Ryan Tuerck is a name that has become synonymous with drifting since his 2007 debut in Formula D.
But in recent years, Ryan has earned acclaim for some of the most creative builds in the drifting world and, more recently, time attack.
The GT4586, unveiled in 2016, was the first build – combining a Ferrari 458 engine with a Toyota GT86 chassis. It saw action at events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Gridlife, and still makes the occasional appearance.
Next came the Formula Supra, which stepped things up another notch. The A90 MkV Toyota Supra base was adorned with dry carbon bodywork, extensive custom fabrication, and a Judd V10 engine. Yes, the same Judd renowned for its high-revving V8 and V10 motors from Formula 1 and endurance racing.
When it came time for a new project, topping these two would be a real challenge. Ryan set out a few criteria: a tube chassis, custom widebody, CAD design, and a four-cylinder turbo engine. Oh, and it had to be a Toyota.
From the options considered, the second-generation (1960-1978) Toyota Stout pickup stood out as a unique and ideal platform for Ryan and his team to showcase their skills.
The search for a suitable candidate led Ryan to San Diego and the purchase of what appeared to be a very tidy 1966 Stout. However, upon teardown, it became clear that a previous owner had applied Bondo body filler like Michelangelo’s brush strokes. Considerable repair work was needed to bring it to an acceptable state. As Ryan put it, “I kind of shot myself in the foot spending the extra money on a clean body that was just sanded well enough with a coat of paint.”
Once repaired, Rob Parsons (AKA Chairslayer) designed the tube chassis by 3D-scanning the Stout’s body, ensuring precise tolerances for the new frame. The custom widebody panels were designed by Jonsibal and produced by Advanced Fibreglass Concepts.
While this was happening, the tube frame and bare body were sent to Kibbitech, renowned for their fabrication skills in the prerunner world. They meticulously welded everything together and crafted several CNC components, including the exposed rear cross-member that supports the inboard BC Racing suspension and Radium fuel cell.
Back in 1966, 85hp was deemed adequate for a half-ton payload. In 2024, it definitely wouldn’t be adequate for what Ryan had in mind for the pickup.
The Stout’s original RK-series motor was replaced with a Toyota 3S-GTE/5S-FE mashup. Built by PSI Racing, the 5S-FE block increases capacity to 2.1 litres and improves durability, something enhanced by forged pistons and rods. With a Garrett G30-770 turbocharger, mild cams and an upgraded valvetrain in the 3S-GTE DOHC 16-valve cylinder head, the engine delivers more than 600hp.
MoTeC electronics features heavily, with an M130 engine management system, PDM30 power distribution module, and C1212 12-inch digital display all in the mix.
The original bench seat and column-mounted shifter would never cut it for the Stout’s new purpose. A custom tunnel for the Holinger sequential gearbox now separates the ultra-lightweight and radical-looking Recaro Podium seats.
Power is distributed to the Stout’s rear wheels through a Winters Performance quick-change differential. Rotiform LSR-Ms – 18×9-inch in the front and 18×10.5-inch out the back – give the truck a tough stance, snugly fitting under the widened arches. Brembo GT brakes, the same as on the Formula Supra, are mounted at each corner.
Relocating from the major automotive hub of California back to his home state of New Hampshire has provided Ryan with more property space for cars and tools. The move also served as an opportunity to acquire new skills, including machine shop tooling for crafting components like waterports and cutting threads for AN line adapters. The Stout was a hands-on project, allowing Ryan to dive into the work at every opportunity.
Typically, pickup trucks have a weight balance skewed heavily towards the front, negatively affecting their handling. Thankfully, the extensive modifications made a significant difference. Ryan says the Stout performed and handled better than anticipated and felt comfortable on its first outing.
This was evident when the truck attacked the hill at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed – sideways, as you would expect.
Along with Goodwood, Ryan has had the Stout out at other events like Drift Appalachia and Gridlife, where it continues to meet its objective: destroying tyres spectacularly.
Today, winning events isn’t enough. Drivers need to be podium contenders and brand ambassadors. They must be approachable and presentable, create hype, and maintain interest on social media.
Like Ryan’s previous projects, the Stout is a prime examples of this philosophy – building something unique to a high standard, while documenting the process for the masses and then driving it as much as possible.
Ryan’s next project? GT411 – a WRC-inspired Toyota Celica that’s already under the knife. If the completed build is anything like the GT4586, Formula Supra, or Stout, we’re in for a treat.
Stefan Kotzé
Instagram: stefankotzemedia
[email protected]
www.stefankotzemedia.com
Additional Photos by Chaydon Ford
Instagram: chaycore