A STONE COLD 1970 C10

Boneyard Builds 1970 C-10 features a gear jamming, compounded turbocharged Duramax engine!
Launched in the fall of 1959, the 1960 model year C-10 introduced a new body style of a light pick-up truck that featured many industry firsts. Most important of these were a drop-center ladder frame, allowing the cab to sit lower, and independent front suspension, giving an almost car-like ride in a truck. Also new for 1960, was a new designation system for trucks made by GM. Custom C10 builds have become quite popular over the years but often feature LS swaps and airbag suspension. We have started to notice a trend lately that was prevalent at the last SEMA Show, DIESEL SWAPS! Brody got his first Duramax in 2009 and fell in love with the power and performance. Since then he’s been hooked on diesel performance, so naturally, this build would have to be diesel-powered. We bring you, Brody Stone’s pro-touring, 1970 compound turbo-powered Duramax C-10!

The Backstory

“This C10 literally fell in my lap.  I was on the phone with a friend discussing his Pro touring GTO he just completed when he suggested my next project should be a pro-touring style truck.  He suggested 67-72 models looked really cool.  Since I like trucks, I googled pics of C10’s while on the phone and really liked the idea of building a truck but knew it would have to be different than the normal LS swapped C10.”

A few minutes after the phone call, one of Brody’s employees walked by his office and asked, “You know anybody who wants to buy my old truck?”  Brody’s reply was, “What you got?” His reply was, “1970 C10”.  It happened that easily. To top it off, the truck was all-original rust-free American steel.

The Beginning

Shortly after acquiring the C10, that same friend Brody was speaking with introduced him to Chad Whitlock at Boneyard Builds. Brody shared the visons he had for the C10 with Chad and he immediately came on board. “I wanted this truck to have a ton of power but also handle like a sports car.” After calculating the costs to modify the original frame and suspension or buying a ready to go frame, the turn-key option was more money, but worth it for its engineering and strength. After extensive research, Chad and Brody decided to go with Roadster Shop. “Roadster Shop Spec Series chassis are hard to beat for the money. The engineering and workmanship are top-notch, plus they have excellent customer support”, said Chad.

Heart and Soul

The complete build took over 9 months, but the main focus would be transplanting the modern drivetrain into the 1970 body. The engine was sourced from a 2013 Chevrolet 2500 HD (LML Series) that was purchased at auction. The original frame, motor, body trim molding, and interior was sold to help recover the initial cost of the truck. The rest of that truck was parted out or scrapped out to recover most of the cost of the donor. For horsepower, Chad contacted his go-to Duramax guy, Jason Wehrli at WC Fab.  He specked out the turbos and built the twin-compound turbo set up in house. Adam Pela at DMAX Swap built a custom stand-alone harness for the setup and provided the initial tuning. The 6-speed manual transmission was purchased from Scott Schleck at Midwest Transmission.  He made sure all the proper parts were cryo treated to help it survive the brutal torque of this compounded Duramax. South Bend and Spec Clutch helped with getting the power to the ground with a combination of parts to increase torque capacity and still keep drivability. Tuning this engine and transmission combination was a little different. LML series engines were always strapped to an automatic transmission. None the less, with the help of Adam Pela, Chad didn’t run into too many tuning issues.

Deadline SEMA Show

The engine/transmission swap was the most time-consuming part of the 9-month long build. “When you want to do a custom build like this, you have to get creative and of course, have a lot of patience”, said Chad. At this point, the crew knew that time was against them, knowing they needed it finished for the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Luckily, Chad had been doing his homework since the beginning of the build, sourcing out all the parts and materials needed to complete the remainder of the build. While he can’t say the rest of the process was a cakewalk, it was a change of pace from the driveline installation. Chad mentioned to us that picking the wheels and chassis was the easiest part of the build. This build meant a lot to both Brody and Chad by accomplishing a build nobody has done.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What engine components and modifications were chosen to achieve 750 horsepower in the C10?

Engine Components and Modifications for 750 Horsepower in the C10

To hit the ambitious target of 750 horsepower in the C10, a meticulous selection of engine components and modifications was employed, integrating both factory elements and tailor-made aftermarket parts.

Core Engine Build

1. Block Preparation:
   • The engine block, along with other pivotal components, underwent precision machining and was expertly assembled to ensure optimal performance.
2. Crankshaft, Pistons, and Rods:
   • A factory-fresh crankshaft operates in tandem with Mahle Cast pistons, which are linked via CarrilloBillet connecting rods. This combination enhances the strength and durability needed for high power output.
3. Complementary Engine Parts:
   • Key additions include an advanced alternate-fire camshaft, specially designed pushrods, and robust valve springs. These components work in harmony to maximize engine efficiency and reliability.
4. Fortification and Replacement:
   • Essential fortifications feature ARP head and main studs, alongside comprehensive new bearings. To ensure all systems are in peak condition, the alternator, starter, water pump, oil cooler, oil pump, and power steering pump were replaced.

Exhaust and Turbo System

5. Exhaust Configuration:
   • Enhanced manifolds channel exhaust gases efficiently, supplemented by custom-fabricated up-pipes that optimize flow.
6. Turbo Setup:
   • A high-performance compound turbo arrangement features a primary atmosphere turbo paired with a secondary turbo. This configuration is pivotal to achieving the desired horsepower while maintaining engine balance.

Intake and Fuel Systems

7. Intake System:
   • A bespoke 5” intake design includes a specialized filter, a factory intercooler, and high-flow pipes, all contributing to better air handling and turbo efficiency.
8. Fuel Management:
   • At the core of the fuel system is a high-capacity single stroker pump, paired with significantly upgraded fuel injectors. This setup is fine-tuned through advanced engine management software, directly impacting power gains.

Additional Enhancements

9. Aesthetic and Functional Coatings:
   • Attention to detail extends to coating where all intercooler pipes and turbo compressor housings receive a distinct finish, combining aesthetics with heat management.

These strategic selections and modifications collectively fuel the C10’s impressive journey to achieving the 750 horsepower mark, offering a blend of power, precision, and reliability.

What custom modifications were made to fit the cab onto the new chassis?

To fit the cab onto the new chassis, custom modifications were essential. First, custom cab mounts were fabricated to ensure the engine cleared the firewall while maintaining the integrity of the core support and the factory cooling fan. Additionally, the original ribs under the bed were substituted with shorter ones. This adjustment was crucial for aligning the body and the cab correctly on the new chassis. These modifications were vital steps to ensure a seamless fit and optimal performance.

What transmission was used in the C10 project, and what modifications were made to it?

“Ryan decided to incorporate a robust 6-speed manual transmission, sourced from Scott Schleck at Midwest Transmission. He made sure all the proper parts were cryo treated to help it survive the brutal torque of this compounded Duramax.

To ensure the transmission could handle the enhanced performance demands, a thorough rebuild was undertaken. This included upgrading critical components such as the clutches and pump, ensuring they could withstand high power outputs. Additionally, modifications to the valve body were implemented, allowing for smoother shifts and improved efficiency.

These enhancements were essential to match the performance upgrades of the engine, providing durability and reliability under intense conditions. The combination of precision engineering and strategic upgrades transformed the transmission into a powerhouse component of the C10 project.”

Who performed the modifications?

The modifications were conducted by the team at WCFab.

What type of modifications were made to the transmission?

The transmission underwent a performance rebuild, which included enhancements like a new converter, upgraded clutches, pump, and valve body.

What is the origin of the transmission?

The transmission is an Allison model taken from a 2006 Silverado.