Hot Shot’s Secret unveils five-day Duramax swap at SEMA 2026

Hot Shot’s Secret debuted a Morgan Evans project truck at the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, showing off a 1982 GMC C3500 High Sierra dually that was converted from gas to a 6.6L Duramax diesel in five days. The build underscores how quickly a classic pickup can be turned into a cross-country tow rig with sponsor support.

Why it matters: - The build shows a fast, high-profile diesel swap completed in time for one of the industry’s biggest aftermarket events. - The finished truck turns a classic 1982 GMC C3500 High Sierra dually into a more capable tow vehicle. - Hot Shot’s Secret used the project to spotlight its lubricants, diesel additives and brand presence at SEMA.

What happened: - Hot Shot’s Secret unveiled Morgan Evans’ project truck at its booth early on opening day of the 2026 SEMA Show. - The reveal took place at 10:00 a.m. PT at booth #23943 in Central Hall. - The truck started as a 1982 GMC C3500 High Sierra dually with an original gasoline big block. - Evans and a small crew, including fiancé Jason Kastner, completed the swap over five days, from October 12-16, in Evans’ Florida garage. - The truck left the garage on Friday powered by an LB7 6.6-liter Duramax diesel. - Evans said she needed a truck that could tow across the country, and the original big block was not up to the job.

The details: - The crew removed the original engine and transmission. - The swap added the LB7 Duramax engine, Duramax components, powertrain mounts and a transmission crossmember. - The team installed a new fuel system, kept the ZF6 six-speed manual shifter and added a hydraulic clutch. - Evans and the crew adapted an existing driveshaft to the new drivetrain. - The team fabricated a custom exhaust on site. - By Friday, the truck was wired and plumbed, started and driven. - Hot Shot’s Secret supported the build with Green Diamond PRO Engine Oil, Blue Diamond G56 6-speed Manual Transmission Fluid, Blue Diamond Gear Oil, Diesel Extreme fuel additive and Everyday Diesel Treatment. - Other sponsors included S&S Diesel Motorsport, BD Diesel, Precision Fabrication Plus, QA1 Suspension and AMD. - S&S Diesel Motorsport supplied a Duramax SuperSport CP3 and SAC00 LB7 injectors. - BD Diesel contributed up pipes, exhaust manifolds and a Screamer turbo. - Precision Fabrication Plus provided a powertrain mounting kit, cooling system and hydroboost braking system. - QA1 Suspension supplied a front coilover system and double-adjustable rear shocks. - AMD supplied a premium radiator support and dual headlamps. - Hot Shot’s Secret filmed the five-day transformation, and Hot Rod Magazine documented the welding, fabrication and fitment work.

Between the lines: - The five-day timeline made the project part stunt, part technical showcase. - The build also gave Hot Shot’s Secret and its partners a live demonstration of products used in a demanding diesel conversion. - Evans’ comments frame the truck as a practical solution first, not just a display piece. - Fischer said the timing felt impossible to some observers, which highlights the pressure the team faced before SEMA.

What’s next: - Hot Shot’s Secret said more information about the swap is available online. - The company said a video of the build is on its YouTube channel, @HotShotsSecret. - Hot Shot’s Secret is directing viewers to HotShotSecret.com for its full line of lubricants. - The company is also promoting ongoing updates on Facebook, Instagram and through the #hotshotsecret tag.

The bottom line: - A five-day garage swap turned a gas-powered classic GMC into a Duramax diesel tow rig, and Hot Shot’s Secret used SEMA 2026 to put the result in front of a large enthusiast audience.