This wicked, LS-powered, twin-turbo 1988 Ford Bronco is an off-road beast. And here’s the twist: it’s also Melissa Alemar’s daily driver.
Melissa, a teacher, explains why and how the SUV was built: “In my late teens and early twenties, I owned a 1988 Ford Bronco — my first real taste of freedom and adventure. Life eventually required me to part ways with her for financial reasons, but the dream of owning another never faded.
“Fast forward to today, that dream is becoming a reality. My son, the ‘Bronc Hoe’ fabricator, approached my husband Carlos (Bronc Hoe co-builder) and me with an idea: ‘Let’s build another Bronco — and make it better than ever.’
“We found the perfect candidate in January 2025, began stripping her down to bare metal in March, and by June, the full transformation for SEMA 2025 was underway.
“Our goal: to fuse old-school soul with modern innovation. Every inch of this Bronco has been reimagined — a complete restoration and upgrade designed to create a true beast with no stone left unturned.”
LS Powerhouse
The powerplant under the Bronco’s hood is a 6.0-liter Chevy LS2 V8 from a 2007 Chevy Tahoe, and its spec sheet reads like a wish list of go-fast parts. It includes two Turbosmart 6262 turbos, Turbosmart GenV RacePort blow off valves, and Turbosmart GenV HyperGate45 wastegates. Additionally, the engine packs Scat 9.5:1 forged pistons, billet crankshaft, and forged rods; Melling valvetrain and cams; and Bosch 210-pound fuel injectors. It also features a 102 mm Nick Williams throttle body, Holley Terminator X Max engine management system, and race-ported heads and machine work by Munoz Performance Heads (MPH). Carlos says the engine and drivetrain is built to handle over 1,200 horsepower. However, the engine is currently tuned to produce between 600-650 horsepower for daily driving.
A Davies Craig electric water pump, fans, and a CSF aluminum radiator handle cooling duties. Electrical power comes from a CBM Motorsports 250-amp alternator and an Antigravity lithium battery.
Built 4L80E, Chevy 2500HD T-Case
The transmission is built to handle every bit of power the LS puts out. It’s an A&S Transmissions Stage 2 4L80E with a 2,800 rpm stall converter, a CSF cooler, and Speedflow lines. Power flows into a Chevy 2500HD transfer case that has been rebuilt and upgraded.
TTB Up Front, 9-Inch Out Back
Up front, the Twin-Traction Beam frontend runs an Eaton Detroit Truetrac limited-slip differential. The Solo Motorsports TTB beams are cut and turned for proper alignment, and they widen the track by 4.5 inches per side. Stopping power comes from a Wilwood braking system with six-piston calipers. The suspension list is stacked, highlighted by a Solo Motorsports Stage 5 kit with 12-inch-travel King 2.5 remote-reservoir coilovers, 12-inch-travel King 2.5 three-tube bypass shocks, and King 2.0 compact bump stops.
Out back, the Bronco packs a 72-inch Currie Enterprises custom 9-inch with an F9 centersection, Currie Pro Nodular Iron third member gear case, and spool differential. Other features include a 46-inch back brace for the 3.5-inch-diameter axle tubes, 40-spline axleshafts, and a pinion support. The rear suspension includes a Solo Motorsports Stage 5 kit with Deaver Q80 leaf springs, 12-inch-travel King 2.5 three-tube bypass shocks, and King compact bump stops. Four-piston Wilwood calipers, rotors, and brake lines round it out.
The Bronco rides on 40×12.5R17LT Toyo Open Country R/T tires wrapped around 9-inch-wide KMC forged Impact beadlock wheels.
Riveting Exterior Mods
The Bronco’s exterior turns heads with a Fiberwerx Raptor Gen 2 clamshell conversion paired with matching bedsides. Exterior mods also include custom tube bumpers, Baja Designs lighting, and Raptor Gen 2 headlights and taillights.
Interior Rundown
Inside, the Bronco packs a Solo Motorsports rollcage and an Old Air Products Hurricane 2000 Series A/C-heat combo. A trio of PRP gear steps things up with the company’s steering wheel, XCR front and rear seats, and five-point harnesses. Rugged Radios intercoms and headsets join the mix, along with an M1 race radio. Capping it all off is a massive JBL sound system.
A Family Legacy Reborn
We asked Melissa if she has a least favorite mod. She responded, “Definitely the ride height. It’s less ‘get in and go’ and more ‘stretch first and hope for the best.’ I say that with love (and slightly sore knees).”
Her favorite mod is the metal fabrication performed by her son. “There’s just something about watching my 20-year-old son work with his hands that makes me so proud. It blows me away how much he’s learned and how far he’s come in such a short time. My grandfather and dad were both machinists, so seeing my son follow a similar path really hits home for me. Even though they both passed before he ever got the chance to learn from them, I can’t help but feel like they’d be right there beside him, proud of what he’s doing. It’s pretty special watching him carry on that legacy in his own way.”
Melissa summarizes the project by saying, “This Bronco isn’t just a build — it’s a family legacy reborn.”
You might also like
1970 Ford F-250 4x4: Cummins Fury Packed In A Vintage Shell
In 2020, this 1970 Ford F-250 was purchased in Idaho and driven by its new owner to Miami, Florida. Since then he's driven it 165,000 miles.
