The Cromod Is Back—And It's Ready to Shake Up the Streets Once Again

If you’ve been around the Street Outlaws world long enough, you remember the Cromod. That wild, radical Pro Mod-style Pontiac that Big Chief rolled out back in 2016 after the OG Crow’s devastating crash. It was more than just a backup plan—it was Big Chief’s bold statement that he wasn’t going anywhere.

Photo by Big Chief 405

Now, nearly nine years later, the Cromod is back in the spotlight—but under new ownership and with a whole new look. And let’s just say... it’s got people talking.

A Blast from the Past

Originally unveiled at Lights Out 7, the Cromod hit the scene with a vengeance, powered by a Butler Performance 482ci Pontiac setup and twin turbos that laid down serious numbers. Back then, running low 3-second passes on radials was the cutting edge—and the Cromod was at the front of that wave.

But after Chief pulled the motor for one of his later builds, the car sat quietly. A roller with history, tucked away, nearly forgotten.

Photo by Big Chief 405

New Look, New Owner, New Game Plan

Recently, photos of the Cromod resurfaced online—and it's looking mean in its new blue color scheme. Not everyone’s sold on the updated hood and frontend, but what’s under the skin is where it gets really interesting.

The new owner isn’t just restoring a legend—they’re reimagining it. The Cromod is now fitted with a fresh twin turbo setup (details are still under wraps) and it's rolling on 275s. Yep, you heard that right. The former big tire beast is now small tire and eyeing the ultra-competitive Pro 275 and No Time classes.

It’s a serious pivot—and it might be the smartest move yet.

The No Prep Landscape Has Changed

Let’s be real: 2024’s no prep and small tire scene is a different animal than what the Cromod faced in 2016. Today’s cars are on a whole other level—more power, more tire, fewer rules. Speed Promotions, the group stirring the pot in No Prep Kings’ evolution, recently dropped weight rules entirely. Combine that with no limits on guest entries and suddenly, a door swings wide open for a wildcard like the Cromod to make a splash.

Photo by Big Chief 405

Could it appear as a guest entry? Absolutely possible.

Is it confirmed? Not yet.

But if it does roll up to the line again, there won’t be a single set of eyes looking the other way.

Nostalgia Meets Next-Gen Competition

The Cromod carries heavy nostalgia. It was a symbol of Big Chief’s grit, his determination to stay in the fight when things looked bleak. But now, it’s less about legacy and more about performance. The new owner isn’t just showing off a collector’s piece—they’re gunning for competition.

And that’s where it gets exciting.

Today’s Pro 275 and No Prep classes are filled with monsters—screw blowers, ProChargers, lightweight rockets pushing big numbers. To compete, the Cromod’s setup will need to be lethal. It's not just about horsepower anymore. It’s about how you put it down. And on small tires, traction is a science.

Will the new turbo combo be enough? That’s the million-dollar question.

All Eyes on the Tuning

No prep surfaces are sketchy. Everyone knows it. Power is useless if you can’t hook—and the tuning window is razor thin. The Cromod was built for radials on well-prepped surfaces. Now, it’s entering a world where every launch is a gamble and every track surface tells a different story.

If the new team has the right brains behind the laptop, this thing could turn some serious heads. But make no mistake—this is high-stakes racing now. There’s live coverage, big money, and more attention than ever. There’s no room for error.

Could This Be a Cinderella Story?

With Speed Promotions rewriting the rule book, 2025 could be the year for an underdog—or in this case, a reborn legend—to make its mark. The Cromod has the bones. It’s got the story. And if the new combo hits, it could go from nostalgic comeback to outright contender.

Let’s not forget the ripple effect this could have on Big Chief’s legacy, either. Even though he’s not behind the wheel, seeing the Cromod back in action naturally brings his name back into the conversation. If it runs strong? That’s just another reminder of how ahead of its time that original build really was.

Final Thoughts

Whether it dominates, surprises, or just shows up for a cameo, the Cromod’s return is already a win for fans. It’s got the whole community buzzing, and rightfully so. We’re looking at a car that refuses to be forgotten, making its move in one of the most competitive eras of street-style racing.

Will it fly like it did nearly a decade ago? Can old-school steel rise to meet modern monsters?

One thing's for sure: the track is waiting. The crowd is watching. And the Cromod is ready to fly once again.