Summary
- Izzy Venezuela of Izzy Performance has transformed a 2006 Chevy Colorado into a powerhouse, featuring a LS9 V-8 engine from a Corvette and aftermarket components, resulting in over 1,000 horsepower.
- The Colorado ZR1 has a deceptive appearance, resembling an unassuming pickup with moderate upgrades, but it is equipped with two nitrous bottles for an additional boost, bringing the horsepower to an astounding 1,011.
- With upgraded traction control, racing suspension, and other aftermarket parts, the Colorado ZR1 is track-ready and has competed against vehicles like the Mustang Shelby GT500, showcasing its speed and power.
Recently, Shawn Davis of Autotopia LA caught up with Izzy Venezuela, owner and operator of Izzy Performance, to dive into his one-of-a-kind 2006 Chevy Colorado. Izzy Venezuela is a well-known mechanic and custom car builder, with decades of experience to his name. Along with an experienced team of builders, he runs Izzy Performance, a California-based custom car garage known for making some of the fastest cars in SoCal.
The 2006 Chevy Colorado in question holds the title of the ONLY Colorado ZR1, as Chevrolet never produced a ZR1 variant of the popular mid-size pickup. However, with the help of a very powerful LS9 V-8 from a Corvette and some aftermarket components, Izzy’s Colorado becomes what can only be described as a true sleeper, as it bears few race-inspired cosmetic upgrades, giving the appearance of a daily driver.
Save for the aftermarket Forgeline wheels, this 2006 Colorado, for all intents and purposes, could pass for an unassuming pickup with moderate upgrades. Except for the fact that it puts over 1,000 horses on the pavement. Oh, yeah, did I mention it’s boosted by two bottles of nitrous? This isn’t your granddad’s pickup.
The Chevy Colorado ZR1 Boasts An 810-horsepower Corvette Engine
From Mustangs that can devour an eighth-mile drag strip in 4.0 seconds to supercharged Jeeps, Izzy has had his hands on just about every model known to man, and with his introduction of the only Chevy Colorado ZR1, he’s even had his hands on models unknown to man.
The 2006 Colorado tuned by Izzy Performance is unlike anything, as this pickup features a supercar engine, and enough aftermarket performance parts to make a racecar blush. Featuring an LS9 V-8 from a Corvette ZR1, the Colorado ZR1 makes a whopping 810 horsepower. Izzy’s garage employs a professional dyno to track the output and real-world power produced by the insane machines Izzy and his team put together.
The Colorado ZR1 holds a diabolical secret under tonneau cover over the bed, which is not one, but two 120 dry-shot bottles of nitrous. When engaged, the double-shot nitrous boost takes the Colorado ZR1 from an already impressive 810 horsepower to an eye-watering 1,011 horsepower.
The Supercharged Pickup Features High-Performance Aftermarket Parts
While Izzy made passes in the supercharged pickup, the whine from the supercharger combined with the commanding growl of the Corvette engine mixed in a harmony of pure heart-pounding adrenaline, as Izzy’s experience in racing showed in his confident maneuvering of the incredibly fast Colorado ZR1.
With upgraded traction control and 275/45 18 tires, the Colorado ZR1 is able to corral all 1,000+ horses and unleash them with unrivaled takeoff and straight-line ability. But that’s not to say the Colorado ZR1 isn’t bred for the track, as Izzy confirms testing the pickup on a track course and placing second in a test run race, only losing due to minor miscalculations.
The Colorado also features Wilwood rear brakes and Afco Racing suspension. Pair that with the wheels and upgraded traction control, and you've got a racetrack-ready pickup that is sure to surprise even the most seasoned racers.
When asked about real-world encounters, particularly racing experiences had in the supercharged pickup, Izzy recalls bumping into a Mustang Shelby GT500 while cruising the long California highways. This encounter led to Izzy testing his Chevy Colorado ZR1 against the prowess of the mighty Shelby and winning!
According to Izzy, he pulled the win out, and only by a bumper, which is not only indicative of the power held inside the mid-size pickup but the intensity of the situation, as the race reached speeds of 140 MPH, putting Izzy and the Colorado ZR1 to the test.
Featuring a dry sump oil system, custom engine components and internal manufacturing, and aftermarket performance parts, the Colorado ZR1’s engine bay resembles that of a high-end supercar, and for lack of better comparison, it is. Well… a superTRUCK, if you will.
The pickup features a four-speed 4L80E automatic transmission tuned by Izzy Performance’s in-house tuning specialist known as Tom. Further research on Tom shows that his reputation is as far-reaching as Izzy’s, as many reviews on his work report nothing but excellence and professionalism. Not to mention speed!
The interior of the Colorado ZR1, though it still bears some factory stock elements, has been upgraded to keep up with the insane amount of performance gear stuffed under the hood and between wheels. Particularly, the gauge cluster received a modern digital cluster allowing the driver to track the internal and performance data in real-time.
This is necessary, as minor malfunctions in high-performance, high-output vehicles can result in major consequences. Izzy Performance’s professional team of engineers and mechanics strive to create the best and fastest cars, though these safety and informative elements are equally important.
The interior also sports aftermarket Recaro Racing seats with harness-style seat belts for added safety. A unique aspect of the interior is the gear shifter. The lever-style shifter controls the 4L80E auto transmission while adding a cool aesthetic to the cabin and controls the Colorado.
The unique shifter rests just below the nitrous control panel, which features buttons and switches that activate either of the 120 dry-shot nitrous canisters, as well as the intercooler and other performance aspects, giving the driver ultimate control over the many upgrades in the Colorado ZR1.
More From Izzy's Performance
As mentioned, Izzy has dedicated decades to the art of going fast, with his fastest clocked eighth-mile drag time being 4.37 seconds, crossing the finish line at 184-MPH. While he didn’t achieve those numbers in the Colorado ZR1, it showcases his ability to make a fast car and drive it faster.
Notable Projects By Izzy Performance
- 669-Horsepower 2012 Camaro w/ Procharger D1
- 2013 Corvette Grand Sport w/ Magnacharger 2300
- 2013 Supercharged Jeep SRT8
- 2006 Chevrolet Colorado ZR1
By the way, Izzy was in a third-gen fox body Mustang when he clocked the 4.37-second eight-mile, a model he’s particularly fond of, as he has a few third-gen Ponies; each with their own set of tricks.