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2003 GMC Sierra Duramax Diesel - Utah Explorer

Powell Never Discovered Anything This Amazing

Photography by Steve Temple
2003 Gmc Sierra Duramax Diesel Driver Side View

Major John Wesley Powell first arrived in Utah in the late 1800s, bringing with him a crew of topographers, geologists, scientists, artists, and photographers. When their horse-drawn wagons rolled into Kanab, the settlement was in its infancy. Only a few scattered houses stood outside the fort, yet the town was a welcome rest stop for men who had just spent grueling weeks voyaging down the Green and Colorado rivers. This location was an ideal staging area for expeditions. From this base camp, Powell and his survey team fanned out in all directions, exploring the wonders of the Grand Canyon.

2003 Gmc Sierra Duramax Diesel Front Passenger Side View

So what does this tidbit of history have to do with a fully outfitted, modern-day diesel truck? Well, imagine for a moment what it would have been like if Powell had this sort of vehicle back then. Bart Miller, who now resides in St. George, Utah, certainly didn't have Powell in mind when he built up his '03 GMC, but the contrast with a covered wagon is startling and puts into perspective just how truly amazing our diesel rigs have become.

2003 Gmc Sierra Duramax Diesel Custom Duramax Diesel

Of course, there weren't any dragstrips in Powell's day, but if there were, the modified LB7 diesel could haul this wagon a quarter-mile in 13 seconds flat. Pulling this much power out of his Duramax required an intake from S&B, and the bite from all of Bully Dog's performance fangs: the Triple Dog Power Pup Downloader, Dyno Dominator Power Module, dual shot nitrous, and propane kit. A Bully Dog Outlook Monitor keeps close track of this big canine's vitals, and a 5-inch exhaust expels an estimated 659 hp. Talk about a stampede of wild stallions, the engine pumps out some 1,369 lb-ft of torque.

  • 2003 Gmc Sierra Duramax Diesel Fass High Performance Lift Pump
    A Fass high-performance lift pump ensures the Bosch common rail injection pump never runs out of fresh #2 Diesel.
    2003 Gmc Sierra Duramax Diesel Fass High Performance Lift Pump
    A Fass high-performance lift pump ensures the Bosch common rail injection pump never runs
  • 2003 Gmc Sierra Duramax Diesel Nitto Mud Grapplers
    The Full Traction suspension is 6 inches higher than stock, and dual Edelbrock IAS shocks dampen the ride over the roughest terrain. For a good grip, Pro Comp 20-inch rims are wrapped with 35-inch Nitto Mud Grapplers, a smart choice, considering how muddy the banks of the Colorado River can get.
    2003 Gmc Sierra Duramax Diesel Nitto Mud Grapplers
    The Full Traction suspension is 6 inches higher than stock, and dual Edelbrock IAS shocks
  • 2003 Gmc Sierra Duramax Diesel Stainless Steel Brakes
    Stoppers from Stainless Steel Brakes ensure this rig comes to a halt faster than a quarter horse coming upon a rattlesnake.
    2003 Gmc Sierra Duramax Diesel Stainless Steel Brakes
    Stoppers from Stainless Steel Brakes ensure this rig comes to a halt faster than a quarter
2003 Gmc Sierra Duramax Diesel Tv And Sound System

The electronics alone are something to marvel at, with a DIRECTV satellite dish mounted on the Century tonneau cover and nine video monitors in the cabin for constant access to the outside world, no matter how remote the location. For spotting wild critters prowling around from behind, a Webasto back-up camera checks out the rear view, day or night. Try explaining these devices to some of Powell's hardy explorers. "What kinda dish didya say, pardner?" would likely be their mystified response.

  • 2003 Gmc Sierra Duramax Diesel Passenger Side View
  • 2003 Gmc Sierra Duramax Diesel Cruising Down Dirt Road
    Miller named his project truck K-OSS, which phonetically spells out a word that would well describe the impact this righteous ride would have on the early inhabitants of Utah.
    2003 Gmc Sierra Duramax Diesel Cruising Down Dirt Road
    Miller named his project truck K-OSS, which phonetically spells out a word that would well
  • 2003 Gmc Sierra Duramax Diesel Hood Scoop
    At first, Powell and his cohorts wouldn't know what to make of this gleaming conveyance, with its shiny Fat Billet Grille from Precision Design and Ram Air hood supplied by Suncoast Creations. The brilliant Sherwin-Williams color scheme would be unlike anything they had ever seen.
    2003 Gmc Sierra Duramax Diesel Hood Scoop
    At first, Powell and his cohorts wouldn't know what to make of this gleaming conveyance, w
  • 2003 Gmc Sierra Duramax Diesel Custom Door Handle
    Miller's ride is not all about raw speed, as hinted at by the creature comforts, just a take quick pull on those handles with the AMI Orange County Chopper Design. When the door opens, AMP Research's retractable side steps pop out to allow easier access to the cabin.
    2003 Gmc Sierra Duramax Diesel Custom Door Handle
    Miller's ride is not all about raw speed, as hinted at by the creature comforts, just a ta
  • 2003 Gmc Sierra Duramax Diesel Interior
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