FEATURED

LS-Powered 1978 GMC C15 Sierra Classic

$93,000

Year

1978

Make

GMC

Model

C-Series

Odometer

3,373 (TMU)

Engine

Thompson Motorsports Turbocharged 6.0L LS V8

Fuel Type

gasoline

Transmission

manual

Drivetrain

RWD

VIN / Chassis #

TCL148S529256

Seller

Drive the Coast

Location

Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Seller Stock #

1978GMC

Title Status

clean
This 1978 GMC C15 Sierra is a professionally restored square-body pickup transformed into a modern high-performance street machine through an extensive, fully documented build centered around a Thompson Motorsports turbocharged LS powertrain. Under the hood is a new 6.0-liter LS V8 equipped with a billet turbocharger and premium supporting components, while a built Level 7 T56 six-speed manual transmission delivers power to a built 3.73 rear axle. Complementing the drivetrain are QA1 suspension components, Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes, Holley engine management, Vintage Air climate control, and AutoMeter digital instrumentation. Offered by Drive the Coast in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida with a clean title and approximately 3,373 TMU-indicated miles, this C15 represents a no-compromise build for enthusiasts seeking modern supercar-level performance in a classic square-body platform.
  • Built Around a Serious Turbo LS Combination: Rather than simply swapping in an LS engine, this truck was engineered around a premium Thompson Motorsports 6.0-liter V8 designed to handle forced induction. A billet 78/75 turbocharger works alongside a Brian Tooley Racing Stage 2 turbo camshaft, Wilkes Performance CNC-ported cylinder heads secured with ARP hardware, Injector Dynamics 1050cc injectors, Aeromotive dual fuel pumps, and a complete AN fuel system. Holley's Terminator X engine management ties the entire package together, providing modern tuning capability and reliable operation. The result is a combination capable of supporting substantial horsepower while remaining serviceable thanks to widely available aftermarket components.
  • Engineered to Put the Power Down: Power is transferred through a built Level 7 T56 six-speed manual transmission equipped with a McLeod twin-disc clutch before reaching a built 3.73 rear axle through a custom driveshaft. QA1 suspension components significantly modernize the chassis with a front coilover conversion and a rear four-link suspension with adjustable coilovers, while Wilwood disc brakes at all four corners provide braking performance appropriate for the truck's substantial power potential. Together, these upgrades create a far more capable platform than the original late-1970s pickup ever offered from the factory.
  • Built for Performance Without Sacrificing Comfort: Despite its competition-inspired hardware, this C15 remains well-equipped for street driving. A CX Racing air-to-water intercooler helps manage intake temperatures under boost, while a Gen V Vintage Air climate control system adds reliable modern air conditioning. AutoMeter digital instrumentation provides precise engine monitoring in a clean, contemporary package without overwhelming the truck's classic interior.
Why This GMC C15 Sierra Stands Out
Square-body GM trucks continue to grow in popularity, but builds of this caliber remain relatively uncommon. Instead of relying on budget components or cosmetic modifications, this C15 was assembled using respected names throughout the performance industry, including Thompson Motorsports, Holley, QA1, Wilwood, Brian Tooley Racing, Wilkes Performance, McLeod, Aeromotive, and Injector Dynamics. The result is a professionally executed restomod that combines classic GMC styling with modern engineering and performance capable of rivaling many contemporary sports cars.

Powertrain
  •  New Thompson Motorsports 6.0L LS V8 
  •  Billet 78/75 turbocharger 
  •  Brian Tooley Racing Stage 2 turbo camshaft 
  •  Wilkes Performance CNC-ported cylinder heads 
  •  ARP head studs 
  •  Built Level 7 T56 six-speed manual transmission 
  •  McLeod twin-disc clutch 
  •  Custom driveshaft 
  •  Built 3.73 rear axle 
Fuel & Engine Management
  •  Holley Terminator X EFI management 
  •  Aeromotive dual fuel pumps 
  •  Injector Dynamics 1050cc injectors 
  •  AN fuel lines throughout 
Cooling & Chassis
  •  CX Racing air-to-water intercooler 
  •  QA1 front coilover suspension 
  •  QA1 rear four-link suspension with coilovers 
  •  Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes 
Interior & Comfort
  •  Gen V Vintage Air air conditioning 
  •  AutoMeter digital gauges 
Wheels & Tires
  •  Rocket Racing Attack two-piece wheels 
  •  18x10 front wheels 
  •  18x12 rear wheels 
  •  325/30R18 front tires 
  •  335/30R18 rear tires
Combining a documented restoration with a professionally assembled turbocharged LS drivetrain and premium chassis components, this square-body GMC offers the performance, engineering, and build quality to satisfy even the most discerning enthusiast.

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