Take a look at this, Justin Swanstrom is Making Changes for the Better: Full EFI Swap on Survivor & New 11” Rearend for Draco!
In high-level drag racing, standing still is the fastest way to fall behind. As competition tightens and technology advances, racers are forced to evolve—or get left in the staging lanes. That reality is front and center in the video “WE ARE MAKING CHANGES FOR THE BETTER!!! Full EFI Swap On Survivor & NEW 11″ Rearend Housing In DRACO”, where two major Street Outlaws programs make serious upgrades aimed at consistency, reliability, and future performance.
This isn’t about flashy parts for social media. These are calculated moves designed to win races.
Survivor Goes All-In on EFI
The biggest headline is the full EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) conversion on Survivor, the well-known car driven by Jason Harris.
For years, Survivor has been known as a brutally fast but demanding combination. Carbureted or mechanically fueled setups can make massive power, but they also require constant attention and ideal conditions. EFI changes that equation completely.
Why EFI Is a Game Changer
Moving Survivor to EFI brings several key advantages:
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Precise fuel control across the entire run
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Data logging for RPM, fuel pressure, air/fuel ratio, and timing
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Improved consistency pass after pass
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Easier tuning adjustments for changing track and weather conditions
In today’s drag racing landscape, EFI isn’t optional—it’s a competitive necessity. With tight races and small margins, the ability to make exact, repeatable adjustments can be the difference between winning rounds and loading up early.
For Survivor, the EFI swap signals a clear intent: this car is being built not just to be fast, but to be reliably fast.
Building for the Long Game
The EFI upgrade also points toward a longer-term vision. Rather than chasing short-term gains, the team is investing in a platform that allows growth. More data means smarter decisions, and smarter decisions mean fewer broken parts and more laps down the track.
In an era where endurance and repeatability matter as much as peak horsepower, Survivor’s transformation is a step toward modern racecraft.
Draco Gets a Serious Rearend Upgrade
While Survivor focuses on engine management, Draco is getting attention where it matters most—the rearend.
The team installs a brand-new 11-inch rearend housing, a major upgrade aimed at handling serious power and violent launches. Draco, driven by Kye Kelley, has always been known for aggression, and the rearend must survive everything the engine throws at it.
Why an 11” Rearend Matters
An upgraded rearend provides:
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Improved strength and durability
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Better gear stability under load
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Reduced risk of failures at the hit
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Confidence to apply more power earlier
As horsepower climbs and traction improves, weak rearend components quickly become the bottleneck. The 11-inch housing gives Draco the backbone it needs to launch hard without fear of carnage.
Power Is Useless Without Control
Draco’s rearend upgrade pairs perfectly with Survivor’s EFI philosophy: power must be managed, not just created. Modern drag racing is no longer about brute force alone—it’s about controlling that force efficiently.
A stronger rearend allows:
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More aggressive tuning
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Harder hits off the line
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Consistent drivetrain behavior
For a car like Draco, that means unlocking performance that was previously limited by reliability concerns.
What These Changes Really Mean
Taken together, these upgrades tell a clear story:
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Survivor is being refined into a smarter, more data-driven race car
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Draco is being fortified to handle increased abuse and future power
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Both teams are preparing for tougher competition ahead, not just the next race
These aren’t reactionary changes. They’re proactive moves aimed at staying relevant in an environment where technology and budgets keep climbing.
Eyes on the Future
Whether it’s EFI systems replacing old-school fuel setups or heavy-duty rearend housings replacing marginal components, one thing is obvious: the bar keeps rising. Teams that invest in the right upgrades now position themselves to win later.
Survivor and Draco are proof that evolution is mandatory in modern Street Outlaws-style racing. The message is simple—adapt, improve, and come back stronger.
And judging by these changes, both cars are being built with one goal in mind: not just to race, but to dominate.
