The Builder Behind the Squarebody Drift Truck - ICT Billet

The Builder Behind the Squarebody Drift Truck

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Some builds look cool.
Some builds actually work.

Gabe Franco’s 1977 Chevy C10 drift truck was built for both. Not a gimmick.
A squarebody built for predictable grip, fast transitions, and real seat time.

Gabe says it perfectly:

“All about the Smile per Miles.”

Meet Gabe Franco

Gabe is the builder behind Franco's Speed Shop, and this wild drift truck.

The truck actually started with a different plan. Road-course and autocross. But once Gabe got a ride-along in a drift car, it was over.

He was hooked on making this a real build. 

What Makes This Build Different

Most people hear “drift truck” and think novelty.

Gabe’s been proving for years that a squarebody can be a legit drift machine when it’s built with intention and refined over time.

This truck has been under the knife since 2018, getting more competitive season after season.

And it’s got history too.

“It’s my grandpas truck, think he’ll mind how I’m driving it?”

The Story

The coolest part about this build is that it’s not trying to be one thing.

Gabe has always been into Craftsman-era trucks: pure function, low-to-the-ground vibes, and simple lines. But drifting added another influence, and he leaned into it. A little old-school truck culture, a little JDM drift style, and a whole lot of purpose-built engineering.

It’s a weird mix on paper.
But it rips in person.

Full Interview
With Gabe Franco

If you want the full story, this interview is worth watching.

Gabe breaks down the build evolution, the decisions that mattered, and the mindset behind making a squarebody drift truck actually work.

Watch the full interview here:


Squarebody Drift Truck Build Breakdown

Vehicle: 1977 Chevy C10 drift truck
 Built since: 2018
 Goal: predictable, repeatable drifting; real seat time; and keep getting more competitive

Chassis and suspension

Franco’s Speed Shop built chassis, full cage, rear suspension design
QA1 coilovers
QA1 upper and lower control arms up front

Brakes and steering

Wilwood big brakes front to rear
Wilwood Pro spindles paired with Franco’s Speed Shop angle kit

Powertrain

Gen V LT1 with Stage 2 Texas Speed cam and supporting top-end parts
Holley drive kit, intake manifold and throttle body
Holley Dominator
Tremec T56 Magnum
Currie 9-inch with Strange center section, 4.11 gearing

ICT Billet Parts on the Build

This truck uses a long list of ICT Billet adaptation and engine bay solutions, including:
LT to SBC motor mount adapters
Intake valley cover
Direct injection delete plugs
LS3 intake adapter to LT heads
Billet valve covers
Coil pack relocation brackets
Wire pigtails to adapt LT to LS harness

Follow Gabe and
Franco’s Speed Shop

Keep up with everything Gabe is up to this year!

Website: Francosspeedshop.com
 Instagram: @gabefranco
 YouTube: @gabefranco9283

Every build tells a different story.

 “She’s an old soul, but she still can dance!”

Stay tuned for more
community builds coming soon.