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Revving Up the Power: Cleetus McFarland’s 840HP Sand Car Transformation
Cleetus McFarland, well-known for his wild automotive adventures, has just unveiled a jaw-dropping upgrade to his sand car, originally snagged for a mere $30,000 on Facebook Marketplace. After sidelining the original engine, he turned to Cordes Performance in Arizona to create a beast out of what was already an impressive vehicle.
The Heart of the Machine: New Engine Specs
The centerpiece of this upgrade is a 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger, which now teams up with a 427 LSX V8 engine—an engine with spirited history, having previously powered Cleetus’ famed Dale truck, known for its stunning performances on the quarter-mile track. The dyno results were spectacular, revealing a substantial increase from 620 to a staggering 840 horsepower. Cleetus himself described the excitement around this power leap, noting, “We have 200 more horsepower.” However, this upgrade brings new challenges, particularly concerning the Mendeola S4 four-speed transaxle, as it’s typically rated for about 700 horsepower.
More than a Blow: The Comprehensive Overhaul
However, the upgrades didn’t stop at the supercharger. The team at Cordes Performance gave the entire car a makeover, incorporating a Holley Dominator ECU for an advanced full-electronic experience. They also installed a new Holley digital dash and added a ten-rib Wegner drive mechanism to better manage the increased boost levels. In a unique twist of creativity, the team modified the beloved old exhaust system to fit perfectly with the new engine—all while maintaining the distinct sound that Cleetus loves.
The Test Drive: A Monster Awaits
The moment of truth came during the car’s first test runs, where it astonishingly outperformed Greg Biffle’s renowned Dark Angel in a roll race. There was an undeniable thrill as Cleetus described the exhilarating experience of executing massive wheelies; he said, “Partial throttle third gear. We only ever wheelied in second.” The excitement was palpable, yet a few issues did arise: a planning error removed the oil cooler, which needs to be reinstalled to keep the engine temps manageable, and the balancer interfered with a chassis plate during wheelies, indicating room for improvement in future runs.
What Lies Ahead: Taming a Powerhouse
This upgrade doesn’t just make the car faster; it places Cleetus at the helm of a beast that merges raw power with advanced technology. While minor bugs need fixing, it’s clear that Cleetus’ sand car is now an extraordinary off-road monster. For adventure enthusiasts and gearheads alike, this transformation highlights the impact of creativity, mechanical skill, and technology on automotive performance.
Conclusion: A Community of Enthusiasts
The enthusiasm surrounding Cleetus and his automotive feats draws from a larger community that values innovation and adventure in performance vehicles. Whether you're a gearhead, sand racing participant, or simply someone who appreciates a well-engineered machine, keeping track of such transformations can inspire your next off-road venture. If Cleetus’ journey has sparked your interest in off-roading, consider joining the growing community of enthusiasts who share tips, tricks, and insights on forums and social media.
Stay tuned for the next chapters in his thrilling automotive saga!
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