Dream, Build, Conquer: The $250K Custom Tahoe by Twisted Metalworkz

Built Like No Other

RAUL Verdin doesn’t just build trucks. He redesigns them from the ground up. As a skilled fabricator by trade and the mastermind behind Twisted Metalworkz, Raul wanted to show what his team is capable of. His canvas? A 1996 two-door Chevy Tahoe, transformed into a fully customized work of art. Built for himself, his wife, and their three daughters to enjoy, this ride is more than a weekend cruiser—it’s a statement. With over $250,000 invested and two years of hard work, Raul’s Tahoe is proof that with the right skills and vision, no build is too wild.

On the outside, this Viper Red beast is dripping with custom touches. Raul not only gave it a fresh coat of paint, but he also shaved the firewall completely clean, hiding every wire, hose, and component. The steering, fuel system, and even the master cylinder are all tucked away out of sight. Custom wheel wells with bead-rolled panels were built to give extra clearance for those massive 24-inch Intro Twisted Rally wheels, wrapped in 355/25/24 Vredestein Ultra Vorti XL tires. Thanks to Twisted Metalworkz, this Tahoe sits low and flat, with every piece designed to work in harmony.

No matter how crazy the idea is, it can be done with determination and hard work. ÑRAUL VERDIN

Under the hood, Raul dropped in a 6.2L V-8 LT4 engine from a 2019 Camaro, and the upgrades didn’t stop there. The motor features a Kong ported supercharger, custom camshaft, fully ported heads, and upgraded valves, lifters, and dual valve springs. A Champion radiator and custom icebox keep things cool while a 103mm throttle body and 4-inch aluminum intake make sure this beast breathes right. Twisted Metalworkz handled the entire engine build, turning the Tahoe into a pavement-pounding powerhouse.

Raul didn’t skimp on the drivetrain either. The 10-speed transmission and rear axle come from a 2019 Camaro and 2018 Silverado respectively. Add in a Derale transmission cooler, a custom two-piece driveshaft, and Wilwood six-piston brakes all around, and you’ve got a setup ready to haul at any speed.

The chassis? Completely redone. Twisted Metal Workz dropped a custom body-drop frame, added Slam Specialties airbags, and fitted Viking Berserker shocks. Viair compressors and seamless tanks round out the suspension, while Mustang II steering and front and rear sway bars give this ride the handling it needs.

Step inside, and you’ll find the interior just as wild as the exterior. Raul sourced the seats, dash, door panels, and center console from a 2019 Camaro, and then had everything wrapped in black leather and Alcantara. Custom Dimensions finished the job with a fully molded interior, complete with a Rockford Fosgate system pumping through four amps and 10 speakers.

Of course, no build is complete without some hiccups. For Raul, the most challenging part was dealing with the 2019 Camaro’s Canbus system, but after hours of research, he got it all sorted. His advice?

“No matter how crazy the idea is, it can be done with determination and hard work,” he says.

Raul sends a big shoutout to his wife, Mercedes, for backing him throughout the build. If you want to see this monster in person, you can catch it at events like Lone Star Throwdown, Truckin’ Madness, Sunset After Dark, and LA Truck Madness.

Photo Credit: Brian Goude