Tom Bailey is bringing the most unique vehicle to the 2024 Direct Connection Grudge Match to Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge in the form of a vehicle that was never actually sold in the United States. Bailey is bringing out a Hurricane-powered 2001 Dodge Ramcharger, and while you might be thinking that there was a Ramcharger sold in the United States – that model was based on the previous generation of Dodge Ram and it was discontinued after 1993.
The 2001 Dodge Ramcharger was based on the basic underpinnings of the Dodge Ram 1500 of that era, except this Mexico-only SUV was fitted with unique rear bodywork that did away with the cargo bed in place of a much roomier interior than any half-ton pickups. Although they were never sold in the United States, they do turn up from time to time for sale online, and legendary drag-and-drive racer Tom Bailey got ahold of one.
Like all of this year’s Roadkill Nights Grudge Match competitors, Bailey’s Dodge Ramcharger is powered by the twin turbocharged 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six engine. The engine is fed by an Aeromotive 3.5-gallon-per-minute fuel pump in the factory fuel tank along with an Aeromotive regulator that supplies a constant flow of 90psi of pressure for the direct injection pump. A Be Cool radiator with a built-in intercooler and transmission cooler help to keep all of the key components cool – including air intake temps – with the help of a Delta Pag brushless 16-inch cooling fan. This project also uses Redhorse lines and fitting throughout the engine bay, while a pair of XS Power lithium batteries provide the juice needed to keep the electronics up and running.
Power from that Hurricane engine is sent to the rear wheels by means of an 8-speed automatic transmission, an East Coast Driveline driveshaft and a Rubicon rear axle with an electronic locker, controlled by a Holley Smartwire system. The Holley Smartwire system controls all of the electronic components in conjunction with an AEM dash setup.
Tom Bailey’s 2001 Dodge Ramcharger is running the stock leaf springs with a set of Caltracs out back, custom front lowering spindles from AirBagIt.com up front and custom-valved QA1 shocks at all four corners. Billet Specialties wheels wrapped in Mickey Thompson rubber complete the look while allowing Bailey to put the power to the pavement.
All of the work on Tom Bailey’s 2001 Dodge Ramcharger was completed at Sick Fab by a team that includes Bob Miller, Aydan Bailey, Andy McConnell and Bart Strzelecki. Come check out this SICK ride at Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge, tickets are still available!
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