Despite it’s subtle appearance, this LTD wagon runs 6-seconds in the 1/8th mile.
The 1983 Ford LTD Wagon was basically the polar opposite of a performance car in it’s time. But, like so many other racers who own a Ford from the 80s, this frumpy family hauler is improved via a twin-turbo, GM LS-based small block. While the engine doesn’t make it any better looking, the boosted 4.8-liter V8 makes this an incredible sleeper. Looking like a vehicle that might not run, this GM-powered Ford wagon roasts the rear tires on a slow roll once the boost hits.
The LS-Powered Ford LTD Wagon
This week’s stealthy burnout video comes to us from the jtdandme YouTube channel, and it features a 1983 Ford LTD Wagon doing a smoky, rolling burnout.
We don’t showcase many Ford products here on LS1Tech, but when we do, it is generally powered by an LS-based GM small block. This 1983 LTD is transformed into an awesome sleeper with GM power, a GM transmission and turbochargers from an International diesel engine.
To be exact, this 1983 Ford LTD Wagon is powered by a 4.8-liter GM V8, topped with 6.0-liter LS2 cylinder heads and fitted with an LS9 camshaft. The owner has also added a pair of Garret 60-millimeter turbochargers from an International DT466 diesel engine. Boost levels (in this video) hitting 16psi on 93-octane pump gas.
All of that turbo-LS power is sent to the rear wheels by means of a GM 4L80e automatic transmission and a nine-inch Ford rear differential, fitted with a mini spool.
In the video above, the owner of this twin turbo LTD Wagon is working on some tuning issues. The car begins off in the distance as the driver brings the engine up against the torque convertor. After a few seconds, the LS-powered Ford jumps out of the hole and about 20 feet later, the boost peaks and the rear tires begin to smoke.
The boosted LS keeps the tires spinning as the battered old Ford wagon races off into the distance and it sounds fantastic in the process, so crank up your speakers and enjoy!
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
