Rockstar Performance Garage 1973 Ford Bronco Uses K&N Carbon Fiber Intake System
- Jul 23, 2015
The first generation Ford Bronco was introduced for the 1966 model year as a direct competitor to the popular Jeep CJ5 as well as the early International Harvester Scout. As such, the original concept for Ford’s first compact SUV took a rugged no frills approach to styling and mechanical design. While the first generation Ford Bronco, sold from 1966 to 1977, used axles and brakes from the four-wheel-drive F100, it was an all original vehicle which had a frame, suspension, and body not shared with any other vehicle in the Ford Motor Company lineup. The early Ford Bronco’s short wheel base, solid axles, and optional V8 powertrain have made it very popular with the hardcore off-road community. Perhaps, second only to the Jeep CJ and later Wrangler models.
Nic Ashby launched LDRSHIP designs in 2009 and by 2012 ROCKSTAR Energy Drinks and LDRSHIP designs implemented and built the first active lifestyle owned Performance Garage. Rockstar Performance Garage launched late in 2012 and combined the first true bridge between the Automotive and lifestyle markets. Nic Ashby brings a unique perspective to the automotive aftermarket. Nic grew up on horse ranches in Utah before joining the military following the tragedies of September 11th, 2001. He spent a year serving in the Iraqi desert as an ordinance specialist. When asked what an ordinance specialist does, Nic put it very simply “We found explosives, and used bigger explosives to blow them up.” Given his past, it isn’t surprising that Nic Ashby would choose a first gen Ford Bronco as a Rockstar Performance Garage project. The Ford Bronco offers the kind of utility and maneuverability that would be at home on a horse ranch in Utah, or even the Iraqi desert.
At the heart of this thoroughly modernized classic is a Ford performance racing parts Z363 cubic inch stroker engine. Ford Racing rates this 302 Windsor based small block Ford engine at 500 HP and 450 lb-ft of torque. Transplanting this high-horsepower stroker engine in the Rockstar Performance Garage Bronco was simple because it is based on the classic 302 small block Ford that was optional equipment in 1973. Nothing like original is the FAST Fuel Injection system sitting atop the BOSS 302 cast iron block and taking care of the Bronco’s fuel injection needs. For a build this epic, no run of the mill air cleaner would suffice. Nic chose to adapt a K&N carbon fiber air intake system and high-flow air filter originally designed for the Corvette ZR1 onto the Bronco. The Rockstar Performance Garage 1973 Ford Bronco exhales through dual Magnaflow Exhaust wrapped in Heatshield Products Lava Exhaust and Header Wrap which dumps just in front of the rear axle for maximum ground clearance at the rear of the Bronco.
Of course all of this performance means nothing on the trail without the proper equipment getting that power to the ground. Power leaves the engine through an automatic transmission mated to an Advanced Adaptors Atlas II transfer case. Custom drive shafts from Inland Empire Drivelines reach out the 9” third members in front and back. Inside Detroit Lockers with 5:12 ring and pinion gears turn the Nitro Gear Axle Shafts. ATX 20” Slab beadlock wheels wrapped in Mickey Thompson 38x15.5R20 Baja MTZ mud terrain tires provide traction, while Wilwood brakes provide friction. Gone is the stock first gen Ford Bronco suspension. In its place are Rockkrawler Coilovers with 3-link front and dual triangulated 4-link rear suspension. Since there’s no harm in adding a little modern comfort and convenience to the interior, Rockstar Performance Garage installed a Kicker Audio Bluetooth deck and speakers, Dakota Digital gauges, and even air conditioning via a Vintage Air A/C and Heating unit. Numerous other accessories, such as Bulldog LED lighting and a Warn 9.5xp-s winch only help further the Rockstar Performance Garage 1973 Ford Bronco’s trail readiness. Nic Ashby brought the Rockstar Performance Garage Ford Bronco, along with several other award winning builds, to the 2014 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show and it was featured in the Heatshield Products booth. K&N is excited to see what Nic Ashby and the Rockstar Performance Garage crew brings to the upcoming 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. A more complete build list for the Rockstar Performance Garage 1973 Ford Bronco can be found below: Paint/Body
Front and Rear Bumpers , Custom built Genright Offroad bumper w/winch tray Performance 363 Stroker Ford Racing Crate Engine provided by Lucas Oil Steering and Suspension
Nitro Gear Axle Shafts, 9” Third members with 5:12 Gears Wheels/Tires/Brakes
ATX 20” Slab, Beadlocks Electrical/Lighting
Bulldog Led Lighting 50” bar, back up lights and rock lighting Interior
Wild Horses 4x4 Tuffy box and Center console Accessories
SPIDERWEBSHADE Door covers and Shade top |
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