55 panel 2nd series, 7469 miles. Ls/4l80e

[Bucky10pt]

Picked this all original 55 panel. Was a old fire dept vehicle. Has original spare and all. Picking up pieces to start build. Im going ls/4l80e. Not sure on which engine yet. Looking for input on a few things.
1) Built 4.8 turbo or built 5.3 turbo or no turbo?
2) suspension upgrades will fab allot. Camaro front clip? (can get free)
C4 vette? Can buy $1000 front and rear or s10 frame swap? can get free frame.
Would like air but at very least low stance for drivability.

[Dan in Pasadena]

See my build thread for details. I had a 283 with camel hump heads, headers, etc & 350TH trans but it had a weak cylinder so it needed a valve job but more likely a full rebuild. I had an MII kit.

I ended up installing Flat Out Engineering’s Corvette C4 IFS on the suggestion of the guy that did the install for me. His words, “I do this every day and the MII will work fine but long term I think you’ll be happier with the Corvette system because it will handle up to the weight of a big block and a lot heavier car.” Not sure I agreed with his logic but I DID know he knew more than me since he does them all the time.

Instead of rebuilding my 283 I COULD have used a crate 350 but opted for an LS swap. I went with an LQ4 6.0. His comment was that I’d be very happy with a 5.3 but in a year I’d be wishing for a little more power. And “a little more” is more expensive with the 5.3 than just starting with more displacement. Also the 6.0 iron block LQ4 (or LQ9) isn’t much more than a 5.3 and comes with the stronger 4l80e trans.

I’d say keep your stock frame unless it’s rotted through. Yours has VERY low miles so should be in better shape than all ours!

[Bucky10pt]

Frame looks good so far. Waiting for snow to melt and finish my son's c10 build to start on my panel truck and my 67 gmc small window. On my 55 I'm Thinking on 4.8 but 799 heads and big piston s. I have a jasper 4l80e tranny to go in it. Just picked up this military trailer to move body around when I take off the frame.

[Nut Case]

Good start.

If you choose the C-4 make sure to get an IRS out of a manual tranny vette, then you get the Dana 44 rear end. Vette automatic tranny use the Dana 36. There are a number of threads that us the full C-4 suspension.

Have fun selecting your components. Remember it is what you want, whatever blows your hair back.

If you have questions send me a PM and I'll share what I know.


Keep on keepin on

NC

[Az. Hank]

My vote is Flat Out And Corvette

[Bucky10pt]

Well decided with c4 corvette front IFS. When snow clears going to get build going. Goal is to drive to Syracuse nationals car show asst the NY state fairgrounds in mid July.

[FAKKY]

Any updates ?

[Bucky10pt]

Gaining ground! C4 vette front and camaro rear. New camaro 18"steelies.
Allot of work, but well worth it. Have a 6.0 and jasper 4l80e for swap. Should run well

[Nut Case]

bucky

Another builder did not over build his C*4 straight from the factory. using the pres steel for the IFS. Works if you beef the bejeepers out if it,

When it came to align the front end, they had not beefed up all the mounting places. Now is the time to over build shocks, LCA. Yup take the time to do it. Strong work, keep on keepin on fun build. then no issues with alignment.

Fun build..

NC

[builtnb]

That's coming along nicely Mister 10-point keep up the good work