Rags To Riches: Keith Porter’s L5P-Swapped ’52 Chevrolet 3100

There is something satisfying about an old truck being re-powered with an engine that is modern and hi-tech. For Keith Porter, a Loyal, Wisconsin native, I’d say he agrees. As you saw in the thumbnail, Keith, with the help of some of our industry’s best, has transformed this ordinary ’52 Chevrolet 3100 barn find into a one-off, custom diesel-powered one.
I reached out to Keith via Instagram a few months ago and before we could release the information to the world, he needed to get the go-ahead from everyone involved. This 3100 features a 2-inch by 4-inch tube frame and a C4 Corvette front and rear independent front suspension. The suspension also features a Bluetooth-equipped, Ridetech Airpod with a Ride Pro-X dual compressor system.
Slick as ever, the ’52 rides on a set of 18-inch wheels in the front and 20-inch wheels in the back. All four are FOOSE F104 Legend Custom wheels that are black in color and have a machined lip stripe. As for the body, it was been completely modified with a chopped-down top (3-inches) as well as other adjustments to fit as it does.
Keith had the doors stretched 6-inches and shorted the box of the truck 6-inches as well. Inside, the dash, interior panels, and the floor were all custom fabricated. As you can see, the metalwork is flawless and someone really took their time in making sure this was done to perfection. Because who doesn’t love comfort, Keith also went in on a set of Corbeau low-back seats complete with 50-cal, five-point harnesses.

Under the hood is home to even more magic. Keith, by himself, shoehorned this monster 6.6-liter L5P Duramax engine in between the frame rails where it would eventually mate to its 10L1000 10-speed Allison transmission. “S&S Diesel Motorsport in Seymour, Indiana, was instrumental in bringing the build to life,” Keith said. “The powertrain, a VGT turbo, and the transmission controls are all standalone.”

Everything on this build is controlled by an S&S Diesel-installed MoTec C127 display logger dash, MoTec M142 ECU, and LTC Lambda CAN control modules. “Thanks to S&S, after countless hours of determination, they had successfully built a completely standalone harness to control the L5P engine, VGT turbo, and the Allison 10L1000 transmission,” Keith said. “The Allison 10L security was no easy task to decode. At one point, we almost chose a different drivetrain because of it.”
Other upgrades include a FASS Fuel Systems 165-gph lift pump, a 17-gallon fuel cell, a triple-pass aluminum radiator, NRG Innovations GM column adapter and quick release, B&M Magnum Pro Stick gated shifter, and custom glass by Auto City Classic. This may not be the most powerful diesel swap that we’ve ever seen, but is certainly one of the coolest.
Thank you Keith for sending us the photos and providing us with all of the information. Since he did all of the work himself, it is incredible when you look at the craftsmanship. Well done, sir. For more industry news, truck features, and event coverage, stay tuned here to Diesel Army.

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About the author

Artie Maupin

Artie Maupin is from Southeast Missouri and has an extreme passion for anything diesel. He loves drag racing of all kinds, as well as sled pulling competitions.
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