Under the hood of the GMC is a Chevrolet Performance 6.6L L8T (403ci) direct-injected crate engine. Factory rated at 401 hp, this engine has been treated to ported heads and a Chopacabra camshaft from Texas Speed that ultimately netted nearly 600 hp at the flywheel. The engine exhales through headers from Ultimate, they connect to 3-inch pipes from Stainless Brothers that lead to twin catalytic converters and Venom twin inlet muffler with a single 3.5-inch outlet. There’s also a set of Granatelli exhaust cutouts just for fun.

Making all the engine’s electronic bits and pieces work is an ECU and wiring harness from Speartech, the front accessory drive is from Vintage Air, and a Holley oil pan was installed for more differential clearance. The unique air cleaner from UMP connects to the throttle body with a custom 4-inch aluminum tube while fuel is supplied by a stock-style Tanks replacement gas tank with an internal fuel pump. Keeping the engine cool is a radiator from DeWitts and mounted to the firewall is a Wilwood tandem master cylinder and hydroboost unit.

Providing 10 forward speeds is a stock GM 10L80E automatic transmission that connects to an Atlas transfer case from Advanced Adapters. The Atlas transfer case is unique in that it allows selecting high/low ranges for front and rear drive independently, that is one can be engaged with the other in Neutral. To keep the transmission temperatures in check a fan-forced Fluidyne cooler is located under the bed (next to the oil cooler also by Fluidyne).

Inside the cab the remarkable original saddle vinyl interior (factory option 674) remains, although Dynamat insulation has been added and McFarland Upholstery installed a new rubber floormat. The dashboard remains stock other than the addition of an ARB compressor and locker controls, new Dakota Digital gauges, and a Vintage Air climate-control system. To make sure all the electrical items work as they should the original chassis wiring has been replaced with a harness from American Autowire.

Following the utilitarian theme inside the pickup bed is a toolbox that contains the air compressor, air tank, two batteries, electric parking brake computer, relays, and fuses. The aluminum box has been powdercoated white by Northwest Powder Coating in SeaTac, Washington, to replicate the original fire truck appearance. The custom front bumper that mounts a ComeUp winch, the rear bumper, and wheels have also been powdercoated to complete the look.

AME’s rejuvenated GMC is an absolute success by any standard. It not only looks great but it has met all the goals set for this project by performing brilliantly on road and off—it really is a true double-threat truck.

Equipped for fighting brush fires, the truck was loaded with hose reels, water tanks, and other fire-fighting equipment.

The AME-fabricated front axle housing is located by a three-link system that uses massive control arms with the largest Johnny Joints available. The Panhard bar location is matched to the draglink to provide predictable steering on and off road.

In the rear is another AME axle housing with a full-length gusset, forged bearing pockets, and full-floating 35-spline axles. The housing is located by triangulated four-links.

A tubing cradle assembly supports the GM 10-speed automatic transmission and Atlas transfer case. Northwest Powder Coating powdercoated all the chassis components.

The rear wheel openings were also enlarged by Wicked Fab with replacement panels from AMD; they also made hose outlet and pressure gauges look more finished (those gauges now read front and rear locker air pressure).

To keep the original fire truck flavor intact, the bed mounted aluminum toolbox was powdercoated while and the emergency lights were retained.

Jon Byers of Griot’s Motors was responsible for applying the factory Crimson Red paint (factory option 514) using waterbased PPG base-/clearcoat products.