Discovery Channel’s Street Outlaws has singlehandedly boosted interest in drag racing over the past few years more than any other television show, movie, or even racing sanctioning body. While much of the fanfare surrounding the breakout hit focuses on the cars on the top of “The List”, a car from a bit farther down the ladder has developed a cult following that rivals that of any of the top cars. “The Cutty”, as it’s known on the show, is the 1982 Hurst edition Oldsmobile Cutlass owned and driven by John Andrade, Jr.

The Cutty first appeared on the show during it’s second season and immediately garnered huge fan support, partially for its unassuming look (small tires, no hood scoop, very stock-appearing) and partially for its unexpected performance (it was, after all, just a small block on nitrous powering the Olds to wheels-up launches and win after win on the show). While we obviously can’t give you an ET for reference, just know that The Cutty’s performances on the streets of Oklahoma City backed up its infamous license plate, which reads “HE GONE”!

The Texas Speed-built 408 features Wiseco internals and PRC 225 heads, fed by the massive 94mm ForcedInductions.com turbocharger.

As hot rodders are known to do, Andrade decided a few months ago that his ride needed more power. Instead of building a larger engine and feeding it more giggle gas, John contacted American Street Rods and laid out a new plan of attack. Gone is the 406-inch nitrous mill and in its place now resides a Texas Speed-built 408 inch LS-based bullet. Replacing the nitrous lines and solenoids is a single 94mm Forced Inductions turbocharger. Tuning duties for the new boosted powerplant will be handled by none other than Mike Murillo, who has spent some time of his own on the streets of OKC. Also new to the Olds, a Glasstek front clip that the crew at American Street Rods is in the process of giving the “stock appearing” treatment. Andrade is quick to thank American Street Rods for their hard work, as they have done virtually the entire build of the car to showcase their capabilities outside their norm, which is the show car arena.

Here’s The Cutty, pre-turbo. The Hurts/Olds paint and “He Gone” plate made the car an instant fan favorite.

When pressed for horsepower numbers, John played the part of the salty street racing veteran to a tee, “estimating” the new combo should make 50-75 HP, an obvious gross miscalculation to ensure he gives any of his Street Outlaws competitors no hint as to what the combo is capable of.

I asked if he had a target “spot” on the show’s infamous Top 10 List he hoped to reach. “Honestly to even be on this list is a feat in itself because of how fast these cars are.” replied Andrade. “So with new setup I’d love to be in the mix from 1-10 and just go out and have fun every time I’m in the car. That’s what it’s built for: FUN!”

It’s safe to say with a gnarly 94mm snail hung out front, Mike Murillo handling the tuning duties, and the crew at American Street Rods on standby to address any chassis issues that arise from the newfound power, Andrade and The Cutty just may march right on up The List, leaving OKC’s finest mumbling “He gone!”

Look for John and The Cutty on an all new season of Street Outlaws, premiering December 29th on Discovery Channel.