Australian Drag Racing Dynamos: Holz and Psaila Unleash Billet 2JZ Power in High-Performance Holdens

Two Australian drag racing enthusiasts, Ryan Holz and Mark Psaila, have developed high-performance Holden vehicles utilizing modified Toyota 2JZ engines. Holz's LC Torana recently recorded a quarter-mile time of 6.73 seconds at 211 mph, following a comprehensive rebuild that included a billet engine block and a lighter chassis. Psaila's 1966 HR Premier, transformed over 25 years, features a turbocharged 2JZ engine and is engineered for both drag and roll racing, with an aim to achieve seven-second quarter-mile times. Both projects highlight extensive chassis, engine, and drivetrain modifications designed for competitive performance.

These projects exemplify the cutting-edge fusion of Australian automotive heritage with Japanese engineering prowess, pushing the boundaries of drag racing performance.

Ryan Holz's LC Torana: The Billet Block Beast

Ryan Holz, based on the Gold Coast, campaigns an LC Torana hatch in drag racing, powered by a Toyota 2JZ engine. The vehicle's development was meticulously overseen by Danny Lansdowne and the Spot On Performance team.

From Cast Block to Billet Powerhouse

The Torana's initial build featured a 2JZ engine constructed from a factory cast block. This setup was equipped with an offset-ground crank, rods, pistons, dry-sump oiling, and a modified factory head. Operating with 68 psi of boost, this configuration generated a formidable 2000 horsepower. The car's best recorded time was an impressive 6.90 seconds at 206 mph, completing over 30 passes at 7.0 seconds or faster.

However, the engine eventually experienced block deflection and main cap movement, leading to its failure. This incident spurred Holz to pursue a significant reduction in vehicle weight and a transition to a billet engine block for increased power output and durability.

"The original 2JZ engine produced 2000 horsepower, but its failure paved the way for a radical evolution in both power and structural integrity."

Holz acquired a Pro Mod Doorslammer chassis, approximately 15 years old and un-raced, originally built by Grant O'Rourke and Geoff Black. Spot On Performance expertly managed the conversion process to integrate the Torana body.

The upgraded vehicle now features a full-chassis, double-frame-rail Pro Mod design that allows for body removal for ease of maintenance. Modifications included new quarter windows, steering adjustments, an extended driver's footwell, and updates to the ice box, intercooler, intake, and turbo system. The rear suspension system consists of a four-link setup with a Race Products floater kit, Menscer shocks, and an anti-roll bar, specifically designed to work with 275 radial tires.

The current 2JZ engine incorporates a robust Bullet billet block, a Nitto crankshaft, custom GRP connecting rods, and CP pistons, resulting in a 3.2-liter displacement. It retains a factory cast cylinder head, meticulously prepared by Colin at Headsense, with Top Fuel hoops for enhanced sealing. Oiling is managed by a five-stage Barnes dry-sump system with a generous 12-liter capacity.

Air intake is facilitated by a Hypertune Pro Series billet inlet manifold and a 102mm throttle body. Fuel is supplied by Deka 2400cc and FuelTech 7200cc injectors, fed by a Kinsler 1300 belt-driven pump and an Aeromotive regulator. A powerful Precision Next Gen 98mm turbocharger and a 60mm Turbosmart wastegate are integrated into the custom exhaust system.

Additional components include Strange front struts and brakes, a lightweight fiberglass front section, and durable polycarbonate windows. Remarkably, the car maintains its original steel roof and quarters. The vehicle now weighs 2600 pounds at race weight, making it 600 pounds lighter than its predecessor, with an optimal 53 percent front weight bias. Paint and panel work were completed by Spray King Restorations, with airbrushing by Zealous & Kruik Kustoms.

Record-Breaking Performance and Future Goals

At its debut during the 2025 Brisbane Jamboree, the Torana demonstrated its immense potential, recording an astonishing quarter-mile time of 6.73 seconds at 211 mph. The team has stated ambitious goals to achieve 6.40-second quarter-mile times and 3-second eighth-mile times.

The car launches on 20 psi of boost at 5800 rpm, supplemented by a 150-horsepower direct-port dry nitrous kit for an extra kick. Gear changes are executed with an air shifter, and air parachutes are employed for rapid deceleration. Future evaluations are planned for turbocharger sizing to potentially increase power even further.

Ryan Holz has acknowledged the vital contributions of Andy and Danny at Spot On Performance, Jeff Johnson at Power Management Solutions, and his dedicated race crew: Michelle, Brad, and Chris.

Mark Psaila's 1966 HR Premier: A 25-Year Evolution

Mark Psaila has owned his 1966 Holden HR Premier for over 25 years, meticulously transforming it from a stock vehicle into a high-performance drag and roll racing machine. The car's evolution has included multiple engine changes and extensive chassis modifications, making it a testament to long-term dedication.

A Legacy of Power and Precision

Psaila acquired the HR Premier in the late 1990s as a stock, two-owner car. Its initial configurations included a 208ci red six-cylinder engine, followed by a Chevy 350 small-block. Subsequently, a 434ci small-block produced 680 horsepower, with capabilities approaching 1000 horsepower with nitrous. After remaining dormant for approximately 15 years, Psaila initiated a comprehensive rebuild specifically tailored for drag and roll racing.

"From a humble stock sedan to a quarter-mile contender, Psaila's HR Premier embodies two decades of relentless automotive passion and engineering."

To accommodate large radial tires and achieve a striking pro-street aesthetic, the HR Premier underwent a significant rear clip modification, replacing the entire section from the rear seat backward. This conversion transformed the four-door into a two-seater and incorporated an integrated rollcage constructed by Drag Car Fabrications to dramatically enhance structural rigidity. A new transmission tunnel was also expertly installed. The car's body was straightened and meticulously repainted in its original Landale Gold factory color, complemented by a sleek black roof.

Turbocharged 2JZ Heart

Psaila transitioned from traditional V8 setups to a potent turbocharged 3.0-liter Toyota 2JZ six-cylinder engine. The current 2JZ configuration has produced a robust 529 horsepower at the wheels on 21 psi and includes a 150-horsepower shot of nitrous for on-demand power boosts.

Key engine components include:

• Cylinder Head: A Rams Head Service-prepared Yamaha-designed cylinder head equipped with 1mm-oversize Ferrea valves, aggressive 290/290 Kelford camshafts, and solid lifters.
• Turbocharger: A high-performance Garrett G42 turbocharger mounted on a custom six-into-one Pro Mod-style manifold, expertly fabricated by Sonny at TURBO1.
• Wastegate: A Turbosmart 60mm wastegate with advanced CO2 boost control for precise regulation.
• Intake: A Plazmaman Pro Series forward-facing intake manifold with an 84mm Bosch drive-by-wire throttle body ensures optimal airflow.
• Fuel System: Twelve Bosch injectors (six 1000cc and six 2200cc) are strategically used for E85 fuel, supplied by twin DeatschWerks in-tank pumps and a mechanical Aeromotive pump.
• Electronics: A state-of-the-art Haltech R5 Nexus ECU and PD16 PDM, calibrated by the renowned Dale Heiler, manage all engine functions.

Future engine plans involve the implementation of an even more powerful Dart-block 3.2-liter stroker.

Advanced Drivetrain and Suspension

The drivetrain features a robust BTE Top Sportsman Pro Series Powerglide transmission paired with a 5000 rpm Dominator converter, expertly connected to the 2JZ engine via an ATF Speed adapter plate. A 9-inch differential incorporates Race Products full-floater hubs, 300M 35-spline axles, a Truetrac LSD, and 3.7:1 gears for relentless power transfer.

The front suspension consists of double-adjustable Viking coil-over struts and a custom 27mm sway-bar, providing precise handling. The rear suspension utilizes Gazzard Brothers mono-leaf springs, adjustable shocks, and an anti-roll bar for maximum traction and stability.

Braking is confidently handled by Wilwood six-pot disc brakes in the front (with 320mm discs) and four-pot disc brakes in the rear (with 290mm discs), controlled by a Wilwood master cylinder. The vehicle is equipped with stylish Weld RTS S71 rims, measuring 17x6 inches at the front with Outlaw Drag 175/70R17 tires, and a massive 15x15 inches at the rear with Mickey Thompson Sportsman 29x18.00R15 tires for ultimate grip.

Integrated Cooling and Fuel Systems

Due to the substantial dimensions of the Plazmaman intercooler, the custom radiator and a large Spal electric fan are ingeniously positioned behind the 9-inch differential, optimizing weight distribution and cooling efficiency. The boot compartment efficiently houses the nitrous tank and a Proflow 80-liter fuel cell containing twin DeatschWerks in-tank pumps, ensuring a continuous supply of E85. A custom header tank in the engine bay is neatly integrated with a catch can, and all fuel lines are meticulously routed behind the guards for safety and a clean aesthetic.

Mark Psaila intends to pursue his goal of seven-second quarter-mile times and actively participate in roll racing competitions, further showcasing the versatility and power of his meticulously crafted HR Premier.