Since the 1970s, a 350-cubic inch Chevrolet V-8 has become the default engine of choice for hot rod builders.
One 1932 Ford at the recent Goodguys Racedeck Salt Lake Nationals, however, proved that there is still plenty of room for variety.
We have taken a closer look at this intriguing creation, powered by a turbocharged Toyota 2JZ engine.
A Japanese powerhouse
The 2JZ family of Toyota engines has been found in a wide array of vehicles made by the Japanese manufacturer. First launched in 1991, the 3.0-liter inline-six debuted in the Lexus GS and Toyota Soarer.
However, the twin-turbocharged 2JZ-GTE version is perhaps the most famous, due to its use in the fourth-generation Toyota Supra.
In standard form, it endowed the Supra with up to 325 horsepower, plus 333 lb-ft of torque. Modified versions are known to produce much more with relative ease.
Taken with a pinch of salt
For JD Youngblood, the proprietor of Youngblood’s Hot Rods, the Toyota 2JZ engine offered the chance to build a special car. His inspiration came from the vehicles used for speed trials on salt lakes.
Youngblood had previously used Mazda rotary engines to compete in the sub-1.5-liter class. However, the rules were changed meaning that rotary engine displacement had to be multiplied by two, such was their potency on the salt.
With experience in building Japanese-powered ‘32 Ford hot rods, Youngblood was happy to experiment with a new engine.
Disrupting the hot rod scene
With friends involved in the Japanese car world, including Toyota Supra fans, the 2GZ engine seemed a perfect choice for Youngblood.
The Utah-based car builder also hoped that the Supra motor would encourage younger generations to become interested in the hot rodding.
Youngblood described the car as being a “disruptor” in the hot rod community, with mixed reactions from seasoned hot rodders. However, he notes that the scene has changed to become more diverse in the past decade.
Big power, big speed
Where no one can take issue with Youngblood’s Toyota-powered ’32 Ford is when it comes to the performance on offer.
The 3.0-liter engine is fitted with a Garrett GTX45 turbocharger, typically producing 22 lb of boost for running on the salt flats.
At this boost level, the engine has 750 to 800 horsepower. But, cranking the dial to 40 lb sees this swell to 1,300 horsepower!
All of this tuning allowed the 2JZ-engined car to set a record of 208.265 mph on the salt flats.
Back to the show circuit
Youngblood’s Toyota-powered ‘32 Ford was just one of the highlights at the Goodguys 2nd RaceDeck Salt Lake Nationals.
The Goodguys show scene is back to a full calendar in 2021. The next major event on the circuit is in Des Moines, IA.
Set to be held from July 2-4, the 30th Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals takes place at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
Following this, the 23rd Summit Racing Nationals are scheduled for July 9-11, at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, OH.
ALSO READ:
RML Short Wheelbase in detail: new supercar, old-fashioned values
Chevrolet Corvette: History Of An American Icon
This restomod Mustang was built by Panoz for Patrick Dempsey