Kyle Bray’s 700rwhp HK Holden ute ready for Drag Challenge

Originally a humble 161, three-on-the-tree farm ute, Kyle Bray’s sleepy HK has progressed from that to a 304 Holden V8, and now to a 700rwhp turbo LS combo that’s in the final stages of being prepared for this year’s event. “I was crew with Mitch Pullen and his turbo-LS HiLux at the 2018 event, and I loved it!” says Kyle. “I’ve always missed out on doing it again for one reason or another, and this year I missed out on a Summernats entry, so I thought: ‘Bugger it, I’m doing it!’”

The LS1 in the HK has recently been refreshed with upgraded rods and pistons, and feeding it is an 80mm Pulsar turbo. “I love their turbos; for the value for money, you just can’t beat them,” Kyle says. With E85, 17psi and a Holley Terminator X, the combo is good for 713rwhp through a Powerglide and nine-inch. “I’ve barely driven it more than 60km from home, so I thought I’d take it on a 1600km road trip to stop my mates poking fun at me,” he laughs.

In an older guise, the HK ran high 10s at the Holden Nationals, and Kyle will be looking to tear down that PB in the Tuff Mounts 235 Blown class at Drag Challenge this year. “I don’t want to tub it, which is why I’m running the 235s, but really I just want to make it through the week!” he says. “Obviously, the main priority is to finish – it’s a big week – but I’ll be bringing my brother, and I can’t wait! Now I just need to get the car finished.”