We are typically not fans of the “mini-rig” look for trucks where guys try to make a pickup look and act like a big rig but in this case, we’re kind of on board, ok all the way on board. This is a 1971 Chevy truck that has been repowered with a 6V53 Detroit Diesel engine, backed by what looks like multiple manual transmissions. There are more sticks coming up through the floor than a porcupine has quills!
We only see the driver operate the main box though. This video is not about the operation of 43-stick shifts but rather just a ride along in the truck. The dual stacks can be a foul in many cases, especially when applied to a pickup truck but this thing sounds so damned good that we’d have the exhaust run no other way.
The truck makes about 180hp and about 500 lb-ft of torque. This is a non-turbocharged Detroit Diesel, hence the power numbers being what that are. That being said, the thing seems to get up and boogie down the road in fine style. No, it is not going to win the US Nationals but it is certainly not going to be a rolling road block, either.
The interior of the truck has been given some “big rig” touches in the form of the simulated split windshield and the header panel with some gauges and stuff in it. The plush late model seat ensures driver comfort on road trips. This thing is pretty cool. If we owned it we might stick a bed back on it and throw some swampers on. It would not help the acceleration but it would look and sound like a zombie killing machine and we’re into that.
What do you think? Cool?
