So, I got this thing for the C10 GTR, right? I’ve been messing around with cars for a while now, and this one, it’s been on my mind for some time. I finally took the plunge and decided to see what this beast is all about.

First off, I had to get my hands on one. Not the easiest thing, let me tell you. I spent weeks looking around, checking out different models, reading whatever I could find. I finally found one that looked decent—not perfect, but a good starting point. It had this VQ35DE engine in it, a 3.5-liter V6. Not bad, but I knew I wanted more.
I started by taking it all apart. I mean, everything. I wanted to see what I was working with. Pulled out the engine, transmission, everything. It was a mess, but a fun mess. I learned a lot about how this thing was put together, just by taking it apart.
Now, I had this idea. I’d heard about people putting different engines in these cars, and I thought, why not? I did some digging and found that some folks were using Vortec engines. They make more power, but they’re pricier, and I wasn’t sure about the mileage. Then there was this other idea—a 4.8L/4L60E combo from a Chevy truck. Sounded like a good balance, but I wasn’t totally sold.
Then it hit me. Why not go big? I mean, really big. I remembered reading about the Ultima GTR and how it shares an engine with, get this, a Chevy Tahoe! Yeah, that big SUV. I know, it sounds crazy, but it got me thinking. If that engine can power a supercar, what could it do in my C10?
So, I started looking for that engine. Took a while, but I found one. It wasn’t easy getting it to fit, I had to make some serious changes. But I got it in there. And man, let me tell you, the difference was huge. This thing was a whole new beast. I kept messing around and also got myself an 8.4L V10 engine from a viper. Now my options were getting crazier.

- The original engine, which was decent but not what I wanted.
- The Vortec, powerful but maybe not the best for everyday driving.
- The Chevy truck engine, a good middle ground.
- The Chevy Tahoe engine, which was just wild and powerful.
- The Viper engine, offering the best performance.
I also wanted to make sure it was comfortable. I mean, what’s the point of all this power if you can’t enjoy the ride? I played around with the suspension, tried different setups. I wanted it to handle bumps and rough roads without shaking my teeth out. It took some time, but I found a sweet spot. It’s not perfect, but it’s pretty darn good. I can cruise around, and it feels great.
So, after all that work, what do I think? It’s amazing. It’s not just a car anymore; it’s an experience. The power, the feel, everything. I took something good and made it something incredible.
What I’ve Learned
This whole thing taught me a lot. About engines, about cars, about myself. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. I took a risk, and it paid off. I learned that sometimes you gotta think outside the box, try something crazy. You never know what you might end up with. And hey, even if it doesn’t work out perfectly, you still learn something along the way. That’s what it’s all about, right?
Now, I’m not saying everyone should go out and do this. It’s a lot of work, and it can get pretty expensive. But if you’re passionate about cars, and you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty, it’s an amazing experience. I’m already thinking about what I’m gonna do next. Maybe I’ll try something even crazier. Who knows? The possibilities are endless.
Well, there you have it. My C10 GTR journey. It’s been a wild ride, and I’ve loved every minute of it. I hope you enjoyed hearing about it. Maybe it’ll inspire you to try something new, to push your own limits. That’s what it’s all about.
