1963 C-10 in NC

[TheBlueBomber]

It really does look good Jon!

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by TheBlueBomber

It really does look good Jon!

Thanks Austin. Hopefully you can lend a hand at some point of the install.

[1963c-10]

Ordered the exhaust kit today after talking w/Comp cams and my engine builder. Both advised 2.5" exhaust for what I want to use the engine for. I had been looking at 3", but even Comp cams advised against it unless I plan to upgrade to more hp down the road. Both said it could be used, but that it'd hurt me on the bottom end and I;m not planning on rpms over 5k, so I went with a 2.5" kit from Summit. Complete w/mufflers and all hardware for $245.97 shipped. So....I'll let you guys know how the kit goes together and works when I get to it.

Last thing I need to do is to either order a new engine harness for the V8 w/HEI or modify my old L6 harness. At this point I'm thinking of just ordering the harness for time and ease. Truck shop of Orange Co has done good by me for quality and fit, so I'll probably order their harness #63-136281

[TheBlueBomber]

2.5" exhaust is going to be just fine for your application and it's going to end up sounding great!

[1963c-10]

I agree Austin. The 3" would have only made it louder and robbed low end torque. Im not turning 5,000 + rpms and it'll be loud enough as it is. If it were 500+ hp, both comp cams and my builder would have suggested 3".

Trying to get all the systems in tune without over doing it isn't easy. Exhaust and cams are common places where guys go too big.

[1963c-10]

Got the crank pulley on and took the fan off for some paint. Was a bear to tape, but I think it looks better now than just stainless steel. With the chrome pulleys and alternator & mounts it was just too much up front. I'm hoping this will break up the color a little. And it'll definitely need a spacer. The crank pulley is 3 groove. I did this in case I added p/s or a/c down the road so I wouldn't need new pulleys. Just went with a 2 groove up top. Nice thing is all pulleys have lined up perfectly. I need to get a belt measurement also for the alternator. Its the 1st time I've used this style of alternator mount, but it looks great, was easy to install and will make tightening the belt a breeze and no chance for slipping.

[TJ's Chevy]

Perrty!!!!

[McMurphy]

That does look cool !!
I know I did a bang up paint job on my fan, then hid it with a shroud...but that is Ok because I know it is there

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by McMurphy

That does look cool !!
I know I did a bang up paint job on my fan, then hid it with a shroud...but that is Ok because I know it is there

Thanks. It was just too much stainless before a few coats of blue. I'll know how well I like it once its on. It may cost more time and money, but I'll have what I want when I'm done.

[McMurphy]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

It may cost more time and money, but I'll have what I want when I'm done.

Exactly !!

[1963c-10]

Hope these help MP33...this is from the 63 accessory install book.

Seatbelt mounting instructions.

[MP33]

Yep that works. Thank you very much.

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

Hope these help MP33...this is from the 63 accessory install book.

Seatbelt mounting instructions.

[TJ's Chevy]

Make sure to put 4000 miles on it quickly so we can get a vid of some tire shredding! Motor is looking killer! Can't wait to hear it run(I hope!)!

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by T.J. MCCAULEY

Make sure to put 4000 miles on it quickly so we can get a vid of some tire shredding! Motor is looking killer! Can't wait to hear it run(I hope!)!

Thanks TJ. I'll probably use some old tires for the whole tire shredding episode!!

[bj383ss]

Originally Posted by T.J. MCCAULEY

Make sure to put 4000 miles on it quickly so we can get a vid of some tire shredding! Motor is looking killer! Can't wait to hear it run(I hope!)!

4,000? I was always told by 500 miles the rings were seated and ready to go. I used to drive around all night until I had 500 miles. LOL

Breaking in the cam. My least favorite thing of a new engine build. The neighbors love it though!

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by MP33

Yep that works. Thank you very much.

No problem. You know we'll want some pics of the install!!

[1963c-10]

Also had a good/bad day with the stepside. Parked it under the carport for the last time with the old 230 after a ride in it. I have to say I'll miss the old 6cyl. Its been extremely reliable and from what I can see and tell and for what I've done to the engine....its never been rebuilt and the trucks gotten 51 years of use out of it.

I'll start removing some stuff after work tomorrow night. Rain coming in Friday and saturday will be engine/trans removal and start to clean up the engine bay & frame and remove all non-essential hardware since its going to a hydraulic clutch.

[1963c-10]

Got the fan and spacer on the big block and I think it looks much better with the blue accents on the fan. The blue on the fan really broke up that solid chrome/stainless steel look I had going on. My OCD is happier with it too. The 2" spacer I already had, so I just cleaned it up and used it. I could get away with a 1", but I don't want to buy one until the engine is in and I know how my clearance looks on the radiator. I'll get some matching ARP bolts down the road so it matches the rest of the engine, but for now the grade 5 bolts will work. Still gotta swap the valve covers and unbolt and slide the distributor over a little for some clearance at the vacuum advance/water bypass hose on the pass side. But no biggie and easier to do once its out by the truck. Will do both at the same time so I can visualize the valves and TDC.

[niterider65]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

Got the fan and spacer on the big block and I think it looks much better with the blue accents on the fan. The blue on the fan really broke up that solid chrome/stainless steel look I had going on. My OCD is happier with it too. The 2" spacer I already had, so I just cleaned it up and used it. I could get away with a 1", but I don't want to buy one until the engine is in and I know how my clearance looks on the radiator. I'll get some matching ARP bolts down the road so it matches the rest of the engine, but for now the grade 5 bolts will work. Still gotta swap the valve covers and unbolt and slide the distributor over a little for some clearance at the vacuum advance/water bypass hose on the pass side. But no biggie and easier to do once its out by the truck. Will do both at the same time so I can visualize the valves and TDC.

sure am liking the way that motor is lookin
keep up the good work

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by niterider65

sure am liking the way that motor is lookin
keep up the good work

Thanks I appreciate it. It feels great to finally get to the point of doing the swap. And looking forward to a little more go in the gas pedal!!!

[Eric15chevys]

Had fun getting to look around at all the parts. I wish I could have stayed to pull the engine, but friends were making homemade pizza. Hopefully I can get back over and help with the rest of the install...Oh and helicopter mechanic not pilot. I actually work.

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by Eric15chevys

Had fun getting to look around at all the parts. I wish I could have stayed to pull the engine, but friends were making homemade pizza. Hopefully I can get back over and help with the rest of the install...Oh and helicopter mechanic not pilot. I actually work.

Enjoyed the company and the truck talk. Looking forward to seeing your 62 and maybe helping some also. I corrected the pilot/mechanical thing....sorry...classic case of fingers not typing with the brain.

And the pizza was probably more fun than turning wrenches!!! I got alot done this weekend for 1 person and the number of things going on.

[Sharps40]

Remember....prime the oil and then start up break in is , 2000 rpm steady for 30 minutes....make triple sure everything is ready to support that first critical 1/2 hour run in!

Luck!

Oh yeah, have a full tank, that big block will drink at least 1/4 in 30 minutes!

[Sharps40]

It'll prolly smoke the paint some...be ready for it so it ain't a surprise.

[1963c-10]

it'l be a week or two off before im ready for fire up. gotta set the engine and trans in after frame clean up and crossmember swap. disk conversion and hydraulic clutch set up, new brake lines, then i can look at fire up. but thanks for the break in procedures....pretty much what comp cams says. and i have all the proper break in fluids.