To those foolish enough to have children, a proper kiddie carrier is a significant, if often unexceptional, accessory. Unlike many a soccer mom (or soccer dad, in this case), however, Richard Ruiz of Clovis, California, didn't choose to put his precious cargo in just any four-wheeled machine. For him, the vehicle needed to not only be functional - and durable enough to withstand a regular Lunchables food fight - but fast, too. That's where Whipple Superchargers came into the picture.
To quickly get the kiddies from study hall to the soccer field, Richard's '01 Chevy Suburban - a certified AYSO-friendly vehicle - received one of Whipple's finest superchargers. Rich says the pumped-up 5.3L V-8 can reach 425 hp - not bad for a kiddie caravan. A CGS Motorsports exhaust system discharges spent gas, proving a nice guttural tone. The chassis holding the precious supercharger received some custom mods as well, including McGaughys' 2-inch front spindles, 1-inch front springs, and 5-inch dropped rear suspension, in addition to Belltech front and rear antisway bars.
The Ruiz family patriarch handled many of the exterior touches. Richard's shop, PPC Customs, lifted the Chevy from suburban to urban status by adding a Trenz billet grille, Sylvania HID headlights, Street Scene air dam, Muth sideview mirrors, and PIAA driving lights. Brian Dunn of Madera, California, sprayed the Sub' red, while North End Choppers, also of Madera, laid down the candy orange flames.
The urban Suburban pulls up to the kid drop-off line by gliding on a set of Foose Heat 22x10-inchers wrapped in 285/35R22s up front, with the rear rolling stock following the front's example with the identical combo.
The interior is a small/big kid's playground. The DEI DVD player - with 6-inch 200w Rainbow speakers, JL Audio 8-inch 200w speakers, and an Arc Audio 5150 amp - keeps any Disney CD sounding its best. Seven-inch DEI overhead monitors allow Richard's three boys to enjoy their favorite Jim Carrey flick. For daddy, there are Nu Image gauges and Rostra seat heaters to keep his cockpit both up-to-date and extra toasty.
Richard is the kind of dad we all wish we had. Unlike with our own parents, we wouldn't dream of asking him to drop us off a block away.