The Twin-Turbo 1969 Ford F-100 Race Truck

For John Yeiser, building a 1969 Ford F-100 wasn’t just a project—it was the realization of a dream inspired by the 1960s Indy 500 race cars, fighter planes, and modern design elements. After eight years and $700,000, this silver metallic F-100 is now a race truck that stands out not only for its performance but also for its unique approach to combining classic inspiration with cutting-edge technology.

This build didn’t happen overnight. It began with a vision to create a race truck unlike any other. The foundation was a complete ground-up build, starting with a custom tube frame chassis designed to handle the demands of both high-speed racing and rugged off-road terrain. The original Ford frame was replaced, and everything from the suspension to the drivetrain was meticulously planned and executed by some of the best in the business.

Under the hood, the F-100 boasts a Ford 460 ci V-8 engine, built by Norm Sappenfield at NCP460. This engine is anything but stock. It features Trick Flow heads, a Comp Cam, and JE pistons, all working together to deliver power and reliability. The engine is also equipped with twin Turbonetics turbochargers, dual Aeromotive intercoolers, and quad Turbonetics waste gates. These components push the engine’s output to over 1,000 horsepower, making it a true powerhouse on the track. The exhaust system, complete with Borla mufflers, ensures that this truck sounds as fierce as it performs.

The transmission is equally impressive. A Culhane Racing C6, built in 2006, handles the massive power from the V-8. It’s been outfitted with custom ratios (4:12) and a Fluidyne transmission cooler to keep temperatures in check. The truck’s drivetrain is finished off with a Sany Cone 9-inch front drive axle and a fully locked rear axle, both designed to deliver the torque needed to tackle any terrain.

The suspension setup on this F-100 is a testament to the amount of thought and engineering that went into this build. With 28 inches of front travel and 36 inches of rear travel, this truck is ready to handle everything from the highway to 4-foot whoops in the desert. The suspension is managed by Sway-A-Way shocks, providing the necessary control and stability.

Bodywork on the F-100 was no small feat. All custom fiberglass panels were designed and molded by Dan Ellis and Peter Morley of Prototype Concepts, with final production handled by Fiberwerx in San Diego. The entire truck is finished in a striking Silver Metallic, painted by Ruley Paint in San Diego. This custom bodywork not only gives the truck a sleek, modern look but also pays homage to the design inspirations that fueled the build.

Inside, the F-100 continues to impress. The interior features custom-designed components that complement the Mastercraft seats. The dashboard, inspired by early 1960s Corvettes, is crafted from raw aluminum, keeping the design clean and functional. All switches are located on the top visor, with gauges placed strategically on the dash for easy access during races. The result is an interior that’s as functional as it is stylish, providing everything needed for high-speed performance.

John’s F-100 has seen its share of action, having competed in the NORRA 1000 twice, finishing once. It’s also taken on numerous trails in the California desert, including the Mojave Trail between Barstow and Needles. But for John, the journey doesn’t end here. With a brand new custom-built NCP572 ci Eliminator engine waiting to be installed, the next phase of this truck’s life is already in motion.

Building this truck wasn’t easy. From the challenges of fitting twin turbos in the engine bay to ensuring the truck could handle both off-road terrain and highway speeds, every step required precision and ingenuity. But for John, every minute, every dollar, and every challenge was worth it.

“Have fun building your dream,” he says. “I started with a $2,000 budget. Fifteen years later and two separate builds, the truck is finished.”

John’s 1969 Ford F-100 is more than just a race truck—it’s a testament to the power of persistence, creativity, and the pursuit of a dream. With over 1,000 horsepower and a design that draws from the best of the past and the innovations of the present, this F-100 is truly one of a kind.

 

Upgrades

1969 Ford F-100

OWNER:

John Yeiser
Santee, CA

Engine & Drivetrain:

Engine: 460 ci V-8, Ford; Turbo: Twin Turbonetics; Intercooler: Dual Aeromotive; Exhaust: Custom with Borla mufflers; Transmission: Culhane Racing C6 (2006); Front Drive Axle: Sany Cone 9-inch; Rear Drive Axle: Fully Locked

Suspension:

Front Travel: 28 inches; Rear Travel: 36 inches; Front Shocks: Sway-A-Way; Rear Shocks: Sway-A-Way

Body & Armor:

Body: Custom fiberglass panels by Fiberwerx; Paint: Silver Metallic by Ruley Paint, San Diego

Interior & Accessories:

Seats: Mastercraft; Custom raw aluminum dashboard inspired by 1960s Corvettes; Roll Cage: Custom Chromoly

Events:

NORRA 1000 (competed twice, finished once); Mojave Trail between Barstow and Needles