69/72 Restoration/Rebuild (we ain't scared)

[chevynova22602]

Lol sounds a lot like me I'm going to start a new thread on hear next year I can't wait . And there is a bunch of talent on this forum I love it .
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[weaintscared]

Machine shop Call today and said my motor is together and ready to pick up.
Picking it up tomorrow if wheather allows & now I got to get on the ball & get the truck put back together Pictures to come..

[weaintscared]

Got motor home today now need to get busy and put everything back together

[oldman3]

Looks good...Jim

[weaintscared]

More parts same in !!!! gotta make it look good!!!! New water pump & rear end cover...

[Beetle]

Wow great build so far!

[67cheby]

looking good !

[RCbowtie69]

Just checking up your build & looks like you've made some progress on your build.Keep up the work & the pictures coming,& keep on truckin'.

[Tinkermc]

good lookin work I just read all you have done so far keep up the good work

[MarineChevyDriver]

Your work looks great! I'm really diggin those seats, such a great idea that I will have to steal you're idea.
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[weaintscared]

I think I'm changing seats my wife has another ideal,,,o well got to keep her happy too
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[DD1]

Yeah, my wife has already decided the color scheme for my truck, even though it's pretty far off. I really like the seat you have in there. May I ask where you got it? I like the bench seat with the fold down center rest.

[weaintscared]

Seats came from a f150 Ford truck 2005 I think gave like $100 for them,,, I iked the lt gray color and they fit good too,,,there just sitting in the cab I've never bolted them in,,, o well I guess I'm selling them to someone to fine a bench seat she likes...I'll sell them to u if u want them.
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[DD1]

Originally Posted by weaintscared

Seats came from a f150 Ford truck 2005 I think gave like $100 for them,,, I iked the lt gray color and they fit good too,,,there just sitting in the cab I've never bolted them in,,, o well I guess I'm selling them to someone to fine a bench seat she likes...I'll sell them to u if u want them.
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Hmmm.... let me check with the wife; don't want to end up in the same situation you did. I would also need to figure out how to get it up to me. I'll get back to you. Thanks!

[DD1]

Originally Posted by DD1

Hmmm.... let me check with the wife; don't want to end up in the same situation you did. I would also need to figure out how to get it up to me. I'll get back to you. Thanks!

So, I am definitely interested in the seat. I'll send you a PM about it.

[weaintscared]

Originally Posted by DD1

So, I am definitely interested in the seat. I'll send you a PM about it.

I PM you on the seats.
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[DD1]

I like all the chrome parts you put on the engine. It looks really nice. Must have cost a pretty penny.

[weaintscared]

Originally Posted by DD1

I like all the chrome parts you put on the engine. It looks really nice. Must have cost a pretty penny.

Wish it was the cost of just chrome ,
Everything on the motor is polished aluminum,,, does make it look good...
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[gdavis]

what i can see of them. They do look nice

[mcbassin]

Great looking shop! You can never have too much room.

[oldman3]

Looks real good...Jim

[weaintscared]

Change of plans!!! O well the T56 6 speed is gone,sold it so now it's time to fine an auto,, what's the best to run? 4L60E. Or the 4L80E ??
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[Xeen]

Since you are mating it to a Gen 1 style Big block I would recommend a 700R4, you are going to have to either find a corvette version or have it built with corvette specifications to handle the power.
I'm guessing since you have a floor shift steering column you are going to run a floor shift auto now?

[weaintscared]

Thanks,which shifter is best for these trucks ?
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[68 TT]

Originally Posted by Xeen

Since you are mating it to a Gen 1 style Big block I would recommend a 700R4, you are going to have to either find a corvette version or have it built with corvette specifications to handle the power.

Not a wise choice. I have broken far too many and spent way too much money on them trying to keep them together with a powerful engine in a moderately heavy vehicle. There are two failure points in the 700R4/4L60/4L60E that occur between 320 and 360 rwhp that even the Corvette version does not address. The sun shell and the forward sprag are weak links and are ticking time bombs anywhere in that power range. The typical trans shop rebuild is double or more to do a 4L60 vs a T-350 or T-400 too. That adds up fast when something new fails.

A T-400 is the least expensive option that will consistently live behind a big block. A performance rebuild kit and a 34-element sprag are all that is needed. No hard parts or special assembly is required. If you don't have too much cam a GM big block motor home spec torque converter is an inexpensive option that is strong enough to get by with a pretty strong big block in a truck. That plus a TransGo shift kit will make a good rebuilt T-400 live a long happy life behind a strong street driven big block.

A T-350 can be made to live with a big block as well but the cost isn't much less than a T-400. The big problem is the smaller output yoke of the T-350 isn't up to the task. The cost of an upgraded part negates any savings you had in choosing the T-350 over a T-400.

If you want overdrive then you have two common options. A Gear Vendor type add-on overdrive unit for the T-400 or a 4L80E trans swap. A Gear Vendor for the T-400 is the least expensive option, is well proven and has been around a long time. They are pretty easy to find used for around $1000 complete. I bought one new in 1987 for my Chevelle and loved it.

The trans controller alone needed to run the 4L80E will cost you more than a used Gear Vendor unit. The big factor with the 4L80E is that it needs a better torque converter. The stock one is horribly inefficient. A decent aftermarket one is right at $1000. Add in a quality rebuild to the 4L80E and you are close to double the cost of a rebuilt T-400 with a Gear Vendor overdrive. A 4L80E will also need an electric speedo or a cable-x device adding even more cost to the swap.

You can also run the T-400 now and look for/save up for a Gear Vendor overdrive unit while you are enjoying your truck. You would just need to have your driveshaft shortened when you install it.