1963 C-10 in NC

[1963c-10]

OK, more parts enroute....ordered new ARP flywheel & pressure plate bolts.

ARP Flywheel bolts 7/16" - 20 x 1" ARP-100-2801 $10.29 180,000psi
ARP Pressure plate bolts 3/8" -16 x 1" ARP 130-2201 $13.10 180,000psi

Need to double check the flywheels I have. Most are 10.5", but I believe I have one that will hold an 11" clutch also. If not, I'll ordered one from Summit. I know the bellhousing is part # 3815891 and it will except 10.5" or 11" clutch.

Other issue I'm sorting out is to use a stock starter or a high torque starter. I hear pros/cons for both. And I don't want to chew up a flywheel with a high torque starter either.......

[TJ's Chevy]

With that clutch you should easily be able to do a 3rd gear burn out! LOL! Yep..I'll get you some pictures when I can..the 77 is on jacks right now..big ol 496 V8 blew up the spider gears in the axle...that was funny..until the amount of money it costed to buy the new parts...but..gave us an excuse to convert to a posi. lol By the way..What year is the hood bird on your 63 again?

[1963c-10]

60-61 hood ornamnet. chevy has the long pointed nose and the gmc's are short and blunted

[bj383ss]

I have a high torque starter on my Caprice. The two things I like about it is kicks the high CR 11.1 over with no problem. Second is it has different positions to make it fit better around headers. I would definitely recommend it if you big block is high compression.

Bret

[1963c-10]

Ive been looking into them...will decide this weekend.

[1963c-10]

clutch kit and the new arp bolts arrived. went through my stash and found a good 168 tooth flywheel that'll take an 11" clutch. i'll take it down monday to get turned....it looks good, no broke/chipped teeth or cracks. so now just down to exhaust decisions

[1963c-10]

A few pics of the flywheel and clutch. Spent most of the weekend working in the yard. We are in flow blown pine pollen season down here and any outdoor painting is on hold until the pine trees are done.

Will get the flywheel up to the machine shop tomorrow to have it turned. All bolts are in, so clutch assembly is complete.

[TJ's Chevy]

Neat!

[1963c-10]

yeah, glad all the parts for the conversion are done except, exhaust. my banks happy too.

[1963c-10]

Dropped the flywheel off at my machinists today. $35 and I'll have it back by lunch tomorrow. So more good news. Now just need to get some exhaust quotes to compare to the flowmaster universal 3" kit prices. And starter....still debating standard big block starter or hi torque starter.....

[1963c-10]

Big brown truck came yesterday....brought my new front/rear and rear diff brake lines. Had some made in stainless steel. Not much new to report.....been busy with yard/house projects....but back at it this weekend. Looks like April 25 is the tentative swap date...so stay tuned.

[1963c-10]

Another small job done. Just back from the machine shop....nothing like freshly turned metal!!!! This should make the new clutch happy. Just need to install the pilot bearing and bolt on the flywheel & clutch now.

[1963c-10]

Got the threads all retapped last night and the bolts in for the clutch housing. Pilot bearing removed and new one installed also, so clutch assembly is finally done. Just need to do final assembly and install. I'll get the clutch and bell housing installed this weekend so the only thing to add will be the trans. Getting closer and ready for the 25th to come around!!!

[bj383ss]

So where did you get your brake lines from? And are they stock or for front disc conversion.


Bret

[1963c-10]

The fronts are a kit from Brothers to be used wit a disk front end and the front/rear and rear linsI ad made up by a guy online that I've been using for awhile. He does excellant work and I'v never had a line not fit from him.

[TJ's Chevy]

Looking good!

[1963c-10]

Getting there....progress on the fleetside today, so maye some stepside work tomorrow.

[1963c-10]

Got the last of the fuel line assembled yesterday for the big block. Will get the clutch set up tonight and maybe the pulleys if I get time tonight. Still need to reset the engine to top dead center on #1 and adjust vacuum advance placement on the distributor. With the water bypass system in place it limits the distributor play. Got the carb and return spring bracket mocked up yesterday also. (even though carb will have to come back off to install). Temp sending unit installed too.

I plan to plumb in a fuel pressure gauge on the out flow of the filter. Will be easy to plumb in with some unions.

Finally got the process down to make the hoses without tearing up the anodized fittings while tightening them down.

[1963c-10]

Got the fitting ordered this morning for the fuel pressure gauge. This will only add about 1.5" to the line length and I can plumb it in after the fuel filter. This will give me fuel pressure reading out of the filter. Russell 670340 -6an male/female with 1/8npt port for the guage.

Also picked up an engine stand from harbor freight today.....1000lb stand on sale from $89.99 marked down to 45.99. Got some new grade 8 bolts to go with it also. I've got a cherry picker, but have needed a rotating stand for awhile. I have an engine cradle that rolls that's great, but doesn't rotate.

[bj383ss]

Not sure if its the same on the big blocks but don't forget the short bolt behind the oil filter housing so you don't crack the oil filter housing when you mount it on the stand.

Bret

[1963c-10]

the stands for the 348, and yeah it has the canister filter with the bolt behind it. i'd like to convert to a spin on style.

[1963c-10]

got the fuel line on, didnt get time for the pullys. got distracted by removing the trans from the 348. i'll try and get the pulleys, alternator & brackets & fan on tomorrow if its not raining outside. need to get the flywheel & clutch mounted too.

[1963c-10]

Pic from yesterday. I need to swap out the valve covers also for the finned edelbrocks.

[TheBlueBomber]

Have you gotten a chance to finish the other cover?

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by TheBlueBomber

Have you gotten a chance to finish the other cover?

About 60% done....was looking at it last night when the rain blew through, but was just too tired from the last few weeks of work with no days off. Out of town on the camping trip frri-sun, so maybe when I get back sunday night I can get back on it.