It is well known what a V8 can accomplish in a small pickup. But what is truly exciting is a project like this Chevy Colorado equipped with a supercharged Atlas I6 engine. Instead of choosing the classic LS route, Sky Perry, from the YouTube channel Reignited – Cycle and Automotive, opted for a GM inline 6-cylinder, a “GM 2JZ”, enhanced with a large turbo. After several months of work, the race pickup is now operational and promises thrilling sensations.
The Origins of a Budget Project
It all started with the purchase of a $1200 Colorado with a blown engine. Although known for his Hemi swaps, like on his twin-charged 392 Dodge Magnum, Perry found an Atlas 4.2-liter I6 engine in a Chevy Trailblazer for only $300. This low-cost project ultimately cost him about $7800, including the pickup.
A Herculean Task and High-Level Modifications
The budget would have been much higher without Perry’s manual labor. He estimates dedicating 250 hours to this project. Among the major modifications: the fabrication of a custom exhaust manifold for the VS Racing turbo, tuning via a MaxxECU, installation of an 8.8-inch rear axle, and a 3-inch suspension drop. Remarkably, the original AR5 manual transmission was retained, requiring a custom-machined flywheel. All of this was topped off with a… $100 clutch.
The Community Around the Atlas Engine
Sky Perry was assisted by Calvin Nelson (Nivlac57 on YouTube), a specialist in this engine. Nelson is famous for installing a 1000-horsepower Atlas 4200, nicknamed “AmeriBarra,” in a fifth-generation Camaro and for pushing an I6 Trailblazer into the 10-second quarter-mile club. A community of enthusiasts is forming around these swaps, and that’s great news.
Expected Performance
The pickup was scheduled for a dyno run on September 6th. Although the results are not yet public, Perry expects power exceeding 400 horsepower. Whether it’s fast or not, one thing is certain: with its turbo and manual transmission, the driving experience will be explosive.