Michael Rolleri and his Chevy C10

This is, at the time of writing, the most photographed C10 in North America. Aptly named “Cha-Ching” this patina-covered truck and its owner and builder, Michael Rolleri are today’s Haltech Heroes.

A simple plan

Born and raised in Florida, Mike grew up riding dirt bikes, and four wheelers. A fabricator by trade, Mike has become a household name in the Florida car community thanks in small part to this build and through his workshop Salvage to Savage.

Mike figured the best way to promote his shop would be to build a shop car. His plan was relatively simple, find a classic pickup truck, restore it, bag it and stick an LS in it. Mike was actually on a lookout for an older style C10 for a while so it didn’t take long for the perfect candidate to pop up on his radar.

Humble beginnings

Mike’s truck of choice was a classic 1965 Chevrolet C10 stepside, a popular and a highly desirable platform for truck builders.

Mike initially wanted to subcontract most of the building to a workshop. As it turns out this proved more difficult than anticipated. Mike’s “simple and quick” build plan took an unexpected turn when a guy called Tim arrived on the scene. Tim, who is now Mike’s main fabricator, pushed the idea of twin-turbo charging the engine. An idea that Mike was initially not totally onboard with.

“I never thought this build would end up like this, my original plan was to just have a nice, LS pickup to drive around in.”

Mike Rolleri

Going all out

The motor started its life as a stock 5.3L LS1. It has undergone a full transformation including a complete forged bottom end. The twin, mirrored turbochargers provide the boost, currently running at a modest 7 pounds. A T56 Transmission is mated to a custom 2 piece driveshaft and a Moser 9″ rear end. The whole package puts down around 700hp at the wheels without breaking a sweat.

“I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I never had a turbo car before but after Tim suggested turbocharging it I thought – let’s just do it. Then things really got out of hand!”

Mike Rolleri

Total control

The engine is controlled by a relatively simple Haltech system consisting of an Elite 950 ECU with an iC-7 display dash and a basic set of sensors. Fortunately, when it came to tuning, Mike only had to go a few doors down to get the right kind of help.

Mike’s buddy Chris, who just happens to have a tuning shop down the street tuned the truck with minimal boost. It made 700hp on spring pressure.“We’re still running the same tune! It can probably make more power, but it’s plenty for what we want it to do. It’s scary!”

She’s a looker!

Mike admits that the C10 sits pretty low. Apparently, when she’s lying on the ground it’s difficult to open the passenger door. The wheels are Vossen ERA series 19×10 fronts and 20×12 rears with Wilwood disk brakes front and back. The air suspension is by Airlift. 

And of course, there’s the paint job. No fancy, candy apple, air-brushed finish here, Mike figured the truck needs to look as tough as it sounds so he set out to give it a unique, one-off patina finish.

“I played around with different ways of achieving that look. Creating a good patina without making it look fake is not easy. I’m pretty happy with the end result.”

Mike Rolleri

The truck became an internet sensation even before it was finished. The build got a massive following with Mike becoming an overnight celebrity. Despite being built like a show car, this C10 is anything but a trailer queen. Apart from car shows it also competed in burnout competitions, acquiring even more internet fame.

So much for Mike’s initial plan for  “simple and quick” mild build. Mike decided to change the plan and go all out and create a slammed, twin-turbo, fire-spitting monster. And we’re glad he did.

“The truck is our flagship and wherever you go it just attracts attention. Once it won a “Best of Show” award and we didn’t even know it was entered!”

Mike Rolleri

Haltech products used in this build:
Elite 950 ECU | WB2 Controller | iC-7 Display Dash