1990 Chevrolet Sport forever project

[Dub_X]

Matt, I've been following this build since you first stripped the truck, and I must say it's coming along great. The custom frame, custom bracketry, everything. Looking good. I can't wait to see it finished and on the road.

[Matt R]

The motor and trans are going to be the next stage. I started to collect parts for it a bit. I just got a new radiator from a big block truck and got a new distributor too. I'll probobly jump off the cliff and buy the stroker crank next. My plan is to get the truck back on the road with this round of upgrades while I collect and build the motor and trans.

I have a big competition next month that I really cant miss. Thats my motivation for getting it back together asap.

Thanks Dub X, i'm going to check yours out now!!!!

Matt

[Dub_X]

Originally Posted by Matt R

The motor and trans are going to be the next stage. I started to collect parts for it a bit. I just got a new radiator from a big block truck and got a new distributor too. I'll probobly jump off the cliff and buy the stroker crank next. My plan is to get the truck back on the road with this round of upgrades while I collect and build the motor and trans.

I have a big competition next month that I really cant miss. Thats my motivation for getting it back together asap.

Thanks Dub X, i'm going to check yours out now!!!!

Matt

Haha thanks. It's a work in progress.

What engine/trans combo are you putting in it?

[Matt R]

I have a big block 454, i'm going to stroke to 490+ cubes with a turbo 400 trans. There are a few pics of the heads that I started porting a few pages before.

Nice resurection of an almost totaled truck!!!

[Dobok]

The competition you have spoken of that is coming up is it another ear splitting competition !!! LOL

[Matt R]

Haha, yes! It is MECA (mobile electronics competition association) finals in Nashville.

[outlawz916]

love the build, cant wait to see more!

[Dub_X]

Originally Posted by Matt R

I have a big block 454, i'm going to stroke to 490+ cubes with a turbo 400 trans. There are a few pics of the heads that I started porting a few pages before.

Nice resurection of an almost totaled truck!!!

Thank you lol. It's far from done though...Sometime next year, depending on when the crew cab gets finished, the body's coming off and I'm gonna do some major changes. By the way, nice choice of engine. Bet that stroked 454 is gonna be one hell of a powerhouse.

[Matt R]

I have some updates, I got the battery trays finally. I bought a circle track style tray and a buddy of mine made some stainless steel ones that were similar. I bolted them upside down and layed the batteries on their side so I can get them in and out without any problems. I am putting marine style circuit breakers right next to each battery for protection. XS Power is the batteries that are going in, they are known for being the best batteries for any type of high demand type situation.

[Matt R]

Got some supplies together for the wiring and routing the fuel lines. The loom is nylon, it is rated at 300*, about 100* higher than average loom. The clamps are stainless steel with silicon liners.

[Matt R]

I redid the front suspension too. The upper a arm had horrible ball joint positioning. After I lowered the truck as much as I did the upper BJ was facing up towards the ceiling. I wanted to correct that and add some additional caster. I also needed to make the arms tubes so the front coilover can come up through it. Here is the begining of it

[Matt R]

The lower A arm was a DJM lowering arm. I had to modify the crap out of it. I added 5/16 inch of caster. That meant cutting the arm and moving it forward. I then braced it then welded a 3/8" plate over it not only to support the cut arm but also to make for a larger mount for the coilover.

[Matt R]

This was my measuring process for the caster. I hung a plumb bob from the top arm the measured over to the center of the ball joints. The truck had a fair amount but the goal was 8*. I found a cool calculator online for converting measurements to degrees.

[Matt R]

I got a new driveshaft, its now a perfect fit. The trans was swaped from a 700r4 to a th350 with a long tail shaft. The drive shaft was still too short. I spent the extra $30 for the chromemollly driveshaft.

[Matt R]

So I dont have the new front brakes yet, They are still working on the design for the brackets. I had to do something to change bolt pattern to the corvette 4.75 inch so the new wheels will fit. I had my local rearend shop drill, tap and put racing studs in till I get the big brakes and new hubs.

[Matt R]

I had to cut the huge humps off the frame where the spring pocket were to fit the new coilovers. I plasma cut some 3/16 plate to fit the hole.

[Matt R]

Here is a couple pics of the new ride height. I'm liking the way its looking.

[Matt R]

I've gotten a bunch more done this weekend, I'll have to get some more pics uploaded.

Gettin more excited!!!!!

[rchavez101]

Great job. You sure are a go getter. If I did some of the stuff you have done I would think "Oh crap how do I fix this now".

[jb1016]

Wow, impressive work...it's looking good!

[Dobok]

Its really coming along nicely, MAtt. I would be a little lost on some of the work you have done( OK --alot) LOL but it is sure looking really good !!!! Keep up the great work !!!

[Matt R]

Thanks fellas!!!!! More pics coming in the next couple days.

[simobones454]

looking really good mate, top job with the front control arms.

[Matt R]

Originally Posted by simobones454

looking really good mate, top job with the front control arms.

Thanks man, got more pics coming now!!!

[Matt R]

So heres a good one, my first thought was "am I on fire, sure is getting hot around my belly"