The Hell Taco: A Mind-Blowing 2016 Toyota Tacoma with Hellcat Engine Swap

Table of Contents

Introduction

When it comes to automotive builds that push the boundaries of engineering and creativity, few can match the audacity of the "Hell Taco." This incredible custom truck started life as a modest 2016 Toyota Tacoma before being transformed into one of the most impressive Hellcat-swapped vehicles you'll ever see. Created by St, the owner of Miso Customs, this build seamlessly blends the shell of a Tacoma with the heart and soul of a Dodge Hellcat.

We recently caught up with St at the Las Vegas Convention Center during SEMA to get an up-close look at this remarkable creation. In this article, we'll break down the incredible engineering, custom fabrication, and thoughtful design that went into creating the Hell Taco.

What Makes the Hell Taco Special?

The name "Hell Taco" is a clever play on words—it's a Taco (Tacoma) cab with a Hellcat swap. But this isn't just an engine transplant. St and his team at Miso Customs integrated virtually every component from the Hellcat:

• Hellcat engine

• Hellcat transmission

• Hellcat dash

• Hellcat shifter

• The entire Body Control Module (BCM)

As St puts it, it's "the whole car with a taco shell." This level of integration creates a cohesive build that functions as though it came from the factory this way.

The Exterior: Custom Front End Engineering

The Clamshell Front End

One of the most impressive features of the Hell Taco is its custom front end. Rather than using the stock Tacoma components, St opted for Tundra headlights, which better fit the wider body proportions of the build.

The most innovative aspect is the one-piece clamshell design for the front clip. The hood, fenders, and grill are all molded into a single unit that pivots forward, providing complete access to the engine bay. This setup required carefully designed pivot points and a custom subframe to support the assembly.

Custom Lighting Solutions

The lighting on the Hell Taco is equally impressive, with Baja Designs sponsoring the build. Some notable lighting features include:

• Custom headlights with Miso logos integrated into the housing

• Modified DRLs

• A light bar in the grill

• An incredibly creative roof-mounted light bar made from a repurposed Tundra grill piece

• Custom fog lights using Baja Squadron Pro lights in 3D-printed bezels

Perhaps the most innovative lighting element is the roof-mounted light bar. St repurposed a piece of the Tundra grill that would have otherwise been discarded, flipped it upside down, and mounted it to the roof. The result is a streamlined, integrated look that houses multiple Baja Designs lights, including IR lights, lasers, and floods.

Under the Hood: The Hellcat Heart

Engine Integration

Fitting a Hellcat V8 into a Tacoma is no small feat. The team had to:

1. Cut and modify the frame

2. Prep the firewall

3. Create custom motor mounts

4. Graft on a Ford Bronco subframe from the firewall forward

This innovative use of the Bronco subframe provided the necessary geometry and pickup points for off-the-shelf parts, as well as the crucial crossmember needed to fit the V8. Additional modifications included:

• A reverse oil pan

• Custom headers

• Extensive plumbing

Serviceability Engineering

One of St's most impressive engineering feats was designing for serviceability. The front cooling system—including the radiator, heat exchanger, and AC components—can be removed as a single unit. This provides access to the engine for maintenance without requiring a complete disassembly of the front end.

The team created a unique joint system with tube clamps to make this possible, showcasing their forward-thinking approach to custom builds.

Powertrain Specifications

The Hell Taco features:

• Stock Hellcat 6.2L supercharged V8 engine (currently 707 horsepower)

• Stock 8-speed automatic transmission

• Divorce transfer case to maintain four-wheel drive

• Twin Traction Beam four-wheel drive system

St mentioned plans for future engine modifications including:

• PCE ported blower

• E85 fuel conversion

• Target of 900-1,000 horsepower

Suspension and Chassis: Trophy Truck Inspiration

Front Suspension

The front suspension utilizes the Twin Traction Beam design—an older technology that works exceptionally well for this application. St chose this system partly for its distinctive "whoop scissors" look, but also because it had an engine cradle designed to accommodate a V8.

Rear Suspension

The rear suspension is where the Trophy Truck influence really shines:

• King 3.5-inch bypass shocks with six valves

• 16-inch coilover and 18-inch bypass in solo lower links

• Curry 40-spline full-floater rear end

Braking System

The Hell Taco features a dual brake setup:

• Wilwood brakes for the hydraulic brake system

• A second four-piston Wilwood Super Light system for the regular brakes

Wheels and Tires

• Volk TE37 18×9 wheels with zero offset

• 38-inch Toyo MT tires

• Wilwood six-piston front brakes with two-piece rotors

Interior: Luxury Pre-Runner

The interior of the Hell Taco is where luxury meets functionality. St describes it as a "luxury pre-runner," and it's easy to see why.

Custom Dashboard

The dashboard was designed to mimic the fourth-generation Tacoma, but with significant upgrades:

1. Designed in CAD

2. 3D printed in plastic

3. Sanded and molded

4. Final version made in carbon fiber

5. Topped with a full CNC billet dash that incorporates:

• Hellcat speedometer

• Start button

• Navigation

• GPS

Safety and Comfort Features

Despite its performance capabilities, the Hell Taco remains a family-friendly vehicle:

• Full roll cage, painted and finished with a headliner

• PRP bucket seats front and rear

• Five-point harnesses

• Starlight headliner with approximately 2,000 individual lights

• Air conditioning

• Custom CNC-cut aluminum panels that follow the contours of the cage

Functional Design Elements

The rear seat area features a push-button mechanism that allows it to fold forward for access to the electronics. This compartment houses all the Hellcat electronics that would normally be in the trunk of a Dodge Challenger or Charger, including:

• Power control module

• Fuel pump modules

• Fuse boxes

Rear Cargo Area: Function Meets Form

Fuel System

The Hell Taco features a substantial 60-gallon fuel cell mounted in the bed. This serves two purposes:

1. Providing adequate fuel for the thirsty Hellcat engine

2. Helping balance weight distribution with the heavy engine up front

Storage and Utility

Other bed features include:

• Custom ammo can storage box that flips up for easy access

• Room for dual spare tires

• Jack and emergency supplies

• Transmission and engine oil coolers

Lighting and Aesthetics

The rear of the vehicle continues the custom theme with:

• Tundra taillights (chosen for their larger size that better fits the overall profile)

• Custom third brake light with dual amber rear-facing chase lights

• S1 lights at an angle for work illumination

• Rear-facing S2 lights

• 3D printed metal housing for the lights, welded to the cage

Exhaust System: Custom From Headers to Tips

The exhaust system on the Hell Taco is entirely custom:

1. 3D printed metal adapter collectors (with "MISO" lettering)

2. 2-inch primary exhaust tubes

3. Custom "Z-pipe" design (instead of the typical X or H pipe configuration)

4. Dual 3-inch pipes all the way back

5. Crossover design that exits through the bed

6. Cookcraft muffler

7. JDM-inspired flared pie-cut tips

Why This Build Matters

The Hell Taco represents the pinnacle of custom truck building. It combines elements from multiple vehicles (Tacoma, Tundra, Hellcat, Bronco) into a cohesive, functional, and stunningly executed build. What makes it particularly special is the attention to detail and the thoughtful engineering that went into every aspect.

St didn't just create a cool-looking truck—he built a vehicle that can be driven daily, tackled challenging off-road terrain, and still turn heads at prestigious shows like SEMA. The Hell Taco demonstrates what's possible when creativity meets engineering excellence in the automotive world.

Conclusion

The Hell Taco by Miso Customs is more than just a Hellcat-swapped Tacoma. It's a masterclass in custom vehicle building that showcases innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges. From its clamshell front end to its luxury pre-runner interior and trophy truck-inspired suspension, every element has been carefully considered and expertly executed.

Whether you're a fan of off-road trucks, custom builds, or just appreciate exceptional craftsmanship, the Hell Taco is a build that demands attention and respect.