Project -underfunded - '68 shortstep/carb'd LSx/200-4r build

[68GMCCustom]

doesn't that exhaust manifold with the shield off look like a cast iron shorty header?

[85burb]

They do. Look way better then my maniflods nonflowing self.

[mac72]

Man thats 1 tall intake when you look at it from the side like that,It's cool though

[68GMCCustom]

Yes, I think its taller then some of the single plane intakes. Thats why I measured one side shot...wondering if it will all fit under the hood!

[68GMCCustom]

narrowed the cam down to 2 choices...tho my foot says #2.....* is my 1st choice
*223/231 @ .050 - .610/.617 lift - 112 LSA or
227/235 @ .050 - .614/.621 lift - 112 LSA

[mac72]

112 lsa, should be nice & choppy!

[68GMCCustom]

stayed with the Comp LSr, the 273Lr HR12... 223/231 @ .050 .610/.617 112LSA cam, bought the Patriot Gold kit with double springs and titanium retainers and locks. I got the Crane spring tool to change out the springs and all while the heads are still on and a pushrod checker to verify what pushrods I'll need. Also got all the LS2 front cover and sensor stuff to replace the VVT stuff along with a bunch of ARP bolts...and a flexplate kit for older transmissions to go with my GMPP adapter. Between it all I should be able to mate up the trans, and I'll just sell the one I don't use.

Trans has been painted and the new energy suspension mount will be here in a few days. The front control arms are ready to go so I'll be bolting in the new drop spindles this weekend, hopefully mocking up the trans, so I can install my frame boxing plates, and also painting and bolting in the rear end...or maybe I'm being too optimistic.


oh yah........I almost forgot...based on various tests results I've seen, similar cams, an identical block/heads config.....this cam should push the motor to well over 500hp (probably around 535hp) and roughly 450tq. Not bad for normally aspirated w/o nitrous.

[85burb]

After we both get these done we will have to meat some place. Maybe we can have a LSx swap...meat. That would rock.

[68GMCCustom]

made a little progress

got some parts in:


front suspension ready to go together:


painted the 2.5" drop spindles with a "cast iron" coat of paint:


springs were black...now they're silver:


got the trans painted..its "graphite, and darker then it looks:



also bought ARP water pump bolts twice (ooops)...so if anyone needs a set...

[c10seconds]

This is looking good! Are you using the stock truck pan? Does it hang lower than that front crossmember?

[68GMCCustom]

Thanks! I'm using the stock LY6 truck pan with the ECE mounting kit. The back of the pan is about even with the bottom of the crossmember but...I have the motor supported in the back on a 2x3 and jack stand right now. If the angle changes much with the trans hookup (and removal of support)...it might be 1" or so lower at the back of the pan?

[68GMCCustom]

got some more goodies today....including my cam!





more pic updates coming soon....

[68GMCCustom]

well, I got the trans in and tossed in the drive shaft (not cleaned/painted yet) to see how things looked.




I also tossed one of the front 1" drop springs and 2.5" drop spindles on the tubular upper and stock lower control arms to see how it looks.





the base for the air cleaner I got is a 3" drop so it looks kind of funny...and will be replaced with a "flat" one.

[68GMCCustom]

got a little more done. CPP front 1" drop springs, 2.5" drop spindles, and CPP tubular upper and stock lower control arms all installed with new ball joints/bushings...and now waiting for the new brakes to arrive. I need to get rear axle installed so I can determine if the motor needs to come back some or not.






the very back of the oil pan has a dropped area around the drain plug...that hangs maybe 1" below the crossmember with the ECE kit and an LY6 oil pan.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

She should really come alive with that new motor cant wait to see her done..

[c10seconds]

NICE! What do you go with for brakes? Headers? Or will you be using the stock manifolds?

[68GMCCustom]

Thanks guys. Haven't made a final decision on headers but looks like I may get some 2nd gen f-body 1 3/4" primary (unless I find a 1 7/8") swap headers. As far as brakes....I'm still going to be running the 15" rally wheels (going to upgrade from the 8" to some 10" rallies for the rears) for a while (until credit cards get paid down so I can charge them up again ) so since they have to fit 15's... I'm going with all new slotted/drilled OEM size front brakes from CPP with new calipers, bearings, etc.. As for the rear...it may stay drum for a while, but I'll get a rear disc kit sometime.

My dream has been to go with a complete custom coilover IFS (porterbuilt, fatman, no limit, jim meyer racing), with rack and pinion steering and adj. shocks...with bags in the rear.

[68GMCCustom]

Well he..
Got the trans in so I could see if everything was close to matching up...or needed some adjustment....it needs an adjustment!








so....I pulled the motor back out to correct the situation... and to remove the VVT cam and install my new cam, springs, etc....



plus, my new front brakes, brake booster, prop valve, and master cylinder, stainless lines, and a few other pieces should arrive here tomorrow. Once I get all that installed and the motor back in...I'll be getting a lot closer to putting the body back on, and seeing what it'll do!

[POPO1984]

I can wait to see how you truck sits with the drop. Its what i have on my bare frame at this time

[85burb]

Sure looks good so far. You are really making good progress.

[Dieselwrencher]

Nice progress! That thing should be an animal!

[68GMCCustom]

Thanks....and I sure hope so!

[c10seconds]

Nice!! I wonder how well the trans will hold up. Is it built?

[68GMCCustom]

Yes. Local builder/racer/trans guru and Trans shop owner built it for 500+hp and with a 2500rpm stall.

[68GMCCustom]

Getting closer to having the front end buttoned up. Added drilled/slotted rotors, new calipers, new bearings and seals, and stainless brake lines.







I need to get busy and get the cam and springs in now so I can measure and order my new push rods. I think I'm going to go get 16 of those cheap extending pen magnets to make sure my lifters don't fall.