Worked Truck
Posted at 2:57 PM / June 5, 2009
Around four years ago, Roger Hundley found himself middle aged, and wanting another go-fast toy. His first inclination screamed Corvette, but he soon realized a two seater sports coupe would not be the most practical choice given his situation. Roger needed a vehicle his family could pile into and make a road trip. He needed something with functionality, and plenty of potential to quench his thirst for speed.
Deep Carmine Red was the color that drew Roger into the used car lot where this 2003 Silverado Z71 was laying in wait. A variety of nice factory options, as well as a classy pewter two tone paint job sealed the deal, and the long journey began. Little time was wasted, as the newly acquired Chevrolet was sporting a roots-style blower less than two weeks after being purchased!
A significant setback occurred when the stock power plant had some lifter problems, chewing up the stock camshaft in the process. This is where the project really took a turn. A 6.0L LQ4 long block replaced the hurt 5.3L between the Silverado's frame rails, but not before Katech Rod Bolts were installed for added security. A Lingenfelter Performance GT7 camshaft was installed, with all the supporting valvetrain from Competition Cams. A Magnacharger MP112 supercharger forces 9 psi of boost down the Silverado's throat. Dynatech Longtube Headers help air escape from the motor just as quickly as it was forced through the intake. Armed with a pile of stainless steel piping, Roger fabricated a true dual exhaust setup to give his truck a nice, deep rumble when cruising. Dual electric cutouts are also installed to help move air more efficiently with the touch of a button. A small dry shot of nitrous helps cool the intake charge, while methanol injection provides some added insurance while running pump gas. Speed density tuning with HPTuners keeps this engine running safely while sprinting down the drag strip, one quarter mile at a time. The 4L60e transmission was thrown out, and replaced with fresh 4L80e setup. Detroit True Trac differentials with 4.10 gears help this 5,500 lb monster cut sixty foot times in the low 1.60's, and scream down the track to an impressive 11.68 sec @ 114 mph!
After increasing horsepower so significantly, most people forget about upgrading other important aspects of performance such as handling, and braking. Fortunately, that problem is not a factor with this build. The stock brakes were never intended to see the speeds this truck was capable of, so they were ditched in favor of a Big Brake Kit from Stainless Steel Brake Corporation. Huge 14" rotors, and three piston calipers on all four corners give this machine superior braking ability. DJM suspension components lower the truck's stance four inches up front, and five inches out back. Aftermarket sway bars and shocks keep the truck planted while cornering.
A cowl hood gives the Silverado a very fitting, and aggressive look. All of the stock textured plastic panels were sanded smooth, and color matched to the body color, while a steel roll pan cleans up the view from behind. However, functionality is not lost. The license plate hinges upward, and out of the way, exposing the trailer hitch. While the cabin seems mostly stock, the interior has many subtle modifications, than only another truck owner would notice. The center seat was ditched, in favor of a center console from a newer model Silverado and the stock stereo speakers were replaced with components from Polk and Alpine. Back to the business end, fuel pressure, boost, and air/fuel ratio gauges are easily monitored from the driver side a-pillar.
This truck raises the benchmark for where performance, reliability, and functionality meet. A truck capable of making mid-eleven second passes at the drag strip Friday night, then towing your boat to the lake on Saturday morning, all without skipping a beat. Roger built an amazing truck. Planet LSX cannot wait to see what you have planned for the future!
