With many index-class racers, there comes a time when they want to move into a heads-up class. That time has come for past NMRA Modular Muscle champion Gary “Hollywood” Parker. Parker, the 2010 Modular Muscle champion, and consistent top-10 finisher, is making the move to Factory Stock in 2015. Up until this year in Modular Muscle, Parker has used a high-compression Four-Valve 4.6 with FR500 heads, Sean Hyland cams, and a stock ’01 Cobra intake. Parker had been running a ‘Glide with the combination, and a FAST system. That is about to change, however.

For Factory Stock, Parker will make the change over to a Coyote engine he purchased from a wrecking yard. Tim Matherly from MV Performance took the engine apart, made sure it was useful, and performed a valve job on the heads, and added Triangle Speed Shop billet oil pump gears. A Dunne-Rite Performance wiring harness makes the swap a little easier while a JLT Performance cold air kit will supply incoming air to the combination. Tim Matherly will also be handling the tuning on the car using DiabloSport software. Parker will rely on an AEM AQ1 datalogger to help make sure he’s getting everything out of the combo.

Instead of his usual ‘Glide, Parker will be using a Chuck Lawrence-built C4 from fellow racer Charlie McCulloch. McCulloch heard Parker was making the move, and he proposed the two trade transmissions. McCulloch wanted the ‘Glide out of Parker’s car, and Parker wanted a C4 so they made the trade and Lenny from Ultimate Converter Concepts told Parker the converter would be pretty close. However, Parker will test it to make sure if any changes need to be made. Kooks 1 5/8-inch headers, a Bassani X-pipe, and Magnaflow mufflers will constitute the car’s exhaust.

Parker will be utilizing a complete UPR Products front and rear suspension on the car, including K-member, front lower control arms, and the company’s Pro-Series rear upper and lower control arms, and anti-roll bar. Bogart Force 5 wheels will remain on the car for the foreseeable future. With the change, Parker’s contemplated swapping out the wheels, but the Bogarts will stay in place at least through the NMRA Spring Break Shootout. Mickey Thompson ET Street Radials will be out back with a Sportsman Radial up front.

Parker’s raced index classes for several years, but he’s wanted to race heads-up for a while. He thought right now would be the perfect time to make the move. “I think I can afford this, and do it right,” Parker says. Plus, he thought the Coyote/automatic package is really competitive in Factory Stock. “This is the most excited I’ve ever been to go racing,” Parker says.

Exedy will be staying on as a sponsor, and though many people don’t know, the company does make automatic parts. Miller Welders remains as a sponsor, as well. With everyone else that has helped with Parker’s program, fellow Modular Muscle competitor Jeff Stafford will act as Parker’s crew chief for 2015. “I’m very confident about who’s helping me, just gotta make sure the driver is ready,” Parker says.