Legendary Power Meets a Classic chassis
In the world of drag racing, innovation often rides on the back of a storied platform. Canadian-born enthusiasts and Gold Coast locals alike have long revered the LC Torana as a nimble, capable shell. But when a 1970s Australian classic gets a modern, turbocharged overhaul, the result is more than just horsepower—it’s a statement about what a modern pro street car can achieve. Ryan Holz has taken that fusion to new heights with a 2000hp turbocharged 2JZ-powered LC Torana that keeps the competition honest at the track.
Engineering the 2JZ Turbo Powerplant
At the heart of Holz’s creation is the legendary Toyota 2JZ-GTE engine, renowned for its robustness and tuning potential. In this build, the six-cylinder powerhouse runs at a blistering 10,500 rpm and is fed by a turbo system delivering roughly 70 psi of boost. The result is a torque curve that lunges aggressively off the line, with broad-hit power that makes the Torana behave more like a rocket than a traditional drag car.
Why the 2JZ?
The 2JZ platform is famous for its ability to handle extreme boost and high RPMs without compromising reliability. For Holz, this meant choosing a motor known for durability under relentless pressure, paired with fuel, air, and ignition systems engineered to sustain 2,000 horsepower. The combination allows the Torana to propel down the track with a sustained, explosive push that’s rare in front-m engine street race designs.
Chassis and Tuning: Making the Most of a Classic Body
The LC Torana is no stranger to tight lines and quick timing lights, but channeling 2,000 horsepower into a compact chassis demands precision. The suspension has been tuned to manage the brutal launch forces while maintaining stable traction through the quarter mile. Aerodynamics and weight distribution are optimized so that the power arrives cleanly, translating into some of the quickest 1320-foot times seen on a mid-20th-century platform.
Boost and Tuning Discipline
70 psi of boost is not merely a number; it represents a carefully balanced ecosystem of turbo sizing, wastegate control, intercooling, and engine mapping. The team behind Holz’s LC Torana uses data logging, drive-by-wire throttle control, and real-time ECU mapping to keep the engine in a safe yet brutal power band. This discipline is essential when every increment of boost can shift the car’s behavior dramatically.
The Driver, The Crowd, and The Track Experience
On race day, Holz isn’t just manhandling a metal shell; he’s choreographing a precision display. The Torana’s run is a symphony of timing lights, burnouts, and blistering passes that draw cheers from a crowd eager to see a classic car push the boundaries of modern drag performance. It’s a reminder that drag racing thrives at the intersection of heritage car culture and cutting-edge engineering.
What This Means for the Future of Drag Racing
Holz’s 2JZ-powered LC Torana is more than a one-off showpiece. It signals a broader trend in drag racing where legacy platforms can be reimagined with advanced powertrains to deliver extreme performance without abandoning the soul of the original machine. For fans, it’s a bridge between yesterday and tomorrow—proof that innovation can sit comfortably within the frame of a beloved classic.
In Review: A Benchmark for Power and Precision
With 2,000 horsepower, a 10,500rpm redline, and 70 psi of boost, Holz’s LC Torana challenges conventions and invites a new era where classics can sprint with modern monsters. It’s a celebration of both meticulous engineering and the enduring appeal of a nimble, rear-drive Australian icon.
