Building a serious race truck usually requires a well-equipped workshop, specialized tools, and plenty of experience. However, 25-year-old Roman Espino has turned an old Chevrolet C10 pickup into an impressive, track-focused machine using little more than his driveway, floor jacks, and jack stands.
In a recent video from Autotopia LA, Roman shows off his heavily modified C10, which he built primarily for autocross competition and future road racing. Despite its weathered exterior, the truck packs serious performance hardware underneath.
Roman purchased the C10 from a previous owner who had planned to build it for his son, only to discover that the youngster wasn’t particularly interested in loud cars. Rather than restoring it to factory condition, he decided to create something inspired by classic Trans Am race cars.
The result is a naturally aspirated V8-powered pickup producing over 600 horsepower, complete with racing suspension, fat tires, and functional aerodynamic upgrades. Amazingly, it’s also Roman’s first major vehicle build.
A 383 Stroker V8 With Over 600 Horsepower
Under the hood sits a heavily modified version of the truck’s original small-block Chevrolet engine, enlarged from 350 to 383 cubic inches. It features forged internals, AFR cylinder heads, a high-performance camshaft designed for high-rpm operation, and Kooks headers.
Running 12:1 compression and race fuel, the engine produces just north of 600 horsepower and approximately 600 lb-ft of torque. Roman also fitted fuel injection, a side-exit exhaust, and a five-speed Tremec TKX manual transmission.
Although Roman completed much of the truck himself, he relied on professional machining and some specialist help with the engine to avoid risking an expensive engine failure during his first major build.
Built To Handle Corners, Not Just Straight Lines
The C10 uses CPP suspension components, adjustable Viking coilovers, and Wilwood brakes. Power reaches the rear wheels through a Currie nine-inch rear axle.
Roman also fitted 18-inch Rocket Racing wheels wrapped in 315-section tires at all four corners. The square setup allows tire rotation while providing plenty of grip during autocross events.
A large Nine Lives Racing rear wing, front splitter, and relocated fuel tank help improve stability and weight distribution. Roman says these modifications serve a purpose rather than simply making the truck look aggressive.
A Race Truck That Still Gets Driven On The Street
Inside, the cabin features fixed-back racing seats, upgraded gauges, and a modified pedal arrangement for heel-and-toe downshifting. Air conditioning is absent, but some original interior pieces remain in place, such as the door cards and rearview mirror.
During the Autotopia LA road test, the host praises the C10’s braking, handling, and surprisingly usable power delivery. The truck’s stiff suspension makes its racing priorities obvious, but Roman still enjoys cruising it around Southern California.
For a first build completed largely on a driveway, Roman’s C10 is an impressive achievement. Its weathered paint is also untouched, giving the 600-horsepower pickup an appearance that almost hides its track-focused engineering… well, except for the stance, wheels, big wing, and hood vents, that is.