Project "DV8ED" 67 Chevy SWB

[resto newbie]

I have been a stalker on this forum for a long time seeing all the innovative ideas and sick rollers and completed builds(Awesome build Cheby- I see your truck everywhere). The best C10 forum imo.

Lets start in the beginning, my beloved late grandmother had a 1972 Chevy LWB when I was a kid, which I believe gave me the C10 bug. My first C10 was a running 1969 Chevy that I traded for a TV and new double pumper. Other than a hanging shifter, brake problems, and a leaky roof, I thought it was a good start.

[resto newbie]

After tearing it down I noticed a lot of rust- everywhere. I also found the frame had been cut on and banged around. I then found and bought a 1968 GMC cab and a 6 lug bare frame.

[resto newbie]

I kept those lying around for a while. In the meantime I was accumulating parts, such as a new 1967 front clip from LMC. I always knew I wanted the 67 front end. I also acquired a 5 lug axle from a junk yard. Until one day I ran across a deal I couldn't pass up. A 1967 small window SWB cab, frame, and drive train with 60,000 original miles.

[resto newbie]

I ordered my Porterbuilt extreme front dropmember and control arms a month ago. So this is where we are at. 1967 is on the trailer in my shop. New 67 front clip and 5 lug axle lie in wait, just as I am waiting on my dropmember and arms to arrive. My 69, frame, and 68 cab reside in the woods to serve as extra parts or sheet metal I may need.

Plans are, as of today, laying the pinch welds on the ground, Accuair iLevel, LS3 480 HP V8, manual tranny, narrowed rear, 22x8.5 in the front, 22x12 out back, and a 5 inch chop top.

We've all got to start somewhere. Mine was a dream.

[Hardesty454]

And what a great dream it looks to be...

Welcome and good luck. Sounds like you have your ducks in a row!

[screaminchevypickup]

Great plans!!

[resto newbie]

Rear pic of the beginning of my project.

[aggie91]

Great plans on this one. I have been jonesing for a '67 small window for a long time. I have too many other projects to get one, plus the wife would shoot me...LOL

Tuning in for this build!

[resto newbie]

Originally Posted by aggie91

Great plans on this one. I have been jonesing for a '67 small window for a long time. I have too many other projects to get one, plus the wife would shoot me...LOL

Tuning in for this build!

Thanks. There is something to be said for being single and childless.
This is going to be an extremely long building process. I drive a truck and don't get to work on it as much as I'd like.

[resto newbie]

I'm looking for a little advice. I'm just curious what kind of a response I would get to this question. LS3 or 427 BBC for this build? Both have comparable HP and TQ. What's your opinion?

[slowcpe]

Great ideas, interested in seeing it all come together.

I was torn with the LS/BB decision as well. I remember looking at a yellow '67 when I was 15 (I'm 36 now) that had a 427 in it. My parents were going for it until they saw and heard the engine. So a 427 was one of my first considerations, especially since I've found a handful for sale. When comparing the 2, LS seems more logical. Better drive-ability, mileage, and quite possibly performance. Plus it may even be cheaper to build.

At the same time there's something to be said about a big block.

You could "compromise" and build a 427 LS small block

[resto newbie]

Originally Posted by slowcpe

Great ideas, interested in seeing it all come together.

I was torn with the LS/BB decision as well. I remember looking at a yellow '67 when I was 15 (I'm 36 now) that had a 427 in it. My parents were going for it until they saw and heard the engine. So a 427 was one of my first considerations, especially since I've found a handful for sale. When comparing the 2, LS seems more logical. Better drive-ability, mileage, and quite possibly performance. Plus it may even be cheaper to build.

At the same time there's something to be said about a big block.

You could "compromise" and build a 427 LS small block

Very true, I could. I am looking at crate engines though and I'm limiting myself to around $8000 for the power plant. With that budget I could get either the LS3 480 HP, or the ZZ427 480 HP. I've never owned a BB, my 2004 2500HD has a 6.0 LS in it. My project will not be a daily driver, so mpg isn't an issue really. Sheesh it's difficult, but nice problems to have.

[aggie91]

After doing a LS swap in my son's '82, i would go with the LS3. Same power in a lighter weight package and better drivability. Easy upgrade to well over 500 hp....

[resto newbie]

Originally Posted by aggie91

After doing a LS swap in my son's '82, i would go with the LS3. Same power in a lighter weight package and better drivability. Easy upgrade to well over 500 hp....

Thanks for the feedback. I am taking it all into consideration before I decide on either.

[resto newbie]

Talked to Dave at PB today. All they are waiting on is my I6 motor mounts!

[resto newbie]

It's funny how much I get excited over the smallest of parts. I'm stuck at Kenworth getting my semi worked on and I decided to see if they had a couple fittings for my front airbag temporary setup. They did.

I may need parts rehab.

I wish I knew how to rotate pictures!

[Hduramax]

My vote is big block, I get that a LS swap would be nice but with that said dare to be different, dropping a fuel injected BB in my 69 swb I post the link to my build but I am not sure how. Check out cruznby with a big block. Either way you go have fun with it and welcome to the board

[resto newbie]

I will be honest. I heard the sound of a ZZ427 and a 480hp LS3 on YouTube. I am heavily favoring the BB. The sound, the WOW factor, and the pure prestige of it is very impressive.

[C10_ustacould]

Originally Posted by resto newbie

I'm looking for a little advice. I'm just curious what kind of a response I would get to this question. LS3 or 427 BBC for this build? Both have comparable HP and TQ. What's your opinion?

There are several things that make the LS3 superior:
1. It’s lighter... a lot!
2. It is capable of making more power more efficiently.
3. It is less susceptible to oil leakage.
4. No distributor interference issues on extreme drop member equipped trucks.
5. Killer fuel mileage when coupled with an overdrive transmission.
6. The block can handle up to 1000hp with little to no additional prep, if your into that much power.

Just to name a few...

[resto newbie]

Thanks guys for the LS/427 discussion. I got some great feedback and a lot to think about. My Porterbuilt drop member and control arms arrived. The were shipped to my ex-girlfriends house and I went by to pick them up. So here is a pic of it put together and sitting on the top bunk in my semi.

I'm still not confident I have it together correctly as it didn't come with any instructions.

[VA72C10]

Going to be a nice truck for sure!

[resto newbie]

Originally Posted by VA72C10

Going to be a nice truck for sure!

I hope so. It's just going to take about 10 years to complete at this rate. I've always heard "it's the journey not the destination".

[C10_ustacould]

Cool Pic!

[resto newbie]

The mood lighting was totally by accident.

[resto newbie]

Going home April 10th-13th. I plan on some progress with "DV8ED". I bought some John Deere Blitz Black satin black rattle can paint and have begun to paint the PB parts. I just wanted some sort of protection on the bare metal since it will be a while before it gets powder coated.