newbie here - '77 swb

[project_77]

Yep, that's right. I'm fresh meat here. I bought my '77 SWB Chevy in March '09. Then two days later, the tranny cut loose on it. So me and a friend of mine put a new TCI tranny in with a Holeshot 2400.

At this point, it is driving better but seems "off" while running. A quick compression test revealed that the #5 cylinder was dead. No compression at all.

So again, me and my friend pull the head off to reveal a stuck exhaust valve.

I was able to pick up a set of heads from a racer friend of his for $200 and they already have big valves (2.02/1.60). I had to get a new intake because these heads are centerbolt heads.

Now it's running a lot better. Wifey bought me a cam for my bday (Lunati 60103) and I installed it with a rash of other new parts (water pump, oil pan, new lifters, gaskets galore, long-tubes and a permadry oil pan gasket (thick front seal here)).

I am real pleased with the way it is running now. It runs real strong. I am planning the on the following work next:

1. Rebuild front end

2. Ring and pinion (3.73 or MAYBE 4.11)

3. Rocker panels and floor pans

[asphaltburner]

Yo! project 77!
Very nice! Glad ya got things up to speed after some minor setbacks,...I always have that experience with the vehicles I buy!! LOL!
I run the 2.02/1.6 valve heads (World) on all my 350 builds, they're great!
Consider carefully re: 4.11:1 rears unless that TCI is OD. My FRANKENTRUCK has a TH400 and 4.11:1 rears, and I had to go to 17" rims and 33" tires to help reduce highway rpms. Perhaps not an issue for you, either,...my truck spends most of it's time at 70mph.
And nobody is "fresh MEAT" on this forum,...some of the other 4x4/truck forums are a bit mean spirited. THIS forum is GREAT an you'll make many friends here! It is a fantastic source for info and answers. WELCOME and keep up the nice work! We'll be anxious for more progress pics!
Todd.

[project_77]

Thanks for the warm welcome asphalt,

Yea, I have had a few setbacks......but it is a project truck afterall....lol..

I've had a few people tell me that those 4.11's are not friendly for everyday, highway driving. However, it would be fun!

And no, the tranny is not an AOD, it's a good 'ole TH350.

[asphaltburner]

Yo! FRANKENTRUCK does just fine at highway speeds (including passing!!), but mpg suffer a bit. It IS fun, ALL the time! Here's mine with it's 17" Foose Spank rims and 33" Firestones:





No idea who this JERK is hangin' around my truck:



Todd.