Video: Midwest Streetcars Makes 755 RWHP With SBE 5.3 Shop Truck

The guys over at Midwest Streetcars are back at it again. No, not on their hit TV show Street Outlaws. This time they are working on Big Chief’s shop truck again, which they have affectionately taken to calling Wanda.

To refresh you memory, the last time we saw Wanda, she was having a little work done. And by work, we mean a “Big Chief” custom camshaft, a ProCharger, Stainless Works headers, and a ProTorque torque converter were being added to the mix to give the little 5.3 some much needed spunk. This left the truck with a healthy lope and 558 horsepower at the rear tires—not bad for a mill that small.

Screen Shot 2017-01-06 at 2.50.54 PM

However, if you’ve ever seen their Discovery Channel show, you are well aware that these guys can’t leave anything alone for very long and, in their minds, there is no such thing as “enough” horsepower. Last time we saw the truck, it was running out of fuel at 8 pounds of boost which left them “stuck” at just over 550 rear wheel horsepower.

To remedy the situation, the stock fuel system was ditched in favor of a dual Aeromotive Phantom setup. These awesome little pumps are typically designed for old school muscle cars that are converting to a modern EFI system, but the way they integrate into any setup makes for a simple installation that is capable of supporting some serious power—which is exactly what the guys are Midwest Streetcars intends to use them for.

Obviously, with their fuel supply problems taken care of, the guys crank the boost up to between 10-11 pounds which rewards them with 622.7 horsepower and 527.8 lb-ft of torque—making this one of the more stout 5.3s we’ve ever seen. But they aren’t done yet either.

Screen Shot 2017-01-06 at 2.49.49 PM

The team then decides that 623 rear wheel horsepower just isn’t enough and that the truck could use a healthy dose of laughing gas. So, they called up the guys at Nitrous Express who gave them a deal on a plate kit for the truck.

The 100-horsepower pill is given the nod and Shearer says in the video that the nitrous is not only being used for the power bump but to cool down the intake charge as well. We’re not sure about you, but adding that much spray on top of a healthy amount of boost made us fear for the life of the stock pistons in the truck. But since this is Big Chief we are talking about, cation is thrown to the wind—since they will probably just build another if it comes apart anyway.

Screen Shot 2017-01-06 at 2.52.15 PM

The nitrous helps the truck make 725.2 horsepower and 635.1 lb-ft of torque in the pull shown in the video and Shearer claims that they ended up making 755 horsepower eventually, which equates to more than 125 horsepower over what the truck made without the spray.

We’ve seen some pretty capable stock bottom end 5.3s in our day, but this is definitely pretty high up on the list as far as power production goes. We can’t wait to see what they have in store for the truck next. Stay tuned for the answer.

About the author

Chase Christensen

Chase Christensen hails from Salt Lake City, and grew up around high-performance GM vehicles. He took possession of his very first F-body— an ’86 Trans Am— at the age of 13 and has been wrenching ever since.
Read My Articles

Drag Racing in your Inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Dragzine, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Dragzine NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

We'll send you the most interesting Dragzine articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

Dragzine NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


Street Muscle Magazine
Hot Rods & Muscle Cars
Diesel Army
Diesel Army
Engine Labs
Engine Tech

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • Streetmuscle Hot Rods & Muscle Cars
  • Diesel Army Diesel Army
  • Engine Labs Engine Tech

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

Dragzine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading