Ssrrrrrrrr

If Detroit Locker and Zora Arkus-Duntov had teamed up to build a pickup, it would have had to be this road-hugging, drag-racing street cruiser. This Duntov-styled SSR has Corvette Grand Sport colors, nasty side pipes, sport suspension, and a Detroit Tru-Trac differential that will take the kind of punishment this beast can dish out. Combine that with trick, custom body add-ons and a supersonic stereo system, and this machine slithers down the highway or screams down the dragstrip in fine style.

Enter Don "The Beachcomber" Johnson, a two-time motorsports champion, and his company, DJ&F International media relations and special vehicle build managers for Detroit Locker. Don combined his two passions: knowledge for making movement happen on the track and his talent for designing an "entire package" vehicle--one with good looks, functionality, and, not to be redundant, speed.Can you spell h-o-r-s-e-p-o-w-e-r? The stock LS1 motor was outfitted with a Magnuson Products' MagnaCharger intercooled superchargers, along with Dynatek exhaust headers and a Magnaflow after-cat exhaust system. With this combination, dyno results registered at 382 hp with 412 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels. This is a whopping increase over the stock rear wheel figures of 262 hp and 294 lb-ft of torque.

And, since horsepower is of no use without good traction, a 4.56 ratio ring-and-pinion and a Detroit Trutrac limited-slip differential were buttoned. Tractech, the parent company responsible for the infamous Detroit Locker and Detroit Tru-Trac, has, in the past, focused on 4x4 and off-road project vehicles. But now with the Detroit Truetrac applications, they are expanding into the street/race area. The company, in association with General Motors, decided to build this one-off, Duntov-themed racer using GM's SSR truck as a base.

To overcome the stock stance Bell Tech springs, with a 3-inch front drop and a 4-inch rear drop, originally designed for the Chevy Trailblazer/GMC Envoy, were used. No other modifications to the original equipment driveline and other suspension were needed. Powdercoated antique gold Halibrand wheels were DJ&F's choice for this cruiser/racer. A close look at these Halibrands reveals the newest two-piece technology, but they still have that "original look" from afar. Up close we see that the wheels are 18s in the front and 19s in the rear. Add knock-off caps and Toyo Proxy tires to complete the package, and this baby gets rolling down the road in total style.

Off the shelf, the Chevy SSR's retro look, with its retractable, top causes more than a few jaw-dropping glances. Add a Jason Hulst design concept with Hulst Design body add-ons built and tooled by Axiom Design Solutions of Costa Mesa, California, and those same jaws are just about dragging the ground. Axiom installed a new grille, front fascia, rear fender brake-cooling inlets, side pipes, aerodynamic rear wing, and a removable tonneau cover for the passenger side. Since the exhaust was converted to side pipes, a custom rear panel was fabricated to eliminate the exhaust opening in the stock item. Although not yet installed at press time, the powder-painted side pipes will soon incorporate cut-outs to provide an open exhaust for racing.

Custom Classic in Pasadena, California, brought the Hulst Design paint scheme to reality with BASF/R-M Paint Division products. Because this SSR was originally red and not available in white, Custom Classic blew it apart for a complete repaint in the traditional Duntov colors of blue and white.The stock interior was modified with Mastercraft seats and five-point harnesses, designed for both safety and comfort. Anticipating just a few instances of head snapping events on the dragstrip, a headrest was incorporated into the driver's seat and Axiom Design Solutions custom fabricated a bolt-in, totally functional rollbar. Also added to the interior were Auto Meter exhaust temp and boost gauges mounted in a sleek custom enclosure, enhancing the look of the stock dash.

When this SSR is not getting down to business on the racetrack, the sound system delivers what every custom cruiser needs: great highs, tight bass, and no static. With limited space for high-tech aftermarket stereo components, the pros at Rawlings Audio of Pasadena, California, with assistance from Image Dynamics and Tru Technologies, used their talents to install an Alpine head unit, a Tru Technologies four-channel amplifier, Image Dynamics wide dispersion lens, 8-inch midwoofer, 10-inch subwoofer, Rawlings Audio custom composite/wood subwoofer enclosure, Schosche wiring, and Mogami interconnects.

Want a nasty ride to chase parts, to win a car show, to blast down the dragstrip, and to road race all in the same day? This Tractech SSR was designed to do it all, and do it in air-conditioned comfort, with the stereo blasting. And, if it rains, don't worry--just hit the button and that power top will envelope you in a comfortable cocoon. DJ&F and its design and build team definitely hit the mark with this one.