Building a Beast: Brandon Putzier’s 1000HP Chevrolet C10

BRANDON BURRELL . November 25, 2024 . Buyer’s Guides

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From Basic to FULL CLOSER

Most of us have good build ideas when we buy a new project truck. Whether it’s a full out custom build or a cool daily driver, we know what route we want to go when we start. Brandon Putzier from Meridian, Idaho, knew exactly what he wanted when he picked up his 1968 Chevrolet C10—just a nice lowered cruiser that he and his wife Karen could hop in and take out on date night or a trip to the store. But, like many of us have experienced, those plans quickly changed. Going down the parts research rabbit hole, Brandon figured out he could take the truck to a totally new level with a few more upgrades than he originally planned.

After deciding that a short wheelbase chassis from Speedtech would be the route to take, Brandon got with Mar McIver at McIver Custom Fabrication in Meridian, Idaho, to handle this task. But first, the chassis and parts were sent to JB Laser in Boise, Idaho, to lay down the powdercoating. The new chassis rides on Ridetech 5-inch Shockwaves in the front and 4-inch Shockwaves in the rear—all controlled by two Viair compressors. To complete the rolling chassis, staggered 20×10 and 20×12-inch US Mag Big Slot wheels were added. The new wheels were wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, 285/35-20 and 335/30-20 respectively. Tucked behind the wheels is a set of 4-piston Wilwood brakes with a Wilwood master cylinder, CPP hydroboost and custom brake lines.

From what started as a simple project has obviously turned into the over-the-top, super classy truck you see here. Brandon has taken the truck to numerous shows and racked up the awards.

With the rolling chassis complete, it was time to find an engine to make the truck not only sound good but make it a blast to drive. For this, the original 1968 engine was scrapped, and a Chevrolet Performance LSA crate engine was added. Knowing a basic, out-of-the-box engine wouldn’t cut it with the new plans Brandon had for this truck, it received Brian Tooley pushrods, platinum springs, retainer, and cam kit. It also got some CTS-V Performance lifters, stage 3 LSA cam, 2-inch Ultimate headers, IFC 1050cc fuel injectors and a Holley oil pan. Controlling everything is a new BP wiring harness and an E85/flex fuel conversion. For most people, this level of performance would be more than enough, but not for Brandon. He also added a Kong Performance ported supercharger, Griptech 2.55-inch upper and DSX lower pulleys with an ATI harmonic balancer. There are two 255 Walbro fuel pumps with a DSX harness to turn the second pump on after 10lbs of boost. All engine work was handled by Brandon with the help of Jason Craig and Mark McIver while Powerlabs in Boise, Idaho handled the custom tune. All said and done, this C10 once planned to be a basic driver, now has 1000hp.

A Chevrolet Performance 6L80E crate transmission with a billet planet custom stall converter and shallow oil pan. There was also an Ultimate Transmission torque converter added and the new trans cooler was mounted under the bed. The custom transmission work was handled by Ultimate Transmission in Garden City, Idaho. Once the power leaves the transmission, it is fed to a Ford 9-inch rear axle from Dutchman Axles in Meridian, Idaho to put the power to the ground.

With the underpinnings and engine ready to go, it was time to start on the body. The bed was sectioned and raised 5 inches while keeping the factory lines all the way around. A roll pan was added and the tailgate handle and gas cap were relocated. Side markers were shaved for a cleaner look while the Delmos door handles and a first-gen Camaro front bumper were added for a completely different look. Up front, the factory grille received BNCO inserts and Dapper 7-inch LED headlights with integrated turn signals. Slosh Tubz in the front and AMD rear tubs ensure the tires are covered as well. Once all the metal work was massaged to be laser straight, the PPG single stage black paint was sprayed. Jeff Reed, Chris Mull, and Jose Ortiz at Treasure Valley Street Rod in Boise, Idaho, handled the flawless work on the body.

With the exterior, engine, and chassis turning out so clean, Brandon knew he had to give the interior the same level of love. The dash had some parts shaved and was modified for a cleaner look. The custom bench seat by McIver Custom Fab was frenched into the back of the cab while the headliner, dashpad, and door panels were custom built. All of the buttons were hidden while a phone charger, cup holders and a 4-inch sub make driving more comfortable.

The stock gauges were swapped for Dakota Digital RTX gauges and the dash now has custom billet bezels as well as a Sparc Industries Truss steering wheel. To make the interior look this good, Brandon had Interior Revolution handle the seat upholstery while Modern Upholstery did the rest. Both shops are in Nampa, Idaho.

From what started as a simple project has obviously turned into the over-the-top, super classy truck you see here. Brandon has taken the truck to numerous shows and racked up the awards. This three-year build was thought out and planned to ensure it would be a one-time project. That is one thing Brandon wanted to point out for those looking to take on a project like this: Take your time and do it right the first time, even if it takes longer than planned. It’s better to have it done only once.

Knowing a basic, out-of-the-box engine wouldn’t cut it with the new plans Brandon had for this truck, it received Brian Tooley pushrods, platinum springs, retainer, and cam kit.