on this build while adding
some unique qualities to it that you won’t find on any
other Wrangler.

EVO Manufacturing armor can be found throughout

the build, from the bumpers, rock sliders, inner fender
liners, body armor, tire carrier and more. The half doors
are also from EVO, designed to allow the factory Jeep
half-door windows to be installed with the custom Bestop
soft top. UAE1 is painted with a factory Anvil color,
complementing its tank-like appearance.

Not only must the Jeep perform like a supercar in

the dunes, it also had to look just as fast. Customizing
metal is a costly proposition, but one that can produce
striking, one-off results. In this case, the windshield was
raked 2 inches and the roof was chopped just as much
to give the Jeep a “fastback” look. Both the body and
frame were stretched 9 inches, making the Jeep look
comfortably proportional. A custom rollcage was also
added to accommodate the stretch, but still retains the
simple look of a factory JK cage. The beauty of UAE1’s
design is in its simplicity; it still feels like a JK, but you
won’t find another Jeep like it out there.

Looking further below the surface reveals exactly

why UAE1 weighs in at supercar territory. For starters,
the original 3.8L “minivan motor” was quickly yanked
out. Replacing it with something more appropriate for
the unforgiving sand dunes, a stroked Hemi 6.1L V8
was dropped in—making more horsepower than Mel’s
own Ultra4 race car. The front and rear axles were also
swapped for a pair of Dynatrac high-pinion Prorock 60
axles, with plenty of strength to withstand the nature of
desert driving.

“ NOT ONLY MUST THE JEEP

PERFORM LIKE A SUPERCAR
IN THE DUNES, IT ALSO HAD TO
LOOK JUST AS FAST.”

48 DRIVINGLINE.COM
 LOSE THE LAMBO

DRIVINGLINE.COM 49
LOSE THE LAMBO

While the Jeep Wrangler is a worthy off-road vehicle

right out of the box, its suspension design leaves plenty of
room for improvement. UAE1 received an upgrade treatment,
giving it the perfect setup for jumping sand dunes and
playing in the desert’s playground. Starting off, EVO’s off-
the-shelf, desert racer–inspired, trailing-arm, four-link rear
suspension—capable of 20 inches of travel—was added.
It’s complemented by a Double-Throwdown front coilover
and bypass conversion, capable of 14 inches of travel. The
versatility of having a King coilover and bypass shock on
each corner (that can be tuned specifically for the terrain
and style of driving) is invaluable.

Driving on sand is all about getting the biggest footprint

from the tires to increase traction. It doesn’t get much better
than a set of 40x13.50R17 Nitto Trail Grapplers. Finding a
well-mannered tire that drives as comfortably as a normal
SUV on the pavement, but offers superb off-road traction
was imperative, and that’s exactly why Mel chose the Trail
Grappler for this build. The Nittos are wrapped around a
set of XD228 Machete beadlock wheels, offering plenty of
strength and great style to boot.

The interior followed suit with UAE1’s minimalist, yet

functional, style. A custom-made aluminum dashboard sports
two iPads loaded with LeadNav software, a RacePak gauge
system, custom-stitched front and rear seats and a custom
center console. The factory JK steering wheel and shifters
were left in place, keeping with the original Wrangler look.

When it comes to ultimate toys, UAE1 delivers plenty

of fun both off- and on-road. Although this build is finished,
Mel Wade still has his hands full. The success of UAE1
has already led to a four-door Jeep truck build that will
act as a “chase vehicle” for the owner, providing support
with parts and recoveries. Soon, both rigs will be shipped
overseas to claim their territory on the dunes—something
you could never do with a supercar, no matter how deep
your pockets are.

50 DRIVINGLINE.COM
 LOSE THE LAMBO

NEED TO SEE MORE DETAILS?

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED AT DRIVINGLINE.COM

DRIVINGLINE.COM 51
 #TODDLERDRIFT
Winning counts, but it’s all about the journey. OK, it’s all about
winning. Watch it at drivingline.com/toddlerdrift.

DRIVINGLINE.COM
53
 ONE FORD RANGER’S INCREDIBLE JOURNEY
Story and Photos by Ali Mansour

When it comes to a truck with nine lives, none may be a better example than Jody Treadway’s
’99 Ford Ranger. Purchased more than three years ago in a semi-built but slightly rough condition,
it wasn’t until the Carolina Axle and 4x4 shop owner got his hands on it that the truck would
really spring to life. Having the drive to do some of the hardest trails in the Southeast and the
know-how to build serious 4x4s, Treadway took the Ranger and transformed it into a buggy-
chasing, Mustang-powered monster. Items such as the 1-ton axle conversion, custom multi-link
suspension and 40-inch Nitto Trail Grapplers have been part of the rig’s most recent evolution.

We recently caught up with Treadway as he was blasting around one of his local stomping
grounds, the Flats Off-Road Park in Marion, North Carolina. While you’ll need to head to
drivingline.com for the full video feature and specs, we’re giving you the highlights of this
incredible solid-axle Ranger.

54 DRIVINGLINE.COM
DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’

55
DRIVINGLINE.COM
DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’

Since Treadway wanted more punch when he put

down the skinny pedal, he dropped in a 5.0L Ford V8
from RoHo Racing Engines. The 425hp engine has an
11.7:1 compression ratio, Probe SRS Forged Pistons, Trick
Flow heads, LS valves with Scorpion Roller Rockers and
an Edelbrock Performer intake manifold. BBK headers
allow the engine to breathe freely, while a radiator from
a Ford Explorer was paired with an electric fan from a
Volvo to keep things cool.

Long gone is the truck’s original independent front suspension. In its place is a more durable high-pinion
Dana 60 front axle secured by a three-link with Fox 2.5 air shocks. Adding beef to the 1-ton diff are 5.13 gears
mated to a Yukon Grizzly Locker, axleshafts from East Coast Gear Supply, and Yukon Super Joints. To ensure
steering wouldn’t be an issue off-road, a PSC Motorsports fully hydraulic steering cylinder was mated to an
Ironman 4x4 Fab aluminum tie rod. Other front-axle upgrades include Solid steering knuckles, Four Wheel Supply
steering arms and knuckle tie-in kit, and rod ends and heavy-duty brackets from Barnes 4WD.

Tucked neatly out of harm’s way is a C6 automatic

transmission and Advance Adapters Atlas II transfer case
with a 4.3:1 low-range ratio. Putting a little GM in the Blue
Oval masterpiece is a 14-bolt rear axle, which is attached
to a triangulated four-link with 2.5 Fox Air Shocks. Inside,
the full-float axle assembly is fit with Yukon chromoly
axleshafts, 5.13 gears and a Detroit Locker. Like the front,
a custom tube chassis extends off of the factory framerails.

56 DRIVINGLINE.COM
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DIGITAL 1200

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 DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’
Getting power to the ground are 40x13.50R17 Nitto Trail
Grapplers. These meaty mud-terrain radials are mounted
on 17x9 Raceline beadlocks. Given the mud-soaked and
rocky conditions this truck frequents, the setup has proved
to be extremely effective at finding grip.

’Wheeling hard trails in the South can be brutal on sheetmetal,

and Treadway’s Ranger is a testament to that. While he could’ve
easily converted the Ranger to a more buggy-like vehicle, Treadway
HARD FACTS
VEHICLE ’99 Ford Ranger
enjoys the uniqueness that is the extended-cab Ranger. Even with the
high-clearance front end and dovetailed rear, you’d be hard-pressed ENGINE 5.0L Ford V8
to find a dent-free panel on the little blue pickup. In case the belly
does see daylight, a custom 1¾-inch, 0.120-wall DOM exo-cage will TRANSMISSION C6
keep the occupants safe.
TRANSFER CASE Atlas II (4.3:1 low range)

FRONT AXLE High-pinion Dana 60, Grizzly Locker,

ECGS axleshafts, ECGS drive slugs,
5.13 gears

REAR AXLE GM 14-bolt, Detroit Locker, Yukon chromoly

axleshafts, 5.13 gears

SUSPENSION Three-link front w/ track bar, triangulated

four-link rear, Fox 2.5 air shocks

WHEELS 17x9 Raceline beadlock

TIRES 40x13.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler

MISC 3-inch body lift, Warn 9.5ti winch,

Mohave heater, PRP seats

DON’T LIKE ’EM KEPT PRETTY? WE GOT YA.

GET MORE PURPOSE-BUILT RIGS @DRIVINGLINE

DRIVINGLINE.COM 59

When Alex Heilbrunn took the leap from the Formula
Drift Pro 2 Series to the top Pro Championship Series for
the 2016 season, he knew he needed to double down.
He’d already teamed up with Race Tech Services (RTS) for
trackside support during the 2015 competition season, which
proved a successful move as he immediately dominated
the Pro 2 series after moving into it from Pro-Am.
For the 2016 season, RTS owner Rick Lamber Jr. and
his team tore the existing Pro 2 car down to the bare shell
in preparation for the top Formula Drift Pro Championship
Series. Just a few weeks after the end of the 2015 season,
Heilbrunn’s Pro 2 E46 chassis was having the new stiffer
cage fitted, with several changes and improvements
planned out to focus on better weight balance and ease
of potential trackside repairs in the event of a collision.
Many of the suspension components and settings were
maintained from the Pro 2 setup to provide as much
similarity in steering and driver feel as possible, prepping
for the longer eight-event series. The build’s thoughtfulness
worked out well for Heilbrunn, as he earned his first podium
of the top Formula Drift Pro class just four events into his
rookie season. Heilbrunn would go on to earn Rookie of
the Year honors for the 2016 season, but wouldn’t waste
any time planning for the 2017 season.
2017 would bring a brand-new chassis, designed
from the ground up by Lambert and the RTS team.
60 DRIVINGLINE.COM
ALEX HEILBRUNN’S
MONSTER E46 BMW
Story by Jacob Leveton
Photos by Kristin Cline and Byron Yoshida
Several specific changes were made to further improve
weight balance, with the engine being lowered and the fuel
and dry-sump oil setup moved to offset the driver’s weight.
Airflow, cooling and weight for all components were carefully
planned out, resulting in a substantially stiffer chassis with a
much cleaner appearance overall than previous cars. Under
the hood, RTS built its own mounts for the aluminum 7.4L
LSX engine that was assembled by Millennium Motorsports
in Temecula, California. The engine started with an RHS
high-performance block and upgraded with Comp Cams
and JE Pistons. Power was bumped up with a Whipple
4.5L supercharger, with the power being pushed through
an ACT clutch, RTS four-speed dog box, Driveshaft Shop
driveshaft and Winters Quick Change rear end.
After all is said and done, the RTS-002 chassis
“Monster BMW" pushes out 1,000 hp and 1,000 lb-ft of
torque to the rear wheels, which puts Heilbrunn on par with
the top cars on grid from a power perspective. Suspension
setup has become equally—if not more—important than
horsepower over the past few seasons. After running an
off-the-shelf steering and suspension arm setup for
the past two seasons, Heilbrunn and Lamber worked on
their own solution for the 2017 season. The RTS-FDE46
suspension arm and steering setup has proved to be quite
competitive out of the box, earning a podium at the first
Formula Drift event out of the gate in Long Beach, with two
more trophies coming via the annual Super Drift Challenge
that runs in conjunction with the Long Beach Grand Prix.
On the outside, Heilbrunn’s car wears a black basecoat
with a similar red and silver graphics scheme that Heilbrunn’s
fans will recognize as aligning with previous liveries. However,
under the graphics, the RTS-002 chassis wears Rocket Bunny
Aero with Enkei NT03+M wheels wrapped in Nitto NT05
tires at each corner. Overall, Heilbrunn’s Monster BMW is
one that is both distinctive and functional. The new chassis
has already proved to perform at the top level of Formula
Drift, and he believes the best is yet to come with this car.
 MONSTER E46 BMW
VEHICLE SPECS
’00 E46 BMW M3
ENGINE RHS Aluminum 7.4L LSX by Millennium Motorsports, EXTERIOR Pandem/Rocket Bunny bodykit, Oracle LED Lights,
Comp Cam, 4.5L Whipple Supercharger, Kings Auto Body paint
CSF Radiators, Optima Battery

DRIVELINE RTS four-speed modified dog box, ACT Racing Clutch,
Driveshaft Shop carbon fiber, RTS Winters Package
rear-differential assembly, Driveshaft Shop axles
SUSPENSION/STEERING "RTS-FDE46" Aluminum Billet Kit front suspension,
KRC Power Steering, Feal shocks
SPONSORS Nitto Tire, Driveshaft Shop, Enkei Wheels, ACT,
Kings Auto Body, CSF Radiators, Sparco,
Millennium Motorsports, Oracle Lights, Tilton,
Comp Cams, RHS, Wilwood Brakes, JE Pistons, Winmax,
Whipple Superchargers, Fuel Safe, Optima Batteries,
Heintz Performance, LTMW, KRC, RTS, Feal Suspension

WHEELS/TIRES Enkei NT03+M, Nitto NT05 Tires

KEEP TABS ON ALEX’S PERFORMANCE DURING THE FD SEASON

INTERIOR Sparco Seats steering wheel and belt system,

AT DRIVINGLINE.COM/DRIFT
Tilton throttle-pedal assembly, Wilwood Brakes
and pedal box, Fuel Safe fuel cell
DRIVINGLINE.COM 61
 FEEL THE RUMBLE
The inaugural Spirit of Lions event gathered dozens of
nostalgic dragsters. It didn’t suck.

Photo by Kristin Cline

62 DRIVINGLINE.COM
DRIVINGLINE.COM 63
64 DRIVINGLINE.COM
 PLANNING A BUILD

DRIVINGLINE.COM 65
PLANNING A BUILD

66 DRIVINGLINE.COM
 PLANNING A BUILD

DRIVINGLINE.COM 67
PLANNING A BUILD

SIT DOWN FOR MASTER CLASSES WITH MAJOR BUILDERS

AT DRIVINGLINE.COM/MASTERCLASS

68 DRIVINGLINE.COM
THROTTLE DOWN
JP Gomez powers through to the win during Nor
Cal Rock Racing’s first round of the year. He went
on to sweep all three rounds and secure the 4400
championship. Check in for race recaps from all of the
NCRR and ULTRA4 events at drivingline.com.

Photo by Shana Whitford

70 DRIVINGLINE.COM
DRIVINGLINE.COM 71
KYMERA

72 DRIVINGLINE.COM
 A CUMMINS-POWERED
CHEVY COLORADO UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE
Story and Photos by Ali Mansour

Grabbing your attention in the fast-paced “what’s next” society is

especially challenging. It’s something companies big and small battle
with. In the automotive aftermarket, creativity is king. Sometimes a quality
product just isn’t enough to give your brand the buzz you’re looking for.

Enter Fab Fours bumpers. Its CEO, Greg Higgs, is always looking
for ways to push the envelope. And Higgs did just that with the company’s
’15 Chevy Colorado. It’s called “Kymera,” which is a derivative of the
fabled creature Chimera from Greek mythology. This mythical lion, goat
and snake smashup might not make much sense at first, but once you
dive into the crazy hodgepodge of killer parts on this one-of-a-kind
pickup, it all starts to come together.

To get a closer look at what’s undoubtedly the most modified

Colorado you’ll come across, we took a drive to Fab Fours headquarters
in Lancaster, South Carolina. While you can see the full video and feature
breakdown at drivingline.com, here, we’ll delve into some of what makes
this pickup such a show-stopper.

DRIVINGLINE.COM 73
KYMERA

Built by BD Diesel, the mid-truck-mounted 5.9L

Cummins 12-valve engine received a complete overhaul to
the air and fuel system. Throwing fuel from the BD injection
pump to high-flow injectors and lines, the truck is able to
pump out an impressive 650 hp and 1,200 lb-ft of torque.
To compensate for the heavy fuel mixture, BD added one
of its twin-turbo systems designed specifically for the 6BTA
diesel engine.

Attached to the Cummins engine is a 47HR automatic

from BD Diesel. It spins a geardriven Atlas II transfer case
with a 3.8:1 low range. This geardriven T-case is used to
power AxleTech 4000 steering axles. Fit with air-powered
selectable lockers and a final drive ratio of 5.65:1, the
MRAP-sourced axles are some of the toughest on the planet.
To handle the steering duties, double-ended hydraulic
cylinders were mounted at each axle.

Where the engine would typically reside, you’ll

find a 15-gallon RCI fuel cell, dual Odyssey batteries
and a Be Cool radiator. The handcrafted coilover tower
secures Fox 3.5 coilovers and 4.4 bypass shocks.
These 18-inch travel terrain absorbers are aided by Fox
2.0 bumpstops and work with a double-triangulated,
four-link suspension design.

74 DRIVINGLINE.COM

To fit such an extreme truck, Fab Fours went with an extreme set of treads
from Nitto Tire. The 40x15.50R20 Mud Grappler is one of the tire company’s
most aggressive off-road tires and an excellent choice to get the tremendous
power to the ground. To help increase grip and retain the tire to the wheel, a
custom set of 20-inch beadlock wheels were fabricated. These one-off, 10-bolt
wheels use a type of composites insert that “locks” both inner and outer beads
of the tire when the two-piece wheel is bolted together.
KYMERA
Inside, the Colorado remains extremely spacious. It even retains the niceties of factory
navigation, heated Katzkin leather seats, and power windows! Since the massive engine found
its way into the cab for a better weight balance, a custom engine cover and center console had
to be fabricated. This piece of handcrafted sheetmetal is one of our favorite features on the rig.

While the truck is absolutely over-the-top, great strides were made to keep the
pickup looking like a Colorado. This included building panels to finish out the custom bed
structure to keep the body lines of the midsized pickup intact. To help achieve the low-lift,
big-tire look, the Colorado’s roof was chopped 4 inches. This may not seem like much,
but it was a tremendous undertaking. The seamless conversion also helps exaggerate
the 130-inch wheelbase nicely.

HARD FACTS
VEHICLE ’15 Chevy Colorado SUSPENSION (F/R) Double-triangulated four-link w/ 18-inch-travel
ENGINE 5.9L BD Diesel twin-turbo Cummins Fox 3.5 coilovers and 4.4 bypass shocks,
Currie Antirock sway bar
TRANSMISSION 47RH
WHEELS Custom 20-inch double beadlock
TRANSFER CASE Atlas II (3.8:1 low range)
TIRES 40x15.50R20 Nitto Mud Grappler
FRONT AXLE

AxleTech 4000, stock pneumatic locker,
5.65 gears ARMOR Custom 2x4-inch, 0.250-inch boxed square and GET BEHIND THE SCENES WITH KYMERA
1¾-inch, 0.120-wall tubing chassis IN OUR VIDEO AT DRIVINGLINE.COM
REAR AXLE AxleTech 4000, stock pneumatic locker,
5.65 gears MISC Be Cool radiator, Rough Country LED foglights,
GenRight taillights, Katzkin leather, Dakota Digital
instrument cluster, Warn Zeon 12-S winch DRIVINGLINE.COM 75
POWERED
AT LS FEST WEST
UP
Story by Kristin Cline
Photos by Kristin Cline and Kyle Wells

“Whatever you’re into, the LS is like Legos for motors,”

Jeff Kay explained after lighting up the burnout contest in
his LS-equipped Mazda B2000. The sentiment sums up
why this building-block of an engine is seen in such diverse
builds and why all the activities taking place at Holley’s LS
Fest are the perfect pairing for it. More than 7,000 attendees
dropped in to spectate during this three-day event held at
Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with 430 LS-powered vehicles
showing up to shine, race and just have fun.

76 DRIVINGLINE.COM
 POWERED UP AT LS FEST WEST
NITTO OFF-ROAD CHALLENGE
A new component to LS Fest, and fitting for this inaugural
West Coast event, is the Off-Road Challenge. As seen in
many off-road series, certainly Ultra4, LS engines are the
powerplant of choice to give these competitors the 800-plus
horses they need to be competitive while staying reliable.

Three different categories were run: Unlimited

Truck, Limited Buggy and Unlimited Buggy. Three former
Ultra4 Kings took the podium in the Unlimited Buggy
class, including Loren Healy, Randy Slawson and Jason
Scherer—with Scherer taking first and Healy winning the
“Dash for Cash.” Seeing both buggies and trucks bash
their way around the dirt course at the Speedway offered
a nice variety from an Ultra4 event and the rest of the LS
Fest asphalt-based motorsports.

DRIVINGLINE.COM 77
 CAR CRAFT/MSD DRAG RACING
POWERED UP AT LS FEST WEST

Numerous classes kept the strip hot during LS Fest

West drag competitions, including Street Outlaw, Truck/
SUV, Street King, True Street and Rumble, with everything
from Camaros to Fox-body Mustangs (gasp!) and even a
’41 Dodge Power Wagon. The fastest of the weekend on
the Speedway’s quarter-mile track was Brian Manske with
a 4.962s elapsed time in his ’98 Trans Am.

NITTO/HOONIGAN
TIRE DE FRYO BURNOUT CONTEST
There’s certainly not much of a better way to smear a smile across a
driver’s face than by giving him or her the keys to a car capable of laying
down some serious rubber.

The “Tire De Fryo” burnout contest may not have been judged very
precisely, but amidst drift cars, prerunners and hot rods, it was 17-year-old
Max Gould who took home the trophy—and a new set of Nitto tires. Working
with his father since Christmas to get his 1970 Nova ready to drive, the LS
was a powerful component propelling Max on to a win. We’re looking forward
to getting to know more about Max’s build; look for a feature coming up
soon on drivingline.com.

78 DRIVINGLINE.COM
 POWERED UP AT LS FEST WEST
SHOW-N-SHINE
Most LS Fest participants were there to race in some
form or another—some raced and showed, and others
just shined. Vintage to modern, a little bit of everything
showed up, crediting the LS powerplant with advancing
each of their builds. Price, accessibility, aftermarket support
and reliability have launched the LS on a trajectory that is
quickly surpassing the small-block’s saturation in engine
bays across the U.S.

Nineteen different Show-N-Shine awards were given

out, but Dermie Close’s ’48 Chevy 3100 Pickup took home
the cake with Best of Show.

DRIVINGLINE.COM 79
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 LUCAS OIL DRIFT CHALLENGE

POWERED UP AT LS FEST WEST

Drift competitors honed their skills and ate through
tires during both single and tandem runs. It was much
less polished than watching a Formula Drift PRO level
competition, but people in the crowd were on the edge
of their seats waiting for what would happen next! Rome
Charpentier came out on top in his BMW E36.

LATERAL G QA1 AUTOCROSS/3S CHALLENGE/RACEPAK GRAND CHAMPION ROAD-COURSE RESULTS

Pro Touring builds took the spotlight in the autocross, 3S challenge and road-course
segments of LS Fest West, keeping the blacktop busy all weekend. It was Rich Willhoff’s
’06 Corvette Z06 that ruled the road course and autocross, but Mike DuSold, all the way
from Texas, edged out others by winning the drag portion and 3S Challenge in his ’67
Camaro, coming off last year's LS Fest Grand Champion award.
We don’t know any other event where $150 in registration money will get you three
days of such diverse racing and track time! Get your car ready— LS Fest will take place
next in Bowling Green September 8-10.
Visit lsfest.com for more details.

“I wanted something unique, something different that would stand out in a crowd,"
TAKE A BIGGER BITE OF THE ACTION
DuSold said about his 1,000 hp Camaro that was built at his shop, DuSold Designs.
"Something that would give the Corvette guys ulcers." AT DRIVINGLINE.COM
DRIVINGLINE.COM 81
READERS’ RIDES
What makes your project car or truck special to you? Maybe it’s the unique modifications you’ve made or the familial sentiment
it carries. Whatever the case may be, we love seeing what our readers are building, so keep sharing @drivingline! Maybe it’ll
inspire someone else’s next project.

LEO BARONE - ’06 FORD MUSTANG LEE SANCHEZ - ’94 FORD F-350
Tires: Nitto NT555 G2 Tires: Nitto Trail Grappler

“A friend’s ’69 Mach 1 first turned my attention toward Mustangs back in the late-’70s.
I’ve gone on to own three Mustangs of my own through the years, including this ’06
Ford Mustang GT. As my daily, I always look forward to getting in the driver seat;
the performance and handling of the Mustang, along with its retro styling, keep me
coming back.”
“Ever since my dad pulled into the driveway with his brand-new ’97 Ford F-350, I’ve
always wanted my own. I love this classic body style, and last year I finally had the op-
portunity to start building my own. It’s come a long way from the old farm truck it once
was, but I’m building my dream truck one part at a time.”

QUENTEN RAINES - ’07 NISSAN 350Z DILLON BONNET - ’15 DODGE CHARGER RT
Tires: Nitto NT555R Tires: Nitto Motivo

“My car is special to me because the Z has been in my family for a few generations. My “What makes my car unique is that it truly is different. You don’t really see too many
family has owned the Datsun 280ZX and the 300ZX, so it was only right for me to con- Dodge Charger RTs with a full aerodynamic kit. I took what I’ve seen from different cars
tinue that legacy, while adding my own personal feel to it. I have plenty more changes to and added my own little touches to make mine stand out from the rest.”
come in the near future, which includes a motor swap.”

To be featured in an upcoming issue of Driving Line’s Readers’ Rides, send a few high-resolution photos (min. 300 dpi) along with a brief bio and explanation of why your
car’s special to you to: editor@drivingline.com.

82 DRIVINGLINE.COM