Introducing Justin Keith's '93 Chevy ZL1500: The Next Track Killer
Justin Keith, the self-made purveyor of performance from Kansas City, MO, and the owner of Killer Performance, has crafted a masterpiece with his '93 Chevy ZL1500. A big fan of GM products, Justin's restomodding skills shine through in this iconic OBS ('88-'98) Chevy C1500 pickup. With a passion for speed and a track record of building impressive cars, including a C7 Corvette that blazed through the quarter-mile in 9.69 seconds at 143 mph, Justin has brought his expertise to this remarkable truck.
The foundation of this build came from Justin's admiration for the Gas Monkey Garage team, who built a similar truck on YouTube in just a week. Combined with his possession of an LT4 engine with a 10L90 transmission, salvaged from his '19 Camaro ZL1 named Nemo, the birth of this project was inevitable.
Justin's documented his builds on his YouTube channel, StangKilr Productions, and saw this project as an opportunity for an entertaining 30-day build. The focus of his videos and project was the transplant of the supercharged 6.2L LT4 engine with a 10-speed transmission. The seamless fit was made possible by Elevated Concepts Inc motor mounts and a transmission/chassis brace. To enhance the power output, Texas Speed's Killer Performance stage 3 camshaft and valve springs were added, along with MSD spark plugs and methanol injection.
To make it all function seamlessly, the engine received a serpentine belt kit from Drive Junky, Speed Engineering headers, and a custom exhaust system with Borla Pro XS mufflers. Cooling the engine is a 454SS radiator with dual electric fans from LMC Truck. Speartech provided the wiring harness, enabling the engine and transmission to perform flawlessly in this truck. The result is a staggering 850 horsepower and 853 lb.-ft. of torque delivered to the rear wheels when fueled by E85 from an Aeromotive fuel pump.
But power alone is not enough if it can't be harnessed effectively. That's why Justin upgraded the suspension to optimize performance. The front suspension features an adjustable coil-over conversion kit from QA1 combined with Belltech drop spindles, while the rear suspension incorporates a two-link with a panhard bar to replace the stock leaf springs. A rear torque arm prevents axle wrap, and a sway bar ensures level performance from side to side. To bring modern functionality to the chassis, an Elevated Concepts Inc. rack and pinion steering unit was installed. Braking performance was improved with Little Shop MFG's conversion kit, featuring Wilwood 16-inch front brake rotors with 6-piston calipers and 14-inch rear rotors with 4-piston calipers.
For exceptional grip on both the street and the track, Justin equipped the truck with Nitto 255/35ZR20 NT555 G2 tires at the front and 275/45R20 NT555 RII tires at the rear. These tires wrap around Weld Racing S71 wheels, providing an increased contact patch and ensuring traction needs are met.
Despite its performance-oriented upgrades, this truck doesn't compromise on aesthetics. Originally a one-owner vehicle with only 50,000 miles on the odometer, the teal paint retains its original coating and even has the factory-installed clear film on the lower portions for protection against rock chips. Justin replaced the aftermarket cowl hood, front bumper, and roll pan with original teal-painted parts, including a 454SS grille, to restore the truck's timeless appeal.
Stepping inside the cab, you'll find a pristine interior that has stood the test of time. The original cloth material adorns the bucket seats, maintaining the authentic character of this immaculate pickup. Upgrades include a Billet Specialties steering wheel and a Dakota Digital gauge cluster that seamlessly integrate the instrumentation with the new power plant. The original Sony stereo head unit has been replaced with a RetroSound unit for a retro-modern touch.
The numbers speak for themselves. Justin's expertise and passion have propelled him to the forefront of customizing, allowing him to create awe-inspiring rides that dominate drag strips across the nation. With a remarkable acceleration time of 5.3 seconds from 60 to 130 mph, this truck outperforms his customized '19 Camaro ZL1. Beyond its incredible performance, the '93 Chevy ZL1500 is clean and visually stunning, guaranteed to turn heads wherever it roams.
Justin Keith's '93 Chevy ZL1500 is a testament to his dedication, skill, and love for GM products. This restomod masterpiece is a true track killer that delivers an exhilarating driving experience while exuding timeless style. Whether tearing up the quarter-mile or cruising the streets, this truck is a force to be reckoned with.
Phone 770-738-7111 Address 1750 Enterprise Way Suite 109Marietta, GA 30067 Hours of Operation Monday- Friday - 9-5pm Saturday - 9-3pm (Appointment only after 3pm) Sunday - Closed
