In the vast, vibrant world of car shows, where behemoths and speedsters usually steal the spotlight, a tiny contender is making waves - a Japanese Kei truck, affectionately named "Little Scrappy." This isn’t just any Kei truck; it’s a Time Attack warrior, ready to challenge the norms at SEMA 2023.
Chapter 1: Little Scrappy's Big Ambitions
Once a humble Mitsubishi shop truck, Little Scrappy was transformed by Shawn Bassett and Attacking The Clock Racing into a Time Attack-themed marvel. After their 2021 debut with a Lexus GS300 build at SEMA, the team turned their attention to this unassuming Kei truck, proving their penchant for thinking outside the box.
Chapter 2: A Radical Transformation
Under the glow of new LED headlights, Little Scrappy’s transformation is evident. The original, boxy frame and goofy overbite have been replaced by an avalanche of carbon fiber and motorsport-level electronics. A custom-designed front splitter, flanked by aggressive wings, lends it an air of ferocity, while 15-inch Work Meister CR01 wheels wrapped in Toyo Proxes RR slicks complete the look.
Chapter 3: The Aerodynamic Symphony
The truck's side profile is a study in aerodynamics, with side diffusers matching the front splitter’s depth, creating a corridor for air passage. The suspension, now equipped with Moton coilovers, adds to its mean stance. But it’s the rear that truly captures the eye - a low-slung rear diffuser with sharp fins sits beneath an imposing APR wing, signaling Little Scrappy’s readiness for the track.
Chapter 4: The Heart of the Beast
The heart of Little Scrappy beats with the rhythm of a racer. The original 3-cylinder, 660-cc engine still powers it, but plans for a 1,300-cc Hayabusa engine swap, turbocharged for extra might, hint at its untapped potential. Shawn Bassett’s plans to equip it with a Garrett turbo and Vibrant Performance intercooler promise a future where Little Scrappy doesn’t just turn laps but dominates them.
Chapter 5: The Driver's Domain
Inside, the transformation is equally stark. Gone are the rock-hard vinyl seats, replaced by Sabelt fixed-back buckets, ready for racing. The steering, still retaining its bus-driver style, now boasts a Sabelt flat-bottom wheel. A Haltech keypad controls the Power Distribution Module, showcasing the fusion of classic design and modern technology.
Chapter 6: Little Scrappy’s Debut and Future
At SEMA 2023, in the Toyo Treadpass sector, Little Scrappy is set to challenge perceptions. A tiny JDM truck amid giants, it's a testament to creativity, engineering prowess, and the sheer joy of transformation. As Little Scrappy gears up for Gridlife events, it's not just about how long the aging Kei engine lasts but about the spirit of innovation it embodies.
Epilogue: The Underdog's Tale
Little Scrappy’s journey from a simple shop truck to a Time Attack hero is more than just a story of automotive transformation. It’s a narrative that challenges the status quo, proving that size doesn’t define capability. In a world where bigger often means better, Little Scrappy stands as a reminder of the joy of underdogs, the thrill of innovation, and the endless possibilities of the automotive world. Watch out, SEMA 2023 – Little Scrappy is here to steal the show.