Nissan Frontier Desert Runner

The name “Desert Runner” is familiar to fans of Nissan’s popular mid-size pickup, the Frontier. As one of five available Frontier models, Desert Runner offers a special package of off-road style features in an affordable 4x2 configuration. But there has never been a Frontier Desert Runner like the one making its debut at the 2019 SEMA Show.

Under the hands of the experienced extreme performance specialists at MA Motorsports in Glen Arm, Md., working in tandem with the Nissan Motorsports team, this Desert Runner resembles the factory version in name only – going from weekend adventurer to near full-blown race truck.

The conversion started under the hood by replacing the factory 4.0-liter V6 engine with a 5.6-liter Endurance® V8 from a Nissan TITAN full-size pickup. The big V8 underwent a complete race-spec rebuild, including the addition of a Garrett GTX3584RS turbocharger, custom intercooler, Jim Wolf Technology camshafts, pistons and valves, and MA Motorsports custom turbo header and exhaust system. The engine boasts 600-plus horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque. The new V8 is matched to a Nissan 6-speed manual transmission with Jim Wolf Technology clutch and lightweight flywheel.

The suspension makeover is equally aggressive and includes a BTF Fabrication long travel front suspension kit, King Racing Triple Bypass front shocks and coil-overs, rear King Racing Triple Bypass shocks and Giant Motorsports Link Killer rear leaf springs. The Frontier Desert Runner rides on Fifteen52 TurboMac HD wheels and 37-inch BFGoodrich Baja T/A tires. The shock hoops, engine cage and bed cage were fabricated by MA Motorsports.

Turning attention to the body, MA Motorsports installed Fiberworx Pre Runner fenders and fabricated new front and rear bumpers, along with a custom spare tire carrier. A full package of off-road lighting from Rigid Industries and a body wrap by Speed Designs complete the bold exterior.

Inside, the factory interior was replaced by a no-frills cockpit – including coated floor, MA Motorsports custom harness bar and Sparco harnesses. Sparco also supplied the racing seats and steering wheel with quick release steering wheel adapter.

NISSAN FRONTIER DESERT RUNNER SPECIFICATIONS

Supplier

Nissan

Jim Wolf Technology

Brian Crower Garrett

MA Motorsports Tial

MA Motorsports UPREV

CSF

Spal

MA Motorsports BTF Fabrication

Giant Motorsports MA Motorsports Fifteen52 BFGoodrich

Jim Wolf Technology Nissan

Driven Desires

The Driveshaft Shop

Part

Nissan Frontier King Cab Desert Runner body and chassis

Camshafts, valve springs and retainers, Spec JE pistons (10.5:1 compression ratio)

Connecting rods

GTX3584RS turbocharger with 1.21 V-band turbine housing

Custom intercooler and piping with Garrett core V60 external wastegate, QRJ blow-off valve Custom turbo header, 3.5-inch turbo back exhaust Electronic control unit, GT MAF

Aluminum radiator

Dual electric fans with custom shroud Coolant header tank and bleed system Long travel front suspension kit

64”Link Killer rear leaf springs

Shock hoops, engine cage, bed cage

Block Bronze Turbomac HD wheels 17” x 8.5” 37x12.50R17 Baja T/A tires

Clutch kit, lightweight flywheel

6-speed manual gearbox

6-speed transmission adapter kit

Custom driveshaft

Highly modified 5.6-liter Endurance® V8 engine – 600

hp/700 lb-ft

King Off-Road Racing Shocks

10” 2.5” Triple Bypass front shocks, 10” 2.5” front coil-overs, 16” 3.5” Triple Bypass rear shocks, 2x3” rear bump stops

Giant Motorsports Strange

ARB

Sparco

Motec

MA Motorsports

Turbosmart Fiberwerx

Rigid

MA Motorsports MA Motorsports

Axle housing with Dutchman axles

9” third member

Airlocker differential

PRO ADV seats, R323 steering wheel, quick release steering wheel adapter, harnesses

C125 Dash Display Custom harness bar

E-Boost2 electronic boost controller Front fenders, rear bedsides

Light bar and front pod lights Custom front and rear bumpers Utili-track spare tire carrier

Project vehicle not available for purchase. Includes non-Nissan accessories that are not warranted by Nissan.