As we expected, the 2021 racing season is off to a great start. Competitors have been chomping at the bit to hit the tracks in the wake of 2020. Last week, we saw a new LS stock block world record with a boosted Fox-body Mustang that ran a 6.69 at 205 mph in the 1/4-mile. Then we caught wind of Derly Medina’s LS-powered 1999 full-size GMC 1500 that set a record as well.
Medina, a Compression Technician by trade, had an appreciation for racing and fast cars at a very early age, even though no one in his family was into racing. He said, “Growing up, I just loved the rush of going fast, and drag racing was what filled the need for speed.” At the age of 13, Medina rebuilt his first engine and can be found in his shop after work building cars and trucks for his friends.
Photos By: Hidalgo Films
Medina purchased his ’99 GMC from his best friend back in 2008. “My buddy was a detective and was not able to street race. So, I was always the driver, and eventually, I took over the whole truck. I’ve been working on this truck for 20-years in total, but the last 13 years with me as the owner.” The full-size truck was street raced back in 2015, and since then, it has taken a more serious turn as a track competitor. “I have never really raced a specific class. Over the years, we’ve participated in local truck shootouts, which is a big deal in Texas. The truck was built for me and my need for speed,” explained Medina. “The biggest goal we had was to be the first LS-powered full-size truck to run sixes in the ¼-mile.”
On May 6th at Houston Raceway, Medina’s GMC, built by Pasadena Speed Shop, achieved its goal by being the first LS-powered full-size truck to run sixes in the ¼-mile. Medina managed to bust off a 6.98 ET at 192 mph with a 1.12 60-foot time. And while this feat is super impressive, we would like to add it was done on the factory frame at a race weight of 3,300-pounds with the driver. With the six-second 1/4-mile goal behind him, Medina is planning on doing some more 1/8-mile racing.
My favorite part of the truck is the way she sits. I catch myself often just staring at her, loving what we built. – Derly Medina
Getting any vehicle in the six-second range takes a good amount of power. Medina and the team decided on a 429 cubic-inch LS with 10.5:1 compression, Dart LSNext block, Callies Ultra Billet crank, Wiseco pistons, and GRP aluminum rods. A massive single Forced Inductions billet GTR 98mm turbo is also in the mix to ensure the LS gets a maximum fill of air in the cylinders at wide-open throttle. Greg Good reworked the 305 Mast Motorsports heads for this combination before Naiser Racing Components assembled the engine in Houston, TX.
ENGINE
- Block: Dart Aluminum LSNext block
- CID: 429 cubic-inches
- Compression: 10.5:1
- Internals: Callies Ultra Billet crank, Wiseco pistons, GRP aluminum rods
- Engine built by: Naiser Racing Components in Houston, TX
- Camshaft: Comp Cams
- Cylinder Heads: Mast Motorsports 305 worked by Greg Good in Houston, TX
AIR and FUEL
- PCM: Holley Dominator
- Engine tuner: Flaco
- Injector size: Billet Atomizer 550
- Pump(s): Waterman Lil’ Bertha
- Regulator: Aeromotive
- Intake Manifold: Mast LS7 4500 with Wilson 4500 elbow
- Throttle Body: Nick Williams High Boost 105mm
POWER ADDERS
- Boost: Single Turbocharger
- Turbocharger System: Aldo Welds in Houston, TX
- Turbocharger Model: Forced Induction Billet GTR 98mm turbo
- Blow Off Valve: Precision Turbo 50mm BOV
- Wastegate: Dual Precision Turbo 66mm wastegate
- Boost PSI: 32-pounds of boost
- Intercooler: none
TRANSMISSION
- Type: M&M Transmission th400
- Driveshaft: Steel Drive Shaft
REAR END
- Gears: 3.70
- Axles: 40-spline gun-drilled
- Spool: 9.5-inch center section
CHASSIS
- Front Control Arms: Suspension work by McFab in South Houston, TX
- Control Arms: Custom upper and lower control arms made for spindle mount
- Front Shocks: Menscer Motorsports Shocks
- Steering Box: Modified Flaming River Pinto rack and pinion
- Rear shocks: Menscer shocks
- Other Rear Mods: Ladder Bars
WHEELS & TIRES
- Front Wheels: RC Components Hammer-S 17×4.5-inch
- Rear Wheels: RC Components Deuce 15X14-inch
- Front Tires: Mickey Thompson ET 27.5×4-inch
- Rear Tires: Mickey Thompson 315 Drag Radials
BRAKES
- Front: The Brake Man
- Rear: The Brake Man
BODY
- Original/Current color: Factory Pewter
- Hood: Original hood with molded fiberglass bubble cowl
PERFORMANCE:
- Best 1/4-mile ET: 6.98
- MPH: 192
- 60ft. time: 1.12
- Horsepower: Approx 2000 horsepower at the wheels
- Torque: Unknown
We would like to congratulate Derly Medina, Pasadena Speed Shop, and everyone else involved in this incredible build, and can’t wait to catch this full-sized beast at the track.