Can you say 249 mph MegaSquirt-controlled monster? Gary Hart’s legendary 1953 Studebaker has been making waves at Bonneville Speed Week and beyond. Running a twin-turbo big block, this purpose-built land speed racer has been refined over the years with MegaSquirt EFI, proving that DIY engine management can go toe-to-toe with the best in the world.
From Boat ECU to Land Speed Legend
The story begins in 2005 when a MegaSquirt MS1 board originally intended for a boat project found its way into Gary’s hands. With the help of Mike Collison, the ECU was upgraded to handle low-impedance injectors needed for massive horsepower. Over the years, Gary kept the hardware up to date, moving to PCBv3.0 and later PCBv3.57 boards while staying on MS1 Extra firmware. This car has been continuously refined while holding on to MegaSquirt roots.
Engine & Power
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515ci World Products Iron Merlin Pro big block
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Twin Garrett GTP38 turbochargers with custom stainless plumbing
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Air-to-water intercooler with ice chest
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JE flat-top blower pistons, Brooks aluminum rods, BRC forged crank
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World Products iron heads with Inconel exhaust valves
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Ford Motorsport 150 lb/hr injectors
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Weldon EFI fuel system and Edelbrock rails
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MegaSquirt-I (PCBv3.57) running MS1 Extra, controlling fuel and ignition timing
On the dyno, the Studebaker made ~750whp at 11 psi in 2008, and by 2009 improvements pushed it another 150 hp at 14 psi. The combo is easily capable of 1500+ hp, but in land speed racing, it’s about surviving 90+ seconds at WOT—longevity is everything.
Chassis & Drivetrain
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1953 Studebaker steel body with fiberglass front end
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Custom 2" x 4" x 1/4" wall steel frame, coilovers, and ladder bars
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Jericho 4-speed transmission with Gear Vendors overdrive
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Ford 9" rear with 2.47 gears and spool
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Race weight ~4100 lbs
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DJ Safety chute, rear Wilwood brakes
On the Salt
At Bonneville Speed Week 2009, Gary recorded a 249 mph exit speed while averaging 248 mph—just shy of confirming a record due to a turbo oiling failure late in the run. Even so, the car proved itself among the elite, showing the potential of DIY EFI technology under extreme conditions.
Why It Matters
Gary Hart’s Studebaker is more than just a fast car; it’s a showcase of what grassroots hot rodders and racers can accomplish with ingenuity, fabrication skills, and a MegaSquirt ECU. It demonstrates that land speed racing isn’t just for the mega-budget teams—it’s a place where DIY innovation thrives.