Very cool pic! 
I think somebody will eventually best the 272? mark set by the Phoenix by using a mini-truck with 500ci. Once bulletproof pistons are figured out that is. That will be the cheapest path to build a competitive vehicle. An S10 with streamlining done will probably take about 1200HP to crest 270mph, and while that is currently possible with 400ci, the pistons do not live long enough at this time.
I don't think any S-10 truck will leave the impression that the Phoenix left. The speed at 272 mph, pulling the 24' green chute and turning out in one mile was a show stopper. The pit fence was lined with the rail birds just like when the Burklands, Al Teague and Nolan White were making runs.
No, I don't think it would be as significant either. But if a body were to challenge that record, the path of least (monetary) resistance is the minitruck. The full-sized is 750ci max, but no advantage and higher cost.
Seems the weapon of choice for UDT is the Detroit Two-Strokes. The McComb truck used a 12V-71 (852ci) which is about 550HP from the factory, and 3500lb. The Phoenix ran a 16V-92 (1472ci) Detroit engine, ~5000lb, rated at about 900hp from the factory. Now, if somebody really needed to make a statement, you can go up to the 16V-149 (2384ci) at 11,000lb and 1600HP factory rating. Numbers on the Detroits are (# of cyl)(engine design)-(displacement of one cyl). Well, at least you don't have to worry about ballast...
