Turbocharging the Mazdarati 2.0 to Run 10s! | Roadkill

This incredible video features a fascinating project where the hosts, Freiburger and Finnegan, turbocharge a 1974 Mazda RPU (Rotary Pickup) dubbed "Mazdarati 2.0." This mini-truck is unique, as it's powered by a mid-engine 5.3L LS4 V8, a General Motors engine typically found in larger vehicles like the Chevrolet Impala SS or Monte Carlo SS.

The episode focuses on adding a turbocharger to the already potent 5.3L LS4 engine. Turbocharging significantly boosts the engine's power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber, leading to more fuel being burned and more power being generated. After the turbo installation, the vehicle is taken to a dynamometer (dyno) to measure its power output. The dyno test is a crucial part of the tuning process, allowing the team to see the real-world gains from the turbocharger and make necessary adjustments to the engine's fuel and timing settings. The highlight of the video is when the team takes the Mazdarati 2.0 to the drag strip. The goal is to see if the turbocharged mini-truck can run a quarter-mile in the 10-second range, a benchmark for serious performance vehicles. The mid-engine layout, combined with the increased power from the turbocharger, gives the Mazdarati 2.0 a strong chance of achieving this goal. Throughout the episode, there are references to the original Mazdarati, which was a less powerful version of this unique mini-truck. The original Mazdarati might not have had the same level of performance or engineering, making the 2.0 version a significant upgrade. The episode compares the performance, build quality, and overall experience of driving the Mazdarati 2.0 to its predecessor, highlighting the improvements made.

The video is a showcase of what happens when creativity, engineering, and passion for speed collide. By turbocharging the Mazdarati 2.0, Freiburger and Finnegan push the boundaries of what a small, vintage pickup can do, aiming for the coveted 10-second quarter-mile time. This is a mix of technical insights, thrilling racing, and a celebration of automotive innovation, all wrapped up in the fun, laid-back style that Roadkill is known for!