Dedicated DIY builder teaches himself how to build big power in this sinister black GTO
When this 2004 Pontiac GTO was purchased in completely stock condition back in 2019 by a then 18-year-old Cameron Keller, he never imagined it would end up belting out over 800hp just five years later. “I had no idea it would get to this level of a build,” he says. “I started with the basic bolt-ons and wheels, but I just wasn’t satisfied.” Satisfaction is something he’s been searching for ever since he turned his first wrench on the build and what a build it’s become.
Taking a job as a union roofer, he saved up enough money to purchase the car on his own, his first in fact. Once he’d experienced the basic mods that most every GTO enthusiast reaches for, he was content, at least for a little while. “I wanted more, so I did an F1A ProCharger kit but wasn’t satisfied with that as I kept having belt issues, so I decided to put a turbo kit together,” he recalls.
The initial changes, the ProCharger install, and the turbo kit were all the result of Cameron taking a completely hands-on approach and doing all the work on his own at home. “I had never really done much work on cars a few years prior, but I learned a lot through watching YouTube videos and reading forums,” he adds.
With that learning curve inevitably comes some setbacks and not long after putting the turbocharged GTO back on the road, the engine called it quits.
With the engine having to come out, Cameron decided to go all out for the car’s next phase, and he turned his attention toward building the 5.3 that now powers it.
A stout bottom end based on a Callie’s Compstar crank, DSS pistons and Scat H-beam rods serve as the foundation, with a BTR stage 2 cam, valve springs, and LS7 lifters offering support on the top half.
All the additions are in place to support a Borg Warner 75/88 that does its best to tuck in behind the driver’s side headlight with its exhaust routed through the side of the front bumper via meticulously chopped and welded pie cuts.
A T56 is joined by McLeod’s RST twin disc and flywheel, an LSD, and beefier axles by Driveshaft Shop who also supplied their 1-piece aluminum driveshaft. Making the power was one piece of the puzzle, holding it through an upgraded drivetrain another, while controlling all 826whp and 700 lb ft. of torque falls on the suspension’s ability. To that end, Maverick Man Coilovers were installed, and the factory rubber bushings replaced with an array of Energy Suspension polyurethane versions.
Up front you’ll also find a Pedders sway bar on duty while a CTS-V brake caliper upgrade over 14-in. Camaro rotors help bring the fun to a halt on command.
Obviously, this sort of power output requires capable rubber and Cameron relies on 275x50-15 Mickey Thompson ET-R in the rear with 17in. Racemasters up front, all wrapped around Weld Racing’s Laguna monoblock wheels in their signature Gloss Black Milled finish.
To get the look he was after and to drop over 20lbs. of weight at the same time, Cameron installed Maverick Man’s Carbon Ciber Cowl Hood that boasts a 3-3/4-in. rise and functional rear venting. Other changes provided by Maverick Man included a set of SAP Grilles and GTO Splitter,
while another touch of carbon fiber was added to the rear with a Maverick Man Carbon Bolt-On Spoiler that sits just above Holden VX taillights.
“I took this stock car and turned it into an 826hp 5.3 in my garage after coming home from my job as a roofer,” he adds. “It was a struggle to find time to work on it after a long day at work, but I built it by myself, without any help.” And there’s more in store for this project as you might expect, given the progression that’s taken place over the past few years. Next on the to-do list are mini tubs and an 8.8in. rear end, both of which Cameron will be handling himself, of course.
While the car is down, he’ll still be enjoying time behind the wheel of a GTO as he also owns a stock 2004 daily driver, a nod to his father who he says always had a pair of ’69 Grand Prix.
Cameron Keller’s 2004 Pontiac GTO
Instagram @Gtocam
Engine Gen 3 5.3L; Rev Shift polyurethane mounts; Callie’s Compstar crank; 9.5:1 DSS pistons; Scat H-beam rods; BTR stage 2 turbo cam, dual valve springs, LS7 lifters; 2.02/1.57 port work; PRC stage 2.5 ported 243s; Borg Warner 75/88 turbo; TiAL Q50 blow-off valve, MVS 44mm wastegates; custom headers, 4in. pie-cut bumper exit exhaust; Holley Sniper intake manifold, 102mm throttle body, fuel rails, valve covers; Mighty Mouse oil catch can; Walbro 450lph fuel pump x2, -8 feed/-6 return; E85 fuel; FIC 1,350cc injectors; Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator; Cold Case aluminum radiator; Mishimoto 4in. intercooler; ProCharger SPAL fans
Power 826whp/700wtq
Drivetrain T-56 transmission; McLeod RST twin disc, flywheel; LSD; Driveshaft Shop 1-piece aluminum driveshaft; axles; Tick Performance short shifter
Suspension Maverick Man coilovers, shocks; Energy Suspension Hyperflex bushings; Pedders front sway bar
Braking CTS-V V2 6-pistons calipers; Camaro SS 14-in. rotors; Brembo pads
Wheels and Tires Weld Laguna 17x5 -26 front, 15x10 +45 rear; Racemaster 26x4.5x17 front; Mickey Thompson ET-R 275x50x15 rear
Exterior PBM paint; Maverick Man carbon fiber Cowl Hood, rear spoiler, SAP front fascia, SAP front grills, ABS front splitter; Holden VX taillights; tinted windows 5%
Interior Tick shift knob; Turbosmart E-boost; AEM AFR gauge; suede headliner
Shout Out Nextgen Built Performance for tuning the car
Need More GTO builds in Your Life? We’ve Got You:
The Unforgettable, One-of-a-kind, Post-Apocalyptic 2004 Pontiac GTO
2006 Pontiac GTO: Playing the Waiting Game
2006 Pontiac GTO Built To Go Slideways
Built and Boosted 2006 Pontiac GTO
2005 Pontiac GTO - Up, Up and Away
Author -> Matt Rodriguez aka "Rodrez"
Photographer / Photo Credit -> Cameron Keller
