Speed & Sound: Colorado Speed
MBRP changes up the tactics of drifting
Story by Budd Stanley, photos courtesy of MBRP
In the world of motorsport, the rulebook often dictates a fairly predictable field of vehicles to compete on the most equal of terms possible. However, this often means that the field is made up of vehicles very similar in design. NASCAR has four different cars that are all identical, and the WRC, DTM and V8 Supercars only have two different cars in each. However, every now and then, an exception to the rules breaks with tradition to shake things up and add interest to the predictable. Tyrrell brought the six-wheeler to Formula 1, Volvo proved a station wagon can be competitive in British Touring Car, and Porsche proved that a 911 could outrun a Land Rover in the dunes of Dakar.
Well, in the Nissan Silvia/240SX-swamped sport of drifting, MBRP has thrown a monkey wrench into the gears of drifting conformity, choosing to build a truck for drifting, rather than a car. MBRP started out with a 2007 Colorado Z71 regular cab short box, but the standard five-cylinder mill would not do, so GM sent over an LS7 crate motor as well as a T-56 six-speed gearbox to provide more sideways motivation. Of course, an LS7 is a particularly potent bit of kit; however, an LS7 with an ATI Procharger supercharger forcing air into the combustion chamber at 22 psi is better, and all told, 1,100 hp is on tap.
A massive amount of bodywork and painting was coordinated by Xtreme Customs. It then went to Hitman Hotrods for caging and as well, the frame was modified to allow for an extremely low ride height. Hitman also fabricated Sprint Cup-style suspension arms with AFCO coilovers and a full floating 9-inch diff fitted with Moser Axles and an Eaton Detroit True Trac differential. Reel Driveline created two different drivelines for the truck to handle different motorsport activities. Street Scene and Reflexxion were brought onboard and put in charge of matching the truck’s cosmetics to its new aggressive nature.
Aeromotive plumbed the very large fuel lines needed to feed the engine with precious fuel. Other contributors include Autometer taking care of keeping the driver informed of the truck’s goings on. Forgeline built two sets of wheels to mount Nitto tires for drifting and Mickey Thompsons for drag duties. Optima batteries provide the charge, Cobra supplied the seating, while Vintage Air keeps the truck comfortably cool when not racing. Of course, MBRP isn’t to be outdone, showcasing its own products with a custom exhaust and manifold directing the gases to the rear.
After two years of design and construction, MBRP is looking to show that this truck will not only be a competent drifter, but could also hold its own as a road course racer, and with the power it’s putting down, the drag strip will most likely also get terrorized by the Colorado. It truly has become a “Jack of all Trades.” As such, MBRP will be using the truck in several display drifting events as well as several other races such as the Silver State Classic.
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