January 10, 2008

Building a Champion

KORE KORE News Baja 500, Dodge Ram, Dodge Ram Desert Racing, Dodge Ram Race Truck, Dodge Ram Suspension Lift Kits, Hemi race truck, Kent Kroeker, KORE Racing Today, KORE Racing Today - Baja 1000, Suspension

CLASS: STOCK FULL® / 8100
OWNER/DESIGNER: KENT KROEKER
SUSPENSION: KORE
VEHICLE MODEL: DODGE RAM 2500 4X4
MOTOR: XV Motorsports 5.7 LITER HEMI® V-8
HORSEPOWER: 420
TRANSMISSION: 545 RFE
SHOCKS: 8 FOX RACING SHOX BYPASS
LIGHTS: BAJA DESIGNS SOLTEK® HID
TIRES: TOYO 37X13.50X17 M/T
WHEELS: 17X9 WELD COMMANDO P.R.O.
INTAKE: AEM CUSTOM DRY FILTER
CAGE FAB: WORTHINGTON OFF ROAD
SEATS: CUSTOM MASTERCRAFT PRO 4
GAGES: NORDSKOG
WEIGHT: 6800 LBS.
GEAR RATIO: 4.56:1
RANGE: 370 MILES
TOP SPEED: 126 MPH

We replaced the original motor with an XV Motorsports built 5.7 Hemi that uses all-forged internals, a trick XV aluminum manifold and our own Holley carburetor. The idea being that a .20 over, balanced and blueprinted V-8 that runs a carb would be much more reliable than the OE fuel injection with a plastic manifold. Sean Hyland built this motor and it’s proven to be stone-axe reliable over thousands of race and testing miles.

Since the motor and transmission are not talking to each other via a common computer, we had to have an extensive gauge package. We chose Nordskog gauges for their ultimate reliability and high tech features.

For reliability and simplicity we run two AEM built Mopar ignition computers. The software is great because it permits us to data log, change parameters, and monitor air/fuel ratios. We also use a separate AEM air fuel gage on the co-driver’s side, so we know when to change filters, or if we have a clogged jet or other problem. With a carburetor that runs volatile 110 octane reace fuel, fire is a real concern. Open float bowls during a rollover are not good. For this reason we use an automatic fire suppression system. One pull of a lever and the engine bay and cab fill with foam.

Under the hood there’s a lot going on. Two huge Fox 4.3 inch bypass shocks provide maximum bottoming resistance while two Fox 3.0’s provide control. Class rules mandate that stock brakes, radiator and steering components be retained. It takes some creative thinking to make it all work.

Two transmission fluid coolers, one engine oil cooler, two fuel cells and four big shocks make it happen out back. For safety, all fueling is done on the driver’s side while the exhaust exits on the passenger side.