The 450hp Duramax-Powered ’58 Chevy Apache
The '58 Chevy Apache's 450-horsepower Duramax engine
When we first saw Bill Cielo's '58 Chevy truck at a neighboring dyno event, we virtually ran up to it to see whether it was diesel-powered. Fortunately, the factory-installed LBZ Duramax engine revealed the truck to be a diesel, and it was the cleanest one we've ever seen. It was even more intriguing when Bill revealed that the Chevy was a composite of original 1958 components (including the rear frame) and later 2006 Chevrolet donor truck parts. Like most interesting constructions, Bill's endeavor began with a concept and a story.
Honda Mix
Since nearly every part of the '58's front end would need to be changed to fit and support the diesel, Bill made the early decision to employ the entire front half of the '06 Chevy's chassis. After examining everything in a mock-up stage, Bill sent the Duramax wire harness to Pacific Performance Engineering (PPE) to be stripped of everything that wasn't required to keep the engine and transmission operating. Bill had never liked the look of the many computers that were a part of the Duramax engine, so he patiently extended every wire to move everything down near the driver's side fender well of the vehicle. Although Bill wasn't even sure it would work at the time, the engine bay was thoroughly cleaned. The computer system would allegedly malfunction if all the wires were stretched, but Bill insisted that the only way to be certain was to actually give it a try.
The back part of the frame and bed were in such wonderful shape that Bill decided to maintain the factory '58 rear chassis and bed. Bill frequently builds race car chassis, so joining the front half of the '06 to the back half of the '58 was easy for him. In actuality, due to the triangle bracing, boxing, and additional cross member, it may be the strongest part of the entire frame. After the chassis was finished, the '58's rear end had to be modified because it was incapable of supporting the torque of the diesel engine. Once more turning to his 2006 for advice, Bill built a rear suspension system for the 3.73-geared AAM 1150 rear-end utilizing the OEM '58 leaf springs, a few Rancho 5000 shocks, and airbags he bought on Craigslist.
A Special Blend
More than a year ago, Bill combined two Chevys into one fantastic vehicle, and he has since had no trouble appreciating it. Bill asserted that a 25 gallon tank could "I'm able to run for almost ever. I have no issue keeping up with modern Mustangs and Camaros, even with the PPE tuner on level 3." The 4,600-pound truck is still used for what it was intended for: as a hip and distinctive parts-chaser that turns heads and sends tires spinning wherever it travels.
