David LaManno's 2004 Silverado features a supercharged LSX engine that produces over 700 horsepower to the rear tires. Photo: David LaManno

Despite beginning life as a non-descript 2004 Chevrolet Extended-Cab Silverado with the standard 6-foot bed, once David LaManno took ownership it was destined to become more than an average pickup truck. Normal pickups are subjected to Home Depot trips, camping trips and helping friends move, but this ’04 is not a normal truck. Few Silverados are privileged enough to receive a custom built GMPP LSX block, let alone an LSX block with all of the machine work completed by a Formula One racing team. Despite the LSX block this truck is not a drag strip terror with factory paint and interior, LaManno’s ’04 has graced the cover of Truckin, along with more than ten technical articles and was a featured vehicle at the SEMA show in Las Vegas.

A GMPP LSX block serves as the foundation for the 427 cubic inch engine. Photo: David LaManno

LaManno had the GMPP LSX block bored to 427 cubic inches of pure pump gas guzzling madness, topped off with a Magnason TVS 2300 cog driven supercharger. Thanks to the additional 15 PSI created by the Magnason supercharger the Silverado lays down over 700 horsepower to the rear tires with the help of a methanol system while using plain old environmentally friendly 91-octane. To create over 700 RWHP, the LSX block was treated to plethora of performance parts designed to compliment and enhance the overall power and durability of the combination. A set of L92 cylinder heads were ported and polished by West Coast Cylinder Heads and fastened down with a set of ARP head studs. LaManno used ARP for almost every fastener under the hood of the Silverado, from the cam bolt to every crucial bolt inside the engine. Finally, the 3-inch exhaust system featuring a x-pipe complete with high-flow cats was created at MagnaFlow’s R&D center.

LaManno's '04 Silverado features Doug's Electronic cutouts and MagnaFlow mufflers. Photo: David LaManno

In order to drive the truck a suitable transmission was in order; which is where Preformabuilt/CK Performance took a 4L80 transmission to Stage 7 (which translates to being able to endure the wrath of 1,400 horsepower). A Circle D billet torque converter featuring a 2,800 stall would help get the truck off the line. Unfortunately LaManno’s Silverado would not pass tech inspection at the drag strip, unless Helen Keller was working as an inspector that day. At minimum a rollbar would have to added to the ’04, along with some pulls to open the doors (the handles are shaved and operated by a set of remote poppers). A GM 10-bolt rear differential was outfitted with Eaton Tru-Trac posi unit, custom Moser axles/bearings and a TA Performance rear girdle to disperse the power to the rear tires.

Custom aluminum tanks were created for the coolant resevoir and the supercharger heat exchanger tank; both of these tanks feature custom blue accents to further enhance the color scheme. Photo: David LaManno

Since this truck was destined to be a head turner in the looks department, not an athlete, LaManno had a full Belltech drop kit installed to lower the ride height. Prowheels created a “one-off” set of 22’s for LaManno; the 22” by 10” forged wheels are wrapped with Nitto 420S 305/40/22 tires. A set of Caltracs suspension bars were added along with Belltech front and rear sway bars to assist the ride and handling characteristics of the truck. Improvements were made to braking system thanks to the addition of Wilwood 16” rotors with 6-piston calipers in the front and Wilwood 14.25” rotors with 4-piston calipers in the rear.

Taking the time to create a smooth and near pefect body prior to entering the paint shop pays off in pictures and in-person. Photo: David LaManno

By not cutting corners during the engine build LaManno continued to focus on the details throughout the entire project in order to achieve something that stood apart from the crowd. House of Kolor was responsible for the lavish hues used to create the eye-catching paint scheme. The two-tone paint features a pearl blue on the top half of the truck that is separated from the metallic blue used on the lower sections by silver-leaf pin striping. Subtle touches like shaving the door handles, tailgate handle and a Gaylord’s roll pan add to overall smooth look of the Silverado.

LaManno selected a Gaylord’s Speedster tonneau cover with a remote unlock feature. Again, the two-tone color theme was continued throughout the interior of the truck. LaManno selected a combination of Katzkin suede and leather in navy blue and dark grey to wrap the seats with and was again used for the headliner. Suede and leather accents were applied throughout the interior from the visors to the door panels. Overall the attention to detail makes this LSX powered Silverado a class act, perhaps a little to classy for the local drag strip but it is sure to attract attention; it is hard to imagine putting this truck up for sale, but with new projects on the horizon the only phrase that comes to mind is “out with old and in with the new.”