A GMC Jimmy That Moved Its Owner from the Street to the Track
Most drivers have likely made some traffic infractions, from running a stop sign to speeding. In the case of John Green, he enjoyed racing on both the track and the street.
“I don’t really have any track racing experience besides just test and tune,” said John. “But I have street raced ever since I got my driver’s license.”
Another interest started thing he has done since age 12 is spectate at nearly every Hot Rod Drag Week. “My second cousin and I attending Drag Week as spectators back in 2011,” said John. “Ever since then, we have been hooked.”
To fill the void for a vehicle of his own, John needed a vehicle for his activities. Although the GMC Jimmy is not as well-known as the more commonly seen Chevrolet Blazer, it was John’s vision of what he wanted for a street car. “I wanted to build an LS-powered real street car,” said John.
He was adamant about keeping all the stock interior and a stock look, but adding in more power than the factory offered. A stock bottom end 4.8-liter LS got the nod for the short block, with an upgraded camshaft from Jeg’s getting the call to tickle the valves. Topping the engine is a FI Tech sheet metal intake with a 102-millimeter FI Tech throttle body and 36 lb./hr FI Tech injectors. A 200-horsepower shot from the Nitrous Outlet nitrous system with a matching nitrous controller sits at the ready, and all ECM functions are tuned with HP Tuners software.
Backing the engine is a 4L60E automatic with a 3,000 stall Precision convertor, and John choose Mickey Thompson ET Street R series front and rear tires mounted on Jeg’s spike wheels.
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Once he got the Jimmy fixed up, John was ready for more racing, and more drag-and-drive events. “My goals for 2023 events are just to experience different tracks and different states that I have never been to,” John said. “And attend as many events as I can get into and finish them.”
John rolled into Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive to start his 2023 season, but because of an issue he had, he never got to day one of competition. The GMC was supposed to see action at The Circuit drag-and-drive event next, but a sudden death in the family prevented it.
So, Green made the effort to get to Sick Summer Presented by TBM Brakes, and brought second cousin Dennis Wright with him. The two competed in the ‘Dial-Your-Own’ class (DYO), and averaging a 13.14 to complete their first drag-and-drive as a team.
“Drag-and-drive events appeal to me because I love street cars and like to drive,” said John. “Race cars are cool and all, but I think it’s awesome to be able to drive a car a couple thousand miles and race for five days.”
“Dennis and I get along very well,” John continued. “Dennis is starting to attend and compete himself in some events. So, my end game is to get my wife, Kristal, on as my co-pilot. When Dennis is competing, I’m at the same events. Because she is my best friend, and supports me in achieving my goals.
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Sick the Magazine and John Green.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com