The new video collection from eBay Motors is named Modathon. Yes, it’s a marathon of mods, however it’s much more than that. Modathan is a hysterical, grease-covered relay race with wrenches— with one infamous builder handing a automobile to the subsequent after performing a vital set of modifications.
The first set up units up the epic evolution of a properly preserved, arguably traditional, however non-functional 4×4. Is it doable to construct an epic overlanding machine with a little bit of sweat, tears, and plenty of coronary heart—in lower than per week? You’ll need to tune in to seek out out.
The story begins in the center of Oklahoma with the episode’s chief instigator, Westen Champlin, scoring a clear crimson and white 1979 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT. It’s a candy SUV with drivetrain points which might be quickly solved.
The undertaking is hauled again to the store in Winfield, Kan., the place the crew performs a spectacular transplant with certainly one of Champlin’s favourite engines and a trailer load of components from eBay Motors. Video conferencing brings Modathon co-conspirators Grind Hard Plumbing Company and Lacey Blair into the combination.
More Than the Sum of its Parts
While a little bit energy would possibly go a good distance, too little energy can go away you stranded on the path. The 1979 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT rolled off the meeting line with a 351 cubic-inch V-8 engine producing a pathetic 160 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. That’s clearly not sufficient juice for a reanimated overlander with high-altitude ambitions.
Dr. Frankenstein’s prescribed remedy? An engine swap, after all.
Champlin’s crew conspired to shoe-horn a 5.9-liter 12-valve Cummins diesel engine between the Bronco’s fenders, including:
Is one turbo good? Then two turbos is best. The Bronco’s beefy new powerplant quickly roars to life.
After a mere six days in the store, the bolts are tightened, a burnout is tried, and the staff packs up the truck. They head to Telluride, Colo. with a GFC Platform RTT 10 rooftop tent put in. Champlin connects with Grind Hard Plumbing on the trailhead, earlier than the journey actually climbs to new heights.
Imogene Pass or Bust
The path to the highest is a dangerous one-way route. The Bronco slithers up the mountain’s face, its door handles bouncing mere inches from the wall. The pressure is comprehensible—on the opposite aspect is a lethal drop.
The ascent is thrillingly captured with prime-time-worthy drone digital camera work, in-cabin video seize, truck-to-truck footage, and informative graphics. While the quick-cut construct earlier in the video could have you leaning ahead and hitting the rewind button, the climb will make you lean again and cling on.
When the Bronco reaches its vacation spot at 13,114 toes of elevation, Champlin partakes in a celebration of the mighty feat. If you’re acquainted with his look in eBay Motors’ Between 2 Rides, you already know what occurs.
The setup for the subsequent episode of Modathon previews the Bronco’s second transformation when Idaho’s Grind Hard Plumbing Company preps the suspension to tackle the Rubicon’s unforgiving boulders.
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