Full Build: Duramax Swapped Classic Squarebody - 1987 Chevy 1500

We're taking an '87 Chevy 1500 and giving it a serious upgrade into Project Nightrain. We're swapping out the old gas V8 for a powerful Duramax diesel engine paired with an Allison transmission, turning this classic two-wheel drive, regular cab short bed truck into a high-powered diesel beast. We've sent off the harness to be transformed into a stand-alone setup, and they're even tweaking the PCM for some extra oomph. The truck's got some mileage, but the real excitement lies in making room for the big diesel, modifying the exhaust system, and tackling that school-bus-sized transmission. Of course, we didn't forget style—our Chevy will sport a fresh cowl hood to accommodate all that power under the newly painted roof, blending that midnight blue perfectly.

[RenegadeRebel]

That truck is about the sweetest 87 Chevy Short wide I've ever laid eyes on. Awesome build and beautiful color! I could tell they had to go easy on the throttle because the rear end got loose. I imagine that it would go a lot faster with drag tires!

[tjhanlonjr]

I love how motor trend always starts off with one host and ends with a new one all of the time

[johnk]

Just so everybody knows, this series of episodes (Night Train build) originally hit the air in Jan 2015.

[standodge]

Anyone else's legs go numb from sitting on the toilet watching this for almost 2 hours lol

[anthonyslazas]

They make it look way to easy painting the new hood. Nice job guys.

[JasonGarber-ny]

Gotta love the whistle of a turbo doing its job!

[JasonGarber-ny]

I always liked that the allison trans comes with a spin on trans filter. I installed one in my e40d from diesel site a external filter and a fluid flow guage make alot of cool diesel aftermarket parts .

[JasonGarber-ny]

This is one of the coolest builds ive seen . The only other build i liked as much as this was the build by DEBOSS GARAGE where he installed a catipillar inline six turbo diesel along with an allison 6 speed trans, he put a 2016 f250 interior and air ride suspension. He did this on a 1996 f350 4 door longbed with a 4x4 ...

[jtfberryfarm]

Thanks for the build and info. I'll get right on my old rusty.

[kennetheugene]

you guys see him using those Hyper tough impact tools and drill tools !!! good enough for him I went and got that high torque 1/2 impact and 3/8 ratchet.

[rekleif]

Loved the VHT rebuilding kit for the front suspension as a certain fan of vise-grips used to

[Rsybd]

That Looks Proper Sick Total nailed it, . Happy new year everyone .🙏

[jasonargo]

I have a LBZ with 300, 000 miles on it still going strong

[jamesn.]

It’s been two years now. As a medic in the area I can say this is one of the best tools we’ve been given. I feel so much safer when approaching a busy intersection. Money well spent!

[franciscooper.retired]

I'd go for the sleeper look, I just love handing out nasty shocks.

[cheddardavis]

Great patch job on the oil pan that oil soaked cast aluminum is a nightmare

[JasonGarber-ny]

That digital paint matching gadget is awesome when u dont have a paint code on the door...

[Spennyman]

Sweet build! I'd ditch those hideous wheels though.

[RayYontz]

God this truck is so sweet the want is real ! ❤

[cwbintn]

I'd love for these dudes to build me a truck one day, but I'm neither rich or famous.