Hot Rod Bio: Rob’s Family Owned 1978 C10 With a 565 Big Block Legacy

Some vehicles are more than just machines. Rob McGregor’s 1978 Chevy C10 is a family heirloom, a rolling memory, and a lifelong project tied directly to his father and decades of shared experiences.

This truck has been part of Rob’s life since he was a teenager, evolving over time from a mild street truck into a brutally powerful big block machine while never losing its emotional connection.

The Truck

The C10 entered the family in 1981 when Rob’s dad purchased it nearly new with just 5,000 miles. What started as a simple 350 powered work truck quickly became something more.

After a full repaint and refresh in 1989, the truck was retired from work duty and turned into a street machine. Over the years, it became Rob’s first vehicle, first burnout machine, and first taste of real horsepower.

A Family Legacy

As Rob grew older, the truck became a constant presence in his life. From high school cruising to late night street pulls, it was always there. Even when big block power entered the picture in the early 2010s, the truck remained deeply tied to family memories.

When Rob’s father passed, the truck and its unfinished 565 cubic inch Dart big block became Rob’s responsibility. What followed was more than just a build. It was a continuation of something started decades earlier.

565 Cubes of Naturally Aspirated Power

At the heart of the C10 now sits a 565 cubic inch Dart big block assembled with the help of Stoen Racing Engines. The engine has been in and out of the truck multiple times as Rob continued to refine and improve it.

With cam, heads, intake, and a massive carburetor, the engine spins to 7,500 RPM and produces four digit horsepower potential. It’s raw, aggressive, and unapologetically mechanical.

Backing it is a Turbo 400 with a custom built converter, reverse manual valve body, and components chosen to survive serious abuse.

Chassis Built to Match

As power levels climbed, the chassis had to evolve. The truck now features a four link rear suspension, Mustang II style front suspension, coilovers, and adjustable shocks at all four corners.

A Strange nine inch rear end, Wilwood brakes, and modern steering components help keep the truck controllable, even if traction is still the limiting factor.

Despite the performance upgrades, the truck remains surprisingly tight and comfortable, with no rattles and a solid feel uncommon for square body trucks.

Purposeful Simplicity

The interior reflects the truck’s roots. It’s simple, functional, and focused. Over the years, seats, carpet, and controls have been updated, but nothing feels out of place.

The goal has never been luxury. It’s always been about keeping the truck usable while respecting its history.

Why We Love This Build

Rob’s C10 isn’t just about horsepower. It’s about loyalty, patience, and sticking with the people who help you along the way.

This truck tells a story of family, growth, and the kind of bond you can only build over decades. It proves that projects are never really finished, and sometimes that’s the whole point.

Watch the full episode to hear Rob tell the story in his own words and see the C10 come to life.