Building a rock bouncer isn't just about bolting together the strongest parts available. It's about integrating hundreds of components into a machine that can survive horsepower, traction, impacts, heat, and the abuse that comes with pushing a vehicle to its limits. This build started as a bare Wide Open Design Rocketship Chassis and evolved into one of the most complete turnkey rock bouncers we've ever assembled. Built for display at the PRI Trade Show, this buggy showcases the level of engineering, fabrication, wiring, plumbing, and attention to detail that goes into every high-end Wide Open Design build.
The Foundation
Every great build starts with the right platform. The Rocketship Chassis was designed around driver visibility, low center of gravity, and packaging efficiency. Unlike many traditional rock bouncers where the driver sits on top of the drivetrain, the Rocketship places the driver alongside it, creating the fighter-jet seating position that owners immediately notice when they climb inside.
Chassis Highlights
• WOD Rocketship Chassis
• Custom powder coated chassis and panels
• PRP Alpha Seats
• Warn 9.0RC Winch
• Custom wrap package and graphics
• Full electrical service panel system
As the chassis returned from powder coat, the team began the process of installing panels, mounting components, and preparing for plumbing and wiring.
Supercharged LS Power
At the heart of the build sits a Harrop-supercharged LS engine package. Packaging a blower motor into a Rocketship chassis requires careful planning. The team designed custom accessory mounts in CAD to position the alternator, PSC steering pump, intercooler components, and belt drives while maintaining proper belt wrap and clearance. The result is a drivetrain package capable of producing serious horsepower while maintaining reliability in the harshest environments.
Engine & Drivetrain Specs
• Harrop Supercharged LS Engine
• Billet accessory drive system
• PSC CBR Steering Pump
• Air-to-Water Intercooler System
• Dual Belt Drive Setup
• Griffin High-Capacity Cooling System
Drivetrain Highlights
• 4L80 Transmission
• Atlas Transfer Case
• WOD 1480 Driveshafts
• WOD 1480 Carrier Bearing Kit
• Crane Axle 14-Bolt Axles
• Magnum Knuckles
• ARB Air Lockers
• RCV Axle Shafts
Every component was selected with durability and serviceability in mind. Whether the vehicle is crawling over rocks, charging up hills, or bouncing across rough terrain, the drivetrain is built to handle it.
Wiring, Plumbing & Serviceability
One area that often gets overlooked on custom builds is serviceability. At Wide Open Design, every turnkey vehicle receives detailed wiring schematics and organized electrical systems designed to make future troubleshooting simple. The electrical package uses Blue Sea fuse blocks, relay systems, and Holley Terminator X controls, allowing precise management of fans, fuel systems, lighting, and engine controls.
Electrical & Cooling Features
• Holley Terminator X EFI System
• Blue Sea Fuse Blocks
• Complete Vehicle Wiring Schematics
• Dual SPAL Fan Cooling Package
• Griffin 38" Radiator System
• Dedicated Intercooler Cooling Circuit
• WOD Optima Battery Box
Suspension Package
• Radflo Coilovers
• Radflo Bypass Shocks
• Radflo Bump Stops
• Eibach Springs
• WOD Suspension Components
The suspension package combines proven components that perform in racing, trail riding, and rock bouncing. Combined with the Rocketship chassis geometry, these components provide exceptional traction, stability, and ride quality.
The Finished Product
As the final graphics were installed and the last components were wired and plumbed, the vision for this build finally came together. The custom purple color scheme, carbon fiber accents, premium interior, and aggressive stance transformed a bare chassis into one of the most striking Rocketship builds we've ever completed. But beneath the appearance lies something even more important: a fully engineered turnkey rock bouncer built to perform built to be driven, raced, wheeled, and enjoyed.
Questions or Comments?
We'd love to hear your thoughts or answer any questions.