The Results
At 153 mph the engine is at 3,900 rpm, and feels as though it could stay there all day. The truck runs along with a coolant temp of 190 degrees, and the exhaust gas temperature stays at 1,150 degrees. The boost pressure is at 22 psi, and the intake air temp is at 130 degrees. The transmission in the racer is the factory 4L80E that came in this truck. The rear axle, however, has been updated to allow quick and easy axle ratio changes. Heath used a Ford 9-inch from a Lincoln Mark IV. The Mark IV axle happened to fit this two-wheel-drive truck perfectly, as it is the exact same width as the Chevy, and the lug bolt pattern matches the truck's original design. The axle ratio used on the 153mph pass was a 2.75. The final overall ratio when in Overdrive is 2.06. The racer rides on Goodyear land speed race tires fitted to wheels specially fabricated for this particular application by Nate Jones Tire in Signal Hill, California.
In the interest of safety, the racer is outfitted with a rollcage and driver cocoon built to Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) specs by John Ramey of Yakima, Washington. The Heath racer features a near-complete factory interior, with factory dash, headliner, door panels, cab surround panels, and carpet. The truck retains functional wipers, lights, power windows, cruise control, stereo, and tilt wheel. McIntosh Auto Body in Ellensburg, Washington, suggested the GM Sandlewood color, telling Heath that this would help enhance the sleek appearance of the truck, and we agree. The Heath team has driven its racer some 2,000 miles on the highway, and reports that it will deliver more than 30 mpg if held to the speed limit. Freeway driving is done in Third Gear because of the 2.06:1 final ratio in Overdrive.