My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

I figured I will start a build thread. I will be starting with the current mods going on and as time goes by, add pics of mods I have dome in the past. So lets start with the teaser pic I got from the chassis guy today.

Old frame with my tow hitch weighed 131.4lbs.

So far the back half is weighing in at 10lbs for each rail, and the cross members didn't even register on his scale. Joe is estimating that the backhalf weighs 26lbs right now. It is made from 1 5/8 CM just like the cage.

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

Ok.. Got some time to add some historic pictures and tell a little story.

The original intention on this build was to have a nice running LS powered 63 pick up. I was going to use it to tow my Camaro "the race car" This is what the build originally looked like:

1963 Chevy C10 unknown mileage


Motor
1997 LS1 block
Stock Crank
3.905 Diamond pistons
Eagle Rods
Stock LS6 heads with Patriot Gold Springs
Comp XER 223/228 .585/.588 108/108 (for some reason the 223 lobe does not exist any more, was 273@.006 - 223@.050 - 147@.200 with .585 lift)
LS6 intake
Home Ported TB
2 stage N20
30lb SVO's

Exhaust
Edelbrock 1 3/4" stepped to 1 7/8" HVMC headers
3" X-pipe
Warlock mufflers with dual electric cut outs
Dual 2.5" in single 3" out hooker aeromax muffler

Trans
1991/92 4L80E
Stock 4L80E flexplate
Stock verter
Upgraded internal wiring harness on order (required to use with newer style connector on harness)
New PWM solenoid on order
New Manifold Pressure sensor on order (needed with new harness due to temp sensor being integrated)
28” geenie shifter with skull shift knob

Fuel system
16ga fuel cell under rear of bed
-8 split to two -6 lines
Dual Walbro 255's
Dual -6 back in to single -8
Aeromotive A1000 regulator
-6 return line
Speed inc Fuel rails

Rear
8.5" GM Out of a 1967-72 P/U
New posi unit (came in truck already)
3.73 Gears
275/50/15 BFG DR's

Suspension/brakes
Front disks out of a 1967-72 P/U

The idea was a 14 second truck on motor and a 12.50 on the direct port N20 kit.

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

These are the original motor mounts I fabbed up.. I was originally going to run C5 Z06 manifolds.

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

I was convinced to ditch the C5 Z06 manifolds for a set of Edelbrock 1 3/4 stepped to 1 7/8 tube headers. Here are some pics of them in the truck. I had to massage the passanger frame rail a little. But no biggy..

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

Couple more exhaust pics..

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

The fuel system was originally mounted low, and here are pics of the dual pumps.

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

This is what the engine bay looked like back then.

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

Bout time,, we've been waiting for a built thread on this thing. With all the new rear suspension work is wus time to start documenting things!!!! :)

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

sweet, i agree with marv, bout time!

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

As much as I hate to do it, I am going with coil overs. Yes I know, I have said you don't need them, and really you don't "neeeed" them in order to make things work. But in order to retain the factory spring and shock location, it would take as much money in fabrication as it does to buy a set of coil overs. I shouldn't cheap out and buy double adjustables, but I am cheaping out. This is what I bought:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HAL-DS902/

http://static.summitracing.com/globa...aln4855p_w.jpg

They are 23.75" at full length with 8.75" of total travel. They are the longest and have the most travel. That is a good thing when trying to make things work.

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

Have any front coils for sale or which part recommendation on the trick springs for a 84 shortbed with an aluminum headed sbc. drag...

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

Before any spring can be recomended, I would need to know what the front end weighs with you in it and your installed spring height at the ride height you want. Only then can I look in to the crystal ball and make an educated guess.

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

I got a chance to swing by Joe's house today. Here are some fresh pics, It looks great in the pics, but better in person. He said with the tow hitch the back frame was 134lbs. The new one so far is right about 26lbs.

The coil overs will attach to the second X-member which might get moved once they come in.

The panhard bar is going to get lengthened and attatch to the new frame at the bottom bend and closer to the truck arm itself.

The cage will come through the back of the cab and connect to the top of the new frame rail. It might extend all the way down to the tip of the new rear frame rail near where the back bed mount will be.

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

Here are some pics of the tube fittment and welds. Sorry for the crapy pics of the welds, I had to use a flash :(

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

Work looks sweet!

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

Looks awesome!

What size tube is that?

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

I will say it over and over, Joe does excelent work!!!


1 5/8" and .083 wall.. The same exact tube the cage will be made from.

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

I really like how he drilled a hole and put that tube through to the bottom of the factory frame.

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

Ok.. One minor change. Canceled the summit order as a buddy offered up some double adjustable Konis for the same amount of money I would have in to single adjustable HAL's with springs.

These were freshly rebuilt, so that makes me feel good!!

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

Sweet that's a deal!

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

Ahhhhh What is it Dave Morgan says,, "MISERY loves a bunch of adjustments in a suspension bracket (shock)" LOL,, Double adjustable is the way to go Shaun as I'm sure you know or you wouldn't have done it. Only problem is finding someone good with the HD camcorder to video the suspension working at launch. Have those same Konis, in aluminum on the Nova and it took me most of one whole season to find what the chassis liked in rebound. I'd only change it one click for every race and video / compare. Funny thing was that chassis didn't seem to care what bump setting was. But then I'm kind of a 'set it and forget it' kind of racer. Once we had it spinning the slick 1 to 1-1/2 revolutions at launch,, 60' was dead consistant in the mid 1.2's

Is he going to box the end of the stock frame where he attached the new tubing? I know the frame is a massive 'hunk' of metal,, but being 'stamped' to the C-channel I'd be a bit concerned about that top flat work-hardnening and cracking. But, like you said,, he's dang sure on top of the chassis work and has his plan to tie it all up. Keep the pictures coming !!!!!! :)

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

Marv,

I am planing on putting a camerr mount inside the bed to where I can see a shock and tire. I will then be putting a white stripe on the tire so I can see if it is spinning or not.

Joe is planing on capping the frame.

I will put more pics up as they come.

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

Very nice, you will appreciate the Koni double adjustables. It makes it easier to make small adjustments for different conditions, especially on radials! The build is looking great. It looks like yours has gotten out of hand, like mine did. Mine was supposed to be a hot street truck, with and occasional trip to the track. Somewhere along the way, the original plan got ditched. lol I would'nt change it for anything now though. Keep us updated. Paul

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

I missed that the tubing went THROUGH the top of the frame and was fitted / welded to the bottom also. That is WAY cool!
It's also the difference between a chassis builder and a backyard hack like me. I would never had dreamed of it!

(BTW, new Dart little M and one new piston was the solution to my problem :( )

Re: My build thread.. 63 LS powered C10
 

I saw in the motor thread that was the route you went. Glad the machine shop is helping you out some as well..