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Unleashing the Beast: How Much Horsepower Does Ryan Martin’s Fireball Camaro Really Make?

  • Writer: Hy Na
    Hy Na
  • 6 hours ago
  • 3 min read

​Ryan Martin, a dominant force in the drag racing world and a star of Discovery Channel’s Street Outlaws, is renowned for his high-performance Fireball Camaros. These machines are not only visually striking but also boast extraordinary horsepower, making them formidable contenders on both the street and the strip.​


Source: Youtube


The Evolution of the Fireball Camaro

Martin's journey with the Fireball Camaro began with a twin-turbocharged setup, featuring a 572 cubic inch 481X engine from Pro Line Racing Engines. This all-billet powerplant was capable of producing upwards of 5,500 horsepower, a testament to its engineering excellence . The boost was supplied by Precision turbochargers, with configurations ranging from 88 mm for street use to 106 mm for track applications, allowing flexibility depending on the racing environment.​


However, the relentless pursuit of performance led to a significant transformation. In 2024, Martin unveiled a revamped Fireball Camaro equipped with a screw-supercharged HEMI engine combination. This new setup, developed in collaboration with Pro Line Racing, introduced a PSI screw blower, marking the car's third major powertrain iteration. The transition aimed to explore the competitive edge offered by screw superchargers in the No Prep Kings (NPK) series.


Photo by Discovery Channel


Horsepower Figures: Breaking Down the Numbers

The horsepower output of Martin's Fireball Camaro has varied with each configuration:​

  • Twin-Turbo 481X Setup: This initial configuration delivered over 5,500 horsepower, leveraging the capabilities of large Precision turbochargers and the robust 481X engine block.


  • ProCharged HEMI Combination: During the 2021 and 2022 NPK seasons, Martin's Camaro featured a Pro Line HEMI engine paired with a ProCharger F-4X supercharger. This setup produced approximately 3,500 horsepower, balancing power and reliability for consistent performance.


  • Screw-Blown HEMI Configuration: The latest iteration, introduced in 2024, incorporates a screw-supercharged HEMI engine. While specific horsepower figures have not been publicly disclosed, screw superchargers are known for delivering immense power, suggesting that this setup rivals or exceeds previous configurations.


Photo by XPEL


Engineering Excellence: Beyond Raw Power

Achieving such high horsepower necessitates more than just a powerful engine. Martin's Fireball Camaro is a culmination of meticulous engineering and top-tier components:​

  • Drivetrain: The car utilizes a Pro Torque torque converter and an M&M TH400 transmission, ensuring efficient power transfer. A Dynamic Driveline carbon fiber driveshaft connects to a fabricated rearend housing from Jerry Bickel Race Cars, designed to handle the immense torque.


  • Chassis and Suspension: To manage the stresses of high-speed runs, the Camaro features a reinforced chassis and advanced suspension components, providing stability and control during races.​


  • Aerodynamics and Weight Reduction: Custom carbon fiber body panels, including a one-piece nose and doors, reduce weight and enhance aerodynamics, contributing to the car's overall performance.​


The Man Behind the Machine

Ryan Martin's success is not solely attributed to his car's capabilities but also to his expertise and dedication. As the co-owner of B&R Performance, Martin brings a wealth of knowledge in tuning and vehicle dynamics. His hands-on approach ensures that the Fireball Camaro is not only powerful but also finely tuned for each racing scenario.​


Martin's achievements in the NPK series, including multiple championships, underscore his prowess as both a driver and a tuner. His continuous efforts to innovate and adapt, such as experimenting with different supercharger setups, demonstrate a commitment to excellence and a desire to push the boundaries of performance.​


Ryan Martin's Fireball Camaro stands as a testament to the fusion of engineering mastery and driving skill. With horsepower figures ranging from 3,500 to over 5,500, depending on the configuration, the car embodies the relentless pursuit of speed and performance. Martin's journey reflects a broader narrative in the world of drag racing: the constant evolution of technology and the unyielding drive to be the fastest on the track.

 
 
 
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