Sorority Girl: A ’77 Chevy Scottsdale Built to Attack the Track

• December 3, 2023
• Story By
  Kevin Aguilar

People have diverse motives for crafting their custom vehicles, ranging from the desire for a stylish ride to an enthusiasm for injecting horsepower and thrill into their chosen drives. Eric and Cynthia Pierce, founders of ProTouring Texas, have dedicated their business to meeting the needs of enthusiasts keen on enhancing the performance of their assembled rides. Despite the common notion that shop owners rarely indulge in building something special for personal enjoyment, Eric took the opportunity to create a classic truck that resonated with nostalgic memories.

The Replacement

Recalling his first pickup, a blue and white C10, Eric reveals, "My younger brother wrecked it, and I’ve been trying to find one to replace it ever since." Luckily, Eric stumbled upon one for sale in his Dallas-Fort Worth area, prompting him to make the purchase.

After making appearances at local meets and car shows, the newly acquired truck became a surprising conversation starter. Eric encountered several previous owners who shared tales of its history, with one even producing original photos from a Hot August Nights show in the early 2000s. The truck's extensive ownership history led Eric's wife to affectionately dub it "Sorority Girl" due to its well-traveled nature.

Initially content with cruising in its existing state, the truck's fate took an unexpected turn one evening. While grabbing dinner, an announcement about a truck on fire outside the restaurant shifted the course of its future. Faulty wiring, melted onto the exhaust, caused damage that, while not extensive, compelled Eric to reconsider and upgrade the truck. Encouraged by his wife's motivational pep talk, Eric's C10 underwent a transformation at the hands of the ProTouring Texas crew.

Supporting Gear

The truck, equipped with a rear triangulated 4-link and air springs, underwent extensive modifications. Ridetech coil-overs replaced the 'bags, providing better performance for Eric's high-speed driving preferences. At the front, CPP modular spindles and Baer Pro+ 6-piston brakes were added for improved ride height and responsive braking. Additional enhancements, including Billet Specialties Razor wheels, and chassis upgrades, brought the truck closer to its racing potential.

Power Band

To boost its on-track capabilities, Eric planned a substantial engine swap. A 2019 LT1 became the chosen mill, upgraded with features like a Brian Tooley cam, Texas Speed CNC-ported cylinder heads, Ultimate Headers, and a custom exhaust system by David Frantz. Tuning the Chevy 10L90E 10-speed transmission of the drivetrain package proved challenging, but with the expertise of tuner Andy Moye, the truck hit the road with optimal performance.

Creature Comforts

While the exterior retained a natural, aged appearance, Justin Boyd at Detail Garage in Keller, TX, corrected and ceramic-coated the paint to preserve its charm.

The interior received attention from PG Auto Upholstery, with a recovered factory bench seat and additional elements matching the truck's color scheme. A sound system by Brusome Design, featuring Kenwood head unit, amps, and a stealthily mounted 10-inch subwoofer, enhanced the driving experience. To ensure comfort year-round, a Vintage Air climate control system was installed.

The Meats

While the truck boasts a modified height and a plethora of enhancements under the hood, its exterior maintains a subtle demeanor to the casual observer. Opting for an upgrade, Eric chose to install a set of stylish 19-inch Billet Specialties Razor wheels paired with Nitto INVO tires, elevating both performance and visual appeal.

When asked about the tire choice, Eric stated “we chose to run the Nitto INVO because they’re smooth and quite on the highway. They also have a 200 treadwear, which makes them good for auto crossing. The are nice and sticky, plus you can get staggered fitments for trucks like this.”

The Results

In the end, Eric achieved a classic C10 that not only exuded the cool factor but also reflected his personal style and a commitment to performance and drivability. Despite the extensive changes, the truck retained the nostalgic essence of his very first pickup, making it a priceless gem in his collection.

Mrs. Protouring Texas

After completing this truck, the Pierces have built a number of head-turning rides. One of which is Cynthia’s SUV, which has a similar look to Eric’s truck and was aptly named “Sorority Sister.” We also did a full feature on their alternate ride, check out the ’78 GMC Jimmy here.

Hard Facts