'59 Apache Camaro IFS project

[nikwho]

I just drove the truck for most of 2018 and early 2019. I was less than thrilled with the performance of the truck with the mostly stock 355 SBC and totally stock 700r4 transmission in the truck. So, mid 2019 I built up an all forged 388" SBC, with a 4 bolt main block, forged +0.060" pistons, ARP studs throughout, World Products heads and a Quick Fuel carb. I went with a 303°/313° duration, .487"/.508" lift HFT cam, with the intention of eventually swapping to a roller cam. Knowing that the old stock, high milage 700r4 would not survive behind my new stroker, I needed a transmission swap, too. I had installed a TCI Streetfighter transmission in my '68 GMC, but it was getting a 496 BBC and a built TH-400 swapped into it, so I liberated its transmission for my '59 Apache! I went with a new 2,800-ish rpm stall converter. I have been very happy with the new engine and transmission setup! Performance is night and day. The truck absolutely rips now!

[nikwho]

A few pictures from the install of the new 388 and TH-350... Oh, with the engine upgrade, came new QA1 tubular control arms, McGaughy drop spindles, Eibach Springs, Bilstein shocks and all new steering components.

[nikwho]

Since I was already amidst an engine swap, I decided to also swap to a serpentine belt accessory drive, off of an '89 Blazer. So far, I'm super happy that I have done this swap!

[nikwho]

With my new increase in performance, I swapped my front brakes out for cross drilled and slotted rotors, new calipers and pads. Early this year, I purchased an "LS1" disc brake kit for my rear 10 bolt axle, also with cross drilled and slotted disc brake rotors. Since my axles were coming out for my new brake swap anyway, I also took the opportunity to swap my original 3.08 R&P out for a Richmond 3.73:1 R&P, and added an Auburn locker!

My new LS1 brakes were too big for my old 15" Cragar smoothies, so a new set of shoes were in order for the 'ol girl! I went with Foose Legend wheels. 18"x9" in the rear, and 18"x7" in the front. I went with the 7" front wheel because I had a lot of rubbing in the front with a set of 17"x8" Boyd Junkyard Dog wheels that I ran for a while. My Foose wheels only allowed my lug nuts to thread on a few turns, and I was definitely not comfortable with that few threads engaged. So, I got a set of longer Moser wheel studs that allowed proper lug nut engagement.

I am running BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 tires.
275/40-18 in the rear and 245/40-18 in the front.

[nikwho]

I took my c-notch deeper, with a new universal c-notch kit. Now notched a touch over 4". The previous notch was shallow, about 2", and came too close to bottoming out.

[59chev]

Cool build!

My 59 started out as a longbox too. The first time i built it it was stock with an inline 6 and stock 3 speed. I tore it all back apart again for a camaro clip, shortboxed it and went with an airbagged 4-link and a 327 with a 700r4. Not on the road yet but I'm getting closer.

[joedoh]

outstanding! thanks for catching us up

[nikwho]

Absolutely! There's quite a bit more that got done. Just had to take a break. Ill add more. G9nna be getting a bunch done between now and this year's Dino's Git Down, so I'll try to keep this thread updated.