Restaurant owner Victor Meza of Belton, Texas, owns this incredible 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. The truck is supercharged, back-halved, and fitted with a long-travel suspension. But there are more surprising mods and they put this Raptor in a class of its own.
New Life For An Older Build
Victor calls the truck “Smurf,” and it is not his first Raptor. He says, “Before this truck, I already owned a Raptor, and the next step for me was adding a cage. When I came across Smurf, it already had the foundation I was looking for, especially the cage, so I decided to trade in my previous truck. It gave me a solid starting point to build on and take things to the next level.”
The truck was originally modified by SVC Offroad, but that was several years ago. Thus, the truck needed some attention. For that, Victor entrusted Cody Bennett, owner of Bennett Built in Killeen, Texas. Cody knows how to build off-road vehicles that work, and his company offers services including custom metal fabrication. Bennett Built has produced many remarkable builds. Victor says, “… the last two years have been focused on upgrading, refining, and maintaining it. After buying it, we did a full prep of the vehicle, including a color change and much-needed maintenance to bring it up to our standards. The build is constantly evolving.”
Whipple Supercharger, Coolers Everywhere
Under the hood is a heavily modified 5.4-liter V8. Some of its features include a fully forged rotating assembly, performance camshafts, a Whipple 2.3-liter supercharger, and a performance tune. The engine draws air through a custom intake and exhales through stainless-steel long-tube headers, Black Widow Exhaust mufflers, and 3-inch tubing. Keeping the powerplant cool is a CBR Performance Products radiator outfitted with dual Spal fans.
On the topic of cooling, the rig is outfitted for hard use. The tally includes a power steering cooler, an oil cooler, and a pair of transmission coolers. Finally, a pair of Optima RedTop batteries helps provide electrical power.
Bolted to the engine is the original Raptor 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission that has been beefed up with a Circle D Specialties torque converter. Flanking the transmission is the Raptor’s factory transfer case; however, it is not functional. Why? This is another of the truck’s surprises. It was converted to two-wheel drive using SVC Offroad’s 2WD long travel conversion kit. This lessens front-end weight by removing the differential and axles, decreases complexity, and allows for a long-travel front suspension that is unhindered by 4WD components. The transfer case was kept in place, possibly to placate the truck’s electrical nannies.
Long-Travel Goodness
The front suspension system includes Fox 2.5 remote-reservoir coilovers and 3.0 bypass shocks, along with Fox 2.5 bump stops and PRP limit straps. This system helps provide 18.5 inches of travel. The steering system is enhanced with Bennett Built billet tie rods.
Out back is a Currie full-float 9-inch axle. Victor swaps in either a 4.88:1 third member or a 5.43:1 third member, each equipped with a PEM Racing spool, depending on the type of wheeling he is doing. The linked rear suspension, with Bennett Built chromoly upper links, includes Fox 3.0 remote-reservoir coilovers and 3.5 bypass shocks, Fox 2.5 bump stops, and PRP limit straps. The result is around 24 inches of travel.
Big 40×13.50R17 Toyo Open Country M/T tires are mounted on 9-inch-wide Innov8 beadlock wheels. Reining in the truck is an improved braking system that retains the Raptor calipers fitted with EBC pads and rotors.
Inside And Out
Outside, features include Glassworks Unlimited fiberglass fenders, Baja Designs lighting, and SVC Offroad bumpers. The back-halved section offers several integrated features, including a pair of spare tires and a 60-gallon fuel cell with Harmon Racing Cells bladder.
Inside, Bennett Built created a trick custom center console that is shorter to make room for a back seat. Other interior features include PRP seats and safety harnesses, additional gauges, a Lowrance GPS, a race radio, and a PCI Race Radios intercom system. Securely mounted inside are a Pro Eagle jack and a Power Tank system.
Favorite Feature And Future Upgrade
Victor says the suspension is his favorite feature of the Raptor. “The truck can handle pretty much anything you throw at it and just stays smooth and controlled no matter how hard you push it.” He says the engine makes plenty of power, but… “I’d eventually like to switch to a naturally aspirated 7.3 for better reliability.”
Photos: Bennett Built
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