The One to Watch

EVERY once in a while, a build shows up at an event that makes you stop, stare, and eventually come back for more. Not because it’s flashy or overdone, but because it’s so dialed in that everything just clicks. That’s NEO, a 2003 Chevy Silverado owned by Nick Neofotistos. He’s had the truck since he was a teenager, and over the years, he’s taken it from bone stock to a full-blown custom—just the way we like it.

We caught up with Nick at Orange Beach Invasion, and it didn’t take long to realize his ride was something special. The truck has been shaved clean and sprayed in bright red by Chad Jumonville from White Castle, Louisiana. There’s no extra flash, just a tight, well-executed look that gets the job done.

Underneath, it’s a full custom setup. Jeffery Carney from Maringouin, Louisiana, built a ¾-inch square tube frame that lays the foundation, with SS7 airbags and a beefy 4-link rear setup holding things together.

Underneath, it’s a full custom setup. Jeffery Carney from Maringouin, Louisiana, built a ¾-inch square tube frame that lays the foundation, with SS7 airbags and a beefy 4-link rear setup holding things together. Fox 2.0 shocks help manage the ride, and a big step notch makes sure the frame hits the ground right. Nothing sketchy here, just solid parts, smart layout, and attention to detail.

The stock motor was tossed long ago. In its place is a strong LS1 built by Jeffery Gaunt. He proceeded to outfit it with a Texas Speed Tsunami cam, AFR heads, and a TSP intake. It’s running big 8.1L marine injectors and breathes out through long tube headers and a full 3-inch exhaust. A built 4L60E with a Yank SS4000 converter keeps things moving, and the whole setup is tuned to hit hard when it matters.

The wheels are Billet Specialties BLVD 65s—26×9-inch in the front and a massive 26×16 out back. Tires are from Tri-Ace, and the truck runs control arms from Endless MetalFab. With hydroboost brakes and AccuAir air ride, the truck rides smooth and lays out clean.

This isn’t a truck chasing likes online. It’s a real build, done the right way. NEO is proof that when you know what you want, you don’t need to follow anyone else’s playbook.

Inside, things are just as tight. The interior has been reworked with Clazzio leather seat covers, a custom console, and a powerful Sundown audio system. The wiring is hidden, the bed is tubbed, and everything works like it should.

Nick has been hitting shows all over, including LST, Scrapin’ the Coast, and the Freakin’ Weekend. Like most trucks in the scene, there are still a few finishing touches in the works, but the build quality speaks for itself.

This isn’t a truck chasing likes online. It’s a real build, done the right way. NEO is proof that when you know what you want, you don’t need to follow anyone else’s playbook.

TRUCK SPECS

 ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN

• LS1 engine
• Texas Speed “Tsunami” camshaft
• AFR cylinder heads
• TSP intake
• 8.1L marine injectors
• Long tube headers
• 3-inch exhaust system
• Built 4L60E transmission
• SS4000 torque converter
• ECU tuned for performance

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

• Custom ¾ frame build
• Step notch
• Endless MetalFab control arms
• Parallel 4-link rear suspension
• Slam Specialties SS7 airbags
• Fox 2.0 shocks
• AccuAir eLevel air management system

WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES

• 26×9 and 26×16 Billet Specialties BLVD 65 wheels
• 255/30/26 and 405/23/26 Tri-Ace tires
• Hydroboost brake system

BODY & PAINT

• Shaved handles and clean body lines
• Smoothed tailgate
• Custom bright red paint by Chad Jumonville
• Tucked and tubbed bed with custom floor
• Hidden wiring and clean engine bay layout

INTERIOR

• Clazzio leather seat covers
• Custom center console
• Sundown Audio subwoofers and components