AWD Conversion? Street fighter Ideas? Problems? Solutions

[Reumster]

Ok I'm just going to throw this topic in the mix. I've been wanting to do this sense 91, the year of the AWD Sy/Ty . Ever sense that day I was pulled into the reality that 4 is better than 2. And was quickly made a believer in the ultimate way to make a unstopable Stop Light too Stop Light street legal machine.

First start with drastic weight reduction

Now the tuff one. Then we throw around the front diff. What to use? We all know that the new independant chevy 4wd front ends will handle the task, but how to convert from torsion bar to bags? Input?

Next we stick a salvaged Awd Astro Van transfer case, then mate it to a 4L80E or better yet a bullet proof 700R4, Input?

Now the motor possible Messler built installed 1200 hp aluminum block/head SOHC 350 Twin Turbo TPI Ram Air set-up.

Finally the conecting factor the meats. I would have to say 20" X 10 front 20"X12" rear with around 30" diameter, either G-Force tires, or a soft compound, High G-force holding tire.

This is my sick goal, and dream in life for my blazer.

Now what are all off your thoughts and input? Aside from the sick engine set-up I think that this could be built for a reasonable price if home grown.

Ok go ahead and laugh, but they laughed at the Quadra Duece until it threw down 0-60 times in 3.2 seconds. Say we Quadra Blaz?

[Cheyenne Super]

... and use and entire z71 pickup frame(2 door tahoe) for your app. It will have all the suspension components we need already attached. On top of that belltech makes lowering kits for the gm 4wd vehicles. Then the difficult part becomes mounting the cab and bed. That wouldn't be that hard to do if one had a hoist to hold the cab in the proper position. If doing this with a truck instead of a blazer, USBody Source has the weight reduction in the form of fiberglass parts. And since we can use entire fiberglass parts we could build a cage and basically the body is just for looks.
My personal choice on the engine would be a mock of the 1100hp engine that Truckin' Mag built.
I am building my truck to be the ultimate Ford "Lighting Hunter". I am going have 18x9.5 wheels w/295/45-18 all the way around. Enough power to handle one even with many bolt-ons and juice.
That's just my personal goal for my truck.

[Patrick Sullivan]

Definately put an NV4500 or a T-56 in there instead of an automatic. You're not gonna build all that up and stick a half-ass tranny like a 700R4 in there, are ya?

[tbolt427]

Great idea Reu ,,, havent seen 67-72 like this yet ... Like the idea of T-56 ,,, Z71 frame setup and coil sprung of course ... Seams like it's going to be a pretty involved project ... I'd like to here somemore on this one ,,, because those Sy/Ty trucks are some mean machines ... If you dont know of these look into these,,, Could be a real performance / handling improvement for 67-72 Chevy Pickemups / Blazers...

[brennecke]

I was contemplating something like that. My cad motor is front wheel drive. Started me thinking about what it would take to do AWD.

[Low69CST]

I would look for a wrecked Syclone and cut the front end off of it and use it to replace the front clip on the truck frame. Never seen a syclone frame so I don't know how possible it would be but does sound like a good start.

[HvyChevy454]

i wrote classic trucks about that a few years back and i actually got my question printed in the mag. they said why bother it would be too much weight i should just stick 2 2WD. all i wanted was a truck the would ligth up all four tires and be like the Hurst Hairy Oldsmobile. i too still wish to do something of that sort someday.

[fluffytx1]

sounds like a whole lotta work and a wheelbarrel full of money.

[sniper2321]

I know Mark Steilow the man that made the Quadeuc. I contacted him and bought all the design work he did for it. I am planing on making a awd 67 stepside with the Joe Schubeck 904. Contact me and will work out some details.

[Reumster]

I also spoke to Rad about the Quadra Duece the person I spoke to stated around 100,000 was in the drive train on that thing. Wow! You seen the Ultimate Golf? See it!

The thing I don't like about the full frame swap of a 4wd newer chevy pickup is the leaf springs, I would stick with trailing arms without a doubt. Maybe sub frame the front and then throw a Sy/Ty Astro transfer case down in it.

As far as the tranny a properly built 700 will hold up to that power if not a 4L80E will for sure. And it will make the vechicle more user freindly, As you'll recal Summit put a 4 speed auto in the Quadra Duece II.

But if one had the tools, the actual drive train could be built for a very reasonable price I bet. The big expenses I see are the drive lines.

[Mike C]

My buddy has built a 74 Ford Bronco. It has a 560 ci 8-71 blown big block Chevy in it. It has the stock 4 wheel drive (dana 44 front 9" rear), a Turbo 400 and a NP 205 transfer case (drivers side exit) It has a viscous coupler on the front driveshaft. It's got 31" M/T all the way around. 10.5 in the front and 14.5 in the rear. Still under construction with the blown motor, but with a normally aspirated 427 in it it ran low 12's. Start with a 4 wheel drive truck. The Sy/Ty front diff is a dinky little thing and not near wide enough. You need some sort of differentiation f/r on the street so you could run a 203 t-case.

[lofly'a]

and i kept up with the quadra-duece buildup too, until summit gave up on dumping cash into this money pit. they never could get it to run as the design concept. wonder where it is now.........it made for good conversation for a while

[ty1295]

As a syty Owner, and one who has developed a few performance items for them (motor mounts, intake manifold, etc.) I know a little bit about them, the suspension, etc.

A syty is a 4wd chassis, lowered torsion bars, and Bravada transfer case. That part of truck is off the shelf from other trucks, nothing special. The turbo was the "SPECIAL" stuff.

The transfer case isn't the strongest, but it is holding up to some decent power now. We are running high 10's in quarter now, on a regular basis with stock transfer case. ~700hp, and 700+ ft lbs torque.

Why automatic? Because turbos HATE sticks. Turbos love autos. If you want something fun to drive, then maybe stick, but auto will be faster than a stick when mounted behind a turbo motor. And with a turbo, who needs a stick to have fun

If I was to tackle the project, here is my suggestion.

Somehow adapt a newer IFS chevy front suspension, spindles, diff, etc. Make sure front and back gear ratios match, and tire sizes.

Cheap alternative is a Bravada/Astro van AWD transfer case, and transimission. The syty's had parts in the 700r4 corvettes didn't have, hence they are the strongest STOCK 700, but with some research, that can be changed over. Better is probably the 4l80e if you have some type of computer to shift the tranny as it is electronic controlled.

No need to buy syty specific parts, as they will be worth 2x more, for same thing. (not many made, hence parts are expensive) even though transfer case is basically the same.

1 key, the AWD will make the tranny work MUCH harder than any 2wd will. 2wd is traction limited at some point tires spin. With AWD traction is not an issue, and LOTS of stress is felt by drivetrain, just a word of caution.

You can find lots of syty info at www.syty.net do a search.

There is a vender that sells an aftermarket front suspension, his name is Al Dustan (can be found on www.sportmachines.com page) He might be able to steer you in right direction also, as his kit removes torsion bars. His a arms might be able to be modified to fit 67-72, take some research.

If anybody needs a syty education, shoot me an email. I am by no means an expert, but I have extensive knowledge of just about all parts of the truck.

Jeff

[Reumster]

Man this board is full of knowledge!

Jeff man it must be nice to have a Typhoon! I almost had my dirt paws on one once. But I just wen to a big truck show in Carlisle Pa and seen three Sy/Tys, one Sy was extensively modified with full rebuilt beefed 4 bolt 4.3, and aftermarket Turbo, and custom intercooler. And many others claimed close to 600 at the wheels hp at 12 psi. It was impressive. I always wanted to buy a Sy/Ty ever sense there introduction, I thought it'd be cool to drop a Xtreme body on it for a real sleeper!

As for the Quadra Duece, I wasn't aware of any prolonged problems with it. I know Car and Driver did a write up on it awhile back and at the time was the fastest vechicle they'ed ever tested from 0-60 @ 3.2 seconds.

[ty1295]

I think I know what truck you saw. McCoy motorsports did the work on it. Randy was owner at time, but since show it has sold to a new owner.

That truck is capable of 10's with a little tuning. Has a proven combo that has gone 10's before in other trucks. I saw that truck myself about 3 months ago, was very nice. He had a lot of money in the mods.

For the chicago guys, the syty nationals are going to be there, end of month. www.sytynationals.com

If anybody is interested. I should have my 70 GMC stepside there also, as plan is to tow the typhoon, so I can beat on it, without worry.

Jeff

[NSANE68!!!]

Ruemster, just to let you know. You asked about lowering with basically a 4x4 setup or Typhoon setup. This is called a PORKCHOP system, it slides in to the torsion bars and gives you full range of up and down with air ride control. They make em for Full size Chevy 4x4 and Typhoon suspensions. I don't list em on my site but I got em.

[chevy2racr]

not to sound like a dumbass what what are the sy/tys? full size of compact trucks? pics??
thanks
Bryce

[highwaydevil]

syclone/typhoon. It was a factory s10 blazer/pickup, lowered, awd, hopped up with more power. Not sure about the rest of the specs, but that should get you an idea.

[Reumster]

I always wondered how to bag a torsion bar rig. Thats cool.

Cheyenne Super I'm not positive but I thing I spoke to US Body source years ago about who had a full blazer fiber body they said they had the mold for it but never put it into production. That would be awsome! Spendy I'm sure!

Yeah I think if I were to take on this project I'd go with a subframed front off a newer Chevy 4x4 and put that Torsion bag kit of it that NSAIN68 mentioned. Then mate a Astro SY/TY transfer case up to a built 700R4, with a Turbo high RPM SOHC 350. Probably start out with 3:73 gears. For sure want to retain the trailing arms.

Jeff how much would a good used Transfer case would be? Whats the model #?

Whats the earlest year Chevy put independant susp in there 4x4?
Also are 3/4 ton CV joints stronger? What would be the best one to nab from a junk yard?

[ty1295]

here is the style suspension I would use, to get rid of torsion bars

http://www.sportmachines.com/dpt/front.html

of course you would need something slightly different for full size. Much cleaner, lighter, could be bagged if you choose to.

Transfer cases sell for ~400 depending on mileage etc.

If you are going turbo, I would suggest 3.42 gear ratio. As turbo motors make more torque than a non turbo, and won't need as much gear.

For example my stock 4.3 made 450ft lbs. Almost double what a mustang or camaro makes on chassis dyno.