Being the owner of a company has its privileges, but being the owner of one of the country's top parts distributors for diesel trucks, well, that hardly seems fair. Diesel enthusiasts would love to have the knowledge and power that come with being the owner of one of the fastest-growing companies in this segment of the industry. The main reason is obvious: access to the latest and greatest aftermarket products with the ideal excuse to build a performance truck exactly the way you want it.
This privilege is not one that the founder of Alligator Diesel Performance takes lightly. In fact, when Chad Hall and his wife Jayme began the company back in 2005 they couldn't possibly envision the business taking off as fast as it did.
"Not in my wildest dreams did I think we'd ever become what we are today, but I credit that to the amazing staff that I work with everyday," says Hall. "It takes a small village to do what we do and do it well."
Qualified Staff
Surrounding himself with a qualified sales staff that can "talk the talk" is a big part of why Alligator Performance has grown as quickly as it has. Every member of the sales staff owns a diesel vehicle and Hall feels that's important because that means his staff can relate on a personal level with the guys and gals calling in.
"Not only do they all wrench customer trucks, but owning and wrenching their own trucks translates into real world experience the customer can understand," explains the owner. "In reality, they got into this field because they were looking for the same results the guys calling in are looking for-better mileage, horsepower and an overall better performing truck. We are all so happy to be able to do what we love and it shows."
With a lot of hard work and determination, the Alligator Performance brand has grown immensely over the past five years and Hall is quick to credit his customers for his success as well.
"We have many loyal customers who support us and our efforts to go beyond what other diesel performance retailers provide," says Hall.
Beyond Stock
Researching, testing and evaluating the different products available is what helps keep Alligator Performance growing and it's what led to Hall's latest project. Some would be satisfied with a 12-second daily driver, but not when you have access to the top aftermarket products in the industry. Hall referred to his 2006 Chevy LBZ Duramax as a max-effort stock truck. When he started his latest build, his truck had a stock turbo, stock motor with EFI Live tuning, Sun coast IV trans with 1058 Converter, FASS 150 GPH lift pump, Diamond Eye Down Pipe, BD Exhaust manifold, Banks Ram Air Intake, Autometer gauges, SpringClamps, Tie Rod sleeves and Cognito Braces.
But when you're in this business, you have to keep moving forward and looking for those advantages that you'll be able to pass along to future customers.
My Project
Before Hall got started, he put together with his sales team a plan of what he hoped to get accomplished with the performance modifications.
"What I really wanted was a fast street truck that could be used to drag race and sled pull at local events," says Hall. "I believe with the current setup that it will need to be caged to run at its fullest potential, but I'm having reservations about tearing up a perfectly good crew cab to do it."
A lot of thought was put into the build, so the final product left Hall really happy with all the choices that were made, including the decision to work with Cam Hulse from Adrenaline Performance in Shelley, Idaho.
"Cam and I have known each other since 2008 when we met at May Madness in Las Vegas and became good friends after that," says Hall. "Cam's attention to detail is what made my decision last year to have him build the motor and put the compounds together. I feel he treats and values his customers the same way we do when we suggest the parts or services that we provide, so it was a great fit."
Hall also consulted with SoCal Diesel in Valencia, Calif. for help and expertise with the build. One product Guy Tripp recommended was the Beehive Valve Springs that are designed around the specific performance needs of the Duramax engine and are made exclusively for SoCal Diesel.
Twins
Hall decided to go with a Borg Warner S474 on a PPE wastegated T-4 pedestal for the high pressure turbo over an S510 based turbo for the low pressure turbo. This kit has enough air to support his goal of making 1000 horsepower on fuel, and was big enough to push the truck into the 10. But now he finds himself at a crossroads on where to go from here.
"Who knows? This motor might find its way into a single cab race-only truck, but not this year," says Hall. "This is how it's going to sit for awhile."
But with Hall you never really know how long the truck really will sit before he's back at it again. And for that reason alone his repeat customers continue to be the backbone of his business.
Located in Post Falls, Idaho, Hall will continue to smile on his way to work, especially now that he has a daily driver that would be the envy for a lot of diesel enthusiasts. But of course he knows he couldn't have got his truck to this point without the help of a lot of great people in our industry.
"I'd really like to thank Cam Hulse at Adrenaline Performance for all the hard work on the motor and twins, Guy Tripp at SoCal Diesel for all the help and expertise on hard parts, PPE for their help with the dual fueler kit, transmission pan, manifolds and up-pipes and wastegated T-4 Pedestal, Rob Coddens from Adrenaline Truck Performance for the sweet EFI Live tunes and all the guys back at the Alligator Performance shop," says Hall. "And of course I'd like to thank my understanding wife who helped me get this project to where it is today."
Yes, owning Alligator Performance has privileges that few of us will ever get to experience on our own. But it's nice to know that if we're looking to improve our own trucks, there is a business like this that can help steer us in the right direction. Because after all, this is one company that can truly talk the talk because they've been there.