The Chevy Silverado has a history of versatility. With a powerful selection of engine and drivetrain setups and great towing/hauling capabilities, the variations offer nice options for light-duty to extreme-duty work. This model is an '05 2500HD Crew Cab, equipped with GM's Duramax 6600 6.6L, V-8 turbodiesel engine. It's a setup that has power and functionality-much appreciated by hardcore do-it-yourselfers and those who work in labor-oriented fields.
In this case, owner Jason Christiansen loved the Silverado's power and aggressive look, but not the workhorse image. Envisioning a truck with power and grace, Jason used a huge suspension package, ample entertainment equipment, and other custom choices to remake the Silverado, from an unsophisticated utility to a pure and powerful 4x4. The power under the hood has been enhanced with tuning changes and exhaust, intake, and fuel system upgrades. And since this truck is unlikely to do much manual labor, its power is saved for the best uses: ego enhancement and driving enjoyment.
Wanting to go all out on the suspension, Jason chose Fabtech's 8-inch performance lift kit and a host of high-quality components. Making use of the multiple shock-mounting tabs on the Fabtech control arms, Jason went with dual Fox 2.0 Pro Series nitrogen-powered shocks with remote reservoirs, held in place with SDHQ shock clamps. Out back, Deaver leaf springs and a Kelderman Air Ride Suspension system smooth out the bumps in the road.
The fuel system was upgraded with a fuel air separator high-performance delivery system that helps make the diesel fuel burn more efficiently, thus allowing more of it in the Transfer Flow added-capacity fuel tank. Off the lot, the Silverado Duramax produces 310 hp at 3,000 rpm. Jason's truck makes a lot more than that with the addition of an aFe cool-air intake system, a Banks Monster 5-inch exhaust, and a Quadzilla power chip. Optimal tuning settings are provided by Quadzilla's Stealth Tuner, designed specifically for the Duramax engine.
On the inside, the Silverado shows off a cool beige interior set off with flame accents. An embossed flame pattern was used in the door panels, the headliner, and on the subwoofer enclosure. The exterior's bold red is repeated on the interior with a red-on-black flame insert on the subwoofer box and red neon lighting on the amp rack. The truck's versatile entertainment package was designed and installed by Signature Audio in Scottsdale, Arizona. Basically, Jason paid for functionality: a navigation system, CD and DVD capability, headrest monitors, some extra volume, and detailed sound quality were his requirements. The head unit is an Eclipse all-in-one style model that centralizes the CD/DVD player and navigation system. For extra DVD functionality, the truck also has an Eclipse DV3101 DVD player mounted below the head unit. Pioneer 8-inch monitors in the headrests keep Jason's back-seat crew entertained. Highs and mid-range frequencies are handled by 6-inch MB Quart QSD216s located in the front door panels. The lows are powered by three JL Audio 10-inch subwoofers that are mounted in a custom, sealed enclosure behind the rear seat. Powering the monster system is a pair of JL Audio amplifiers that have been accented with a cool neon-red glow.
Allowing the truck's big stance to speak for itself, Jason limited the exterior modifications to paint, a new Precision grille, wheels and tires from American Racing and Toyo respectively, and a few functional upgrades, including Amp Research retractable power steps. With the transformation complete, Jason has successfully updated his Silverado's workhorse mojo with a little show-field class. With the mission accomplished, this big diesel machine is one serious piece of work.