Newbie : 69'C10 LWB to Buick 455/Th400

[Sebambam]

Hi guys
i am a new 69' C10 LWB owner, its a pretty rough truck but i dont mind to much since i am looking to build a "budget" Street Machine/Shop truck kinda lol.
I am not to worried about the body i will keep it most likely "patina" BUT it will get a BUICK 455/TH400 combo.

I want to start with the Brakes and convert the POWER Drum brakes to FRONT DISCs.
My truck is a 6 lug and i was wondering what other reason but wheel selection would i have to convert to 5 Lug?

Any Parts list for a front 6 lug Disc conversion Kit? I am looking into a 2.5 drop spindles

later i will go with a
+3/5 drop Kit + C notch

further the truck is a Standard transmission and i will convert to AUTO (TH400)
should i go with a floor shifter or should i look for a column?

Further regarding the BUICK 455 swap ( i know the Buicks pretty good),
my truck has the old sbc 350 in it so i have the right frame brackets, what mounts would i want to use? has anybody done that swap and can give me some insight?

Any kind of input is welcome..
as i said im a C10 newbie

[Sebambam]

Long time no posting here
i finally got arround to do some work on my c10 project

its LWB to SWB (because i like SWB s better)
modifying the frame was easy.
i took the cab off to do some rust repair
Pass.Side rockers where done.
I am putting in a high hump trans tunnel for a TH400
and i need to replace the inner roof/window side panel (waiting for the patch panel)

i have a CCP 3/5 lowering kit + 2.5 Front drop spindles and 2" lowering blocks for the rear.

i also ordered a LS Swap/mount/trans cross member kit from TINWORKS
https://tinworksfabrication.com/prod...ember-kit-c10/
there C notch kit
and Traction bar.
that should give me a decent ride.

i was planning on putting a Buick 455 in it and i still think its cool, but since i really want to drive the thing i consider to use a carbed LS.
I have a rebuild SBE, cammed 5.3 sitting here, i am waiting for the Heads to come pack from porting/milling.
I also have a Single plane CARB intake/MSD6014/+ 670cfm Holley here on the shelf i would use for this build to keep it a bit oldschool
This are all parts i have .
As mentioned i have a long tail TH400 here as well that i will use.

another decission i have to make is the Wheels.
i have 22x9 Escalade wheels sitting here i could use and the front hubs seem to fit ( since my truck had a disc conversion sometimes down the road)
or i go all classic
with Steelies 15x8// 15x10/4.5 in the back with meats

[CG]

Looks like you have made a few changes over your original post. I think that happens to a lot of us. When we first get out trucks we have an idea, and then the idea grows and changes in to a bigger plan.

Cant really help with your questions, but I will be watching your build. Doing great so far.

[Sebambam]

thank you Sir, yes i am new to the C10 page but not new to building Hotrods, and the ideas always change during the progress.
Thats the fun part i think.
i will stay on it, now its all Sandblasting the control arms and parts before adding the C notch kit ( once it arrives) , seal/paint & the frame and put it back together

[yuccales]

Will be following your build for sure! As for wheels, I think wide whites with bowtie baby moons look great!

[Sebambam]

Thanks guys.
My plan for now is to do all the needed patch panels/rust repair.
Then finish shortening the bed Side panels.
I want to send off the cab and all the panels /fenders hood etc to
My painter buddy for some patina finishing work incl.clear coat sealing.

Since I cant 100% decide on the motor yet I want to get the chassis done
Then possible test fit both engine options I have.
Both engines have there +&-
The buick 455 is a ready to drop in Big Block which is cool AF I think.
The LS is a proven "modern" engine that provides a lot of reliability due to its design.
However I would carb the LS simply because I have the parts.
For right now the BBB is the cheaper option for me since I dont need any additional parts, as I would need them for the LS ( it adds up).

[67 twins]

Originally Posted by Sebambam

Thanks guys.
My plan for now is to do all the needed patch panels/rust repair.
Then finish shortening the bed Side panels.
I want to send off the cab and all the panels /fenders hood etc to
My painter buddy for some patina finishing work incl.clear coat sealing.

Since I cant 100% decide on the motor yet I want to get the chassis done
Then possible test fit both engine options I have.
Both engines have there +&-
The buick 455 is a ready to drop in Big Block which is cool AF I think.
The LS is a proven "modern" engine that provides a lot of reliability due to its design.
However I would carb the LS simply because I have the parts.
For right now the BBB is the cheaper option for me since I dont need any additional parts, as I would need them for the LS ( it adds up).

If you are looking for a nudge towards the Big Block Buick I'll give you one. I think it would be neat, something different. Although there probably are a few of these trucks with Buick engines it's likely that it's not many. On the other hand literally thousands of lonely small blocks & six cylinders have been cast aside to put in another LS. Yawn yawn
So go ahead drop that big bad Buick in there

[Sebambam]

Originally Posted by 67 twins

If you are looking for a nudge towards the Big Block Buick I'll give you one. I think it would be neat, something different. Although there probably are a few of these trucks with Buick engines it's likely that it's not many. On the other hand literally thousands of lonely small blocks & six cylinders have been cast aside to put in another LS. Yawn yawn
So go ahead drop that big bad Buick in there

Absolutely true.
I will work on it.

[70cst]

Great Progress ... keep us updated

[MARKDTN]

Looks like you are making progress. Neat truck. I would either put the Buick in it or an EFI LS. The LS engines were never meant to be carbed. It is such a flat design that you end up puddling fuel in some circumstances. It's cheap enough to put them on with computers and you can control electronic transmissions too. If you want a carb either use the Buick or put a (dare-I say-yawn?) 350 in it. My .02

[Sebambam]

Originally Posted by MARKDTN

Looks like you are making progress. Neat truck. I would either put the Buick in it or an EFI LS. The LS engines were never meant to be carbed. It is such a flat design that you end up puddling fuel in some circumstances. It's cheap enough to put them on with computers and you can control electronic transmissions too. If you want a carb either use the Buick or put a (dare-I say-yawn?) 350 in it. My .02

Thanks I absolutely get your point.
I am a friend d of USE WHAT YOU HAVE and I have a LS Carb top end incl. Control sitting on my shelf.
But yes the true advantage of the LS is the EFI. I have the whole truck top end here as well.
If I go EFI then holleys terminator X is the go to option.
But now we talking additional $$$ that I dont have to spend when using the BUICK.
So I think BBB is the 1st choice.
Especially after I sourced a custom AC bracket that adopts a Sanden 508 compressor to the engine. = I can use a vintage air system.( cant do without AC in Tx)

Also I purchased the 455 a while ago running incl. Th400 out of a BBody.
I can reuse motor/trans/converter etc without any adapters etc needed. That makes life easier.
+ I assume I have stock 3.08 gears in the rearend. So the torque of the 455 should get even this gears going well.

[Caddylackn]

I would like to see this with a 455/T400 swap. A buick long tail T400 would enable you to swap in a one piece driveline from a later model square body.

I would rebuild the stock Quadrajet from the 455 to a Stage 1.5 or Stage 2. Get Cliff Ruggles book on Q-jets. This would give you the best all around driveability, performance, and mileage for street. Use a later model quadrajet float setup that gives you more fuel capacity in the bowl. Run a new 3/8" or 7/16" fuel line, and I would add a return fuel line off the mechanical fuel pump to prevent vapor lock in hot weather from a Big Block and headers. Can you convert to BBC truck headers to fit on the 455 heads by switching the header flanges?

With a 455, column shift would be fine, but make sure you have a working kick down switch. No need to do a lot of shifting up or down with a big block torque monster. If you had 3.08s the mileage would probably be better than a stock 350. If you have 4.11s then I would swap those out to 3.08 to take advantage of the lower stronger torque curve.

You don't need a high hump tunnel for the T400, mine came stock with a low hump tunnel and a T400. You might need a high hump tunnel to use a T400 floor shift though.

[kwmech]

The buick 455 would be a torque monster launching that truck. I was looking forward to seeing that. Another sweet conversion is the Caddy 500

[1970 CST Short Wide]

First off, Welcome to the Board.
I think the BBB would be Bad Ass. My truck has gone from SB to BB to LS. I do enjoy the LS a lot especially with the T56 6 speed but dare I say, I miss the torque of the BB. Friend of mine had a72 LWB with an Olds 455 in it, very cool truck.
Ultimately it’s your decision, build it how YOU like it. I like um All

[Sebambam]

Great feedback:
i have rebuild the Qjet already with a nice performance kit of Quadrajet performance with bigger jets
I have a brand new HEI Ignition system
And it has a new return style mech. Fuelpump.

I have the hump already and i dont mind putting it in since the original low hump has a hole cut in it where they stabbed the 3 Speed stick through before.

I have no headers , the BBC headers do not fit at all, the Buick stock manifolds flow not much worst than Buick shorties. unless there is proven cases where so considered
69-72 A- body headers fit in a C10 i have not much of a choice for headers.

I will look into the Kickdown switch once i get to that

[Sebambam]

BBB /TH400 it is

[Stickman]

As far as the headers go you might call TA Performance in Scottsdale, AZ. They specialize in Buicks and might have some idea's for your swap.

[Steeveedee]

Maybe ask John Codman over at V8Buick. He put a Buick engine in his Chevy truck.

[Sebambam]

Frame is done.
Shortened and a c notch from Tinworks.
I rebuilt the front control arms etc.
Waiting on new discs and calipers.
In the meantime I am.working on the rear end ...

[1970 CST Short Wide]

Looking good. I’ll be following this one

[Caddylackn]

Originally Posted by Sebambam

Great feedback:
i have rebuild the Qjet already with a nice performance kit of Quadrajet performance with bigger jets
I have a brand new HEI Ignition system
And it has a new return style mech. Fuelpump.

I have the hump already and i dont mind putting it in since the original low hump has a hole cut in it where they stabbed the 3 Speed stick through before.

I have no headers , the BBC headers do not fit at all, the Buick stock manifolds flow not much worst than Buick shorties. unless there is proven cases where so considered
69-72 A- body headers fit in a C10 i have not much of a choice for headers.

I will look into the Kickdown switch once i get to that

You are off to a good start.

Remember to remove the original resistor coil wire (pink) and replace it to hook up the HEI so you have the full 12 volts to the coil. You have options on the kickdown. Later models of our trucks used a kickdown switch by the gas pedal. The earlier models used the kickdown mounted on the intake triggered by the carb. Both work good. There are aftermarket ones (Lokar, B&M ) that would work. If you install a floor shifter, I like the idea of putting the kickdown switch as a button near or on the handle of the shifter. Although, if you have a good floor shifter it is just as easy to manually shift it into second as hit the button.

You may be able to just cleanup the inside casting flash on the stock exhaust manifolds with a carbide bit on a die grinder.

[Sebambam]

Thanks I ll have a column shifter.
I will look into the kickdown for sure.

As far as the manifold "porting" I am not to concerned about that.
I'm pretty familiar with the Buicks and the manifolds are not as bad of a restriction than many manifolds on chevys. Could it be better? For sure, headers would be awesome but the $$ for buick headers is stupid lol so.

So i just leave it alone. I make sure the exhaust flows lol.

[Sebambam]

Hhhhaaaaa I guess I dont have 3.08 gear ration

11:41 = 3.73s

[kwmech]

What size tire do you plan on running?

[Sebambam]

I have a set of 019 silverado steelies 17x8 with 5.5 BS
and planning in a 275/55 out back which equals 28.9 in height as of the online calculator.
i would get some Hub cabs and make them work, and possibly paint them black >
I think it would look OK

I also have a set of Escalade 22x9s OEMs i could use as well, but they seem very modern and when having a OldSkool BBB in there the steelies would be better i think