July 2023

Like their diesel counterparts, gas-powered truck owners are always looking for ways to give their vehicles even more power and better mileage. To find out what kind of power options there are for gas-powered trucks, we went to J&D Performance in Ontario, California. We’ve seen what kind of power and performance the guys at J&D can make in a diesel-powered truck, so we figured we’d follow along as they wrenched more power out of a common gas-powered truck. After a quick phone call, we were set. The guys at J&D had a customer’s stock 1999 Ford F-350 dualie with a 6.8-liter V-10 ready for buildup. Here’s how it went.

Bob Dillon built an F-100. Okay, so it’s not that Bob Dillon, but in this case it’s better. How, you ask? Well, there are two Bob Dillons: Bob Dillon owns this truck, but he does so with his wife, Bobbi. See, that explains it. Now let’s move on. According to the Dillons, “We did 90 percent of all the work” on the truck, and only had the guys at Cars do the final sanding, paint and assembly. The Dillons bought the 1955 Ford F-100 nearly 12 years ago and have worked at it off and on ever since. They had a definite vision for the truck, if not a timeframe, and judging from the results, it was time well spent.

For many years, multiple-carburetor setups have been a popular choice for rodders who want to add some extra power and visual appeal to their engines. However, these setups have traditionally been difficult to tune and keep in sync. The Barry Grant Six-Shooter solves these problems by using three 250cfm two-barrel carbs that are linked together with a well-designed throttle linkage system. The result is a system that looks great and performs even better.

Richard Larson and his wife, Jane, have owned a number of custom cars and trucks in their time, but they never really thought they would have so much fun building and owning a custom 53 Studebaker pickup. There was no plan to find a Studebaker; the truck simply found him. I lived across the street from a friend who owned a repair shop in town, Larson told us. Over some time, he had collected six or seven cars and trucks that he hoped to restore some day. One weekend morning, his wife informed him that she planned to plant an orchard in the area where the vehicles were being stored…and in one week. He had to get rid of his collection. I asked about the Studebaker pickup and he said if he could get $200 for it, it was gone. Well, it was gone.

DJM Suspension has earned its reputation as a leading manufacturer of lowering kits for trucks, and their new 3×4 kit for the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon is no exception. This kit delivers a 3-inch drop in front and a 4-inch drop in the rear, achieving an aggressive stance while maintaining impressive ride quality. The kit includes specially designed lower control arms for the front and high-strength steel lowering blocks for the rear, ensuring both performance and durability.

Pawl Shanley’s 1985 Dodge D350 dually isn’t your average pickup. This British truck has been transformed into a show-stopping masterpiece with an air suspension that lets it kneel at the pavement, a BMW Montreal Blue paint job with intricate marbleizing, and a custom interior by Aerotrim, a company that usually specializes in aircraft. Despite the challenges of modifying such a large vehicle, Shanley’s vision has resulted in a truly unique and impressive truck that stands out even in a country known for its Minis.

From showstopper murals to Nitrous Express-fueled speed, Darren Pellechia’s 2002 Ford SVT Lightning lives up to its name in every way. Don’t be fooled by the lowered stance and sleek custom bodywork – this truck packs a punch under the hood with a 75hp nitrous system and tuned Eaton-supercharged engine. Inside, Von Otto murals and premium sound complete the package, making this Lightning a true masterpiece on wheels.

Missing the warmth and beauty of a classic wood truck bed? Say goodbye to sterile steel! Bruce Horkey’s Show Deck brings the elegance of kiln-dried hardwood and mirror-polished stainless steel to your modern truck, transforming it into a show-stopping masterpiece. Available in standard ash or oak, or premium options like cherry, mahogany, and even rosewood, the Show Deck offers a level of customization that makes your truck truly unique.

The ididit steering column in the 38 Chevy presented a conundrum for the SRRC crew. Its intended path straight through the engine compartment was blocked by the mighty LS1 lurking beneath. Instead of compromising on engine placement or aesthetics, the team got crafty. Inspired by modern car designs, they opted to dramatically shorten the column and snake it around the engine, hugging the underside of the custom aluminum dash. This not only cleared the heads but also resulted in a sleek and streamlined look that complemented the truck’s overall transformation. This excerpt highlights the resourcefulness and ingenuity involved in custom car builds, showcasing how unconventional solutions can lead to stunning results.

Free Jaguar? Don Shirer couldn’t resist the tempting offer, even if it meant just for the prized suspension lurking beneath. This XJ6 boasted the coveted independent rear suspension and A-frame front, perfect for his vision of a smoother-riding ’55 Chevy pickup. Follow along as Shirer masterfully tackles the swap, using readily available tools and his own ingenuity to bridge the gap between classic and modern.