There's no better place to test the horsepower of a machine than at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah. Setting a record on the salt takes a lot of power and great aerodynamics, and it makes a big statement about how well an engine and vehicle work together. To prove that point, Spal and Hypermax teamed up to build a Ford Ranger complete with a compound-turbo, 6.0L Power Stroke diesel to go to the salt and turn some heads. This diesel-powered project was several years in the making and has been hindered in years past from setting a record because of unfortunate weather conditions in Bonneville.
800hp, 6.0L Power StrokeWhat exactly does it take to make a 6.0L Power Stroke produce enough power to set land-speed records? The base 6.0L International engine was modified internally with lower-compression pistons and forged connecting rods built by Hypermax. Feeding air to the motor are two Hypermax turbos that blow through an air-to-water intercooler. To contain the enormous cylinder pressure, even under boost from the compound turbos, a dynamic head gasket was fitted. Obviously, serious modifications were made to the fueling system to provide enough diesel to match the engine's output. A set of Hypermax Ultimax injectors is controlled by a Hypermax Mach 7 electronic module. A Mach Meter digital display on the dash allows driver Max Lagod to adjust performance output on the fly and also monitor engine readings, such as boost and exhaust gas temperature.
No Ordinary RangerFor this chassis to be safe at more than 200 mph, it has received a lot of modifications over the original Ranger platform. Although the truck looks fairly stock from the outside, it has actually been modified significantly by Roush Racing. The front suspension was fitted with an independent double A-arm suspension and coilover springs to combat the heavy down pressure on the front of the truck during high-speed runs. Braking was upgraded with Wilwood calipers and rotors, and a Simpson parachute slows the truck from high speeds until the conventional braking system takes over. Externally, the truck got a new front bumper, and the bed was covered with sheetmetal to make it more aerodynamic.
To pass tech inspection, a full rollcage was installed that extends into the engine compartment and through the rear window into the bed. The interior of the truck is all race, and any unnecessary weight has been stripped. The driver sits in a Butler race seat with Simpson harnesses, and just in case anybody wants the ride of his life, there's also a passenger seat in the cabin. A Racepak dash data-logging system allows the team to recall information from earlier runs to assist with tuning and setup. Apart from the aforementioned modifications, the rest of the truck is essentially a steel-bodied '02 Ford Ranger and still uses the majority of factory body panels and frame.