From Crouton To Chaos: CJ Race Cars Builds The Ultimate LS-Powered Spark

CJ Race Cars has a bit of a secret. It’s not exactly the world’s best-kept secret, but until very recently, one of their wildest projects has been kept almost totally under wraps. That said, inquiring minds want to know, so we figured we’d help them blow the lid off of, wait for it, the world’s fastest Chevy Spark!

Yeah, we know what you’re thinking, and we can’t wait to read 300 Facebook comments stating that exact fact: Cleetus already built the world’s fastest Chevy Spark. Well, yes and no. See, Garrett’s Spark was actually built by the pros at CJ Race Cars. Because of time constraints, that project didn’t really achieve Cameron Johnson’s vision of the ultimate Chevy B-segment terror. Cameron wanted to transform a Spark into a true drag-and-drive car, but Crouton, as awesome as it is, ended up being more of a burnout car.

The team at CJ Race Cars began by sourcing a red Chevy Spark and stripping the entire car of everything but door panels and essential wiring. By the end of the first full day, they had the minute bowtie free of all but its drivetrain and fuel tank. At that point, the car was light enough to lift with a forklift, which made drivetrain removal much easier. From there, it was time to remove the floors and begin doing what the company is known best for: constructing a world-class Funny Car cage.

This Spark is going to be a true door slammer, complete with two seats, the shop’s adjustable titanium foot pedals, an adjustable steering column, and all the safety features you’d expect from something that absolutely has no business being as fast as it’s about to be. CJ Race Cars even engineered the footwell to accept a clutch pedal so the car can be fitted with a manual transmission in the future. Think of it as their version of Cleetus McFarland energy, but with more planning, more safety, and way more long-term intent. 

The project was envisioned with a 500-horsepower LS engine that would be boosted by a 250-shot of nitrous. That’s in stark contrast to the nitrous-aided big-block that powers Cleetus’ infamous Crouton Spark. However, after fabbing a serious cage that’s capable of big speed, CJ Race Cars went all-in with a six-liter Harrell Engine & Dyno LS that’s equipped with not one, but two Forced Inductions turbos. Cameron Johnson estimates the setup will be good for around 1,500 horsepower, or, in other words, probably far more than any sane person would care to control in a Chevy Spark.

Naturally, the car features the kind of chassis setup you’d expect to find under a serious Pro Mod. Out back, it’s all business. A fabricated rear section includes a fully adjustable 4-link, a fabricated 9-inch from Tin Soldier Racecars, and 1.25-inch titanium 4-link bars, which save a little weight. There’s also a 3-inch chromoly anti-roll bar that, along with Innovative Racecraft Black Ops shocks that feature a 7-inch stroke, will hopefully keep the car’s nose down and its rear planted. Up front, adjustable strut cups complement a custom firewall and titanium lower control arms. And the Spark features CJ Race Cars’ hallmark ATI Turbo 400 transmission and TBM brake treatment.

Did we mention that, because much more of its body has been removed, this Spark is actually lighter than Crouton? CJ Race Cars is expecting 4.70s to 4.80s in the eighth, which should translate to deep 9-second passes in the quarter–all from a car that started life as an economy commuter. That’s the beauty of big LS power and a shop that knows how to use it. Cameron Johnson and his pro staff started with a vehicle no enthusiast takes seriously, and turned it into something no enthusiast can ignore. It’s just another reminder that, in this hobby, the craziest ideas are usually the best ones!