The Chevrolet 454 SS is already a desirable piece of American pickup truck history, but one owner decided the factory big-block V8 wasn’t quite enough. The result is a seriously powerful restomod that combines classic 1990s styling with modern performance upgrades.
This particular 1993 Chevy belongs to an enthusiast named Diego, who recently brought it to the AutotopiaLA YouTube channel. Beneath its relatively understated exterior sits a heavily modified LS-based V8 producing an impressive 715 horsepower at the rear wheels.
Interestingly, the truck hasn’t undergone a dramatic exterior transformation. Its original white paint, red interior, and unmistakable OBS styling are still largely intact, giving it an appearance that doesn’t immediately reveal its capabilities.
The real changes are hiding beneath the bodywork, where an upgraded engine, suspension, and braking system have transformed the pickup’s driving experience. Despite its serious power, the owner still uses it as a street-driven truck.
A Supercharged LS3 Replaces The Original Big-Block
When Diego purchased the Chevy, it was powered by its original 454 V8, which had already been enlarged to 496 cubic inches. After sitting for approximately 15 years, the truck eventually received a completely different powertrain.
The current setup features a built 416-cubic-inch LS3 V8 with ported factory cylinder heads and an LSA supercharger fitted with a Harrop lid. According to the owner, the combination produces 715 horsepower at the wheels.
Surprisingly, the engine is still connected to the truck’s original 4L80 automatic transmission, which has a torque converter and a shift kit installed by the previous owner. The factory rear axle has also been kept, although it now uses shortened axles from Dutchman.
New Era Performance handled much of the drivetrain installation, wiring, and plumbing. The engine bay features custom Slosh Tubz and neatly concealed wiring, while a stainless-steel exhaust system with Borla XR-1 mufflers gives the truck its distinctive soundtrack.
Upgraded Suspension And Serious Stopping Power
Handling the extra horsepower required substantial chassis improvements. The front suspension now uses a QA1 Stage 3 coilover conversion, while a Twisted Metal Works four-link setup supports the rear.
Braking comes courtesy of Little Shop’s 16-inch brake system, featuring six-piston calipers at all four corners. The truck rides on staggered 20-inch Bogart wheels with wide rear tires to help manage the power.
Despite these mechanical changes, the exterior still has much of its original appearance, with the factory paint preserved beneath a coat of Poppy’s Patina clear. Diego also kept the red interior largely original, although a Dakota Digital instrument cluster and RetroSound stereo add modern functionality.
It Still Drives Like A Proper Street Truck
During AutotopiaLA’s road test, the supercharged Chevy impressed with its immediate throttle response and surprisingly composed handling. The presenter also praised its comfortable cabin and relatively quiet cruising manners.
Of course, putting 715 horsepower through the rear wheels makes traction a serious challenge, especially without modern electronic stability systems. Diego’s truck demonstrates how far a carefully executed OBS restomod can go while keeping much of the character that made these pickups popular in the first place.