The grudge world is certainly no stranger to pickup trucks, with several lumber haulers making names for themselves in the no-time circles. Ray Morton is hoping to make a splash in the southeast’s grudge scene when he hits the track in this wicked full-size Chevy, dubbed Maximus.

Maximus began life as a 1989 Chevrolet C1500, and with the exception of a few panels, it retains nearly all of the classic factory styling. Accompanying the slick black paint, applied by Morton himself, is a 5-inch bubble hood and a GMC grille, along with custom low-profile bumpers on the front and rear. The rest of the body is all metal, and it is gorgeous! The interior is surprisingly tame, with a factory feel that still includes roll-up windows.

Beneath the custom-ordered hood lies a healthy big-block Chevy powerplant plumbed with an obnoxious amount of nitrous oxide to ensure those occupying the next lane have their hands full of heavy Chevy. Behind the big-block, a Powerglide transmission sends the power rearward to the Strange third member via a carbon fiber driveshaft, all of which give a hint of the true nature of this beast. The front suspension is still factory for the most part, though that is next on the list to be upgraded, most likely this winter. The rear suspension is a Chassis Engineering setup, complete with 4-link adjustability. Sticky 29 x 10.5 slicks plant the power, while an Optic Armor windshield lightens the front of the truck, helping transfer power rearward while providing excellent visibility and durability.

Ernie Brooks wired the truck, along with helping with the fuel system, and Daryl Waldrup contributed to the project with the suspension work and installation. While Morton wisely chose to keep a few secrets for the upcoming grudge debut, it’s pretty clear to all who have seen this truck that it’s going to run as good as it looks, and that should put the grudge racers in the southeast on high alert!