This cluster from Florida...
This cluster from Florida 5.0 allowed KJ to utilize the stock location to mount a full array of Auto Meter Sport Comp II instruments. KJ opted for boost, voltage, water temperature, speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, fuel pressure, air/fuel ratio, and fuel level. You can also catch a glimpse of the Grant wheel here. It's attached using the company's antitheft gear, so the wheel can be removed, making the car more difficult to steal.
Juxtaposing a resto-mod stock...
Juxtaposing a resto-mod stock aesthetic of later-model LX seats, recovered by Oscar Barrera using Latemodel Restoration Supply's upholstery kit, the interior is contained by a 10-point, T-top-specific rollcage from Chris Alston Chassisworks. This 'cage adds additional safety and security by bolstering the open roof with multiple bars. The steering wheel is by Grant and is affixed to a Flaming River tilt column. The gauges are from Auto Meter, and they reside in a Florida 5.0 cluster. G-force five-point harnesses and a Stroud window net keep KJ safe at the track.
There's no junk in KJ's trunk,...
There's no junk in KJ's trunk, only a Moroso battery box housing an Optima Yellow Top Spiral Cell battery. One item that hasn't shown up yet-and we stress yet-is a Nitrous Express nitrous kit. KJ has a thing for the juice, so we wouldn't be surprised to see him give in to temptation like Lindsey Lohan at an after-party.
KJ wasn't kidding when he...
KJ wasn't kidding when he said this car was built primarily on Sundays so it wouldn't interfere with his day-to-day magazine duties or Saturday honey-dos. Of course, he didn't do it all alone. Many of those days, his co-conspirator was Saul "The Surgeon" Gutierrez. Sure, Saul got some fame for Extreme Automotive [(818) 883-8184], but we have to think he had serious love for this project to get him over to the shop on Sundays-while his wife was at home pregnant-especially when Grandpa Jones gets moving at 3 a.m. Though she didn't spin any wrenches, KJ's wife Crystal supported the whole project by putting up with his antics.
ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN
Block
FRPP R302
Displacement
347ci
Crankshaft
Scat forged-steel 9000 series
Rods
4.4-in Scat 4340 H-beam
Pistons
SRP forged aluminum
Cylinder Heads
AFR 205
Camshaft
Comp Cams hydraulic w/Comp Pro Magnum hydraulic-roller lifters, beehive springs, magnum 1.6:1 roller rockers
Intake Manifold
Holley SysteMAX II
Throttle Body
Holley 75mm
Fuel System
Rick's Hot Rod Shop AlumaStealth fuel tank; Aeromotive A1000, fuel rails, fuel-pressure regulator; RC Engineering 650cc
Exhaust
JBA 131/44-inch stainless headers, X-shape crossover, high-flow catalytic converters, stainless mufflers and turndowns
Transmission
Performance Automatic Super Comp AODE w/Precision Industries 3,500-stall converter, B&M Hammer shifter, BMR Fabrication driveshaft
Rearend
Chris Alston Chassisworks Fab9 w/Detroit Locker differential, Strange 4.30 and 35-spline axles
ELECTRONICS
Engine Management
FAST XFI
Ignition
MSD Digital 7 Programmable w/HVC Pro Power II coil and NGK BKR 6E
Gauges
Auto Meter Sport Comp II in Florida 5.0 cluster
SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS
FRONT SUSPENSION
K-member
Racecraft
Control Arms
Racecraft
Struts
KW Inox Variant 3 coilovers
Springs
KW 170 lb/in
Brakes
10.75-in Wilwood Dynalite Pro Series w/Racecraft manual brake kit
Wheels
Street: 17x9-in AmercanMuscle.com GT 500-style
Strip: 17x4.5-in Weld Racing Alumastar
Tires
Street: 235/45ZR-17 Nitto NT 555
Strip: 26x7.5-in Hoosier
REAR SUSPENSION
Traction Devices
Chris Alston's Chassisworks antiroll bar
Shocks
VariShock Quick-Set 1 double-adjustable
Springs
VariCoil 150 lb/in coilover springs
Control Arms
Chris Alston's Chassiworks upper and lower
Brakes
12.19-in Wilwood Dynalite Pro Series
Wheels
Street: 17x9-in AmericanMuscle.com GT 500-style
Strip: 17x9.25-in Weld Racing Alumastar
Tires
Street: 275/40ZR-17 Nitto Drag Radials
Strip: 275/40-17 Mickey Thompson ET Street Radials
Chassis Stiffening
Chris Alston Chassisworks 10-point T-top-specific rollcage and Maximum Motorsports full-length subframe connectors