Even for California resident and autocross enthusiast Wes Drelleshak, a normal, hardworking truck from the postwar era seems like a stretch to turn into an asphalt all-star. Nonetheless, this 1959 Chevrolet Apache, built by Drelleshak and Deuces Wild Hot Rods & Customs, proves it’s just as capable of getting the job done around a coned-off course as it was hauling cargo back in the day.

Drelleshak lets it rip at the 2014 Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge Invitational (OUSCI) just outside Las Vegas, Nevada.

In its top form, the Apache (which was part of the Task Force series of GM trucks made from 1955 to 1959) came from the factory with a 283ci V8 and four-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission. Both of those drivetrain components have long since been removed in place of more powerful and modern parts; specifically, a 383ci stroker V8 and a TREMEC TKO-600, the latter of which will soon give way to a Magnum T56, something that has Drelleshak quite excited.

“The engine is easily capable of 6,500 rpm shifts,” he explained. “I would like to shift at that point. I don’t want to get into specifics, but I do believe the T56 Magnum is a much better choice for what I’m doing.”

“That’s not to say the TKO-600 hasn’t been a great; it just suffers with the heavy 3,800-pound truck, sticky tires, and heavy abuse. In other words, it’s not a full on race transmission, but neither is the T56 Magnum. So, in a nut shell, I would like to run on the big track at Willow Springs, Streets of Willow, Las Vegas Speedway, or Fontana without grinding gears while shifting at 5,000 rpm.”

A dyno reading of the 383ci showed it was capable of 510 lb-ft. of torque at peak performance, well within the T56’s 700 lb-ft. rating. And with its dry weight of 135 lbs., the gearbox is all about proving strength and reliability can come in small packages.

The TREMEC T56 transmission is replacing the TKO-600 in the Apache to make shifting easier at high RPM.

Drelleshak’s experience with TREMEC has been nothing short of great, and he can’t wait to see what the T56 will do when he takes the Apache back on the warpath again. “I’ve seen other competitors try other transmissions and they all go back, or say they like the T56 Magnum the best because it’s good at all things, not just wide open throttle shifting,” he said. “You can put it in your street car and have a buttery smooth shifts, or redline it and be able to grab the next gear when racing. What’s not to love about it?”

We’ll be on the lookout for Drelleshak and his terror of a truck this year, and we’d recommend you do the same if you’re into seeing classics do more than just park on grass and look good under the sun. And be sure to check out TREMEC and all it has to offer, whether online or on the phone, with the provided contact information below.