The SEMA Show is where manufacturers roll out their latest gear, and they need cutting-edge builds to grab attention. FiTech Fuel Injection knows this, which is why their booth is anchored by this stunning 1951 Chevy 3100 Pickup. Built by Lyon McClenahan of Finish Line Speed Shop, this truck is the official launch vehicle for FiTech’s new Ultraport EFI system for small-block Chevys and their new 12.3-inch Digital Dash.
A Modern Driver’s Foundation
This 3100 started life as a solid, completely stock truck. The owner’s initial goal was simple: something he could drive and enjoy. But anyone who’s driven one of these stock knows they’re nothing like a modern vehicle. The decision was made early on to ditch the original frame for a full TCI chassis. This swap immediately upgraded the truck with modern rack-and-pinion steering, a Currie 9-inch rearend, and Wilwood disc brakes at all four corners, setting the stage for a build that could handle real power.
The FiTech Showcase: 1951 Chevy 3100 Pickup
This truck is a rolling catalog for FiTech. It’s built around a traditional 355 small-block from Blueprint Engines, which is backed by a 700R4 transmission. The engine is topped by the brand-new Ultraport fuel injection system, which features integrated timing control. Finish Line went all-in on the ecosystem, adding a FiTech distributor, coil, CDI box, and a returnless regulated fuel pump inside the tank. The entire setup is designed to work as one cohesive, plug-and-play system.
The Plug-and-Play Experience
For Lyon, the EFI system was the easiest part of the entire tenth SEMA build his shop has done. “This thing literally fired up right off the get-go,” he said. “We’ve yet to tune the truck.” He explained that it’s running flawlessly on the baseline tune after just setting the parameters to “Cam 2.” He also loved that the new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster wires directly into the fuel injection system. “It’ll do what the mini-handheld does,” Lyon noted, allowing him to change cam profiles on the fly from the driver’s seat and watch the engine’s response instantly.
A SEMA-Worthy Finish
The original plan for stock Cape Maroon paint evolved once the truck was SEMA-bound. Lyon’s wife, Jennifer, worked up a custom Rivolt Auto Paint. “In the shade it looks like the stock maroon,” Lyon explained, but when light hits it, the pearls and metallics shift to a bright red. The interior followed suit, upgrading to an ididit column, an Eddie Motorsports steering wheel, and a heated leather/Alcantara bench. With its 18-inch Steele wheels painted to match, this 1951 Chevy 3100 Pickup is the perfect combination of a drivable restomod and a high-end showpiece.
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