Network
The Big Three have long dominated the domestic light truck market, and over the last three decades we’ve reached new highs when it comes to the American pickup. The aftermarket certainly has kept up pace with these new pickups, many of which share similar engine architecture with the muscle cars we know and love. So hot rod trucks, while not exactly commonplace, certainly have found their place in the aftermarket, and engine swaps are frequent upgrades, though most truck guys tend to stay “in the family.”
But not Brad Kimbler, a motorcycle mechanic who hails from Washington. After swapping in an old Chrysler 440 V8, Brad decided to do something different, to the tune of an LS1 engine under the hood of his Dodge Ram.
It is a bold move, as pickup truck owners are a fiercely brand-loyal group. Brad’s father actually bought the 1988 Ram brand new, and the truck has been kept quite clean despite being over two decades old. Back then, the top-of-the-line engine was a 170 horsepower 360 Magnum V8, which as you might imagine leaves a lot to be desired. So Brad dumped the Magnum for an old school 440 mill.
But after being disappointed with the fuel economy and power of the old 440 engine, Brad picked up and modified a 2000 Camaro Z28. Impressed with how well the LS1 engines accepted mods, Brad ditched the 440 setup and found a used LS1 longblock for just $600. From there it took another 5 months to get the Ram up and running with the new powertrain, and Brad was able to source all the parts he needed from sites like LS1tech.com and eBay. For example, the engine itself is mostly stock, save for an LS6 intake and F-body headers that just happened to fit. The engine is also backed by a 4l60E automatic transmission, hooked up to a driveshaft from a 1996 Trans Am that ended up being the right length. Other than some underdrive pulleys and a tune, the engine is otherwise stock.
But it sure helps that heavy old Dodge haul some ass! Brad has posted a lot of videos on YouTube of him taking down some very worthy opponents, including a 2000 Mustang GT, a V8-powered Ford Ranger, and even a few BMW’s. And while we have a lot of respect for the hardy 440 engine, the LS1 with even minor modifications is simply in a different class altogether. Brad has definitely taken “being different” to a new level with his Chevy/Dodge mix, but the end result is one awesome, unique pickup. Not that Brad is done with this truck, which he calls a constant work in progress. “I’ll always be seeking more power,” says Brad. We like the way he thinks!
