Combining Modern Turbocharged Power and Classic Cues, This Falcon Wagon Delivers Quick Times at Drag-and-Drives
Dedication is defined differently, as some look at dedication as focused, no quit or goal oriented.
But some consider dedication on the borderline of crazy, as you wonder what lengths will someone go to on the goals of a project, like a drag-and-drive event.
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Ever since he participated on his first drag-and-drive back in 2019 at Hot Rod Drag Week, Jerry Kratz is used to being a little crazy. “When I do a track event with my car, and there are always several people who see the Drag Week stickers,” he said. “They think you’re crazy doing that, or they want to know more about how you did.”
Jerry’s 1964 Ford Falcon Sedan delivery is a unique ride to begin with, and he combined old school vibes with a modern boost in power.
On the outside, he kept the patina paint and classic Cragar wheels (with black steel wheels for the sticky tires).
Under the hood, a 1988 vintage Ford 302 with the stock bottom end intact provides the basis. Trick Flow Twisted Wedge cylinder heads, Ford E-spec camshaft, and an Edelbrock Torker intake take their place. But the modern comes in with a ON3 72-millimeter turbocharger, and a Holley Sniper EFI to control it all.
Jerry kept the fun factor in the transmission tunnel with a T-5 5-speed manual transmission, and a RAM clutch in the bellhousing.
A Speedmaster 9-inch rear with Yukon aluminum center section and a 3.70 gearset with a spool, 35 spline Moser axles accepts the power.
Calvert Racing Cal Trac bars and their Split-Mono leaf springs transfer the power, and 4-wheel disc brakes slow everything down on the street and track.
Jerry’s goal on each and every year: “to go faster than the last year,” he admits. “In 2024, the goal is to run in the mid to low 11's average.”
The results after five days of work on his first visit to Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive was an 11.89 average and an 11.30 at 124 mph blast on day three. He likely would’ve hit his goal if not for a 13.49 pass on day one.
“I have run five Hot Rod Drag Week events, and last year’s Midwest Drags,” said Jerry. “This was my first year doing Sick Week. The first year I competed, the car ran high 14-second passes. I enjoy the family atmosphere; everybody is there for the fun. I like that you are proving your car is a street car, not just a track car.”
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Sick the Magazine and BME Photography.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com