Ian O'Connor

Ford Gran Torino

Race numero SS310 is Ian's icy cool blue '73 Gran Torino Sport CJ (that's Cobra Jet to avoid any confusion). Originally a Georgia car, it was imported from Michigan in May 2007 as a bone stock CJ.

 

The original engine and transmission were removed and stored away, and Ian built himself a 393ci stroker Cleveland coupled to a street / strip C6 with 3000 stall converter. That passes the power to a 9" rear with 3:50 gears and Tru-Trac limited slip diff. Best ET in 2008 was 13.01 @ 105 m.p.h. on slicks but otherwise the car was in street trim with headers through Flowmasters. "And," Ian reminds us, "the car weighs around two and a quarter tons!

 

"I'm looking to get into the 12s with one or two little tweaks; small blocks kick ass!" states Ian.