Chris Hamilton
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October 27, 2022
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Features
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Scott Casey’s LS1-powered 1996 Chevy S10 brings together a Camaro-sourced V8, a custom chassis, adjustable air suspension, and 20-inch Raceline Explosion wheels. Finished in Sonic Blue, this Negative Camber mini-truck represents seven years of work and upwards of $70,000 invested in a high school dream.
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.
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.
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.
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 1996 S10 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. 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 Invo 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.
Ben Bland Customs also assembled the engine package 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.
Scott chose Raceline Explosion billet aluminum wheels in a staggered arrangement:
The recorded tire sizes are 235/30R20 at the front and 345/25R20 at the rear, using Nitto INVO tires.
Wilwood four-piston brakes complete the wheels, tires, and braking package. Together, the large billet wheels, wide rear tires, and adjustable stance give the Sonic Blue S-10 the presence Scott had envisioned from the beginning.
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.
Chris Hamilton is an automotive journalist, editor, and lifelong truck enthusiast with extensive experience covering custom truck builds, fabrication, performance upgrades, aftermarket products, and a ...
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