Ferrari then later goes on to make succesful trucks such as the Ferrari F4-30 sporco, and the Enzo Ferrari 4x4 SUV as competitors to the ford F-150, and the dodge ram SRT and the ford bronco.
@@jwalster9412 somewhere in the middle, there was a mechanic who had gotten rather rich enough for a ferrari, but the clutch kept failing Being a mechanic allowed him to provide technical data to the faults of the car, but Enzo said "Why don't you fix it yourself? You're a mechanic afterall" and that offended Lamborghini He went on later to create cars to combat against Ferrari
That truck set in the driveway of The Villages for 3 years probably. I used to drive by it once a week. I'm glad somebody got it that understands the work in it.
Literally just came across this thing on Reddit a few days ago and had a ton of questions about it that I didn't think would ever be answered until I saw this video. So glad to hear that the new owner is going to carry on what the original owner / builder started and give this thing the love it deserves. Can't wait to see what happens to it next!
Drop a 360 Modena engine in it. At 3.6 liters it’s small enough to fit comfortably under the hood, but powerful enough to get you criminal charges if you aren’t careful. Plus with the right exhaust, they sound phenomenal!
Anything with DOHC heads isn't going to be "small" for its given displacement. They never are. Having said that, since it is "only" 3.6 liters it might not be bigger than something like a 350 small block.
@@ZboeC5 you are correct. However, putting anything from an older model just doesn’t make sense. DOHC engines are much wider, but a 3.6 or a 4.3 would sound INCREDIBLE not to mention would be just cool in this truck. Second option could be a 5.0 liter from an IS-F. Third option could be a 1J or 2J. All would great options!
As a native Hoosier (and still living in Indianapolis), I love hearing about the random cars... esp Sheriff cars... that somehow make Indiana their forever home. :-)
@@ElizaJane85 Good ole C-ville. The entire police force there hates me, but damn some hilarious stories during my time living there... and working at Pace Dairy... and scavenging parts at Traction Auto.
Love it! 1) Jared is the guy to help on this. 2) A Yota V8 seems like the best choice in my opinion, a nice reliable burbble coming out the back. And you can always sell that 22-RE for decent money.
I love when people say minitrucks are back lol they never went anywhere, just styles changed, imo I would restore it as close to how the original builder had it, hope to see it at some local shows this summer
Yeah for sure. Minitrucks never went anywhere at all, I've been seeing them plenty in the last 10+ years that some people seem to think they hadn't been popular or something. Idk where people got that idea
@@dickfitzwelliner2807 scenes seem to come and go, but there are always dudes out there working on them. I've always seen a few running around my local area for the last 20 years. It hasn't fluctuated much locally, but in the public eye, and larger metro areas, I'm sure that holds more true, I'm just saying, they've always stayed around. Less common, yeah, but at SEMA in 2012 and 2013 there were still mini truck builds present, fresh ones. So...
@goosenotmaverick1156 it's shifted more to full size trucks. I've been helping my buddy work on a chassis for his 2nd gen blazer. It makes both of us feel soooo old
The 2UR out of the RCF is a really cool engine. I have a family member with one and I think that the flat plane v8 in that thing with an x pipe would really give that truck a more exotic feel that would go along with the looks of it. Nothing like a high revving flat plane V8!
Great project choice! This is a great opportunity for a youtuber collaboration. How bout the "I Do Cars" guy and Jared? They're both talented and have done multiple swaps. "I Do Cars" could source the power train. I imagine a Toyota V8 (e.g., Lexus 2UR-GSE), which would give it 400 plus dependable HP. Back it with an automatic for cruising and a little dragging. Maybe V-Tuned and his brothers could refresh the body/paint. Probably impossible to schedule all these guys at the same time. Maybe pass it around for each phase. That way everybody gets content revenue on their own channel. Just a thought
The truck absolutely needs a Ferrari V12 in it no questions asked everything needs to be performance and pristine. This is one of those stories I wish was way longer because I cannot get enough of this awesome mini truck!
That red one in the junk yard was at Speed Way junkyard in East St. Louis just down the road from Gateway race way currently owned by World Wide Technology. I haven't been there in years to see if its still there but I know the truck ran around Collensville IL back in the late 90's early 2000's. It had a camper shell on it at one time. I have pictures of it somewhere. I had to double check to make sure that was the right junkyard and sure enough those radio towers behind the tree line match up with good maps. To the left of the hill is Milan Landfill owned by Waste Management.
As someone with a weird appreciation for small pick ups (old Datsuns etc) and weird little vans, this thing is so cool 😂 would love to have a fully built tube chassis mini truck but lack of money and a workshop is an issue 😂
3400 V6/manual transmission set from a 95+ Tacoma with a TRD supercharger. Plentiful and cheap, maintain Yoda reliability and continuity. They can sound wicked on the right exhaust.
I'd love to get my hands on a extended cab or 4 door taco 1st gen and put in the 3.4 with the factory TRD supercharger or an aftermarket. The stock 3.4 with the supercharger makes around 250 hp stock so I'm sure with the right mods 300 plus is easily achievable.. I noticed there are not a lot of the supercharged tacos floating around. I think Toyota only sold them like that for a few model years.. Ive seen 2 for sale in the past 5 years.. but damn I want to find one.
@@samkurts1236 for real?? You get 21 mpg on 33s in a heavy ass 4runner? I've always heard those get kinda shitty mileage.. I can't find a 1st or 2nd gen Tacoma or any 4runners from the mid to late 90s or early 2000s without 250k or more on them.. I Kno the 3.4 and 2.7 4 cylinder can get 400k miles easy on them when taken decent care of but damn ppl asking 5k for 275k miles or more.. people act like there made from gold n shit..
@@jdubskiwright2380 yeah I averaged 21 miles per gallon I could get 25 on the highway the thing is about these vehicles they're not that heavy they're about $3,400 lb two-wheel drive that order Tacoma version 4,000 lb four-wheel drive so in reality they're light vehicles
@@jdubskiwright2380 and I paid $2,500 with a half rusted out frame out of Virginia and I live in Maryland Baltimore Maryland so it was an hour hour and a half drive just to get this one still in the process of restoring it but she's a beast goes through anything
There are actually quite a few 22re engine performance upgrades that'll give you surprising power if you'd like to keep it stock 4banger mini truck. But I'm definitely interested in seeing what direction you go in. Very cool truck
Thort it had a Ferrari engine, very disappointed,wot about a fiat 130 engine,with six into one exhaust, cheap howl like a motorcycle ! Or fiat Dino 2400,
The custom minitruck craze of the early 90's was an awesome time and this truck brings back memories and feelings of nostalgia. My brother had a custom Nissan 720 that was a magazine feature quality build with all the cool stuff in it, including an Alpine/ Lanzar audio system, lowered stance, custom paint and more. It was so fun riding to school in that truck.
Go nuts, make it mid engine with a mad Ferrari engine in the bed on display, converting the engine bay into a frunk. Yes you loose the bed, but as a one of one show truck, it's not going to be hauling lumber.
@@jwalster9412 not true. They send it to protect the trademark, aka, their branding. They need to do it in order to protect it and not set precedent against them not enforcing it.
Neat, I took those pictures years ago when it was in the villages doing landscaping. Use to see some odd trucks and cars in that area a bit. Nice to see it make a turn around and be on the road again.
I haven't seen too many of the turbo charged 22re motors. I know there great 4 cylinder motors an all but I've heard they don't do well with the turbos.. I thought why the hell not ya know, nobody has ever fully explained to me why exactly.. I know you can do a mild cam, better valve train header and intake and get around 150 horsepower or so out of em and there still reliable but just have not seen a lot of them under boost.. usually if they want boost they go the 4AGE route.. smaller motor but a beast of a 4 banger.. even a 1jz would be sweet in it. I wouldn't even turbo it just build the motor up and make it rev high as hell..just my thoughts
@@jdubskiwright2380 Yeah you're probably right. A mini truck is generally all show and no go, so I'd still vote the UZ swap with just an exhaust would be great to rumble around town with
I remember that thing from back in the day, it was featured in Mini Truck Magazine. There was also a yellow one that was a standard cab Toyota with a fully removable hardtop (Hot Top IIRC). Makes the 80s kid, 80s toyota truck collector (3) and almost 50 year old minitrucker in me very happy that this truck still exists. If it were mine I would go with the 1UZ swap. Plenty of power, Toyota reliability and it is a documented swap (bellhousings, motor mounts etc are available). If I was building one from scratch and money was no object. Yeah, Ferrari V12 in the bed.
The Maserati Quattroporte has a v8 made by Ferrari and is pretty cheap, it's basically the same engine of the f430 and 458 with a cross plane crank instead of the flat plane crank and with a good tune can make 420 whp
If Ferrari ever made an indestructible inline six engine for any of their vehicles, that's exactly what I would put in this truck. Edit: Looks like he did. It doesn't quite say whether it's indestructible or not, but if you can get your hands on one of these 1950s Ferrari inline six engines, then modify it to Toyota indestructibility, I think that would be the perfect match for this vehicle! en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ferrari_engines#Straight-6
@@paulfletcher3998 I suggested the Ferrari inline six engine just because I thought it would make the best story. Most inline six engines I've heard of have been called "bulletproof" or "indestructible." Even if the original 1950s Ferrari inline six engine wasn't bulletproof, I figure he can keep the original block, but modify cams/cranks/lifters/etc to make it into a bulletproof version. I know that the Toyota pickups had a reputation for being indestructible, but who's ever heard of an "indestructible Ferrari engine"? I haven't. So, to make one, and then put it in a Toyota pickup; that seems like it would: 1. Confuse the heck out of people, making them ask questions. 2. Open opportunities to tell the story about the pickup. 3. Be a great, reliable vehicle. Seems like it's a win-win.
@@JonesNate personally I think you'd have to be bat shit crazy to put a Ferrari engine of any description in a Toyota but whatever floats your boat I suppose. A clutch change would cost more than the Toyota was worth.
If someone makes a vehicle to fit genuine parts is a guy you have to appreciate and thank. You also have to appreciate and thank the person who takes care of these vehicles.
Travis is top notch content! Another great replacement for Freddie Sanford, the junk collector. Keep thinking about it. Sam Hard, an even better replacement for the dud Freddie
The guy who owned the dojo had a nickname it was lance or Lancelot, he purchased the truck from the Miami shop down here in the early 90’s guy that owned the shop was named John he also did convertibles
considering it's a testarossa look alike i needs V12, maybe a 400i one. yes it's a 60 degree one and not a 180 degree like in the rossa, but it would be awesome
I went the opposite way and put a lift kit on my Toyota 2wd. I bought some autozone 3in shackles for the leaves in the back and tighten the torsion bars up front.
Im 21 ive been a mini trucker all my life thanks to my dad. My daily is a slammed 2door 97 blazer its low as hell and sitting on 17x9 American racing vs501s minitrukin isnt dead its reborn
You got a lot of options for engines. Beams with ITB’s & a link ecu would be sick. 1uz for a reliable v8. You might be able to fit a 1j or 2j under the hood. Or if you wanna ball out doing a 348 or 360 Modena engine would be crazy!
There is a toyota pickup build I saw that was LS swapped, and that thing was so crammed in there (if I remember correctly) that he had to go without A/C. Knowing that, it might be harder than you might think to fit Ferrari Motor in there. Crazy idea that passed through as I was watching this was to put a GR Corolla/Yaris motor in there. Pros: It might be the first swap of that engine (could make that a Con too) It wouldn't Weigh so much, so you could still have a comfortable ride with softer suspension Keep stuff like A/C and power steering Lots of room easy to fix in the future Cons: $$$ Maybe you could cram a Supra Motor in? New or old. I'm not a Ferrari guy, so you may have something in mind that I had no idea existed
Got an 88 SR5 Extra cab here in the UK (import) and I think twin round headlights like the Testrossa would help tie in the front end - it's awesome though
If you can get a Ferrari engine for not completely ridiculous money (yes I know what I wrote) then do it. But personally I'd just 1UZ swap it. Even stock it'll have a pile more power than the factory 4 cylinder motor. But if your willing to get adventurous the 1UZ is utterly bulletproof and will take some decent boost. If you want the V8 rumble just swap in some cams and swap the intake manifold to make it rev decently. The Skid Factory has done some detailed videos about things you can do to the 1UZ (They swapped one into an old Ford Fairlane)
Diggin' the "Enzo Yoda" moniker. I definitely wouldn't go with a Ferrari engine. Toyota 1UZ, with some custom cast valve covers, and an 8 stack intake with Mikuni carbs. Cam kit and tuned headers will make up for the missing 4 cylinders, when it's turning 8,500rpm.
I’m up in the air between a 2jz if it will fit under the hood or a rear engine FERRARI power-plant. I think the body work and heritage if the truck makes it worth throwing unrecoverable money into it! DONT LS SWAP IT!
Awesome man! I saw a picture of this truck about 6 years and have always had it in the back of my mind since then. Crazy that this is the same exact truck! One of my favorite truxarossa kits for sure. Amazing!
Oh this is awesome news! I have family in the villages so I saw this truck a handful of times sitting in the driveway. Awesome to see it's in good hands now!!
I ran a car audio shop during the height of the mini truck craze. The speaker boxes got so insane we started to contract work out to a custom furniture/cabinet maker . It was normal for someone to walk in and drop 10k in cash on the counter. BTW, your car audio person is the one to seek out for that hidden compartment FYI....
LC engineering has been building 22r/22re/22rte engines. It would be period correct and they are very reasonably priced and will not require too much fabrication, and should be rock solid reliable.
Heck yes Travis!!!! So glad you stuck with it and got that bad A little Truck! Absolutely cannot wait to see what your decide to do with it Engine swap wise. That little thing is THE most rad little truck I've ever seen! Bar-none! That is made and finished out with actual Ferrari parts is absolutely incredible! Just an idea.......You should find a creative way to get some Testarossa interior/steering wheel/gauge cluster/shifter/seats, etc into that thing! I'm sure there's all kinds of engine swap ideas, BUT :D Since the Testarossa has a flat 12 cylinder in it, maybe you could find a way to put the mid-late 90's Toyota V12 engine in it from Toyota's big 4 door luxury car from Japan. They swapped one of those V12's into a Supra with twin turbos so it may actually be a suitable middle ground between the Flat 12 cylinder Ferrari that's been grafted onto that truck and Toyota's V12 that you might could actually be able to swap/for in there and boy would it sound wicked :D
I rode in this truck at Myrtle Beach SC while on spring break! I had an extended cab 95 S10 on bags and was talking to the owner about the bag setup I was going to install when I got back home because I was over the hydraulics/fluids/batteries/etc! This truck only hydros on the front when I seen it and how nice the bed was at the time I told the gentleman he would be crazy if he cut up that bed with all the time someone spent on it! I had the entire floor cut and raised 3 inches to get the body over the frame and level with the pavement when dropped! This truck is responsible for making me sawzall a sunroof in my S10' and grafted one out of a wrecked Lexus! This must of been 17-18 years ago when our trucks crossed paths, thanks for sharing the pictures and the story of this beautiful vehicle!
I grew up during, and am a huge fan of the minitruck scene. I had always wanted an S10 so my first vehicle that I got when I was in high school in the mid ‘00s was a ‘95 v6 Chevy S10 that I still have to this day. It’s very clean all things considered but I did some work to it when I was in high school, like the stereo and wheels and tires, but nothing too major so far. It’s got enough stereo in it to set off car alarms as I drive by. One day when I have the extra money I would like to finish it in the way that I’ve always dreamed of, topped off with a motor swap. I love it though and I don’t plan on ever getting rid of it.
I think the Toyota V12 (1GZ-FE), reason: the Testarossa had a twelve cylinder all be it a flat twelve and that pick up is a Toyota. Its half way like the pick up, a twelve cylinder but made by Toyota.
I swear I remember that truck being in a truckin magazine in the 90s. I feel you should leave it the way it is. And get everything functional. Or a mild restoration. No swaps. That is history
Surely ratarossa could find you an unloved 328 or mondial that could donate its heart to the project? Would sound incredible, and be far less strained than a beams engine (great engine for a smaller car, in a pick up with all the extra weight, would be gutless).
When I served on an aircraft carrier in San Diego, I'd go to 'Symbolic' in La Jolla an exotic car dealer to look at their #3 made F40 and the #74 250 SWB. They had a Ferrari engine, a V6 for sale. I wish I had the money then to get it. But there is that option, now, there is a dude who just put a VTEC into a 308 GTB!! It's white! Hit him up for the motor from that???? I agree, it needs a true Ferrari motor. This trend isn't my thing, but I too am about preserving History no matter how out there it might be. It'll be interesting to see what you do!
Nice ride, I'm happy to see that you are keeping this mini pickup truck and taking the time to share the journey with us. I was fortunate to have owned a mini truck during that period l( late 80s - early 90s). I'm looking forward to see what you do with it . I recently discovered that Toyota does make a v12 engine (Toyota GZ engine ; 60° V12 · 4,996 cc (304.9 cu in) sounds awesome too.
If you can put A22RET in it so you'll have the same space under the hood only it will be turbocharged, You can build it the way you want and get good power out of it
I think it would be super cool to drop a testarossa motor in it, or definitely stick a Lexus V8 in it. But I'm leaning towards a Ferrari motor. Imagine turning heads with the Ferrari song coming out of a tailpipe of a truck! I hope you come back and tell us how it got finished up this winter.
That quality of custom deserves stuffing a custom TT Rari V12 in for sure. None the less, despite what you settle on it's gonna make waves across several communities. Good luck!
1st gen 1UZ. Link rear suspension. Then again, spite Ferrari’s trend of lawsuits, this thing with a Ferrari power plant and badges could possibly gain Ferrari’s approval. It has that potential. So rad!
In an alternate universe, Enzo Ferrari decides that an LM002 competitor is a good business tactic.
In an alternate universe, Enzo Ferrari was a farmer and built tractors
@@carpartsduckfarts2089 But his Tractors Had Superchargers Because Enzo.
Ferrari then later goes on to make succesful trucks such as the Ferrari F4-30 sporco, and the Enzo Ferrari 4x4 SUV as competitors to the ford F-150, and the dodge ram SRT and the ford bronco.
I say the newest twin turbo V6. Very fitting.
@@jwalster9412 somewhere in the middle, there was a mechanic who had gotten rather rich enough for a ferrari, but the clutch kept failing
Being a mechanic allowed him to provide technical data to the faults of the car, but Enzo said
"Why don't you fix it yourself? You're a mechanic afterall" and that offended Lamborghini
He went on later to create cars to combat against Ferrari
“It’s time the Ferrari truck has a Ferrari engine” that’s got my vote.keep us posted
My vote is the Ferrari V6 from a Lancia Stratos. The back story alone on the Stratos is perfect to add to the saga of such a unique one off truck.
I would go with the f136 engine for sure . It would look and sound sick
Bet its way more pocket friendly to get a 308 V8.
@@manoharjishnu2009 you miss the point of this truck
Go on King.
@@manoharjishnu2009 Take the V6 of the Fiat Dino Coupe, then it might not be as bad.
That truck set in the driveway of The Villages for 3 years probably. I used to drive by it once a week. I'm glad somebody got it that understands the work in it.
Glad those US Testarossa lights were put to good use Travis, I had them in the cupboard for years.
Literally just came across this thing on Reddit a few days ago and had a ton of questions about it that I didn't think would ever be answered until I saw this video. So glad to hear that the new owner is going to carry on what the original owner / builder started and give this thing the love it deserves. Can't wait to see what happens to it next!
Drop a 360 Modena engine in it. At 3.6 liters it’s small enough to fit comfortably under the hood, but powerful enough to get you criminal charges if you aren’t careful. Plus with the right exhaust, they sound phenomenal!
My friends tubi style decat 360 sounded crazy good and ear piercingly loud.
yeah except you forgot the engine of a 360 would cost a fortune
Anything with DOHC heads isn't going to be "small" for its given displacement. They never are. Having said that, since it is "only" 3.6 liters it might not be bigger than something like a 350 small block.
@@JoseRodriguez-ey7ju you assume I “forgot”……..
@@ZboeC5 you are correct. However, putting anything from an older model just doesn’t make sense. DOHC engines are much wider, but a 3.6 or a 4.3 would sound INCREDIBLE not to mention would be just cool in this truck. Second option could be a 5.0 liter from an IS-F. Third option could be a 1J or 2J. All would great options!
4:00 Okay, Phelps' truck is just awesome!
How could you turn something like that down?
You just can’t love your vids btw always binging them
100% Ferrari motor. No other way. Get that cease and assist letter!
As a native Hoosier (and still living in Indianapolis), I love hearing about the random cars... esp Sheriff cars... that somehow make Indiana their forever home. :-)
The sherifs car that still had the decals working lights and sirens is from my county. Makes Sense as a local knowing who sold the car.
The Studebaker museum up here in South Bend has some really cool stuff.
It's kind of weird isnt it? We have a Volkswagen UFO cruising around central indiana around Crawfordsville.
@@ElizaJane85 Good ole C-ville. The entire police force there hates me, but damn some hilarious stories during my time living there... and working at Pace Dairy... and scavenging parts at Traction Auto.
This thing could sound insane with a 1GZ V12 from a century
Love it! 1) Jared is the guy to help on this. 2) A Yota V8 seems like the best choice in my opinion, a nice reliable burbble coming out the back. And you can always sell that 22-RE for decent money.
A 1-UZ would be cool
A flat plane 1uz would be sick. But I was thinking he's got too much weight already
@@tigererickson8375 True.
13b 2 rotor turbo just to sound appropriate for how wild this truck looks
Even 26b na
I love when people say minitrucks are back lol they never went anywhere, just styles changed, imo I would restore it as close to how the original builder had it, hope to see it at some local shows this summer
Yeah for sure. Minitrucks never went anywhere at all, I've been seeing them plenty in the last 10+ years that some people seem to think they hadn't been popular or something. Idk where people got that idea
Oh they definitely died out. I bodydropped an x cab hardbody and ran it static for years, then finally bagged it. The scene died out in 05-08
@@dickfitzwelliner2807 scenes seem to come and go, but there are always dudes out there working on them. I've always seen a few running around my local area for the last 20 years. It hasn't fluctuated much locally, but in the public eye, and larger metro areas, I'm sure that holds more true, I'm just saying, they've always stayed around. Less common, yeah, but at SEMA in 2012 and 2013 there were still mini truck builds present, fresh ones. So...
@goosenotmaverick1156 it's shifted more to full size trucks. I've been helping my buddy work on a chassis for his 2nd gen blazer. It makes both of us feel soooo old
Well they stopped making new compact trucks over a decade ago a new Tacoma or Frontier is a monster compared to a 1995 version.
With the amount of work the original owner put into this mini truck, he had a vision, and it shows.
This truck deserves a Ferrari engine.
Thank you so much for the shout out! SICK Mini Trucks 🙌🏽
"Do you guys sell hubcaps for a '72 Pinto hatchback? Oh! Mini Truckin' magazine!"
The 2UR out of the RCF is a really cool engine. I have a family member with one and I think that the flat plane v8 in that thing with an x pipe would really give that truck a more exotic feel that would go along with the looks of it. Nothing like a high revving flat plane V8!
Great project choice! This is a great opportunity for a youtuber collaboration. How bout the "I Do Cars" guy and Jared? They're both talented and have done multiple swaps. "I Do Cars" could source the power train. I imagine a Toyota V8 (e.g., Lexus 2UR-GSE), which would give it 400 plus dependable HP. Back it with an automatic for cruising and a little dragging. Maybe V-Tuned and his brothers could refresh the body/paint. Probably impossible to schedule all these guys at the same time. Maybe pass it around for each phase. That way everybody gets content revenue on their own channel. Just a thought
Is the 2UR in the same engine family as the One I uz
I will say, the 1UZ does sound amazing with independent throttle bodies...
Toyota made a 5L V12 motor called a 1GZ-FE and I think it would fit under that hood, but you might need 2 turbos cause each bank has its own ECU
The car Purosangue wished it could be:
That tow rig his buddy has is amazing.
The truck absolutely needs a Ferrari V12 in it no questions asked everything needs to be performance and pristine. This is one of those stories I wish was way longer because I cannot get enough of this awesome mini truck!
That red one in the junk yard was at Speed Way junkyard in East St. Louis just down the road from Gateway race way currently owned by World Wide Technology. I haven't been there in years to see if its still there but I know the truck ran around Collensville IL back in the late 90's early 2000's. It had a camper shell on it at one time. I have pictures of it somewhere. I had to double check to make sure that was the right junkyard and sure enough those radio towers behind the tree line match up with good maps. To the left of the hill is Milan Landfill owned by Waste Management.
We lost a talented builder in that Dojo. Rest in peace to the unnamed gentleman. He clearly had talent and passion beyond most of us.
Pretty cool rig. I’m a mini trucker from the 80’s and had a truck in several magazines. Looking forward to seeing this redone!
As someone with a weird appreciation for small pick ups (old Datsuns etc) and weird little vans, this thing is so cool 😂 would love to have a fully built tube chassis mini truck but lack of money and a workshop is an issue 😂
3400 V6/manual transmission set from a 95+ Tacoma with a TRD supercharger. Plentiful and cheap, maintain Yoda reliability and continuity. They can sound wicked on the right exhaust.
I'd love to get my hands on a extended cab or 4 door taco 1st gen and put in the 3.4 with the factory TRD supercharger or an aftermarket. The stock 3.4 with the supercharger makes around 250 hp stock so I'm sure with the right mods 300 plus is easily achievable.. I noticed there are not a lot of the supercharged tacos floating around. I think Toyota only sold them like that for a few model years.. Ive seen 2 for sale in the past 5 years.. but damn I want to find one.
I have the 3.4 5vzfe in my 2000 4runner on a 5 inch lift and 33 inch tires runs great 21 mpg all day with 270k miles
@@samkurts1236 for real?? You get 21 mpg on 33s in a heavy ass 4runner? I've always heard those get kinda shitty mileage.. I can't find a 1st or 2nd gen Tacoma or any 4runners from the mid to late 90s or early 2000s without 250k or more on them.. I Kno the 3.4 and 2.7 4 cylinder can get 400k miles easy on them when taken decent care of but damn ppl asking 5k for 275k miles or more.. people act like there made from gold n shit..
@@jdubskiwright2380 yeah I averaged 21 miles per gallon I could get 25 on the highway the thing is about these vehicles they're not that heavy they're about $3,400 lb two-wheel drive that order Tacoma version 4,000 lb four-wheel drive so in reality they're light vehicles
@@jdubskiwright2380 and I paid $2,500 with a half rusted out frame out of Virginia and I live in Maryland Baltimore Maryland so it was an hour hour and a half drive just to get this one still in the process of restoring it but she's a beast goes through anything
1GZ v12.... Probably won't fit, but it would be sick.
I used to see this truck in Fla. back in the day. It's a thing of beauty.
There are actually quite a few 22re engine performance upgrades that'll give you surprising power if you'd like to keep it stock 4banger mini truck. But I'm definitely interested in seeing what direction you go in. Very cool truck
I like this guy, he knows what’s really cool
Thort it had a Ferrari engine, very disappointed,wot about a fiat 130 engine,with six into one exhaust, cheap howl like a motorcycle ! Or fiat Dino 2400,
The custom minitruck craze of the early 90's was an awesome time and this truck brings back memories and feelings of nostalgia. My brother had a custom Nissan 720 that was a magazine feature quality build with all the cool stuff in it, including an Alpine/ Lanzar audio system, lowered stance, custom paint and more. It was so fun riding to school in that truck.
I would love to see this with a 1uz
But mounted in the bed with twin turbos right
@@rustedratchetgarage6788 Yeah! Mid mounted just like the Roadkill Mazdarati.
@@rustedratchetgarage6788 no
Go nuts, make it mid engine with a mad Ferrari engine in the bed on display, converting the engine bay into a frunk. Yes you loose the bed, but as a one of one show truck, it's not going to be hauling lumber.
It really looks nice. I hope its Ferrari approved,since they like to send people case and desist letters. :]
They only send cease and desists for people who modify there vehicles.
@@jwalster9412 Im pretty sure, Ferrari badging on a non Ferrari vehicle, will earn a cease and desist letter.
@@jwalster9412 not true. They send it to protect the trademark, aka, their branding. They need to do it in order to protect it and not set precedent against them not enforcing it.
@@rickmarshall808 but it's not a prancing horse it's 100% a mule.
@@jwalster9412 they sent a C&D to the Miami Vice creators for making a Corvette into a Daytona
Neat, I took those pictures years ago when it was in the villages doing landscaping. Use to see some odd trucks and cars in that area a bit. Nice to see it make a turn around and be on the road again.
Either do a factory 22RE Turbo swap, or do the Toyota V8 2UZ swap from the LS400 into it. Both would be great options
I haven't seen too many of the turbo charged 22re motors. I know there great 4 cylinder motors an all but I've heard they don't do well with the turbos.. I thought why the hell not ya know, nobody has ever fully explained to me why exactly.. I know you can do a mild cam, better valve train header and intake and get around 150 horsepower or so out of em and there still reliable but just have not seen a lot of them under boost.. usually if they want boost they go the 4AGE route.. smaller motor but a beast of a 4 banger.. even a 1jz would be sweet in it. I wouldn't even turbo it just build the motor up and make it rev high as hell..just my thoughts
@@jdubskiwright2380 Yeah you're probably right. A mini truck is generally all show and no go, so I'd still vote the UZ swap with just an exhaust would be great to rumble around town with
I am very surprised that Ferrari hasn’t filed a lawsuit to get rid of that pickup truck!
So cool. I love when we get trucks on here
I remember that thing from back in the day, it was featured in Mini Truck Magazine. There was also a yellow one that was a standard cab Toyota with a fully removable hardtop (Hot Top IIRC). Makes the 80s kid, 80s toyota truck collector (3) and almost 50 year old minitrucker in me very happy that this truck still exists.
If it were mine I would go with the 1UZ swap. Plenty of power, Toyota reliability and it is a documented swap (bellhousings, motor mounts etc are available).
If I was building one from scratch and money was no object. Yeah, Ferrari V12 in the bed.
If it would fit I'd say ferrari V12 all day, just for the madness
It would have to go in the back which might actually be dynamite
The Lexus V8 with 180 degree headers would be cool, keep the Toyota heritage and get the Ferrari sound...
Love that shirt! Thought that was Jim Bakker for a minute. 🤣
It’s an outrage that no one else appreciates how awesome this shirt is! 😂
Gotta rep the PTL!
I saw that and was confused myself. PTL the original Elevation 😂
That shirt! Omg!!!!
The Maserati Quattroporte has a v8 made by Ferrari and is pretty cheap, it's basically the same engine of the f430 and 458 with a cross plane crank instead of the flat plane crank and with a good tune can make 420 whp
If Ferrari ever made an indestructible inline six engine for any of their vehicles, that's exactly what I would put in this truck.
Edit: Looks like he did. It doesn't quite say whether it's indestructible or not, but if you can get your hands on one of these 1950s Ferrari inline six engines, then modify it to Toyota indestructibility, I think that would be the perfect match for this vehicle!
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ferrari_engines#Straight-6
Much more reliable and a hell of a lot cheaper to go with an Alfa Romeo Busso V6, plus they sound great.
@@paulfletcher3998 I suggested the Ferrari inline six engine just because I thought it would make the best story. Most inline six engines I've heard of have been called "bulletproof" or "indestructible."
Even if the original 1950s Ferrari inline six engine wasn't bulletproof, I figure he can keep the original block, but modify cams/cranks/lifters/etc to make it into a bulletproof version.
I know that the Toyota pickups had a reputation for being indestructible, but who's ever heard of an "indestructible Ferrari engine"? I haven't. So, to make one, and then put it in a Toyota pickup; that seems like it would:
1. Confuse the heck out of people, making them ask questions.
2. Open opportunities to tell the story about the pickup.
3. Be a great, reliable vehicle.
Seems like it's a win-win.
@@JonesNate the jag inline 6 was vastly superior to the Ferrari inline 6 cylinder engines.
@@JonesNate personally I think you'd have to be bat shit crazy to put a Ferrari engine of any description in a Toyota but whatever floats your boat I suppose.
A clutch change would cost more than the Toyota was worth.
Toyota's suck. Had trouble with every single one I've owned. Junk
Love this kinda content! Y’all are awesome at making car culture’s stories heard. Also, RIP Ken Block, I feel like he’d have loved this truck!
Damn, I did not hear about Ken Block passing until I read your comment.
@@j.r.r.toking Just heard about it myself maybe 10 minutes ago, a sad day for the motor sports community.
This is the Toyota Ferrari Jared just purchased. 👍
Man that was a beautiful dually pulling that little truck
If someone makes a vehicle to fit genuine parts is a guy you have to appreciate and thank. You also have to appreciate and thank the person who takes care of these vehicles.
Travis is top notch content! Another great replacement for Freddie Sanford, the junk collector. Keep thinking about it. Sam Hard, an even better replacement for the dud Freddie
The guy who owned the dojo had a nickname it was lance or Lancelot, he purchased the truck from the Miami shop down here in the early 90’s guy that owned the shop was named John he also did convertibles
Great story 👏 Got to be a v12 so when you lift the hood you see the red crackles of Ferrari on the rocker covers
Turbo beams, turbo 5vzfe,turbo 3vz, turbo 1uz or super charge .
considering it's a testarossa look alike i needs V12, maybe a 400i one. yes it's a 60 degree one and not a 180 degree like in the rossa, but it would be awesome
Mount it in the bed.
1GZ
@@connoisseuroftigolbitts best suggestion I've seen so far
I went the opposite way and put a lift kit on my Toyota 2wd. I bought some autozone 3in shackles for the leaves in the back and tighten the torsion bars up front.
I thought for a moment before watching this was a Ratarossa secret project 😮
Im 21 ive been a mini trucker all my life thanks to my dad. My daily is a slammed 2door 97 blazer its low as hell and sitting on 17x9 American racing vs501s minitrukin isnt dead its reborn
This guy sounds like Philips Seymour Hoffman, may he rest in peace
You got a lot of options for engines. Beams with ITB’s & a link ecu would be sick. 1uz for a reliable v8. You might be able to fit a 1j or 2j under the hood. Or if you wanna ball out doing a 348 or 360 Modena engine would be crazy!
There is a toyota pickup build I saw that was LS swapped, and that thing was so crammed in there (if I remember correctly) that he had to go without A/C. Knowing that, it might be harder than you might think to fit Ferrari Motor in there.
Crazy idea that passed through as I was watching this was to put a GR Corolla/Yaris motor in there.
Pros: It might be the first swap of that engine (could make that a Con too)
It wouldn't Weigh so much, so you could still have a comfortable ride with softer suspension
Keep stuff like A/C and power steering
Lots of room easy to fix in the future
Cons: $$$
Maybe you could cram a Supra Motor in? New or old.
I'm not a Ferrari guy, so you may have something in mind that I had no idea existed
Got an 88 SR5 Extra cab here in the UK (import) and I think twin round headlights like the Testrossa would help tie in the front end - it's awesome though
If you can get a Ferrari engine for not completely ridiculous money (yes I know what I wrote) then do it. But personally I'd just 1UZ swap it. Even stock it'll have a pile more power than the factory 4 cylinder motor.
But if your willing to get adventurous the 1UZ is utterly bulletproof and will take some decent boost. If you want the V8 rumble just swap in some cams and swap the intake manifold to make it rev decently.
The Skid Factory has done some detailed videos about things you can do to the 1UZ (They swapped one into an old Ford Fairlane)
Built up that 22r!! 22r is one of the best 4 cylinder engine ever made!
Diggin' the "Enzo Yoda" moniker. I definitely wouldn't go with a Ferrari engine. Toyota 1UZ, with some custom cast valve covers, and an 8 stack intake with Mikuni carbs. Cam kit and tuned headers will make up for the missing 4 cylinders, when it's turning 8,500rpm.
Awesome project Travis! Was happy to meet you at Slate over the summer!
I’m up in the air between a 2jz if it will fit under the hood or a rear engine FERRARI power-plant. I think the body work and heritage if the truck makes it worth throwing unrecoverable money into it! DONT LS SWAP IT!
Awesome man! I saw a picture of this truck about 6 years and have always had it in the back of my mind since then. Crazy that this is the same exact truck! One of my favorite truxarossa kits for sure. Amazing!
Oh this is awesome news! I have family in the villages so I saw this truck a handful of times sitting in the driveway. Awesome to see it's in good hands now!!
There where 4 made..2 red and 2 yellow…my dad said he painted them back in the day in California shop called J C’s customs in California
I ran a car audio shop during the height of the mini truck craze. The speaker boxes got so insane we started to contract work out to a custom furniture/cabinet maker . It was normal for someone to walk in and drop 10k in cash on the counter. BTW, your car audio person is the one to seek out for that hidden compartment FYI....
LC engineering has been building 22r/22re/22rte engines. It would be period correct and they are very reasonably priced and will not require too much fabrication, and should be rock solid reliable.
Heck yes Travis!!!! So glad you stuck with it and got that bad A little Truck! Absolutely cannot wait to see what your decide to do with it Engine swap wise. That little thing is THE most rad little truck I've ever seen! Bar-none! That is made and finished out with actual Ferrari parts is absolutely incredible! Just an idea.......You should find a creative way to get some Testarossa interior/steering wheel/gauge cluster/shifter/seats, etc into that thing! I'm sure there's all kinds of engine swap ideas, BUT :D Since the Testarossa has a flat 12 cylinder in it, maybe you could find a way to put the mid-late 90's Toyota V12 engine in it from Toyota's big 4 door luxury car from Japan. They swapped one of those V12's into a Supra with twin turbos so it may actually be a suitable middle ground between the Flat 12 cylinder Ferrari that's been grafted onto that truck and Toyota's V12 that you might could actually be able to swap/for in there and boy would it sound wicked :D
2jz+turbo 6 speed sequential make it an all around street truck that can stay in a straight line but also slide sideways when needed
I rode in this truck at Myrtle Beach SC while on spring break! I had an extended cab 95 S10 on bags and was talking to the owner about the bag setup I was going to install when I got back home because I was over the hydraulics/fluids/batteries/etc! This truck only hydros on the front when I seen it and how nice the bed was at the time I told the gentleman he would be crazy if he cut up that bed with all the time someone spent on it! I had the entire floor cut and raised 3 inches to get the body over the frame and level with the pavement when dropped! This truck is responsible for making me sawzall a sunroof in my S10' and grafted one out of a wrecked Lexus! This must of been 17-18 years ago when our trucks crossed paths, thanks for sharing the pictures and the story of this beautiful vehicle!
Travis's stories never fail to amaze and entertain. Great find sir.
7m gte from a period correct supra!!! Plus tonneau cover and a wing for sure.
I grew up during, and am a huge fan of the minitruck scene. I had always wanted an S10 so my first vehicle that I got when I was in high school in the mid ‘00s was a ‘95 v6 Chevy S10 that I still have to this day. It’s very clean all things considered but I did some work to it when I was in high school, like the stereo and wheels and tires, but nothing too major so far. It’s got enough stereo in it to set off car alarms as I drive by. One day when I have the extra money I would like to finish it in the way that I’ve always dreamed of, topped off with a motor swap. I love it though and I don’t plan on ever getting rid of it.
I think the Toyota V12 (1GZ-FE), reason: the Testarossa had a twelve cylinder all be it a flat twelve and that pick up is a Toyota. Its half way like the pick up, a twelve cylinder but made by Toyota.
I swear I remember that truck being in a truckin magazine in the 90s.
I feel you should leave it the way it is. And get everything functional. Or a mild restoration. No swaps. That is history
Surely ratarossa could find you an unloved 328 or mondial that could donate its heart to the project? Would sound incredible, and be far less strained than a beams engine (great engine for a smaller car, in a pick up with all the extra weight, would be gutless).
When I served on an aircraft carrier in San Diego, I'd go to 'Symbolic' in La Jolla an exotic car dealer to look at their #3 made F40 and the #74 250 SWB. They had a Ferrari engine, a V6 for sale. I wish I had the money then to get it. But there is that option, now, there is a dude who just put a VTEC into a 308 GTB!! It's white! Hit him up for the motor from that???? I agree, it needs a true Ferrari motor. This trend isn't my thing, but I too am about preserving History no matter how out there it might be. It'll be interesting to see what you do!
Nice ride, I'm happy to see that you are keeping this mini pickup truck and taking the time to share the journey with us. I was fortunate to have owned a mini truck during that period l( late 80s - early 90s). I'm looking forward to see what you do with it . I recently discovered that Toyota does make a v12 engine (Toyota GZ engine ; 60° V12 · 4,996 cc (304.9 cu in) sounds awesome too.
Turbo the 22re or 2jz swap
The buddies truck was sick as hell. Perfect scene.
I have a 94 sr5 pickup with a 22re and plan to do a 6.4l hemi swap soon. Doesn't get any better than that
If you can put A22RET in it so you'll have the same space under the hood only it will be turbocharged, You can build it the way you want and get good power out of it
I think it would be super cool to drop a testarossa motor in it, or definitely stick a Lexus V8 in it. But I'm leaning towards a Ferrari motor. Imagine turning heads with the Ferrari song coming out of a tailpipe of a truck! I hope you come back and tell us how it got finished up this winter.
Ferrari 100% ...! If they can put one in a BRZ, then this most definitely needs the same treatment. Period...
Big turbo 22re. Keep it with it’s roots while stepping up in power
That quality of custom deserves stuffing a custom TT Rari V12 in for sure. None the less, despite what you settle on it's gonna make waves across several communities. Good luck!
Love it man!! Do whatever you do but we all would love to see an update when it’s finished!!
Looks like it came from factory like that. Whoever built that truck has impeccable taste and craftsmanship.
A v12 with a manual box would be amazing!
bump the compression on the 4 banger with a cam? a V6 yota engine? more performance but, not wild?
22r will make loads of power if built right. 400whp in that truck will be more than enough to have some fun without sacrificing what it is.
I used to pass by this truck every day when I used to mow lawns in The Villages
1st gen 1UZ. Link rear suspension. Then again, spite Ferrari’s trend of lawsuits, this thing with a Ferrari power plant and badges could possibly gain Ferrari’s approval. It has that potential. So rad!