This Dodge Grand Caravan Became A Twin-Turbo Drift Minivan

The Ultimate Dad Van Upgrade

With custom car builds, imagination is often the only real limit. That does not mean every project will be free from criticism, especially from enthusiasts, and there is always the question of budget. Still, an outrageous build does not always require the most expensive upgrades. Sometimes, creativity and determination can go a long way, and this 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan with a massive engine proves exactly that.

To be more specific, this Dodge minivan is powered by a 5.3-liter LS-based truck V8 paired with a twin-turbo setup and a Tremec TKX-600 5-speed manual gearbox. The forced-induction system was said to be sourced cheaply from eBay. According to the builder, Savage Racing NW, each turbo is rated to support around 500 horsepower. More than the power itself, though, the build stands out because it turns an otherwise ordinary minivan into something guaranteed to grab attention.

Reliability Before Boost

However, the minivan is not necessarily built for the street. It is being turned into a drift build, so it likely spends more time on the track. The boost was set at just 5 psi, but the builder planned to raise it to 10 psi.

The engine still uses a stock camshaft, though it has been fitted with an upgraded oil pump, upgraded lifters, and trunnion bearing rockers. According to the builder, these upgrades were added to improve reliability. It also uses a blow-off valve and wastegates from VS Racing, which he suggested are parts that should not be cheaped out on.

The setup is managed by a Holley Terminator X ECU and also features Holley 700-hp injectors and a Holley Sniper 85mm throttle body. The minivan is currently limited to 6,000 rpm to stay on the conservative side and avoid blowing the motor. After all, the builder said he has already replaced four engines in this project.

Borrowing From Drift Royalty

As for the chassis setup, the build uses a custom crossmember modeled after the Nissan 240SX, along with cheap polyurethane mounts from eBay. Up front, it uses modified 240SX suspension, including extended lower control arms and custom-modified knuckles. The rear uses a Winters quick-change differential salvaged from an oval-track car, paired with a three-link suspension setup.

Not only do 240SX parts have strong aftermarket support, but the nameplate is also a popular platform in the drift world. The steering rack was initially supposed to come from the 240SX as well, but the builder later decided to use the Grand Caravan’s original rack because it offered more steering angle.

This build may not use the fanciest hardware, but sometimes, the strangest combinations make the loudest statement, and that is especially apparent when a minivan built for family hauling is ripping around a drift track.

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