SEMA Preview: Performance West goes smaller with F-150 Striker R
If the super-tuned F-350 Striker diesel dually doesn't float your boat, the specialty tuners at Performance West will have a tire shredder of smaller proportions for you at SEMA next month. The F-150 Striker R will be unleashed on attendees of the Las Vegas tuner spectacular with Shelby GT500KR-inspired styling similar to its big brother and a power story all its own. Our friend Mike Levine from Pickuptrucks.com gave us the low-down on the Striker R's power numbers, and they're pretty impressive. It gains motivation from Ford's 5.4L V8 mated to a massive 2.4L Kenne Bell Blowzilla supercharger and intercooler, giving it a healthy 500 ponies. Other power enhancers include a cold air intake, Boost-a-Pump, Optimizer II electronic engine management system and a Corsa Cat-Back exhaust.
The Sriker R will be kept pinned to the pavement with a Bell Tech suspension package, and the rear differential will receive a Striker R alloy cover. Stopping force for this powerful pickup comes via 15-inch Big Bite cross-drilled rotors. A vehicle isn't SEMA-worthy without great-looking wheels and tires, and Performance West went to Pirelli for the proper equipment – stylish 22-inch alloy wheels and Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico ultra-high-performance tires.
In our humble opinion, the GT500KR treatment translates better to the F-150 than the F-350, as the Striker R incorporates big upper and lower front air dams and two imposing hood scoops to keep the air flowing. No GT500KR look-alike would be worth its weight in spit without dual racing stripes, and the Striker R uses the Badass Blue variety with contrasting silver paint directly from the Shelby Mustang concept.
[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
JF 5:03PM (9/30/2008)
Looks badass, but it seems like the blown 5.4 should be making more than the standard 500 hp given all the supposed enhancements
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Doug 9:29PM (9/30/2008)
Not if it's going to pass smog. And there aren't that many "supposed enhancements".
JF 5:05PM (9/30/2008)
Looks badass (except for the limo crew cab), but it seems like the blown 5.4 should be making more than the standard 500 hp given all the supposed enhancements
Oh and there'd better be a single cab (or at least a regular extended cab)
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RLQ 4:04AM (10/01/2008)
I guess this is the closest its coming to a SVT Lightning.
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Corey L 5:14PM (9/30/2008)
"A vehicle isn't SEMA-worthy without great-looking wheels"
By "great," you mean ostentatious or gaudy?
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Torrent 5:50PM (9/30/2008)
Awesome, but the F-350 has already got my vote.
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Rob 5:56PM (9/30/2008)
You can use the bed to carry all the extra tires you'll need, and at the same time get better traction.
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JF 11:27PM (9/30/2008)
doug,
The GT500 mustang passes smog and makes 500 hp out of the 5.4 Mod S/C, without the supposed "cold air intake, Boost-a-Pump, Optimizer II electronic engine management system and a Corsa Cat-Back exhaust"
My point stands
Doug 1:54AM (10/01/2008)
All of those things are optimized from the factory. Your point falls.
inteller 8:30AM (10/01/2008)
FAIL
Reply