“I’ll probably live to regret this,” says Michael Pliska, the builder of this unique Diesel Pro Stock truck. We cannot tell you how many times we’ve said that at the beginning of one of our builds. After purchasing this truck, Pliska and a NHRA Chassis Certification official went over the chassis with a fine tooth comb. The truck needed several updates. This was not disparaging to Michael, but rather an opportunity to improve every facet of the truck.

The chassis will be updated to 25.2 specifications and will have Chris Alston Chassisworks suspension throughout, including a 4-link setup, a wishbone locator, and an anti-roll bar. Chassisworks will also be supplying a Fab 9 rear end housing. Pliska plans to load it up with a Strange engineering third member and 2.91 gears. Helping to get power to the ground will be the new Hughes XP-5 Lockup Powerglide transmission and converter setup.

When it comes to engine selection, Pliska has chosen the tried-and-true Duramax LB7. For now, the Duramax will be filled with Mahle pistons and Carillo rods, and the factory crank will be utilized in this engine. Michael explains that there might be some port work in the future for the cylinder heads. The Duramax engine will be stuffed with tons of boost from a set of Garret Turbos. A Garret GT4202R will help spool a Garret GT5541R.

Fully loaded, the truck should come in at about 2,500 lbs. Pliska plans to move some of the components to get the weight where it needs to be. Controlling this beast will be the stock ECU, re-flashed with EFILive by Rob Coddens at Adrenaline Truck Performance. Michael plans to data log everything and make critical adjustments himself.

Pliska has future plans to build a different long block to power this truck. After all, the chassis will be certified to 6.00 seconds. As you can see from the rendering, the truck will truly be a work of art once complete. One interesting thing of note about this build is that it’s taking place in Michael’s home garage – a slightly larger than normal two car garage. Michael built a jig for the truck.

While the jig turned out nice, Pliska had a small accident that left him injured and away from his new pride and joy for a short time. Michael and his family also had a small flood inside of their home during the early stages of the build. As racers, and builders, we know that the job requires blood, sweat, and tears, and Michael Pliska has all of the above covered.