1986 Chevy C10 SWB Step Side

[aotte1]

Rip2174, thanks for the complement, and Flying Low' - do like the caster mod so far.
LMC Door Panels

Next project is to install new LMC door panels, still looking at how to get the chrome door handle opener bezels to fit, on my initial assessment. They fit on the rear corner away from the door opener handle, however, up by the opener handle they stick out about 3/8". So if I cut away the needed panel material by the opener, (how much needs to be cut out?) - will their still be material needed to attach them to the door panel with the factory screws? Looks like a trial cut of a little, to see how much needs removed.

Les

[aotte1]

Sound and Heat Material added

As part of redoing the interior, installed Hush Mat on the floor and in the doors. Floor was mostly continuous, and just some in the doors. No real way to say how much it reduced noise and heat. I am happy with how quite it is, can have an easy conversation while driving, and the doors sound solid when closed, big difference then with out. Heat is hard to say, because it has new engine that puts out a lot of HEAT , ( coolent temp is a constant 180 degrees in summer temps - very happy with that). I would think it helps with heat too, because getting out of cab and standing next to front end you can feel the heat coming off engine. Photo is of material used, along with door installation.

Les

[aotte1]

Hope the sun is out tomorrow without rain, and will put truck out in it. Hoping it will help new floor mat settle down some more. Using three John Deere tractor front end weights to push it down in areas where it is still up some. If sun and JD weights don't do it, will live with it.

Les

[aotte1]

LMC truck panel update

I looked deeper in the shipping box after removing both panels and found instructions on how make a cut-out for the chrome door handle bezels. Will let you know how it works.

Note: the recessed area n the door panel for the chrome bezel edge seems a little bigger

Photos of bezels are below and instructions. The bezel sticking up is before cut-out.

Les

[Low Elco]

Glad it's doing good for you.

[aotte1]

Rip and Low Elco,

Thanks for the complements, a couple of early thoughts on the build.
1). Really like the 3.73 rear gears with the overdrive 4 speed LY6; and
2). The cam sounds really good for 350 C.I.( get lots of complement at stop lights), will pretty much launch in first with little to no throttle on the flat; 2nd gear will pull down to about 1200 to 1400 RPMs, will need to check exact RPM closer, in 3rd gear will pull down to about 1500 RPMs, maybe a little lower. For me this is as big of a cam as I would go and and still have it very street able. Will go back and check my cam overlap, ( it is 54 degrees, just a little more then my guideline of 50 degrees) that is what I used to guide me on how big a cam to use for 350 C.I.. The other specs. like lobe centerline guided me on what type of power band I wanted. Choose 108 degrees for a flatter torque and H.P. curve, e.g. more torque down low.

Les

[aotte1]

Second Caster Modification - Report Back on Drivability

Background
I did the caster modification of about 3/4 inch as described earlier in detail, which increased caster to about 6.5 degrees. Tire are 275x60x15s at all four corners. The slots are 8.5 inches wide on front. I really like this modification and would do it again.

Highway drivability at 55 to 65 with wide tires is really nice, tracks really good with no wandering. Have not driven the truck yet on a Interstate, so will drive it some more under different road conditions, and give addition report later. So far really drives great on some very uneven roads and highway speeds.

Note: As other have reported, the big ass front sway bar is nice around corners with traction. No information on what happens when you lose traction!!!

Les

[SkinnyG]

Originally Posted by aotte1

Choose 108 degrees for a flatter torque and H.P. curve, e.g. more torque down low.

I'm a huge fan of tight lobe centers - I run 108° on my truck. I missed the duration - what is your cam at 0.050"?

[aotte1]

G,

The cam is:
Erson - HR Energy Plus Hyd Roller ERSE119840, duration @ .050 218I/226E;

Dyno results show about 400 HP at 5700 RPMs ( pulled well at 6200 RPMs - shift point full throttle ) and 400 Ft-LBS of torque from 350 C.I.. Cam is pretty mild if you like a few RPM. I generally drive it between 1200 and 2400 rpms around town.

e.g. Intake 218 degrees and Exhaust 226 degrees

Strongly believe-in tight lobe centers too. Very broad torque curve.

What duration are you using?

Les

[aotte1]

Jeff,

Thanks for complement.

Les

[SkinnyG]

Originally Posted by aotte1

G,

What duration are you using?

231°@.050". (Because I'm stupid).... (And I wouldn't change it for anything).

[jpnh]

Wow looks good les/nice work

[jpnh]

Looks good les.good to see you get it out and about. Good to share it with the kids if they're into it.-jeff

[jpnh]

Yeah, I had an s-10 I drove for a couple years in the city,with a manual trans.your right too much foot work/stick.especially in traffic.what are you running in yours for gears? When we rebuilt my striker motor that was in my camaro we used a comp cams 280 lift my brother said if you go any bigger you start to have street ability issues I still have the stock rearend in mine.seems like it needs a little lower gearing like it's 273and it needs 342s or something I'm not racing the truck ,so I don't want to go too low.i like having a little top end.gotta get the right rearend under it next.

[aotte1]

Jeff,
The rearend end gear is 3.73, with new Eaton posi. With the trans having around a .75 4th gear ratio, it does not have a lot of rpm on the interstate.

Going with a new motor, this one has to much cam to be fun driving slower around town, with the LY6 option transmission. The transmission gear ratios and spacing just make it hard with motor that needs lots of RPMs on the low end. Replacing cam in this motor with Comp Cams Hyd roller 205/204 duration, 4.89/ 5.23 lift, 110 centerline, installed at 106 degrees. It will initially go in the 65' short bed, with a turbo 400 switch pitch trans.

Putting in a GM create motor. What a difference driving slower ( not WOT), fun again. It has no high top end RPMs, however, for cruising it is great. Some gas in second breaks the tires loose. Still breaking in the motor. The motor itself is very quite, 3000 rpm and very little mechanical noise, just mellow exhaust music. Great throttle response, and really fun to drive.

The photos show progress on install. Will get some with install complete. Initial thinking on carb, is really nice. It is a Quick Fuel, ???, will get the number. Very easy to tune.


Les

[jpnh]

Originally Posted by aotte1

Jeff,
The rearend end gear is 3.73, with new Eaton posi. With the trans having around a .75 4th gear ratio, it does not have a lot of rpm on the interstate.

Going with a new motor, this one has to much cam to be fun driving slower around town, with the LY6 option transmission. The transmission gear ratios and spacing just make it hard with motor that needs lots of RPMs on the low end. Replacing cam in this motor with Comp Cams Hyd roller 205/204 duration, 4.89/ 5.23 lift, 110 centerline, installed at 106 degrees. It will initially go in the 65' short bed, with a turbo 400 switch pitch trans.

Putting in a GM create motor. What a difference driving slower ( not WOT), fun again. It has no high top end RPMs, however, for cruising it is great. Some gas in second breaks the tires loose. Still breaking in the motor. The motor itself is very quite, 3000 rpm and very little mechanical noise, just mellow exhaust music. Great throttle response, and really fun to drive.

The photos show progress on install. Will get some with install complete. Initial thinking on carb, is really nice. It is a Quick Fuel, ???, will get the number. Very easy to tune.


Les

. Wow cool 😎 looks good les.nice work -jeff

[aotte1]

Jeff,

Thanks for the nice comments. More cold weather here and some snow. Next warm day plan to get some photos of the engine compartment complete.

Replacing the radiator overflow tank again. It is a new one, however, it has cracked and leaks. Purchased new GM one, hope it does not crack. May only use two bolts to hold it in place???? the new GM one does not fit the inner fender existing holes. Adjust the attachment holes in new tank, however, not enough area to make all tank hole align with inner fender holes.

Les

[jkk]

Nice work!

[aotte1]

JFK,
Thanks for the complement, will post some more finished photos when it warms up. Put it back in storage for now.

Les

[erichevy]

Great build thread. I like the way everything is so well documented with the write up and photographs. I'll be returning to this thread when i start working on my 87 Shorty.

[aotte1]

Eric,

Thanks for the complement, and glad it may help you in some way.
Your 87' short bed, will be a lot of fun to drive, they are great trucks.
Pretty easy to work on, and lots of parts/options available.

Les