Monster Squarebody GMC Jimmy Is A Burnout King

Usually, you don’t think of roasting tires in a 1978 GMC Jimmy Squarebody, but this build turns the classic SUV into an absolute beast. However, other than being lifted slightly it doesn’t look like much. After all, the thing has a nice patina earned from sitting out in the California desert for most of its life, something the current owner has kept.

Check out this Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow with a Hellcat engine swap.

Lest that appearance deceive you, and it will deceive many, what’s underneath the imperfect sheet metal is something truly special. Most importantly is a 572ci big block V8 hiding under the dented and dimpled hood.

That engine has been professionally built by Smeding Performance with AFR heads and upgraded internals. Thanks to port fuel injection and a massive intake, the engine is pushing serious power (just it guzzles gas like crazy). Bolted up to the engine is a GearStar Performance 4L85E performance transmission.

Interesting enough, this Squarebody has a soft suspension that’s similar to the factory setup, just lifted. Plus it’s outfitted with a quick ratio box, making the steering twitchy. That might sound like a bad idea, and it is, but it also works out well for burnouts, donuts, and other dangerous things.

What’s just as crazy is there are zero reinforcements in the chassis. This thing could probably stand to gain a bunch of them and handling would improve, so maybe that will be next on the owner’s agenda.

While the interior features new upholstery, it looks pretty much original, so the OE feel is preserved. There are cupholders up front and AC, so you get some comfort in the beast. Just realize that means there are no seatbelts, so this is a daredevil of a ride. We would probably figure out a harness system since flying out a window in a crash is a really bad way to end your day.