This 1978 Dodge Lil’ Red Express is a two-owner example that has been turned into a drag racer. It is powered by a 440 V8 paired to a Trans King 727 transmission with the correct factory 360ci small block and 727 included with the sale. Along with the engine and transmission swap, the original owner upgraded the rear end with Auburn positraction and a 4.56 final drive ratio. He also installed a roll bar, racing seats, Cheetah SCS shifter, and other race-related modifications, though a restoration back to stock is reportedly possible. The seller purchased the truck in 2002 as his entry into NHRA drag racing, and says that it can be raced in Street, Pro, and Super Pro classes. It has been used about five times in the past three years and a time slip from 2015 shows a 12.003 second quarter mile pass at 107.75 mph. This truck is now being offered for sale with a clean Massachusetts title.

1978 marked the first year of production for the limited-run Lil’ Red Express Truck with just over 2000 example produced. The Bright Canyon Red finish shows several dings, chips, and scratches, while the gold pin-striping and decals look to be in good condition for their age. The factory wood trim along the bed appears intact but weathered.

The truck is thought to retain its factory paint with the exception of the flat black hood that is fitted with pins. The dual chrome-plated vertical exhaust stacks were equipped from the factory, though the dual tips were added.

Racing seats and a removable six point roll cage were installed for safety. Door panels and dash are original and unrestored with some cracking noted on the glovebox. A Cheetah SCS shifter was fitted and a full gauge package is present on the dash and steering column. A few detailed photos are available in the gallery below.

Weld 15×10″ rear wheels wear 295/65 MT ET Street tires and Moroso 15×7.6″ tires are fitted up front. A new pair of Hoosier Quicktime Pro 29×13.5″ rear tires with Weld rims is included in the sale and are pictured above.

The previous owner replaced the factory 360 with a 440ci V8 with Holley 850 Double Pumper Carb and a 590 lift cam. The engine features 12.5:1 compression and is paired to a big block Trans King 727 transmission with a transbrake that has air shift capacity and a transmission shield for safety. A May 2015 time slip from the New England Dragway shows a run of 12.003 @ 107.75 mph and another run of 12.012 @ 106.49 mph.

An Auburn positraction unit and 4.56:1 rear gears are fitted in the original 9.25 case. The original 360ci V8, transmission, heater core, gas tank, driveshaft, rear window, and radiator are pictured in the gallery below and are included in the sale along with the additional wheels and a new California car cover. The seller has provided a couple videos viewed below.