Ryan Tuerck is a name that has become synonymous with drifting since its debut in Formula D in 2007.
But in recent years, Ryan has received high praise for some of the most creative builds in the roving world and, more recently, for time attack.
The GT4586, Unveiled in 2016, it was the first build – combining a Ferrari 458 engine with a Toyota GT86 chassis. It saw action at events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Gridlife, and still appears occasionally.
Then came the Formula supra, which took things one step further. The underpinnings of the A90 MkV Toyota Supra were adorned with dry carbon bodywork, extensive custom fabrication and a Judd V10 engine. Yes, the same Judd known for his high-revving V8 and V10 engines from Formula 1 and endurance racing.
When it came time for a new project, it would be a real challenge to top these two. Ryan set out a few criteria: a tubular chassis, a custom widebody, CAD design and a four-cylinder turbo engine. Oh, and it had to be a Toyota.
Of the options considered, the second generation Toyota Stout pickup (1960-1978) 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 nice 1966 Stout. However, upon tearing it down, it became clear that a previous owner had applied Bondo putty similar to Michelangelo’s brushstrokes. Significant repair work was required to bring it to an acceptable condition. As Ryan put it: “I kind of shot myself in the foot by spending the extra money on a clean body that was sanded just good enough with a lick of paint.”
Once repaired, Rob Parsons (AKA Chair pad) designed the tubular 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 Fiberglass Concepts.
While this was happening, the tube frame and bare body were sent to Kibbitech, known for their manufacturing skills in the prerunner world. They meticulously welded everything together and fabricated several CNC components, including the exposed rear crossmember that supports the BC Racing suspension inboard motor and Radium fuel cell.
In 1966, 85 hp was considered sufficient for a half-ton payload. In 2024, it certainly wouldn’t be enough for what Ryan had in mind for the pickup.
The Stout’s original RK series engine was replaced with a Toyota 3S-GTE/5S-FE mashup. The 5S-FE engine, built by PSI Racing, increases capacity to 2.1 liters and improves durability, something further enhanced by forged pistons and rods. With a Garrett G30-770 turbocharger, mild camshafts and an improved valve line in the 3S-GTE DOHC cylinder head with 16 valves, the engine delivers more than 600 hp.
The MoTeC electronics are heavily featured, with an M130 engine management system, a PDM30 power distribution module and a C1212 12-inch digital display all in the mix.
The original bench seat and column-mounted shifter were never going to be suitable for the Stout’s new purpose. A modified tunnel for the sequential Holinger gearbox now separates the ultra-light and radical-looking Recaro Podium seats.
Power is distributed to the Stout’s rear wheels via a Winters Performance quick-change differential. Rotiform LSR-Ms – 18 x 9 inches at the front and 18 x 10.5 inches at the rear – give the truck a cool look and fit snugly under the widened arches. Brembo GT brakes, the same as on the Formula Supra, are mounted on each corner.
By moving from California’s main automotive center to his home state of New Hampshire, Ryan has gained more space for cars and tools. The move also provided an opportunity to acquire new skills, including machine shop tools for manufacturing components such as water ports and thread cutting for AN line adapters. The Stout was a hands-on project, allowing Ryan to dive into the work at every opportunity.
Normally, pick-up trucks have a weight balance that is heavily skewed to the front, which has a negative effect on handling. Fortunately, the extensive adjustments have made a significant difference. Ryan says the Stout performed and handled better than expected and felt comfortable during his first outing.
This was evident when the truck attacked the hill at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed – sideways, as you’d expect.
Along with Goodwood, Ryan has fielded the Stout at other events such as Drift Appalachia and Gridlife, where he continues to achieve his goal of destroying tires in spectacular fashion.
Nowadays, winning events is not enough. Drivers must be podium candidates And brand ambassadors. They need to be approachable and presentable, create hype and maintain interest on social media.
Like Ryan’s previous projects, the Stout is a great example of this philosophy: building something unique at a high level, while documenting the process for the masses and then controlling it as much as possible.
Ryan’s next project? GT411 – a WRC-inspired Toyota Celica that is already under the knife. If the completed build is anything like the GT4586, Formula Supra or Stout, we’re in for a treat.
Stefan Kotze
Instagram: stefankotzemedia
info@stefankotze.com
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Additional photos by Chaydon Ford
Instagram: chaycore
