What’s better than a tiny import coupe with a domestic V8? Well, you could add a supercharger. If that isn’t enough, you could trick the body out with a custom widebody kit. When all the nuts are tight and the bolts are torqued, you might have a street stallion like the one that Juan built. Let’s get a closer look.

Under the hood is a 5.3-liter LS motor from a 2001 Chevrolet Camaro. It has been fortified with a forged crankshaft, a BTR camshaft, Keith Black pistons and ARP fasteners throughout. This small block V8 can handle up to 1,800hp. The power adder is a belt driven ProCharger. The setup is detuned to approximately 700hp – and that’s plenty for this tiny car. The transmission is a spanking new Tremec T56 Magnum and the rear end is a Ford 9-inch with 3.55:1 gearing.

Juan’s experience as an airline technician enables him to custom fabricate parts when necessary. In this build, it’s necessary all the time. Just check out the trunk mounted radiator setup. Also, the front and rear suspensions are cobbled together from late model parts to form a stable and reliable platform.

The front disc brakes are from Wilwood. The rears are of the disc/drum variety (complete with parking brakes). The vintage wheels are from Epsilon.

With all the bells and whistles, Juan’s Celica tips the scale at just 2,350-pounds. That adds up to a ton of fun.

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