This fresh episode of Carnage sees us back at MPW Performance & Race Fab, as we get our eight-second VS ute ready to go even quicker!

Last week, the 427ci Dart LS-powered VS we’ve dubbed Grimace pushed out a lazy 8.87@155mph during its first-ever drag-strip test session at Heathcote Park Raceway. But we know there’s so much more performance on tap with this thing, so we needed to get a few final tasks completed in order to start chasing ETs for real.

The first big job on the list was fitting a parachute. That’s required for all the safety regs in order to go this quick, and in any case, the standard VS Commodore brakes aren’t ideal for pulling up from over 150mph – even if they are brand new.

While MPW’s Adam Rogash was sorting the parachute, his offsider Ayvon McLeod started modelling the bottom of the car for an undertray. VS Commodores don’t have one from the factory, but we need one both for tech and safety.

Ayvon mapped out the ute’s underside using a fancy scanner and software before modelling an undertray to suit the Holden and its turbo LS perfectly. 

Another issue, which we discovered during last week’s track testing, was that the converter was a bit too loose. Given it’s from the old LS1 set-up from our MX-5 build way back in the day, that wasn’t overly surprising.

Simon from AllFast Converters in Perth smashed out a new one for us super quick and sent it over, and that should improve the ute’s lazy 60-foot times and get this thing out of the hole nicely.

For peace of mind, Scotty did a quick engine oil change, and now we’re ready to go racing again! In fact, he and the ute will be back at Heathcote Park Raceway this Sunday to do exactly that. So, if you’re in the area, come out and say g’day! In the meantime, enjoy the new episode below.