Mystery Project Car Is Here and So Is The Engine!

Episode 293 is a banger cause the car I've been teasing you about for over a year is finally in my garage and being worked on. In this video we show you portions of my new drag and drive beast, a car that hopefully is fast enough to trip the beams of a 1/4 mile dragstrip in under 7 seconds at over 200 mph. Powering the project is a custom-built 400ci LS engine crafted by Ace Racing Engines in Torrance, California.
/ @aceracingengines
This car already has a good starting point because I bought it as a roller featuring an aftermarket tube chassis, Weld Racing wheels, Mickey Thompson tires, and a Fueltech FT-600 efi system.
www.weldwheels...
www.mickeythom...
www.fueltech.n...
Thanks for watching and stay tuned for more updates as we continue the fabwork on this awesoem project!
-Finnegan

[@jamesengel8867]

Brandon Wilbur's abandoned Lexus LC 500 drag car project! Sweet!👍😁

[@Snowman8251]

Nailed it!

[@squish099]

💯 Googled it looked at pics. Everything is there down to the battery in the passenger side floorboard

[@robertsteinberg5643]

Damnit you beat me to it 😭😭

[@BIGGOTOR1046]

Just looked it up, and absolutely is the LC500. Bad ass car.

[@theelmobad1]

100% match

[@darrenfrauenfelder6609]

Please take "Angelo" to whatever event this will run at, you guys are the best/most entertaining team to watch

[@FinnegansGarage]

I guess Google Image Search really is that good. lol. Nice work, everyone who figured out what the car was.

[@Jason-vy2tj]

the internet never fails

[@snozbaries7652]

looks like you owe a lot of people more than a t shirt 🤣😂🤣😂

[@kgames9403]

you challenged the internet, ive seen cars identified by broken pieces of bumper and individual marker lights

[@aserta]

The hood gave you away. It's a pretty common sight.

[@atfsgeoff]

There are internet folks who can identify a car based on some obscure piece of broken tail light lens, they are a force to be reckoned with

[@cammmy]

3 weeks ago, I broke my tib/fib in 6 places. Seeing you on your feet and working on cars is making me extremely motivated to get off my crutches and back onto the projects as soon as I can.

[@thedude7726]

Dang bro. How'd you do that? Heal up fast man

[@cammmy]

@@thedude7726 Cheers. Came off a dirtbike. The MX boot likely saved my ankle at the expense of the bones. They had to screw the tib back together to get the rod down it, then some more to hold that in place. I can put some weight on it now but still need crutches to walk.

[@KTMGREG55]

Always wear your gear. It did save your ankle and most likely your entire lower leg . Seen too many dudes loose their leg due bad crashes and no boots and then infection . Take the time and do the pysio . It helps long term when you get old trust me 👌.

[@cammmy]

@@KTMGREG55 Cheers. I'm an "all the gear, all the time" kind of rider. I was wearing my casual road gear underneath with level 2 armour. Saved my arm as the surface was rocky and I still had a couple small chunks out of my elbow. Haven't been given physio yet but I'll be doing what they say and also easing back into the gym as soon as I possibly can.

[@ChrisFrosin]

OMG So psyched for this! LOVE my Japanese scene and excited to see this develop! Including trivial things like what colour you're going!! wow! More updates soon pls ;) (yes, watched the others!)

[@ianschoenleber9217]

Late model car, the lane keep assist triangle in the windshield gave that away. Removable roof is weird. Can’t think of many cars that have that, but the REALLY low slung roof line and the underside and shape of that hood SCREAMS Lexus LC500

[@Alwhite1929]

That crankshaft is a work of art. 😎

[@jfk64kennedy95]

I found the original "for sale ad" was asking $85,000 as a roller, or $125,000 with a drive train. "There’s also a dry sump oiling system, a Waterman Bertha fuel pump, a Meziere billet flexplate and starter, a PST carbon-fiber driveshaft, and a 1.25-inch big shaft two-speed Turbo 400 from Extreme Automatics, as well as Strange Engineering brakes, Ron G canister radial rear shocks and spindle-mount front struts, Weld Racing Alpha double beadlocks, a Strange 3.89 ultra-light third-member, Moser 40-spline axles, and a laundry list more."

[@jameswilde6713]

Mike, for future reference. One part of the body is all we needed to see, even the bottom of the hood produces results with a reverse image search.

[@BLSdesigns]

After seeing pictures of this car…. So much sicker than the caddy!!! I’m excited to see this done!

[@redneck3962]

That hood was more of a giveaway than Fin thought it would be!

[@davidpare9897]

yes, that hood looks very familiar...

[@leoreid5649]

Basing the hood vents on my 2018 1LE, made a mistake

[@jkirby4990]

OH aWESOME~! Another project that mike will never finish.

[@timoy4988]

Hahaha!

[@Dealete420]

FACT!!

[@revjgrymz]

In Mikes defence, no project is ever finished, they just find new homes

[@S4B3R117]

No racecar is ever finished, my brother

[@Snowman8251]

Lexus LC 500 coupe, look at a picture under the hood they match!

[@Moondog7974]

Omg ur right i thought it was a mustang but windhield leans way to much

[@miclshane]

Yep, LC500. Could tell as soon as I saw the rear view mirror area. My folks have an LC500. I think yours may be slightly more awesome! Love the vids. Thank you.

[@thatmechanicguy1391]

After seeing the inside and hearing details, i know exactly what it is and who had it before. Can't wait to see it finished.

[@ericwelcher6938]

Yes perfect blessing this summer day am new content from Mr Finnegan can't wait for future vids. My daughters and I love your stuff since days of roadkill hope you have a great day

[@EmyMcMewMew]

so doing a quick google, car is indeed a Lexus LC500 xD hood rubber/gasket matches up 1 for 1 and the interior doors line up to the shape on images.

[@gregwelch389]

Finish the Caddy

[@DieselDoc78]

No Kidding!!!!!!

[@gteefxr3094]

Yeah, finish something.

[@joegirard4724]

AD-HD 😂

[@jonathanduke8295]

Yes 💯

[@rockkhound943]

All of you have never built a $100k+ purpose built race car . Takes lots of time an waiting on parts, waiting on his leg to heal .... or maybe pay attention to what he says then you might understand what he has going on pertaining to his projects. Morons

[@jessebenjamin4779]

You can tell that this car was set up to put the weight where it needs to be. Smart planning and building.

[@cdflyer6942]

Turbos mount low, behind the front wheels, usually because of ease getting the primaries there, and fender exits behind the front tires. Makes the exhaust as light as possible. Headers in stainless, and after turbo in aluminum (methanol is a wonderful fuel). If you want to put them up front instead, it makes it a bit harder to street drive.

[@cecilphillips8554]

Even with a bad hoof still working in the garage Respect!

[@buckykattguitar]

Car guys can be persistent. I built a motorcycle with a halo on my head/shoulders after breaking my neck lol. I got bored sitting on the couch taking Dilaudid

[@DaOneAndOnlyKDubb]

Oh snap!!! Somebody tell Cleetus and Mullet that there’s a new challenger approaching!!!

[@Sb-sz3cn]

not with that motor

[@ryanmiller9631]

Cleetus is building a new car soon

[@droptsblaze]

The only surprising thing is that Mike actually thought no one in his audience would be able to guess the car.

[@targetedcitizen3160]

HE DOESNT CARE ABOUT US. ITS EASY MONEY TO HIM

[@brinknutz]

When I saw the full bottom of the hood, I was thinking there is no way there isn't someone who will recognize what it is.

[@damiandemarsico8469]

A no prep race car ???

[@Edwardmodos]

Weaponized autism of the internet strikes again.

[@williamsauder9820]

Looks like a MR2

[@ZackeryStang]

Twins ftw!!! Beside each valve cover with exaust side angled toward ground with compressor side as close to firewall as possible...the weight bias will be your friend

[@R1j0hn]

Oooooooohhhh my... 🤑 That crankshaft ! 😍

[@cdnaudioguy]

metal porn!

[@JBM802]

Dude has a literal magazines worth of project cars. Congrats man.

[@daleruse3865]

That was @WilburFam LexusLC500, I'm from Australia.

[@showstoppernc]

This 👆

[@rickmullins3052]

I agree

[@410Alec]

100% an lc500 hood

[@kerryfilgasjr5757]

Mike Wilbur’s project he never finished fosho Lexus c500 it’s a badass car I hope you finish it soon.

[@liamfinigan2601]

Dudeee that fire walls a dead give away hey

[@R6foreternity]

Love the way the LC500 looks, and as a tube chassis car it looks sick

[@stevevanpatten1372]

It doesn't matter how the Hater's feel about how you do thing's. It's all about what make's you Happy Mike Finnegan. So continue to do what you are doing. Because I'll continue to watch your Video's that you make Mike Finnegan. ❤❤❤❤

[@jackofalltrades8394]

Wow nice way to spend 85K seen that dragzine article on Brandon Wilbur’s 2018 Lexus LC500 LET'S GO MIKE

[@webbracing2021]

2018 Lexus lc500. FuelTech FTSpark8 CDI coils nice.

[@freechagosislandjohnpilger]

im thinking your spot on, t shirt plus goodies 4 u mate

[@egodeathplease]

ITS THE ROTSON! 😂

[@wesw9586]

I so wish it was

[@lorenlehrman8179]

Nice pick, love the 4th gens.

[@gryffent]

Damn that’s a gorgeous engine! I can’t drive since I had a brain aneurysm and I’d be a total hazard on the road. Oh, and I can’t be in a car without being terrified since everything is moving and my brain is unhappy about that, so going 200 mph is just inconceivable for me. Have fun with it Mike.

[@robertjohnson4784]

I don't even care about guessing what kind of car Camaro LOL The motor is absolutely fantastically beautiful two thumbs up on the engine Mr Finnegan it's bad to the bone

[@dubyasodopemojo1541]

Might be that lexus lc500 build that got scrapped

[@SLOCLMBR]

Hood gives it away, definitely is a lexus lc500

[@johnknowlton3998]

Supra . I know I’m speaking for everyone when I say what about the caddy?!! I guarantee it will get the most downloads yet! Either way you’re channel and Merlin’s are my favorite. 👍thanks Mike.

[@leftyo9589]

nah, he needs another one. 20 cars, none can make a full pass down the track, but yup get another one! LOL i dig most of em, but he needs to get after 1 or 2 of them and get them right.

[@bustinyanutz4195]

It's a lexus

[@Jason-vy2tj]

if it was supra plenty of people would guess it just from the hood shape. it's a lexus lc500

[@johnknowlton3998]

@@Jason-vy2tj lxa

[@trumbley22]

The caddy will be an 8.50 or slower car and he said in the video he can't work on it because he physically can't manage doing fab right now.

[@nateamykray3934]

That quality of work looks great! I’m sure it came with a hefty price tag but very excited for you! Way to go Finn

[@joshuahenry1791]

Everybody's got you figured out Finn. You can show is now. 🤭 Gonna be a bad ass whip though. 🤘🏻

[@Diazjake]

Hey nice Supra Mike 👍🏼

[@overyonderjustapiece]

supra or Lexus. I am with you on Supra but Gen 5.

[@Angrylilviking]

The hood doesn't match a supra. Going by the underside pics.

[@trevermonk8575]

i was thinking brz?

[@Angrylilviking]

Lexus IS hood after the googling I did.

[@darkendbeing]

Not a supra, it's got Toyotas camera in the windshield which the supra doesn't have, and the hoods wrong for the mkv. Which means it's a Lexus. Probably the 500 others have mentioned.

[@JMRAUTOMOTIVE]

Much love from Guam/ Washington state 🤙🏾🇬🇺🇺🇸🍻

[@1sicsrt]

I'm in Washington too... North Seattle area

[@john242ti]

@@1sicsrt Duvall here...

[@1sicsrt]

@@john242ti I know where that is...used to live there!

[@john242ti]

@@1sicsrt Cool. I'm about 4 miles up Big Rock Rd from the Safeway.

[@e.lan.s]

SHINY! I mean, even the crankshaft 😮

[@JoseRodriguez-rl3ch]

The engine is dope! I would definitely love to have that crankshaft in a trophy display.

[@SILVERHORSE347]

That gonna one fast Aston Martin.

[@SILVERHORSE347]

Or if you Google an image of a Lexus LC500 hood.....🤷🏻..... could be

[@mclok95]

Aston was my first guess as well.

[@cuzocustoms]

Bro finish the caddy!!!

[@CatfishAlley]

That's exactly what I was coming here to say... Instead of working on some piece of shit Supra finish the fucking Cadillac! I'm about one more shit video away from unsubscribing from this fucko...

[@jaketayes3164]

Get to work and buy your own caddy to build

[@cuzocustoms]

@@jaketayes3164 ok will do champ

[@ericharak7172]

If you don't shut up and let this man run a 6 lol 🤣

[@Un-Kun-TROLL-Able]

Don't you have quite a few unfinished projects already? Maybe focus on getting the Cadillac finished before starting a new project for starter's 😁

[@shwngbr]

So is the struggle of the car guy.

[@joshfine8941]

I bet you got a whole yard full of 3rd gen Camaros and square body Chevy pick ups 🤣🤣🤣

[@Mike.hobbies]

I totally agree unfortunatly

[@Texas_Mikee]

Grow up

[@brianschmidt2747]

Lexus LC I think that's it. My first thought was a Fiero removable roof. But the Lexus is a longer car. Mike do what makes you happy. Finish what you want to finish.

[@bigmark204]

LC 500 I found the hood using google lens took me straight to one on Ebay. We got love for you brother

[@revnetdata]

Isn't the most excellent, not finished, Cadillac supposed to be your race week car????

[@jefftaylor5990]

1/2 mile car

[@generalgreivus]

Land speed car

[@Grimm-Gaming]

A 90s camry drag week car would be amazing.

[@m9b7v5]

Never seen one on the street? I didn't even know what it was. Not Supra or Mustang

[@motofish312]

AWESOME!!!! YOU DIDN'T HACK UP THAT SPLIT WINDOW!

[@bradinch1563]

good work guys, looks like mike has allot of tshirts to send out.

[@michaelleal4714]

Being a lexus technician for 18yrs the shape of the hood and the hinges, for the pedestrian protection was my giveaway.

[@GearheadGarageCanada]

It's it a Lexus LC500?

[@lethalzenki4078]

I know exactly what it is. Lexus lc500

[@allenlane5018]

Lexus lc500

[@allenlane5018]

I’m an X-LARGE and wife is a medium

[@obsidian....]

You got it first. Nice 👍

[@allenlane5018]

@@obsidian.... wonder if I will get a prize

[@obsidian....]

@@allenlane5018 I would hope so

[@DaleBurke-j8r]

One large single turbo is less complicated than twins both in fabrication, and in repair/maintenance at the track. You can always add a second turbo in the future should you decide it's needed!🇺🇲

[@-CLASSIFIED-]

is that a lexus lc 500???? hot damn what an oddball choice. I LOVE IT. the doors and hood are the giveaway along with the peak at the bottom of the sideskirts. along with the lexus door scuff plates still there lol

[@moggie77077]

As soon as I saw the underside of the bonnet, I knew it was a Toyota quick search found Lexus LC500. Can't wait to see this thing

[@CruisinWithKevin]

2018 Lexus 500, strange 3.89 rear gears, extreme automatics turbo 400 (one of the best transmission builders in the USA imo) and radial shocks etc. That thing will be a handful with any kinda power especially on small tires

[@robnhud127]

Obviously a Chevette and I’m here for it!

[@bepbep7418]

C Vette for the win!

[@keenanandrews3692]

Try running a compound,like the deisel.Less turbo lag,spools up faster.smoother power band.

[@chriscadman6379]

It's a Plymouth Pintovega wagon dual t top convertable. Dad had two of them. The cool part is that the diff is lubed with beach sand.

[@Harvywahlbanger]

The coil layout is a dead giveaway. This is a bad ass car. For this im glad the caddy is on hold.

[@danmyers9372]

With the engine so far back I’m thinking you are going to need to put the turbos way out front to get the correct bias for a radial car. The engine way back is great for no prep or big tires but not optimal for a radial car. Fast radial racers are actually running 55-60% on the nose. You need to do some research on radial car chassis setup Mike.

[@gingerelvis]

The comments have smashed it. I knew it wasn't a US car, the body panels we could see were too well made 😂 I thought Japasnese from the off due to the rareity in the states. Very cool!

[@ChrisL-vz8pz]

That is a great looking engine.can’t wait to see the car on the track

[@matttrent7151]

Not a bad way to spend about 80k for a 90 percent complete roller. I like the lc500 but I’m not sure about the front end. But I hope you enjoy it!!!

[@ericfernette7609]

I was going to guess, but I would have been wrong. I was thinking it was newer challenger. You have an awesome show! Take care and good luck with all your projects.

[@gerrysavoie98]

Really cool build. Can't figure out what kinda car it is. Lol ... love your channel. I'm london ontario Canada. Keep em coming. All the best.

[@rodjames2]

Great idea Mike! I'm looking forward to your new drag n drive build but it still won't be as cool as your Caddy drag n drive.

[@kenlamb502]

From my collision repair experience...it looks like an aluminum Lexus hood with the style of crush zones in the hood. Cool car. I like all the carbon fiber interior. Have fun!

[@TurboJohnRacing]

That should be a great small tire car!

[@bobqzzi]

Great car. If you try to go 6s with an LS though, you're going to blow a bunch of head gaskets and break other stuff. You can definitely do it, but not for very long or often. You can run 7.5s with no problem though. You also may want to consider raising the car a couple of inches.. People twist themselves into knots trying to slam cars to the ground when it offers very little performance advantage.

[@steveletson6616]

Dude it's a Noonan billet block with fire rings and a dry deck designed for drag and drives. It's a proven setup good for 3500 + horsepower. You have no idea what you are talking about.

[@brianlafollette7530]

Hope to see ya'll at Southeast Street & Yeet

[@KillerGrubwithMarkBagley]

Looking at the trunk and hood I was thinking it's a Lexus. but it was really the trunk opening for me.

[@DyallCustomFab]

I wish it was ya corvette keen as to see that build get underway

[@jjsgarage1966]

Well, it took me long enough to find it! 50mins. But I want to earn that shirt.. Lexus LC 500 that hood fits 2018 - 2023 you really through me for a loop with the Ford motor in it.. thinking Taurus SHO, but hood structure was wrong.. Can't wait to see this thing go!

[@paxxsford]

Google didnt let us down. Thats a sexy looking ride

[@curtisawtrey9115]

I have a boot on my right leg fractured my ankle. . Three weeks ago . Love the Firebird !!! I have a 68 & 69 Firebird my self and I live in Cartersville Ga. 30 min from were you got your Firebird z!!!

[@christopherbarrett8710]

LC 500's are so sick looking! Especially as a drag car!

[@ZyxSpeed]

Now that chassis is badass (lc500)! About time someone built something's fast that's not domestic and before 80's 👌🏻. The Lexus came with a V8 so it's not that odd to slap in some other V8 in there.

[@jimmcclendon3634]

Lexus lc500 second guess. I watched several shows in the last few years. I think you are very entertaining. Have a great life.

[@hazeljustice307]

Heck yeah Mike let's getter this is going to be a beast for you congrats the new small tire can't wait for more videos on the car

[@gregorymunoz9864]

I'm sure it won't take long for you to brake it lol 😂😂 Hammerdown 💪💨💨💨💨

[@jamesprice3403]

Either a Lexus or a Toyota awsome light cars hope u have lots of fun and make good memories with it also keep it safe and keep up the awsome videos I look forward to many many more!!!!!!!!!

[@robh4822]

Are we going to get a KSR crossover? I hear he is pretty good a setting up drag and drive cars.

[@Nefarious86]

Please put decent seats like a pair of RaceTechs in it. Comfortable and safe for D&D work.

[@StudioBeast7575]

Hey Mike it looked like the engine hoist was holding the hood up just fine. Lol

[@dirtyfingersgarage]

the cats out of the bag Mike, lets see that Lexus...

[@mototasty864]

I'm gonna Say stock car? It's some type of race car circle track car based on that front cage tubing. Keep up that good work glad your leg is better! And almost done with a complete engine swap on a truck from a whole different vehicle

[@frosticuar]

That engine was up and down more than a brides nighty!

[@timm1065]

cant wait to see it scaled and see where tit all ends up. Mentioned it awhile back, but would love to see Tye (Cleeters group) come out for a cameo, and welding workshop.

[@coyboybc]

When you got money … you can have plenty of projects and cars! Finnegan got DEEP POCKETS ! 💵💵💰💰

[@toddclark332]

Holy cow love that motor you sure it ain't a pro mod😂❤have a great week guy's 👍 💪🏼🇺🇸🔥

[@markmcghee984]

Nice motor looks light too

[@TylerRicker-im6ns]

All i know is the 63 corvette is a bucket list car for me and i wish you were building that

[@Dougarrowhead]

Wow you didnt have the crooks at real good at doing stuff build this!

[@stephenbrowne4242]

Brandon Wilbur’s Lexus LC 500 awesome to see this Car in finnegans garage 🤟🏼