2000 Chevrolet Silverado

When it comes right down to it, a man's best friend isn't his dog, as the old saying goes. Rather, a man's best friend may just be his custom off-road machine. James Williams of San Bernardino, California, has taken his '00 Chevy Silverado four-wheel-drive beast and crafted it into a show-stopping luxury 'wheeler and trail partner. This Chevy is not only built for rugged on-dirt dependability, it was created with ride quality and comfort in mind, using only the best components.

Starting in the engine compartment, James had the need to increase the horsepower and torque, so he contacted Kevin Conlin and Joey Pashmann of SuperTrucks in San Bernardino, and together, the trio devised a plan and started the buildup. The first component added was a WhippleCharger supercharger, which boosts the small-block V-8's output by 125 ponies. A Hypertech Power Programmer III was added to the Chevy to optimize the engine's functions and manage the increased horsepower and torque. To help the 5.3L engine breathe easier, a set of JBA ceramic-coated headers and a Spin Tech 2-1/2-inch-diameter exhaust system were added. Contributing a stylish and unique look to the engine compartment are custom carbon-fiber covers over the fuel-injection plenum, the intake tube, and the fan shroud.

Increasing the 4x4's height and making this Chevy trail-worthy were accomplished when SuperTrucks bolted on a tough, 8-inch lift CST suspension, and increased the lift even more with a 3-inch body lift, giving the big white 'wheeler a total of 11 additional inches of nosebleed-inducing height. The suspension and part of the chassis of the Silverado were then powdercoated for durability and a clean look. In anticipation of larger wheels and tires, the front and rear gear ratios were changed to 4:56. Then, a set 17x8-inch Center Line wheels and a gonzo set of 37X12.50R17LT Wrangler GS-A all-terrain tires were wrapped around the billet wheels. To smooth out the ride, Rancho RS9000 shocks were added: four up front, and four in the rear.

The interior of this machine is similar to that of the finest luxury vehicle, with a custom leather interior and carbon-fiber accents. To keep the driver and passengers occupied while driving to their favorite off-road locations, a plethora of audio/visual equipment was installed by Audio Extreme of San Bernardino, California. An Alpine audio system pumps out the tunes and an Alpine TV and DVD handle the visuals.

For the final additions on this white-hot wonder, Ronnsville Auto Body of San Bernardino shaved the door handles, the tailgate handle, and the gas filler door. Ronnsville also bolted on Street Scene bumpers front and rear, added a Gaylord tonneau cover, and then sprayed the four-wheeler with a fresh coat of Chevy White.

Obviously, James built his super Chevy for show as much as go, but as he put the truck through its paces for the OFF-ROAD magazine cameras, we were impressed that such a clean machine could really put the power to the ground and gobble up rough terrain. When our shoot was complete, the underside, the topside, and the interior of James' Silverado was covered with silt, but our staff and James agreed it was worth it because of the great action shots we got of the tall Chevy. Just don't ask us to help clean that white undercarriage, James!