THE 2004 GREAT EIGHT
February 24, 2026
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THE AUTO BUILDER
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While the factory cast-iron four-barrel Q-Jet intake manifolds have performed admirably on literally thousands of GM applications—and if you are picking your engine from a used lot to use in a swap, it will likely be so equipped—every last one of them should be torn off the car and thrown in the dumpster.
THE GRILLEMEISTER
Those who longed for their engines to look as they did back in the old days of multiple-carb setups were out of luck. Cool as they were to look at, there are lots of reasons why the multi-carb setup fell out of favor, and most of them had to do with the fact that they were a bear to sync. The advent of the four-barrel carb was the death for these systems, though the purists among us prayed for a breakthrough. Thanks to Ken Farrell and his company, Retro Tek, those prayers have been answered. Farrell started off converting old mechanical fuel injection systems (Hilborn & Enderle) when the first aftermarket EFI systems became available. His new system, which uses the latest in EFI mated together with the classic Stromburg 97 design, came about when Farrell saw that there was interest in the benefits of EFI, but he also knew that they were lacking in the looks department. The idea was simple take the best aspects of both and add them together.
1175 HP
This engine, and others like it, has opened up a brand-new chapter in the ever-evolving, wild world of Chevrolet power. By design it has a bore and stroke of 4.60 inches by 4.25 inches and Big Chief II heads, which are about 2 inches taller, that feature oval-shaped intake ports. This, they say, is for maximum cylinder filling. Years ago, creative racers would angle-mill heads to arrive at the desired combustion chamber size and to improve the valve angle in combination with the incoming intake flow. These heads are nicknamed “11-degree” heads, as they have been designed with a built-in 11-degree angle right out of the box. There’s no angle milling needed here. A special valvetrain is necessary, along with longer stem valves. Quarter Mile Performance feels that these heads are worth 200 additional horsepower over the very best “shorter” heads.
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Jumping for Joy
Holley LS Fest West's Off-Road Spectacular
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen
Electric Atmosphere at LS Fest West
The scene was electric at LS Fest West, where off-road enthusiasts converged for a wild display of adrenaline-pumping action! From far and wide they came, eager to conquer the freshly minted short course. This track was no joke, boasting treacherous whoops, technical challenges, and heart-stopping jumps that launched machines skyward, holding spectators in rapt attention.
Saturday’s Main Event
Saturday was the main event, as off-road daredevils unleashed their prowess, pushing their rigs to the limit. Amidst clouds of dust, trucks thundered through the course, locked in friendly rivalry, each one vying for the spotlight. While no official victor was crowned, the real winners were the fans, treated to a spectacle of skill and daring.
The Off-Road Pits Experience
As the dust settled between adrenaline-charged sessions, spectators had the chance to dive deeper into the heart of the action. Nestled within the sprawling grounds of LS Fest West, the Off-Road Pits beckoned with an invitation to get up close and personal with the mechanical marvels that conquered the course. Here, enthusiasts mingled with drivers, swapping tales of triumph and strategy, while marveling at the rugged beasts that tore through the terrain just moments before. Whether you were a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the off-road scene, the Off-Road Pits offered an immersive experience, connecting fans directly with the pulse of the event.
Off-Road Madness and Future Excitement
It was a day of highs and lows, spills and thrills, where the spirit of off-road madness reigned supreme. And with whispers of next year’s event promising even greater excitement, the anticipation was already building for the next chapter in this off-road saga.
In the Pits
On the Course
ARTICLE SOURCES
Holley LS Fest West
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
