NMCA Drag Racing Event - Street Fighters

Paul Ferrucci's '81 Malibu isn't what you'd call a typical street car, but it started out typically enough. Paul purchased it in 1989 as a teenager, and used it as a daily driver and weekend warrior. It went through a variety of iterations including a naturally aspirated small-block for bracket racing, then nitrous, and even an 8-71 blower for the sheer shock factor. The current combination features an F2 Procharger, about which Paul emphatically says, "There's nothing like it!" Most of the work was done by Paul at home, including the magenta paint job, which has now been replaced by a more professional coat. Some of the heavy lifting, such as the rollcage, rear anti-sway bar, mini-tub job, and notched framerails was performed by Miller Racecars, to which Paul gives major credit. The air-to-water intercooled mill boasts 1,011 rear-wheel horsepower on 20 lbs of boost with 112 octane, as measured on Jannetty Racing's chassis dyno. For those with similar carbureted blow-through setups, Paul says the belt-driven fuel pump was the key to making it all work properly. How good is it? Paul ran his best e.t. during time trials at Joliet with an 8.28 at 165 mph. Paul also gives credit to Carlquist Competition Engines, who did much of the machine work.

Paul Ferrucci's first True...        read full caption Paul Ferrucci's first True Street appearance was in 2003.

1981 Chevy Malibu
Paul Ferrucci
Occupation: Helicopter mechanic
Hometown: Waterbury, CT
Best Prior e.t.: 8.52/163
True Street e.t. Average: 8.643