Hot Rod Bio: Turbo LS Suburban Family Cruiser at SEMA 2025

A Full Size Build with Serious Style
At SEMA 2025, this Suburban owned by Onkar stood out immediately. It blends modern performance, custom design, and true family usability into one cohesive build. What started as a rough looking truck is now a fully refined street machine built to be driven long distances.

Modern Suspension and Custom Wheels
The Suburban rides on a full Air Lift Performance air suspension system. Up front, it runs CPP upper and lower control arms, spindles, and brakes, while the rear uses CPP lowers paired with a Watts link to keep everything planted and predictable.

The wheels are a standout feature on their own. Onkar and his wife designed the wheels themselves, sketching the concept before turning it into a CAD design that was produced by TIS. The result is a truly custom wheel you will not see on any other build.

Clean Bodywork and Unique Paint
Bodywork was handled by Co Op Auto Body, with Jag completing this Suburban alongside another major project at the same time. The truck was originally yellow with a rat rod style appearance. While the frame was solid, the build included replacement quarter panels and door repairs before everything was stripped, sandblasted, and powder coated.

Paint inspiration came from an unexpected place. After debating multiple colors, the final choice was inspired by an Aston Martin DB12. The deep green finish gives the Suburban a refined, high end look that fits its size perfectly.

Turbocharged LS Power
Under the hood sits an aluminum LS based engine with forged internals, ported 243 heads, a BTR camshaft, and Holley engine management. Boost comes from a VS Racing ball bearing turbo, creating a setup that is both powerful and street friendly.

Before boost, the Suburban made roughly 450 horsepower, making it a solid and reliable driver. With boost turned up to around fourteen to fourteen and a half pounds, the truck now puts down approximately 900 horsepower to the wheels on pump gas.

Built to Grow with More Power
Currently running on 94 octane pump fuel, the setup is intentionally conservative. E85 is planned for the future, which will allow for more timing and additional boost once the combination is fully dialed in.

Up front, the engine is finished with a CVF Racing front drive system. The clean layout ties the entire engine bay together while supporting the demands of a high horsepower turbo setup.

Custom Interior with Original Character
Inside, the Suburban keeps its original bench seat layout to preserve the classic look. The third row was removed to improve cargo space and usability. All seating was recovered in German leather, and German carpet with a unique weave was installed throughout the cabin.

Audio was handled by Jason Kilborn, with a custom sub enclosure and a RetroSound head unit to keep a vintage appearance while offering modern functionality. Dakota Digital gauges provide reliable instrumentation, and Vintage Air ensures the Suburban stays comfortable in any climate.

Built to Be Driven Long Distance
This Suburban is more than a showpiece. Onkar plans to drive it from Toronto to LSFest, proving that this build was designed for real world use. With air conditioning, modern suspension, and massive power on tap, it is equal parts cruiser and performance machine.

A Family Hauler with Supercar Power
This build perfectly balances style, comfort, and performance. It retains the soul of a classic Suburban while delivering modern reliability and extreme horsepower.

To see the full walk around and hear Onkar explain the build in his own words, watch the complete Hot Rod Bio video on the CVF Racing YouTube channel.