The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post

HomeMadeSin · 10-03-2018, 07:54 AM

Yes, given the variations so far I fully understand what you are saying. Although I've been thinking about the path forward for some time, now that I have the truck its kicked up several notches.

Without question, a front disc upgrade is happening. I haven't found a front end donor locally so am looking at the disc kits. No way in hell I'm driving with drums up front.

I'm leaning toward staying with a bench seat, but don't want a hokey frame/support. There appears to be a reasonable chance of finding a decent, period correct bench.

The real question is the motor and transmission. I want to stay with a manual gearbox but the SM420 might drain my enthusiasm at highway speeds (it is a 4.56 rear). Besides, it would eliminate many potential thieves that don't know how to shift...

Given the expense of rebuilding what appears to be a late 70's crate motor, I think buying a modern Vortec-based system would be more ideal. That's the course I'm chasing at the moment.

10-03-2018, 07:54 AM	#29
HomeMadeSin Registered User Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Savannah, GA Posts: 42	Re: RPO Code Clues Yes, given the variations so far I fully understand what you are saying. Although I've been thinking about the path forward for some time, now that I have the truck its kicked up several notches. Without question, a front disc upgrade is happening. I haven't found a front end donor locally so am looking at the disc kits. No way in hell I'm driving with drums up front. I'm leaning toward staying with a bench seat, but don't want a hokey frame/support. There appears to be a reasonable chance of finding a decent, period correct bench. The real question is the motor and transmission. I want to stay with a manual gearbox but the SM420 might drain my enthusiasm at highway speeds (it is a 4.56 rear). Besides, it would eliminate many potential thieves that don't know how to shift... Given the expense of rebuilding what appears to be a late 70's crate motor, I think buying a modern Vortec-based system would be more ideal. That's the course I'm chasing at the moment.