What Happens When You Strap 1600 Alcohol-Fueled HP to a Rock Crawler? $200K of Rock-Shaking Chaos

Ever wondered what happens when you take a massive big block Chevy engine, strap a ProCharger to it, and stuff it into a custom-built rock bouncer? Pure, unadulterated off-road insanity is what happens. The Gold Rush rock buggy is a testament to what’s possible when you throw conventional wisdom out the window and just go for broke in the horsepower department.

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Dana 80s 4 Link Front full bump Rear suspension Tiny radiator Huge steel fuel cell Fitting the big block Gas pedal toe holder Electric rear steer Quick-release panels Remote-mount brake master Open headers Bead-rolled cockpit Owner Reveal Test Drive Belching fire on the dyno

This monster isn’t your average weekend trail rig. With a 565ci big block Chevy engine pushing a claimed 1600 horsepower at the crank (and a still mind-blowing 623 horsepower at the wheels), Gold Rush represents the absolute pinnacle of rock bouncer builds. The power-to-weight ratio is absolutely bonkers, making this buggy capable of climbing near-vertical rock faces like they’re mere speed bumps.

The build process was nothing short of extraordinary. Every component was carefully selected and engineered to handle the immense torque and punishment this machine would endure. From the custom tube chassis to the heavy-duty drivetrain components, nothing was left to chance. The SCS transfer case, beefy axles, and TSL SX tires all work together to transfer that mountain of power to the terrain.

What makes this build particularly interesting is the choice of a ProCharger setup rather than a traditional supercharger or turbo configuration. As the builders explained, “A procharger is a lot like a belt-fed turbo. A normal supercharger is more of a roots style.” This setup delivers immediate power with that characteristic scream that’ll make your hair stand on end.

The sound this buggy produces is nothing short of apocalyptic. With straight headers exiting just behind the cabin, Gold Rush sounds like a cross between a NASCAR stocker and a monster truck. The alcohol-burning engine creates a symphony of mechanical violence that echoes through canyons and forests, making spectators’ jaws drop in awe.

“If testosterone had a sound, this would be it,” commented one fan who witnessed Gold Rush in person. “When it came up the hill right beside me, it shook the ground and people were all in awe.”

The sheer brutality of this machine becomes apparent the moment the driver mashes the throttle. The buggy launches forward with such ferocity that it’s clear this isn’t just about climbing obstacles - it’s about absolutely dominating them. The suspension works overtime, with the massive shocks compressing and rebounding as the tires claw for traction on impossible surfaces.

In competition, Gold Rush made an immediate impact. Despite being a new build with a fresh driver, it managed to crack the top ten right out of the box at its first SRRS (Southern Rock Racing Series) event - an impressive feat considering the caliber of competition and the learning curve involved with handling such a powerful rig.

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Suspension working Rear steer Climbing skills Rollover and try again!!

What’s perhaps most impressive about this build is the price tag. While Busted Knuckle’s turnkey rock bouncers start around $85,000, this particular build was in a different league altogether, with the owner admitting: “The amount of money it took to build may make some believe I found a bunch of gold somewhere. Not the case at all. I’m just a regular broke-ass blue-collar guy with the baddest rock bouncer on the planet!”

The build wasn’t without its challenges. As with any cutting-edge machine pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, there were teething problems. From broken parts during test drives to the challenge of simply trying to modulate 1600 horsepower with your right foot, Gold Rush demanded respect from both its builders and its driver.

Unfortunately, as sometimes happens with these extreme builds, Gold Rush was eventually parted out. The owner found that 1600 horsepower was perhaps “a bit too much power” for a rock bouncer - a statement that should give you some perspective on just how wild this machine truly was.

For those inspired to build their own rock bouncer, be prepared to open your wallet wide. While basic builds start at around $80,000, something in Gold Rush’s league could easily run north of $200,000. But for the dedicated off-road enthusiast with the means, there’s simply nothing that compares to the rush of piloting your own purpose-built rock-crawling beast up seemingly impossible terrain.

The legacy of Gold Rush lives on in videos and in the memories of those lucky enough to have witnessed it in action. It stands as a testament to American ingenuity and our never-ending quest for more power, more capability, and more adrenaline. In the world of rock bouncers, Gold Rush set a standard that few will ever match.