The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 3804 buildup

Hey there! So I am busy planning out my build as the truck comes here in the spring =)

I wonder if anyone that has built one can give any input into what I am thinking....

Engine:
350 (want to build up something efficient and it seems likes every thing else is going to get about the same mileage... and at least this way I have power on tap)

Transmission:
T-5 (probably using the mustang T-5 with a S-10 tail)

Axels:
What has everyone else used? I know I need to change the rear... but if I change them both hopefully I can get disks ect.... or, rebuild the front end and add power steering to the stock axle

Suspension:
Going to rebuild the stock stuff... Seems like I should be able to piece together enough... though I wonder about the 1-ton shocks.... I know the 1/2 and 3/4 had good ones, but I don't hear any mention of the 1-tons

Frame:
Will probably box it and take out the dump in the back to save the weight. I am thinking about putting the fuel tank in the rear....

Any thoughts on the stuff so far?

A 1-ton truck with a 350 and a T-5....

While you're suggesting the stouter T-5 I still conclude you are not going to use this as a 1-ton truck based on your tranny choice.

What are you going to do with the truck? Understanding that makes it much easier to make relevant suggestions.

I don't think I would box this frame, that steal is nearly a quarter inch thick (7/32 on an AD) and already pretty stout. Even if I'm wrong about your hauling intentions I still don't think boxing the frame is needed.

I'll second everything Steve said

Grigg

=) There won't really be any hauling or anything with this truck... I doubt I will load it up that much. The truck was put through enough by my uncles on the farm =)

So... the life will be easier! Any thoughts on a different tranny are welcomed. Because I am hoping to actually use it as a daily driver, I do like the idea of 5 gears.... and am hoping to use one of the OD's with a higher ratio.

And I am planning on finding one of the T5's that will handle 300 relatively easily... but there is a bunch of weight to move of course =)

Has anyone put in a T-56 into their trucks? Might be easier given that it is a corvette tranny that can hold more power...

Plus goodness I was just looking at the ramjet 350's...... gorgeous and you get EFI with it.... ahhh.....

=)

I don't know much about the T-56.

I know that kits to install transmissions in C-4 Corvettes have special provision for mounting because of the torque bar setup. A C-4 Corvette doesn't have a conventional rear transmission mount. A C-5 or C-6 has a transaxle so they are completely different.

So I'd look for a Camaro or Firebird transmission rather than something from a Corvette. I don't say that based on knowledge of those cars, but on knowledge of the 'vettes. Acutally I think the 6-speed used in C-4 Corvettes was a Gretag (sp?) and is not popular in swap situations and is very expensive to rebuild.

Look into the Tremac transmissions. Higher toque capabilities and lots of support for hot rodders. You probably don't need the 600 but the cheaper 500 should be more than ample for a mild street truck that doesn't carry much.

Application 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th
All except otherwise noted 2.66:1 1.78:1 1.30:1 1.00:1 0.74:1 0.50:1
2000 Mustang Cobra R 2.97:1 2.07:1 1.43:1 1.00:1 0.80:1 0.62:1
2003–2004 Mustang Cobra 2.66:1 1.78:1 1.30:1 1.00:1 0.79:1 0.63:1
1993 Camaro Z28/Firebird with G92 axle 3.36:1 2.07:1 1.35:1 1.00:1 0.80:1 0.62:1
1994-2002 Camaro Z28/Firebird | TransAm 2.66:1 1.78:1 1.30:1 1.00:1 0.74:1 0.50:1
Pontiac GTO
Cadillac CTS-V
Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06
(GM RPO M12) 2.97:1 2.07:1 1.43:1 1.00:1 0.84:1 0.57:1
Chevrolet SSR
2006– Holden Commodore
(GM RPO M10) 3.01:1 2.07:1 1.43:1 1.00:1 0.84:1 0.57:1
2005–2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z51
(GM RPO MZ6) 2.97:1 2.07:1 1.43:1 1.00:1 0.71:1 0.57:1

Hmmm, not sure how the above is going to come through when put on the screen HAHA!

But, it was used in a bunch of different vehicles that had the T-5 option at times as well.... so I am hoping....

Though, I wonder in the Corvette version if it is completely different for the driveshaft... I am hoping not HEHE!

I still have to pick out axle's that I can pull over... any suggestions Oldsub? Something that would be relatively easy to work with using the stock suspension....

The Corvette app is a rear trans type, I would suggest any of the others would be a better choice.

As for axles I'll tell you what I'm using in my 1-ton. Up front I'm using the IFS from. Chevy C20. I used a '72, but '71 to '87 are the same. This is the right choice for me but will result in a wide tall truck.

In the rear I'm using a GM 14-bolt on the stock springs.

I'm building a big motor trailer pulled and feel good about my choices. Something else may make sense for you, be sure to look at what Grigg has done. He and I usually end up in different places, but we usually know exactly why.

Did you get the C20 IFS to bolt in? I know we were talking about that before... but you were saying there is a ton of fabbing...

I was thinking in the interest of time and getting this to be my daily driver =) And costs..... I would just keep the axle/spring idea....

What does bolt in mean?

I've fabbed some brackets that fit between the stock frame and the IFS to provide the correct attachment points and strength. Right now today its not done. I have a couple more holes to locate and drill, a couple of pieces I need to finish weld, some trimming to do, and then I want to paint it so the bare steel doesn't rust.

If you don't have a good reason to make the swap I'd stay with the stock stuff. Saves a lot of work and much of the time you won't know any difference.