The Ultimate Diesel-Swapped 1972 Chevy C10 Build

Joe Acevedo Jr. . July 24, 2026 . Chevrolet

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AS SEEN IN OUR C10 Builders Guide Fall 2026 ISSUE – Buy Now!

C10 Clothing: Diesel Under The Wool

They say you never truly finish a custom build; you just reach a point where you’re willing to let people see it. For most, that first trip to the SEMA floor is the finish line, the ultimate validation of years of late nights and empty wallets. But for some, the bright lights of Las Vegas don’t highlight the achievements; they expose the gaps.

The journey of this 1972 C10 started years ago, fueled by the kind of “dream truck” blueprints that keep you awake at night. By 2023, it was “semi-finished” and headed to the desert. It looked the part, sure, but the soul wasn’t quite there. Dustin Sterling just wasn’t happy, and in this scene, if it doesn’t sit right with your soul, it isn’t done yet.

Following LST 2025, the decision was made to tear it down and do it right. The truck was dropped at Kustom Werkz, where the vision finally met its match in metal and paint. Under the hood lies a mechanical masterpiece that blurs the line between “street truck” and “land missile.” We’re talking about a 7.1L Duramax stroker engine, a powerhouse built for more than just show. It’s fed by an S&S Diesel Motorsports fuel system and pressurized by HPT 62/66 twin turbos.

If the twins aren’t enough to get the blood pumping, there are four kits of nitrous standing by to ensure this Chevy moves with a violent purpose. All that raw aggression is managed by a MoTeC standalone ECU and funneled through a 48RE Suncoast transmission controlled by a PCS unit. The gurus at Truck Source Diesel (TSD) handled the wizardry behind the scenes, including the custom fabrication, turbo plumbing, intricate wiring, and surgical tuning. This wasn’t just a parts-catalog build; it was an engineering feat.

To get the stance and strength required for that kind of output, the chassis was shortened and heavily modified to hug the body perfectly. Out back, a Moser Ford 9-inch rearend handles the torque, while Wilwood brakes provide the much-needed “whoa” to all that “go.”

The aesthetics are timeless with Billet Specialties wheels wrapped in Mickey Thompson rubber—a combination that speaks to the truck’s performance-first DNA. The visual transformation is a credit to Rocky Seaman and the crew at Kustom Werkz, who massaged the body lines and laid down a finish that finally lived up to the SEMA-level expectations. Inside, MTI took the reins, crafting a custom interior and audio experience that rivals the roar of the Duramax.

But perhaps the most sentimental detail of the entire build sits right in front of the passenger. In a tribute to Hoonigan royalty and the spirit of automotive passion, the glove box door bears the signatures of Ken and Lia Block, a reminder that these builds are about more than just steel; they’re about a legacy.

Owner

Dustin Sterling
1972 C10

Engine & Drivetrain

7.1L Duramax stroker
S&S Diesel fuel system
HPT 62/66 twin turbos
(4) nitrous kits
MoTeC standalone ECU
48RE Suncoast transmission with PCS controller

Chassis & Suspension

Custom TSD Fab chassis
Moser 9-inch rear
Wilwood brakes

Wheels, Tires & Brakes

Billet Specialties wheels
Mickey Thompson tires

Body & Paint

Kustom Werkz and Rocky Seaman collaborate on bringing this one to life

Interior

MTI custom interior and audio setup

Glove box signed by Ken and Lia Block

Read Full Bio

Joe Acevedo Jr.

My name is Joe Acevedo Jr., but most people know me as “Ace.” I’m a photographer based out of South Texas, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve had a passion for cars and trucks. Growing up

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