Stock Mini Desert Race Truck

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A

ARussell

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Jun 16, 2008
Threads
5
Messages
48
Location
Newbury Park, CA
Came across these photos of my old desert race truck. I thought I would share. The trick was most parts had to remain stock (except basically the shocks), but the rules were taken to the limit....
 
Sorry, forgot the pics...
ToyotaStockMini_0001.webp
ToyotaStockMini_0003.webp
 
Here's the specs on the vehicle:

Engine:
LC Engineering 22R (2.5 liter)
194hp @ 5,250rpm
196ft/lbs @ 3,500rpm
12:1 compression
44mm Mikuni (side drafts)

Drivetrain:
R series 5-speed (V6 trans with turbo bell housing & input shaft)
4:88 final gear ratio

Suspension Front:
T100 Spindles
28mm 300M torsion bars
Sway-A-Way 4" position & velocity sensitive shocks

Suspension Rear:
8-leaf springs
Works Performance shocks

Dimensions:
Race Weight - 3,200 lbs
Wheelbase - 103"
Track Width - Front - 53.9"
Track Width - Rear - 54.3"
 
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Do you still have the truck? That is a killer paint job. What kind of rpm's does that engine see during a race? 194hp @ 5,250 does that happen very often? I would imagine that most of the time rpm's would be all over the tach on tight technical stretches, but what I am really curious about is how high you guys push it on long straights.
 
The motor ran really really strong and stayed in the 4-6Krpm range most of the race. It was a strong torque motor, but had really good legs. Baja 500 before the speed regulations on the hwy, easily 100+ mph, trying to remember but I think redline was around 7500rpms (maybe a little higher). Can't find the dyno charts...Only needed to let off the throttle every once in a while to let the motor breath on those long hwy sections in Mexico. Truck is gone now, but it was a blast!!!
 
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:clap:

That thing is awesome!!! I have long dreamt of racing baja in a toyota just like that, so sweet. Glad you got to enjoy some time racing. Do you still race baja or have you retired from desert racing??

Gotta say it one more time, DAMN that truck is SICK!!! :beer::beer::beer:
 
Thanks guys. Yeh, I really liked that truck...I race a Class 12 (VW powered buggy) now one or two times a year just to get my fix =) But the Toyota truck had more power and was faster on the road sections.

Best part of racing Baja is hanging out with friends and the amazing scenery you get to race through. It's fun just to go down for the race and chase for some teams too. I still will do that even if not racing.
 
ARussell said:
Thanks guys. Yeh, I really liked that truck...I race a Class 12 (VW powered buggy) now one or two times a year just to get my fix =) But the Toyota truck had more power and was faster on the road sections.

Best part of racing Baja is hanging out with friends and the amazing scenery you get to race through. It's fun just to go down for the race and chase for some teams too. I still will do that even if not racing.
Click to expand...

Right on. Desert racing is something I would love to do some day. Can only afford a crawler right now though :)

Once I finish college though I plan to start racing. Pictures like those you posted are a big inspiration :D
 
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