First start of my 84 C10 383 in over 5 years.

[bowtiebutler956]

Hello all, I'm not new here, but this is my first post. Before talking about todays start up, I would like to give some history of my truck. I've owned this truck for 15 years. It started life with a 305, and a TH350c trans. I got it with a blown head gasket. I replaced the head gaskets, and it became my work truck. While it ran ok, the 305 was gutless, and it burned oil. Well, after a couple years, I bought a brand new Mr Goodwrench 350 for it which ran sooo much better. Although I had a hopped up 88 Mustang to get my performance fix from, I couldn't help but feel my truck could still use a little more power. I ended up putting a set of the cheap chinese Pro Comp aluminum heads on it, along with a Comp Cams 268 cam, as well as an Edelbrock performer intake with a Holley 750 vacuum secondary carb. It was much stronger than before, and I drove it like that for several years. Somewhere along the line the TH350c went out, so I did a 700r4 conversion with a mild shift kit.
I'm a family man with four kids, and things started getting tight, so I sold my Mustang, thinking I had no need for toys like that anymore. Man was I wrong! It wasn't long after that I started building a motor from scratch for my truck.
The build list was this.
010, 020 high tin, high nickel 4 bolt main 350 block that still had a STD bore. Had it bored .030, and honed with torque plates, as well as being stroker clearance. All machining done by Deleon Racing.
Scat 9000 crank with the aero counterweights.
Scat 6" I beam rods
Manley forged flat top pistons.
Rotating assembly also balanced by Deleon Racing.
Brodix IK200 heads, with 70cc chambers. 10.25 compression ratio. Pocket ported, and gasket matched.
Lunati VooDoo 60104 flat tappet 504/525 lift cam.
Harland Sharp roller rockers (1.5)
Edelbrock RPM Air Gap intake.
Holley 750 double pumper with contoured main body.
I also installed a ram air box on it.
1 5/8 headers with 2 1/2" exhaust with H pipe and Flowmaster 40 series mufflers.

Now it really ran GOOD!
I tried to continue using it as my daily driver/work truck, but it was obvious that wasn't going to work much longer. I did get a chance to take it to our local track (Edinburg Speedway) once where the best I could get it to do was a 14.40 at 102mph. By its trap speed, it should have been faster, but it has 3.42 gears, and that was on stock street tires with very little traction.
Eventually the trans started going out again, and I was getting tired of the non stop money pit this thing was. I ended up getting another truck, and parked this one under the carport where it sat for the last 5 years, untill yesterday. I can't believe how rusty all the chrome and such under the hood got over the years.
In the video below, its running off a gas can, the fuel in the tank is awful!!! I'll be pulling the gas tank as well as the trans here very soon to get her road worthy again. After hearing it run again, I'm very excited to get the rest of the truck back up. Thanks, and here is a video along with a couple pics.

Matt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LprC_LPKj1c

[bowtiebutler956]

I pulled the fuel tank out this morning, and everything is scrap! This modern ethanol laced fuel is awful. I was expecting varnish, and such, but to see everything completely destroyed is not what I was expecting. (see pics below) The tank brackets really need replaced as well.
The fuel tank, and sender aren't overly expensive, but the brackets are pricey. I guess I better get some parts ordered.

Matt

[tucsonjwt]

Regarding the brackets, check your local pick and pulls first. Unless the truck has been in the rust belt the brackets should be salvagable. Clean them off with a wire wheel, spray with self-etching primer, finish with cheap black enamel spray paint from Home Depot ($1/can.)

Used brackets are available on Ebay for much less than new aftermarket, and new aftermarket don't have factory captive nuts, so you will have to use loose nut/bolts/lock washers to attach them. It is not easy to get between the frame rail and the tank to attach that loose hardware.

Be aware that there are 4 different types of brackets. As I recall, 73-80(?) and 81-87, plus left and right bolt pattern, so that makes 4 choices. Also, there are brackets designed for the full length plastic rock shield which have an extra piece welded to the bottom to accommodate an extra threaded stud to support the full length shield. I would stick with the front shield only style, but the full length style will work on any 81-87.

We have had some discussion on sending units. I would buy Delco units if the price isn't too steep. I bought Spectras for my 83 dual tanks and the gas gauge needle bounces, but some say that is due to a cheap aftermarket gauge. When the needle settles down the reading is correct, but it bounces when the truck is moving. I check the following for Delco or OEM parts:

www.rockauto.com
www.oewarehouse.com
www.oehq.com
www.gmpartsdirect.com

Plus, I always check ebay and Amazon once I have the Delco or OEM part number.

[1970pelle]

Your truck sure sounds healthy, love the exhaust tone.


Ken

[bowtiebutler956]

Originally Posted by tucsonjwt

Regarding the brackets, check your local pick and pulls first. Unless the truck has been in the rust belt the brackets should be salvagable. Clean them off with a wire wheel, spray with self-etching primer, finish with cheap black enamel spray paint from Home Depot ($1/can.)

Used brackets are available on Ebay for much less than new aftermarket, and new aftermarket don't have factory captive nuts, so you will have to use loose nut/bolts/lock washers to attach them. It is not easy to get between the frame rail and the tank to attach that loose hardware.

Be aware that there are 4 different types of brackets. As I recall, 73-80(?) and 81-87, plus left and right bolt pattern, so that makes 4 choices. Also, there are brackets designed for the full length plastic rock shield which have an extra piece welded to the bottom to accommodate an extra threaded stud to support the full length shield. I would stick with the front shield only style, but the full length style will work on any 81-87.

We have had some discussion on sending units. I would buy Delco units if the price isn't too steep. I bought Spectras for my 83 dual tanks and the gas gauge needle bounces, but some say that is due to a cheap aftermarket gauge. When the needle settles down the reading is correct, but it bounces when the truck is moving. I check the following for Delco or OEM parts:

www.rockauto.com
www.oewarehouse.com
www.oehq.com
www.gmpartsdirect.com

Plus, I always check ebay and Amazon once I have the Delco or OEM part number.

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it. I already ordered the Spectre sender, and tank from Orielly's. $40 Sender, $90 Tanks. I hope my needle doesn't bounce to much. My rear tank bracket is in bad shape, and even the used ones on ebay seem to be $100 for the pair (can't seem to find just singles). I'll try my local u-pull-it tomorrow, to see if they have one. I'm glad you told me there are different brackets. I'll make sure to take my old one with me. Thanks

Matt

[bowtiebutler956]

Originally Posted by 1970pelle

Your truck sure sounds healthy, love the exhaust tone.


Ken

I appreciate it. I've always been a sucker for a healthy cam with Flowmaster mufflers. Thanks

Matt

[nsulacountry]

That engine sounds strong and mean...

I know what you mean about the poor fuel today. One of my 1979 C20 tanks has rotted out.

CT

[bowtiebutler956]

Originally Posted by nsulacountry

That engine sounds strong and mean...

I know what you mean about the poor fuel today. One of my 1979 C20 tanks has rotted out.

CT

Thanks. When I started this thing for the first time in 5 years the other day, I fell in love with it all over again. I had forgotten how much I loved that sound.

Todays ethanol fuel is just awful. I can't believe how fast it goes bad, and can do alot of damage. Even my lawn equipment, if they sit a couple of months without use, the gas is already bad smelling, and corroding the carburetors.

Matt

[bilfman]

Sounds good!

[bowtiebutler956]

I located a better set of tank brackets at my local U-Pull-It. They were $15 a piece. I got my new Spectra gas tank, and sender. To my surprise the tag said made in Canada. I figured it would be China. I repainted the tank brackets before installing. Its nice to have it back running off its own tank. I had it running off a gas can previously.
I also pulled the valve covers to inpect things, and everything looked top notch.
Matt

[bowtiebutler956]

Well, I drove the truck out to my shop today so I can pull the trans. It has no OD, and 3rd is slipping. No doubt the 3-4 clutch pack is toast. However, I had rebuilt a 700r4 spare trans for it long ago, as you can see by the dates on the trans. My spare trans is a mild build. It has a high energy 7 clutch stack up in the 3-4 instead of the factory 6, corvette servo, 500 boost valve, and a Transgo SK700jr shift kit.
The current trans thats toast had the works. Alto Red Eagle clutchs, Koleen steels,Red Eagle band, both 2nd, and 4th billet super servos, 500 boost, .300 reverse boost, and Transgo competition shift kit. After I get my other trans in the truck, I'll open the old one up, and see whats salvageable. Here are a couple pics.

Matt

[bowtiebutler956]

I had a new torque converter for it as well. Its a 9.5" Revmax Stage 3, 3000 stall, thats spec'd for my truck, with the exception that I had it built for 4.10 rear gears, that I haven't installed yet. Now days Revmax wants $400 for this converter, but when I bought it back in 2011, it only cost $280. Talk about inflation! Anyway, here are a couple pics.

Matt

[bowtiebutler956]

I also cleaned the engine up a little, but it will take time to get everything looking good again.

Matt

[n8in8or]

Loving reading this Matt! I figured I might as well join the forum so I could watch you bring the truck back from its slumber, plus I'll need it when I start working on my '70. Loving the way this build sounds. I'm kind of surprised that you hurt the old 700 with the stuff you had done to it. I know it isn't the strongest trans, but still, with your mods it seems like it should have held up. It will be interesting to see what's wrong when you take it apart. Keep the updates coming!

[bowtiebutler956]

Originally Posted by n8in8or

Loving reading this Matt! I figured I might as well join the forum so I could watch you bring the truck back from its slumber, plus I'll need it when I start working on my '70. Loving the way this build sounds. I'm kind of surprised that you hurt the old 700 with the stuff you had done to it. I know it isn't the strongest trans, but still, with your mods it seems like it should have held up. It will be interesting to see what's wrong when you take it apart. Keep the updates coming!

I'm glad you joined Nate, and I certainly look forward to seeing you start on your 70 chevy.
I'm not sure what all fried in the old trans, but from the trans pan full of metal in the pic below, its not good. I got the new trans back in the truck today, but still have a couple things to do before it can be test driven. Hopefully all wil be well.

Matt

[Chaplain]

Nice work

[n8in8or]

Originally Posted by bowtiebutler956

I'm glad you joined Nate, and I certainly look forward to seeing you start on your 70 chevy.
I'm not sure what all fried in the old trans, but from the trans pan full of metal in the pic below, its not good. I got the new trans back in the truck today, but still have a couple things to do before it can be test driven. Hopefully all wil be well.

Matt

It looks like some healthy 383 happened to that trans! 😁
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[bowtiebutler956]

Originally Posted by Chaplain

Nice work

Thanks, I appreciate the kind words.

Originally Posted by n8in8or

It looks like some healthy 383 happened to that trans! 😁
Posted via Mobile Device

It is a pretty healthy 383. However, it should have held up better. This trans did have some miles on it, as it lived behind a strong 350 for quite awhile before I installed the 383. I still have some goodies sitting in storage for this truck, including the box pictured below. Barry Grant is out of business now, but I bought this 125-300 hp plate system long before they went belly up.

Matt

[n8in8or]

Originally Posted by bowtiebutler956

Thanks, I appreciate the kind words.



It is a pretty healthy 383. However, it should have held up better. This trans did have some miles on it, as it lived behind a strong 350 for quite awhile before I installed the 383. I still have some goodies sitting in storage for this truck, including the box pictured below. Barry Grant is out of business now, but I bought this 125-300 hp plate system long before they went belly up.

Matt

Ok I'm definitely following along now, Matt. Can't wait to see what else goes on this machine!
Posted via Mobile Device

[bowtiebutler956]

Thanks Nate.

The transmission shifts great. It has a nice firm shift, but not harsh. I forgot how fun it is to drive this truck! Its been a long time since I've driven anything as fast as this truck is.
I can't say enough nice things about this converter from Revmax! Years ago (when the truck still had a 350), I bought an off the shelf 3000 stall converter for my truck, but it was so loose, it wouldn't leave a stoplight without revving it way up. After 2 weeks I pulled it back out, and put the stock one back in.
Due to the size of the cam in this 383, it really need a stall converter, so I called revmax, and they assured me they could custom build a converter to my truck that wouldn't stall till 3000 at WOT, but would leave lights well, and function close to stock around town. They really pulled it off! Its fantastic!
I cleaned up the exhaust, and gave it a coat of ceramic header paint, to help keep it from rusting.

Matt

[bowtiebutler956]

I've been running a large 2 speed electric cooling fan on my truck from a 2000 Lincoln Town Car, and its always done a good job cooling my truck, but I guess it didn't like sitting for 5 years, as I noticed my temp starting to creep up today, so I popped the hood to find the fan motor had died. Just the replacement motor for this fan is $100, so for the time being I bolted my old clutch fan, and shroud on it. I will eventually put the electric fan back on, as I really like decreasing parasitic losses from the engine. .

Matt

[n8in8or]

Originally Posted by bowtiebutler956

Thanks Nate.

The transmission shifts great. It has a nice firm shift, but not harsh. I forgot how fun it is to drive this truck! Its been a long time since I've driven anything as fast as this truck is.
I can't say enough nice things about this converter from Revmax! Years ago (when the truck still had a 350), I bought an off the shelf 3000 stall converter for my truck, but it was so loose, it wouldn't leave a stoplight without revving it way up. After 2 weeks I pulled it back out, and put the stock one back in.
Due to the size of the cam in this 383, it really need a stall converter, so I called revmax, and they assured me they could custom build a converter to my truck that wouldn't stall till 3000 at WOT, but would leave lights well, and function close to stock around town. They really pulled it off! Its fantastic!
I cleaned up the exhaust, and gave it a coat of ceramic header paint, to help keep it from rusting.

Matt

Looking good Matt! Did you paint the trans or just manage to get it that clean?
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[bowtiebutler956]

Originally Posted by n8in8or

Looking good Matt! Did you paint the trans or just manage to get it that clean?
Posted via Mobile Device

Once I get my trannys clean, I give them a coat of cast coat aluminum paint Nate. While I could bead blast the case, I won't chance in on a trans. Thanks

Matt