Both of Kevin’s parents owned S10s that were customized and well-known in their Indiana community. His mom rebuilds transmissions and teaches auto repair at a university (now she’s a technical expert for Allison Transmissions, too). His dad was a GM Master Tech. The S10 was the first vehicle he ever worked on at the age of 14 and there’s a long history there.

Currently, Kevin and Kristilyn own an auto shop called Baldwin Brothers Automotive. Kevin and his brother do great work and many customers work at local parts vendors. One of these customers owned a well-used 2000 S10 2.2 and would bring it to Kevin for all maintenance and repair. Then, tragically the customer was diagnosed with cancer and decided to tackle his bucket list by buying a new car that would make it across the country.

He explained his situation and asked Kevin to help sell it and offered to split the money after it sold. By this time, the truck needed a new engine and wasn’t worth much. Instead of agreeing to sell it, Kevin just bought it outright. He thought, “it would help our friend and we can always use another shop truck.”  Then, about a month later his accountant called and said, “I have an old Tahoe that doesn’t run. It’s been totaled. I want it gone. Do you have a need for it?” They didn’t. But they told him to bring it and park it in a space. A good accountant is someone to take care of.

The 2002 Tahoe 5.3 RWD finally gets here and Kevin realizes the entire drivetrain is in great condition. He called the accountant and let him know. He basically said, “Great, but I don’t care. You can keep it.” Kevin’s wheels started to turn. About a week later he decided to try and fit the 5.3 into his S10 because it needed an engine anyway and it was something he’d wanted to try since he was 14 years old. He thought, “this is going to be expensive,” but Kristilyn said, “go for it!”

It took him about six months to complete entirely. Once it was running, they realized two things. First, the rear end would never make it, so they bought a really good (expensive) Currie rear end. One week later Kevin got to check another item off of his own list when he took it to the drag strip! Second, they realized the potential for expensive traffic tickets, so they decided to make it a dedicated drag racing truck.

They say the best part of the S10 is the fact that so many people contributed to such a fun, fulfilling project. Kevin’s next goal is to add a Turbocharger.