ULTRA Clean LS1 Powered ’96 Chevy S-10 from Negative Camber truck club

High School Cool

It’s possible to turn back time; just ask any true truck enthusiast who spent hours drawing pictures of trucks when they were a kid. For most of us back then, the chance to own and drive a super-cool custom truck wasn’t in the cards. We had to sit back and watch trucks get built in garages and published in magazines while we lived paycheck-to-paycheck. 

Being a full-time ranch manager by day for the beef and cattle industry in a demanding job, so Scott eked out every moment of free time to work on this project. His dedication and persistence truly paid off.  

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But things change—and now, as once-young truck fans with a little expendable income, we can turn back time and build that custom mini-truck we always dreamed of, one that will transport you instantly back to a time when technology was the last thing on everyone’s minds.

7 Years, $70K

Scott Casey from El Dorado Springs, Missouri, always wanted to drive a mind-blowing mini-truck like his cool friends in high school, so he spent seven years and upwards of $70,000 to build this one just to be cool again. We say he nailed it!

Being a full-time ranch manager by day for the beef and cattle industry in a demanding job, so Scott eked out every moment of free time to work on this project. His dedication and persistence truly paid off.

We all have to start somewhere no matter how beat down the build base is, and in this case, Scott started his S-10 project with a $1,500 donor truck back in 2010. His goal was to build a fully custom mini-truck that laid flat and looked fast sitting still.

Chassis Changes

First on the list were the stance and suspension. The original framerail was removed and recycled as it would not be needed for this rebuild. A set of 2×3-inch steel framerails were built by Ben Bland Customs in El Dorado Springs, Missouri. They were combined with a “Z’ed” front clip and a step-notched rear section allowing the ’96 S-10 to lay flat on the ground. A rear axle from a 2002 ZR2 S-10 with 3:73 gears and Moser axle shafts were also added.

 Two-inch drop spindles help the truck sit lower without sacrificing ride quality on those 20-inch all billet aluminum Raceline Explosion wheels. Nitto Envo staggared fit sized tires keep the shiny billet of the pavement. 

The rear suspension includes a Thorbeck 4-link setup with a Watt’s links for proper articulation. Air Lift Dominator airbags raise the truck when Scott is ready to cruise, and Wilwood 4-pistons bring it to a firm and quick stop. Two-inch drop spindles help the truck sit lower without sacrificing ride quality on those 20-inch all billet aluminum Raceline Explosion wheels. Nitto Envo staggared fit sized tires keep the shiny billet of the pavement. The final chassis change was the fuel tank location by adding a new 10-gallon Metalworx rear mount fuel cell under the bed. The entire chassis was coated with Sonic Blue paint and a matte clear, while the suspension components were painter siler with a matte clear.

The Powerplant

Ben Bland Customs also assembled the powerplant for the smooth mini truck. A LS1 from a 2002 SS Camaro was rebuilt and reengineered for more power and better looks, including the True Trac Serpentine kit from Billet Specialties.

Other addons include a Professional Products Typhoon 85mm Satin Finish intake manifold as well as its fuel injectors, a set of Stainless Works 3-inch long tube headers, Stainless Works dual mufflers, and a complete brushed stainless exhaust system. Keeping it all cool is an ECP Radiator with Dual Electric Fans.

   Special Thanks

Scott would like to thank his wife Kristen Casey and everyone who helped, including Gary Smith, Logan Smith, Jon Sibley, Aaron Wasoba, Clay Jeffries, and Thomas Hartline.

TRUCK SPECS

 Owner 

Scott Casey

• El Dorado Springs, MO
• 1996 Chevy S-10
• Negative Camber
• Paint color: Sonic Blue

Chassis

• 2×3-inch steel framerails
• “Z’ed” front clip
• 2-inch drop spindles
• Step notched rear section
• Thorbeck 4-link
• Thorbeck Watts Link
• Rear alxe from a 2002 ZR2 S10
• 3:73 gears
• Moser axle shafts
• 10-gallon Metalworx fuel cell
• Built by Ben Bland Customs

Wheels/Tires/Brakes

• Wilwood 4-pistons Brakes
• 20×8 Front, 20×12 rear Raceline Explosion wheels
• 235/30/20 Front and 345-25-20 rear Nitto Envo tires

Engine

• Edlebrock Water Pump
• Dual Electric Fans
• Powermeter 170 amp Alternator
• ECP Radiator
• Aluminum Engine Cooler
• LSX S10 Motor Mounts
• 241 heads
• Professional Products Typhoon 85mm Satin Finish intake manifold
• Professional Products fuel injectors
• Stainless Works 3-inch longtube headers
• Stainless Works dual mufflers
• Brushed Stainless Exhaust pipes