Budget Buster 68 C10 swb fleetside

[nick martorano]

Finally! I got to install the LS376/480 (LS3 Hot Cam Crate engine) and teh 4L80e, headers, front drive and all accessories and plugged in most of the wire harness for engine.

[nick martorano]

Supposed to get my truck back tomorrow from the painter so that I can get started finishing it up!

[fast50ranger]

Looks like it coming along good

[nick martorano]

Originally Posted by fast50ranger

Looks like it coming along good

Thanks man!

[nick martorano]

Well didn't get my truck back again today from the painter. Says it will be done tomorrow now! Not going to hold my breath! Don't want to rush him but I want to get it back so I can get started!

[nick martorano]

Picking up the truck tomorrow from the painter! Finally! He got it all sanded and buffed except the hood. He is keeping the hood until I get the motor installed. I was thinking about getting the billet hood hinges from Eddie Motorsports or Fessler. Has anyone used either brand and if so, any comments would be appreciated. Don't want to spend $750 if they don't do the job. I have Fessler's hinges on my 70 Chevelle and really like them.

[nick martorano]

I have a couple of new pictures but having trouble uploading them for some reason!

[2wd73blazer]

What is the backspacing on your wheels?

[nick martorano]

I believe the rears wheels are 22"x10" with 5" backspacing and the fronts are 20x8 with 4.5 of backspace.

[nick martorano]

I will check my receipt when I get to my office to verify for sure.

[nick martorano]

Back spacing on both front and rears wheels is 5.25". I just checked my paperwork. I hope this helps.
Also, I am using CPP 2" drop spindles and have installed Air bags all the way around and all CPP control arms and trailing arms etc. Stock rear tubs and stock wheel wells in front.

[SIXTY9CST]

Originally Posted by nick martorano

Back spacing on both front and rears wheels is 5.25". I just checked my paperwork. I hope this helps.
Also, I am using CPP 2" drop spindles and have installed Air bags all the way around and all CPP control arms and trailing arms etc. Stock rear tubs and stock wheel wells in front.

>Nice build! What size tires are you using?

[68 TT]

You might want to paint the top of the dash satin black to knock down the glare coming off that nice new silver paint.

[nick martorano]

Yeah you might be right! I am going to wait and see how it goes.

This weekend I got the new fuse panel mounted and the wires run to the back of the truck for the tail lights etc and the front light harness run to the front of the truck. I will put the wires in some sort of covering to protect them but wanted to get them run for now. I also got the A/C box installed! I also scratch the paint on the fire wall and chipped the paint where one of the screws goes through

[nick martorano]

Originally Posted by SIXTY9CST

>Nice build! What size tires are you using?

I will check tonight when I get home for the tire sizes. Having an old timer's moment! Not that I am old though!

[Krooked Kustoms]

Good things take time grasshopper! haha. Mate that thing is off its nut! Love the silver. Are you planing on blowing it or throwin on some turbos?
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[nick martorano]

No Blower or turbos as this is going to be a daily driver. Not that putting either a blower or turbos would mean that it can't be street driven but i am on a budget! LOL! So much for the budget. I have already exceeded it. If I were still in the budget I would consider doing a TVC blower. But the LS376/480 will be enough for now. I mean, 480 HP?!! The truck will be about 3000 pound so it will be fun!

So let the fun begin! I just picked it up today from my painter. It is back at my house so now I can start getting it finished up. I plan on starting with the interior and removing all the carpet padding and installing the Dynamat. Then I will mount the computer and start the wiring.

Bummer is that I will be out of town for the next 4 days on business in Minneapolis

Here are a couple more pictures of the truck.

[Krooked Kustoms]

Originally Posted by nick martorano

No Blower or turbos as this is going to be a daily driver. Not that putting either a blower or turbos would mean that it can't be street driven but i am on a budget! LOL! So much for the budget. I have already exceeded it. If I were still in the budget I would consider doing a TVC blower. But the LS376/480 will be enough for now. I mean, 480 HP?!! The truck will be about 3000 pound so it will be fun!

Sorry miss read it, I thought I read that it was goin to have 1000hp but you were talking bout the auto. Opps! Yeah with 480hp should be more fun than a barrels of monkeys! Truck looks really good mate can't wait to see it complete! Cheers
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[nick martorano]

Forgot to say Thanks for the comments on the truck!
Thank You!

[2wd73blazer]

Do you still have the 68 rearend under it? I think its narrower than 69-72. I love how the wheels fit.

[jbice70gmc]

Are your airbags aired all the way out or is the pics all taken at ride hight? Doing a similar suspension setup, and wheel combo just adding the Cnotch in the rear. How much room do you have left between the inner fender and rear tire when bags are aired out. One last question what size tires are you running front and rear. Thanks and great job on the build color looks nice.

[nick martorano]

Ratyas 69,
Yeah the tranny was built to hold up to a 1000 horse power! 480 HP with the stock LS3 is going to be all I plan on putting to it at this time but one never knows what might come along later!

[nick martorano]

jbice70GMC,
I am not in town this week so I will get back to you with the tire sizes later like Friday.

As for the air bags, yes they are all the way down right now in the pictures but I have full turning and could run that low but the ride would be harsh to say the least. I think I can put my finger between the wheel well lip in the rear but not sure about how much room I have in front. I still have the C-notch to do.

[nick martorano]

Well I finally got to start working on my truck today! Only a week after I got it back from the body shop. Been out of town then had company in town that we had to entertain.

Any way.....on to the Good stuff! Today I completed all of the suspension work that was left. I installed new tie rod ends with billet adjuster sleeves, new Pitman arm, new idler arm and new front sway bar. Then I removed the orginal fuse block and stock wiring, remove old carpet padding and started installing the Dynamat. I am attaching some before and after pictures. All my new control arms and air bags etc. are all dusty from the body shop. I have to get it cleaned up. Also found a couple of little rust spots under the carpet padding so I am going to get some POR 15 just to make sure it doesn't get any worse.

[nick martorano]