UPDATED: Steve Haefner Taps 417 Motorsports for an Olds Cutlass Build for Drag-and-Drive and Heads-Up Duties, Plans for Sick Summer 2024 Debut
There’s something to be said about a clean G-body build, and even though it’s not completed yet, this stunner in the works at 417 Motorsports out of Springfield, Missouri is already turning heads.
417 Motorsports are known for building small tire rides for heads-up and drag-and-drive action, with over a decade in the game.
One of the best-known rides is Shane McClelland’s ‘Crusty Nova’, a 1962 Chevy Nova that was used on Hot Rod Drag Week as well as a few LSX Shootouts and National Muscle Car Association events.
Recently, photos popped up on the 417 Motorsports Facebook page of a Oldsmobile Cutlass in the midst of a serious-looking build.
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We found out this Cutlass is Steve Haefner’s new ride, an ’86 model that started as a used car lot find. “I bought it from a used car dealership in southern Illinois in 2020,” said Steve. “It was a one owner car. I drove it for a year and then decided to cut it up.”
The Cutlass was delivered to 417 Motorsports at the end of 2021, and after working through a lot of options and choices, the build is nearing completion. “The pictures don’t do the work 417 Motorsports has created justice,” said Steve, who filled in some of the blanks on the build and its intentions.
The car was caged up to a 25.2-spec, meaning it’s good for a 3200-pound maximum weight and able to legally run down to 6-second elapsed times. The firewall is still in stock location, and some of the front frame rails have been retained, giving it ‘stock suspension’ clearance for more classes.
The Cutlass will be powered by a 540 cubic inch big block built by Mike Lough, based around a Brodix aluminum block and cylinder heads to keep the weight down.
GTR 94-millimeter twin turbos will provide the boost, and a Hughes Performance Turbo 400, Gear Vendors Overdrive and fabbed 9-inch rear end complete the driveline.
Steve, who has done several drag-and-drives already, both behind the wheel and as a co-pilot for Craig Ridenour during Sick Week, is hoping for a March-April of 2024 testing debut.
He is registered for Sick Summer Presented by Motion Raceworks, and is ready to be back behind the wheel for the first time in three years.
“The driver has to do his job, but I’m hoping to finish and making some low 7-second passes,” said Steve of his Sick Summer goals. “I’ve being doing drag and drive for a while, so I’m sure it’ll all come back to me!”
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of 417 Motorsports and Steve Haefner.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com