The '05 Chevy came with a chrome bumper and black fender flares from the factory. However, Darrin had these parts color-matched with Ultimate Lining for a monochromatic look.
If you like the look of the truck shown here, you are not alone. Darrin Howie has built three previous trucks only to sell them to complete strangers who asked him to name his price. This '05 Chevy 2500HD Crew Cab Duramax is his latest creation. Darrin bought the truck from Queen City Motors in Spearfish, South Dakota, after telling them exactly what he had planned for the Duramax engine, Allison transmission, and suspension. "They said they would have no problem honoring my warranty," Darrin reported. Lucky him.
Power-Adders
From the dealership, the truck was taken directly to Rapid Diesel, where a host of performance parts were added to the LLY Duramax engine. Breathing was improved with an AFE Stage 2 intake, BD Power full-bore driver-side exhaust manifold, and Bully Dog 4-inch stainless steel exhaust. The power was further increased with the use of a Bully Dog Power Pup downloader and TS Performance Max Power box. The stacked combination has registered 450 hp and 830 lb-ft of torque on Rapid Diesel's Mustang dyno.
A host of other products were added as a margin of safety and to monitor the increased power. Black-faced Bully Dog gauges are mounted in the A-pillar in an Autometer gauge pod to display boost and EGT. A TS Performance MPD monitor with heads-up display was recently fitted in the center stack under the factory stereo. A Stanadyne Fuel Manager utilizing a huge filter was installed to keep water out of the fuel supply, and a BD Power cool-down timer ensures that oil does not coke in the hot turbo after particularly spirited driving sessions. Kennedy Diesel's EGR blocker plate and boost stick keep the ECM from throwing codes with the host of modifications.
The 2500HD spends much of its life with a trailer in tow. The matching red enclosed trailer serves as a rolling billboard for Howie Construction and hauls equipment during the week and dirt bikes on the weekends. | 
The AFE Stage 2 intake on the passenger side and the Stanadyne Fuel Manager on the driver side are the only clues this truck is not stock, which may help if warranty work is required. | 
The Road Armor front bumper is the first thing to capture your attention on this Chevy. The color-matched Ultimate Lining is tougher than paint, and the PIAA auxiliary lamps light up the night while the Tabor winch handles any needed extractions. |