81 SWB blown sbc project

[81shavedtrk]

Haven't posted on here in a long time so here is where i am now. I am currently working on my 81 gmc swb that I have had for 6 years now. Last year I hit my goal of 11's on stock suspension (11.98 @112mph) and decided that its time to build the truck how I want. I parted out the engine and am starting from scratch. Tore down in January and hopefully it will be driving by August.

Specs of new setup:
383 cid with afr 227 comp heads, .650 mechanical roller camshaft, enderle bug catcher mechanical injection hat, 6-71 blower, and little magneto. I am retaining stock suspension with the hope of running mid 10's then I will change that

Here is how it sat before tear down


Here is how it sits now



The rest of the suspension parts are drying now and I should have it back to rolling chassis by the end of the weekend. Firewall is getting shaved and 90 degree mount master cylinder will be inside the cab. Can't wait to get it on the road.

[82c10]

i like it before, sent you a pm.

[81shavedtrk]

progress of tonight. When i started tonight the rearend was in and that was it. Front springs are much easier with help. But i made due
Me, jack, 2x4, and 320lbs of sand


Then end of the night this is where I was.



Yeah it needs dusted pretty bad. I think tomorrow when I ROLL it out of the garage I wash her.


My connecting rods showed up today so monday when i get my bearings I will assemble the shortblock, check my clearances (assuming my camshaft is in by then), then take it back apart for balancing. The end is near.......

[DroppedZ84]

Just curious...what powered it to go 11's?

[81shavedtrk]

Originally Posted by DroppedZ84

Just curious...what powered it to go 11's?

Had a 383 with afr 195 heads .560 hyd roller camshaft and 800 cfm holley. On the motor it ran 12.80 @103 and on a 175 shot it went 11.98 @112 but i had to lift at the 150ft or so due to a bump at the transistion from concrete to asphalt so it should have been faster.

I am hoping for low 10's with the new setup. We shall see......

[81shavedtrk]

She sits on all 4 tires for the first time in 4 months. Now I can move on to other parts of this disaster or a project.

[81shavedtrk]

most of the brake lines have been ran and now I am waiting on my camshaft to show up so I can finish mocking up the bottom end.

[84slopwaggin]

I guess you didn't have access to a spring compressor? You did a great job making due with the jack, 2x4, sand, etc.

[81shavedtrk]

Originally Posted by 84slopwaggin

I guess you didn't have access to a spring compressor? You did a great job making due with the jack, 2x4, sand, etc.

I am a mechanic, I make due with what I have . Not the first time I have had to do it that way but without an engine in the chassis it was a pain. There really isn't a good way to do it with the spring compressors I have. None of them work well on that type of control arm/spring setup.