1977 was a good year for the Jeep CJ-5: following multiple upgrades received since its 1950s introduction, the offroader got a completely boxed chassis. And while all-terrain enthusiasts rely on the stronger frame in their adventures, the example we have here is all about sprinting on paved surfaces. And what better way to put it to the test if not a drag race against an S550-generation Mustang GT with the infamous ten-speed auto?
This Jeep has left its factory state way behind, with the engine compartment now housing a Chevy 350-ci (5.7-liter) V8 that has been massaged to 260 horsepower at the rear wheels. Thanks to the 100 shot of nitrous (yep, only a fraction of those bottles' potential is used for now), the muscle number jumps to 370 whp or about 430 ponies at the crankshaft.
And when that engine only has to haul a little over 2,500 lbs (1,130 kilos) with the help of a three-speed automatic and monstrous rear tires that are 33 inches tall and 22 inches wide, you end up with a drag strip animal.
Baltic Supra Racing, the YouTube label that grabbed this Jeep off Craigslist last Christmas, also plans other updates, so expect to see more of the contraption as it gets updated.
Moving on to the Ford, this is a 2018 Mustang GT, but its 5.0-liter V8 has been gifted with bolt-ons, such as a custom air intake, a ported throttle body, a custom exhaust, and others. And the Gen III Coyote now produces around 500 hp at the wheels (over 580 ponies at the crank).
For this race, the 'Stang was gifted with a drag wheel and tire package involving smaller rear wheels that allow the generous sidewalls of the drag radials to help with getting off the line, as well as skinny front rubber, which keeps the rolling resistance low.
With extra muscle at one end and an overly grippy setup at the other end, the hardware in between is taken way past the limit. This shows during the velocity confrontation between between the two vehicles; alas, one of the half-shaft axles calls it quit, though not before the pair of American machines goes down the strip twice.
Without risking to throw too many spoilers your way, we can tell you that both the Jeep and the Mustang are 11-second toys. And while you can skip to the 7:30 point of the clip below for their battle, you should know there's a bonus CJ-5 vs. 10s Nissan GT-R race at the 17:29 timestamp (however, since the latter is a street race, we're asking you not to use such shenanigan as an example and stick to the track, so you can keep things on the safe side).
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
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