This 485-HP LS3-Powered 1976 International Scout II Goes Next Level

This 1976 International Scout II is a savage, LS3-powered, Atlas-equipped, 35-inch-tire-shod restomod loaded with incredible detail. It took a full year to build, and looking at it now, you’d never guess it came from humble beginnings.

Scoured Central Texas For Donor Scouts

This Scout is the result of a collaboration between Steadfast Restorations and Nefarious Kustoms. To launch the build, Scouts needed to be obtained to serve as donor vehicles. This was accomplished by scouring central Texas to purchase several of the vintage SUVs. Obviously, the hunt was successful and Cameron Chin, owner of Nefarious Kustoms reports the Scout contains components from about 2.5 of the vehicles that were obtained. Instead of simply using a factory body tub, the company cherry-picked parts from each, including a firewall, transmission tunnel, grille, and tailgate. Then the company took the far more labor-intensive route of designing and fabricating a custom tub around those factory components.

Corvette LS3 V8

Powering the Scout is a Corvette-sourced GM LS3 V8 modified by Novak Conversions. The potent small-block features a Chevrolet Performance engine controller kit and custom tuning. Exhaust exits through shorty headers and a single 2.5-inch-diameter system that includes a Borla ATAK muffler. An aluminum radiator and a pair of SPAL 13-inch fans keep temperatures in check. After a date with the dyno, the LS3 is said to crank out 485 horsepower at the flywheel.

Backing the V8 is a new 6L80E six-speed automatic transmission controlled by a Lokar Electronic Sport Mode Shifter. From there, power flows to an Advance Adapters Atlas 2 transfer case packing 3.8:1 low-range gearing and the company’s twin-stick cable shifters.

Upgraded Scout Dana 44s

Both Dana 44 axles came from a Scout donor and were completely refurbished and upgraded before installation. Up front, the Dana 44 was cut and turned, then fitted with knuckles and inner Cs from Parts Mike. Wilwood calipers handle braking duties, while G2 Axle & Gear manual locking hubs reside at the ends of the axle.

Out back, the Dana 44 was converted to disc brakes with Cadillac Eldorado-application calipers. Hydroboost adds some muscle to the braking system. Both axles pack 3.55:1 gears and receive power through Tom Wood’s driveshafts.

Leaves Out Back, Radius Arms And Coilovers Up Front

Scouts rolled off the assembly line with leaf-spring suspension, and this rig retains that basic formula out back. However, the factory leaves are long gone, replaced by Rough Country 4-inch-lift springs with offset perches that center the rear wheels in the wheel wells. Radflo 2.5-inch-diameter, 10-inch-travel remote-reservoir shocks keep things under control.

Up front, the factory suspension was ditched entirely in favor of a radius-arm setup with coilovers. The arms are fabricated from beefy 0.250-inch-wall tubing, with 1.5-inch-diameter uppers and 2-inch-diameter lowers, all fitted with FK spherical rod ends. TMR Customs and RuffStuff Specialties brackets anchor the system, while 2.5-inch-diameter, 10-inch-travel Radflo coilovers round out the system.

Putting power to ground are 35×12.50R17 Kenda Klever M/T2 tires wrapped around 9-inch-wide Raceline Rogue wheels.

Exterior Upgrades Include A Winch, Beefy Bumpers, And More

Nearly every Scout body panel is new, there’s an Engo 10,000-pound-capacity winch, and IH Parts America-sourced bumpers. The rear bumper also carries a swing-away tire carrier. Not pictured is the Scout’s black steel hardtop. Finishing the look are B.L. Vinyl graphics that spice up the exterior and serve up some vintage Rallye package vibes.

Modernized Interior

The Scout’s interior has been completely reworked, and the level of detail is impressive. The custom dash features a 12-inch Holley display for vehicle data, while a Restomod Air Haymaker system handles A/C and heat through integrated vents. There’s also an IH Parts America-sourced power window conversion.

Tunes come courtesy of a Bluetooth-equipped Kicker stereo and Focal speakers. Ian’s Auto Interiors stitched the custom seats, which are based on units from Tom’s Offroad. Removable basketweave flooring, an Alcantara headliner, a six-point roll cage, and a custom center console with a wireless phone charger and USB ports round out the cabin.

The First Of A Limited Production Run

Nefarious Kustoms Lead Builder Michael Sahl played a key role in bringing this project, dubbed S1: Red Rocket, to life. And Red Rocket is just the beginning. It’s the first in a limited run of Scouts that Steadfast Restorations will bring to market, each with its own style and no two alike. The company also plans to work its magic on other vehicle brands.

Custom, But Instantly Recognizable

This Scout nails the magic: stout LS3 power, modern amenities, and clever custom engineering, all while retaining the unmistakable look of the legendary International Scout II.

Photos by Nefarious Kustoms and Steadfast Restorations