Jeff Lutz is back in the spotlight with his latest build—a revamped ‘57 Chevy that’s packing serious heat under the hood. After years of development, the car has gone through a major transformation, shifting from its original small-block twin-turbo setup to a powerhouse Pro Line Hemi with twin turbos. With the new Speed Promotions NPK season looming, fans are eager to see if Lutz will bring this beast to the track.
Photo by LUTZ RACE CARS
The Evolution of Lutz’s ‘57 Chevy
For those who have followed Lutz’s journey, this isn’t the first time he’s run a ‘57 Chevy in No Prep Kings (NPK). His previous version featured a big-block Chevy with twin turbos, which proved to be a formidable combination. However, his latest build originally started with a unique setup—two small-block Chevys paired with twin turbos. While that combination was capable of making immense power, Lutz ultimately decided to switch things up, opting for a more proven and reliable powerhouse: a Pro Line Hemi with twin turbos.
Why the Pro Line Hemi?
The Pro Line Hemi is a well-known staple in the racing world for a reason. It’s a tried-and-true platform that delivers exceptional reliability and, more importantly, a ton of horsepower. With twin turbos strapped to it, this engine is capable of producing upwards of 5,000 horsepower. That’s more power than most cars can effectively put down on a no-prep track, making tuning and setup crucial for success.
Photo by LUTZ RACE CARS
Speed Promotions’ New Rules and How They Affect Lutz
One of the biggest shake-ups in NPK this season comes from Speed Promotions’ rule changes. No weight limits, no turbo restrictions, no overdrive limits—just pure horsepower and racing. Additionally, competitors are now allowed to run a 36-inch tall tire, which is a game-changer for twin-turbo and screw-blown setups. With this rule change, Lutz’s ‘57 Chevy could have a serious advantage, assuming he can harness all that power and make it stick on a no-prep surface.
The Mustang vs. The ‘57 Chevy
While Lutz has hinted at bringing the ‘57 to NPK, he also has another weapon in his arsenal—his Mustang, which is equipped with a Pro Line Hemi and a ProCharger. Many believe the Mustang could still be the faster car, given its ability to use a lockup converter and other enhancements that might make it more efficient on a no-prep track. The question remains: which car will Lutz commit to for the season?
Photo by LUTZ RACE CARS
Can the ‘57 Compete at the Top Level?
One challenge with the twin-turbo setup is downforce. Unlike screw blowers and ProChargers that utilize exhaust energy to enhance downforce, turbocharged setups don’t generate the same aerodynamic benefits. This can make keeping the car planted on a tricky no-prep surface even more difficult. However, if Lutz and his team can dial in the setup, the potential for blistering speeds and consistent passes is there.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of which car he brings to NPK, Jeff Lutz is sure to be a force to be reckoned with. The ‘57 Chevy’s transition to a Pro Line Hemi with twin turbos marks a bold move that could pay off big if the setup proves manageable. Fans are excited to see whether he sticks with the ‘57 or opts for the Mustang. Either way, Street Outlaws fans can expect some serious horsepower and thrilling races from Lutz this season.
Stay tuned to StreetOutlawsTalks.com for the latest updates, race results, and behind-the-scenes action from the NPK world!