STP Diesel’s Masterpiece: A Mean and Clean F-250 Build

John Mata Jr. . November 19, 2024 . Feature Stories

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STP Diesel’s Mean, Clean F-250

THERE’s a truck repair shop in Houston called STP Diesel, which is owned by Benito (Benny) Diaz, managed by his brother Tony, and operated by some of the finest technicians in the industry. The STP crew has established a name for themselves in the Texas diesel truck community and beyond due to their combined effort to treat every customer’s truck like it was their own. Benny, Tony, and staff are truck enthusiasts through and through, with a slight proclivity for diesel models, but they really do enjoy working on any type of truck, from 2WD light-duty pickups to the high-powered work trucks on the opposite end of the spectrum.

While it may sound like the guys at STP Diesel are all business all the time, they do make it a point to let loose every now and then by building their own in-house projects designed for pure automotive enjoyment. By doing this, Benny and crew are able to display to the community that STP is much more than a repair business. STP is more of a one-stop truck shop that regularly takes on custom jobs, too, that include everything from suspension work to high-performance engine upgrades.

The truck STP recently selected to rally around was a 2006 Ford F-250 single cab “shorty” that has come a long way since the project began, but Benny makes it clear that it’s still a work in progress. To start things out, the F-250’s factory chassis system was the first to hit the chopping block. Stock components were torn out and replaced with top shelf replacement items that set the Ford’s stance much lower than before and increased its overall ride quality. Viking dual adjustable shocks, DJM drop I-beams and rear traction bars from One Up Offroad found their way underneath the F-250 to get the job done.

While the factory braking components worked well enough to leave in place, the Ford’s factory-equipped wheels and tires had to go. Replacing them is a set of 20×12 BC Forged wheels that feature a custom powdercoated finish, as well as Toyo Proxes rubber that sees its fair share of roasting.

With the F-250 sitting at a more respectable altitude, Benny and the crew were then clear to move onto the next phase, and possibly their favorite part of the project. The factory 6.0L diesel mill was properly serviced and outfitted with a ton of parts to maximize its performance output. This is the stuff STP does day-in and day-out, and it shows. OE components were left in place where they still served a meaningful purpose, while new additions in the way of an Odawgs Diesel SR3 ported intake manifold, fire-ringed heads and hardened valve seats, Holders Diesel fuel injection, and a Banks Power intercooler were a good place to start. While that is an impressive lineup of goods, the add-ons that get the most attention, however, are the stage 3 KC turbos, along with the dual Nitrous Express bottles secured in the bed that represent tremendous boost on-command.

Another aspect of the F-250 that captures loads of attention is its outer façade. The combination of fresh paint and strategic vinyl wrapping adds a dramatic dose of killer graphics that feature STP Diesel and Diesel Bros branding. A dividing line down the center of the truck breaks up the inverted black/gray color schemes that are unique on each side. A 2008 F-250 front end conversion has updated the forward appearance of the Ford, and a rear spoiler from K Designs gives the posterior additional sporty appeal.

Inside the cab, a pair of Corbeau race seats offer a comfortable driving position for both driver and passenger while ripping around the track. Additional instrumentation on the pillar gives Benny and crew an immediate at-a-glance look at the F-250’s vitals, which is a must for a vehicle with elevated performance upgrades. The factory steering wheel has been swapped out with a unit from Aza Auto Wheel, which lends to the truck’s newfound aggressive attitude with better ergonomic feel and top-shelf construction.

Even though Benny and the guys can’t say they are finished with this Ford just yet, they were excited to stretch its legs by driving it out to as many events in their area as possible. Many attendees were able to get a closer look at the truck while it was on display at Lone Star Throwdown, October Truck Madness, LSX Truck Fest, and many other shows geared toward custom performance vehicles. You can bet the STP crew and this exciting F-250 will be in attendance of other gatherings in and around the southeast Texas area as show season winds down for the year.

For those looking for a qualified, dependable and all-encompassing truck shop in the Houston area, be sure to contact STP Diesel directly to help dial in your ride. For enthusiasts outside of their range, be sure to follow STP on all their social accounts for updates on upcoming projects and killer merch offerings.

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