If making a good impression is your goal, you would agree that Bill Cain's A100 delivers. The Radio Flyer theme and the short-wheelbase A100 platform are unique, but the wild Hemi engine-placed midship causes everyone to foam at the mouth.
Now displacing 528 ci, the nitrous-aided elephant easily borders on ridiculous, and boasts more than 1,000 horsepower on tap. With a new MP Hemi block for the foundation, Ray Barton Racing Engines fashioned the combination by using several Barton components, including connecting rods and pistons, cylinder head components, and camshaft. Other components include Mopar Hemi heads, an Indy Cylinder Head intake manifold, Holley Dominator carburetor, and a Chrysler ignition system boosted by an Accel coil. The result is an 11.5:1 pachyderm that expels spent gases via J&R 2-1/4-inch primary headers and a 4-inch Flowmaster exhaust system.
To get all that power to the ground, Bill chose a TorqueFlite fitted with a Cheetah valvebody modification kit and G.E.R. torque converter. A B&M shifter locates the appropriate gear, thereby sending torque to the spooled 4.56-geared Dana 60.
As for suspension, Alston provided the frame components and a rodders favorite--a Mustang II front suspension with a four-link out back--to keep all four wheels in touch with terra firma, thanks to Carrera front and AVO rear coilovers.
For the full Radio Flyer appearance, Bill contacted Mike's Body Shop in Westerville, Ohio, to apply the Viper Red PPG base-coat/clearcoat combination. The modified Radio Flyer graphics feature a helmeted pilot and Hemi Dodge lettering.
In the six years that Bill has owned the Radio Flyer, he has primarily used it for cruisin' events with the Fairfield Mopar Club and the Ohio Mopar Association. He has also shown the truck in Pro Street competition. The final results are of dubious distinction, but we're convinced this wacky wagon is the center of conversation. It definitely was at the '98 Mopar Nationals.