Unveiling Power: 7.4L LSX 454 V8-480 HP
The SEMA 2023 saw an incredible turnout of motorsport-inspired aftermarket builds surpassing the standard feats of speed and agility of the vehicles. While Stellantis’ hardy utility trucks unfortunately could not appear, there were plenty of astonishing pickup trucks holding spectators captivated, such as this restomod 1958 Chevrolet Apache.
After the reappearance of the notorious Mustang, AutotopiaLA collaborated with Mitch Kelly of CRAZY Painters and Sons to address the restoration of Eli Tomac’s coveted Apache. An American professional Motocross and Supercross racer, Tomac’s truck was at his side when his dad, John Tomac, drove him home from the hospital after his birth. Unfortunately, the Apache had since been long forgotten and left in storage, accumulating heaps of rust and even gaps large enough to fit a volleyball in them.
The contractor completed a complete revamp, including introducing a new chassis from JW Rod Garage. The vibrant paintwork is Marina Blue colouring, Eli’s beloved shade on a Chevrolet Corvette. It has been contrasted by grey highlights on different parts of the exterior, such as the headlight circumferences, front bumper, and back quarter panels.
Giving the truck its updated look are the Raceline Cheyenne wheels – a major difference from the classic smoothie wheels. To complete the set up, there is 265/75R19 Toyo tires in the front and 315/35R20 at the rear. Additionally, Wilwood brakes and three-inch Magnaflow exhaust pipes were added to give the engine an enhanced sound.
Concerning the engine, a 7.4-liter LSX 454 V8 is located under the hood of the Apache with an asserted output of 480 horsepower on the dynamometer. A 6-pace Tremec manual transmission shuffles power to the rear wheels with rear end courtesy of Ford’s legendary nine-inch.
The bed of Eli’s motorbikes is adorned in wooden construction, however peculiarly, the wheel wells are upholstered in leather. A competent work was conducted by Mark Lopez from Elegance Auto Interiors, outfitting the interior with Dakota Digital gauges for a restomod appearance as well as a Sparco steering wheel and Wilwood pedals. An alarming gun rack situated near the back window could create grave danger in the event of a rear-end crash.
Not every restomod has to be ostentatious to have an impact. This ’58 Apache, for instance, may look like it has a typical appearance (other than the rims), yet it achieves making a mark. The nameplate may have been of brief existence, however, it was pivotal in the building of today’s Chevy pickup trucks, such as the Silverado.
