Junkyard Nissan V8 Produces Almost 700 WHP Using a Turbo and Minimal Modifications

      Nivlac57 via YouTube

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      If you weren't aware, you might believe that drag racers have only two engine options when constructing their vehicles: an LS or a Coyote. These are the most frequently seen choices, and there are solid reasons for that. However, just because they dominate doesn't mean they are the only options worth considering. For instance, take this junkyard Nissan VK56 from a Titan pickup; with additional fuel and forced induction, it's generating nearly 700 wheel horsepower on the factory block with OEM internals.

      This impressive setup is the work of Calvin Nelson, known as Nivlac57 on YouTube. Typically working with inline GM Atlas engines, transforming Camaros and Trailblazers into 1,000-hp machines, he decided to explore a different route with this Ford Fairmont Futura. He managed to acquire a 120,000-mile rusted Nissan Titan for $1,500 and quickly disassembled it for its 5.6-liter V8. The project took off shortly after.

      The Nissan VK56 has several appealing features. It boasts dual-overhead cams akin to the Coyote, made from forged steel and fully counterweighted; it weighs roughly the same as a comparable LS; and it’s about as accessible as any old LS from a GM truck. You might argue that it’s worth building simply for its uniqueness, but that’s not the only reason when you see how easily it produces substantial power.

      Nelson added some legitimate performance parts to revive the worn-out truck engine. The Forced Performance 7875 turbo is certainly the most impactful change, featuring a .96 AR turbine, a 50-millimeter wastegate, and a four-inch downpipe. Additionally, he chose a Link G4X Xtreme ECU along with Snake Eater Performance 1500cc injectors. Other components were fairly budget-friendly, such as the eBay intake manifold and four-inch-core intercooler he found on Facebook Marketplace.

      Regarding the transmission, the Nissan-powered Ford employs a Turbo 400 with a flex plate adapter from C3 Performance.

      An initial test burnout in Nelson’s driveway quickly revealed that the 8.5-inch drag slicks they initially installed weren’t sufficient. Not a terrible issue to encounter. This was an early indication of what was to come, as the VK56 easily produced 510 wheel hp at just 13 psi of boost. It only improved from there, reaching 594 whp without any additional boost—thanks to some tuning finesse. A little more timing here and a bit more boost there, and the numbers kept climbing… until the torque converter began to slip.

      The VK56’s best dyno run recorded 660 hp at the wheels with 20 psi and 21 degrees of timing. However, this was likely constrained by the torque converter rather than the engine itself. Nelson aimed for 700 whp, and while it fell short of that target, there are indications that it could achieve more with the proper components upstream. It’s a plus that the car has already been enhanced with 10.5-inch slicks and a mini-tub rear along with AFCO adjustable coilovers positioned higher for improved tire clearance.

      I believe this unconventional Ford will surprise others at the strip once everything is fine-tuned. Nelson describes the VK56 as “the Coyote you can actually afford,” and a glance at Ford Five-Oh prices confirms his claim. Whether this swap gains popularity remains uncertain, but based on these videos, it likely deserves attention.

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