Taylor Gang’s 370ci LS-Powered GMC Sierra

The Taylor Gang’s Off-Road-Ready GMC

Mason Taylor is a lifetime addict of all things related to having a blast in the great outdoors. Whether it be in the desert or at the river, there’s never a bad day spent outside—especially if he’s surrounded by family and good friends.

Hailing from San Diego, California, Mason constantly finds himself torn between which direction to head next. The SoCal area surrounds him with so many unbelievable dream locales to take full advantage of. Sometimes choosing which one to hit next can be a dilemma. One thing he never thinks twice about when it’s time to hit the road, however, is what vehicle to drive to get to where he’s going. Mason has been on a steady mission to build up his 2007 GMC Sierra since 2013. Creating an off-road-ready rig that he and his family can hop in and have a good time in has been a top priority—one that has finally paid off in a BIG way.

Since trips to the sand and other off-road conditions are so common for the Taylor family, Mason figured it was a good idea to outfit his GMC with a heavily upgraded suspension setup. He wanted his truck to be able to conquer any type of terrain, and to do just that, he reached out to Mazzulla Offroad for advice. With proper guidance, Mason sourced the correct components he’d need from trusted manufacturers such as King, Eibach, Deaver, Mazzulla, and Richer Racing to transform the GMC into a rough and rugged machine capable of handling the Glamis Dunes with ease.

Once the ride height was dialed in, Mason finished off his truck’s chassis with a set of KMC Impact forged wheels and Predator New Mutant X-RT tires. This combo ensures that the truck can sail through sand, dirt, and other such conditions without hesitation. For safety’s sake, Mason opted for a roll cage from Morgan Clarke Designs (MCD1), a bed cage by CWF Offroad, and an engine cage from SMP Fab for good measure. When it comes to keeping the family and essential components well-protected, it’s never a good idea to cut corners.

Powering the Taylor family rig is a 2013 LS2 that Mason scored from Moruzzi Race Motors. The engine has been upgraded with long tube headers, a 3-inch exhaust system with a custom side exit, and is backed by a beefed up 2013 4L85E transmission that is ready to rock. New front race hubs from Mazzulla and a Currie rearend with a Camburg 3-inch full-float housing also do their part to increase the GMC’s propulsion through the rough stuff.

To increase the good looks of the GMC, as well as to allow for adequate wheel and tire travel, Mason selected FiberwerX fiberglass fenders and bedsides all around. Sure, they give the truck a much more aggressive appearance, but they will certainly be a necessity once the party really starts. Richer Racing custom tube bumpers offer premium impact protection with subtle styling, and Baja Designs lighting in the grille and front bumper offer the Taylors all the illumination they’ll need during nighttime rips under the stars.

Three PRP Podium Elite suspension seats have found their way into the cab—complete with race harnesses for utmost security. A PRP steering wheel has also been included in the cabin overhaul, as has a Winters Sidewinder shifter to increase the driving excitement, and PCI Race Radios headsets for all passengers to keep in contact with fellow thrill seekers. Other in-cab amenities such as a switch panel and upgraded audio help boost convenience and exhilaration while out blasting around.

It’s easy to see that this GMC was built for business by someone who appreciates everything the off-road lifestyle has to offer. Mason and his family look forward to every getaway now since they know their rig is fully equipped to tread comfortably beyond the comfort of paved roads. The Taylor gang can be found in Superstition, Ocotillo, Plaster City, Johnson Valley, and most events in between.

UPGRADES

2007 GMC Sierra

Owner: Mason Taylor
2007 GMC Sierra
San Diego, CA

Engine & Drivetrain: 2013 Chevy LS2 370 ci; Engine build by Moruzzi Race Motors; LS7 connecting rods; Stock pistons and rings; ARP hardware throughout; Hand-ported heads; Stock ‘truck manifold’; 1 5/8-inch long-tube headers w/ 3-inch collector; 3-inch custom side exit exhaust; UMP air filter; 2013 GM Performance 4L85E transmission; Billet 3800 stall converter; Custom trans crossmember; Custom two-piece driveline from Oceanside Driveline, Oceanside, CA; CBR one-piece transmission cooler

Chassis & Suspension: Mazzulla Offroad chromoly TIG-welded race kit; Eibach front springs; Front King 2.5 coilovers / 4.0 Race four-tube bypass (10-inch length); Rear Deaver V-182 springs; Rear King 3.0 x 16-inch three-tube bypass Prerunner Series; Custom skid plates by Richer Racing, Oceanside, CA; Bed cage by CWF Off Road; Engine cage by SMP Fab; Mazzulla front race hubs; Rear Camburg 3-inch full-float fabricated housing; Rear gear from Currie Enterprises

Wheels, Tires & Brakes: 17×9 KMC Impact forged wheels; 37/12.50-17 Predator New Mutant X-RT tires; Stock front brakes, rear Wilwood 4-piston calipers; ABS delete

Body & Paint: Richer Racing custom tube bumpers; FiberwerX fiberglass all around; Baja Designs OnX6 40-inch arc light, dust, and rock lights

INTERIOR: PRP Podium Elite suspension seats; Morgan Clarke Design (MCD1) roll cage; PRP steering wheel; Kenwood stereo