My 85 Build thread

[softballnrd27]

Well I figured I would go ahead and start my build thread but it won't be complete until fall next year due to an upcoming deployment(what is financing this build). I am starting with an 85 GMC with a 305 built th350 and 10 bolt rear. I have a 9" that I got for $50 that came with 31 spline axles and a Trac-Lok. I will sell that to get some money started to rebuild it with 35 splines, detroit and depending on what tranny I end up with dictates the gears. I plan to swap in a LQ4 with forged rods, pistons, ported 317s and a frount mount TC78 Turbo backed by either a built th400 or 4l80e. I want a low 11 high 10 sec Truck that I can drive on the street. I am also swapping the rear suspension to a trailing arm suspension. Here is what I started with:

This is how it sits now:

And this was it's inargural trip down the strip: (1st time ever at the track and I got hooked!!) I will be doing little things to the truck before I deploy so I will post updates but it will be slow while I am deployed. Once I get back I will go full force on it and hope to have it done a few months after I get home.

[softballnrd27]

This was the "best" run of the night:
RT:.150
60ft:2.501
1/8et:11.263
1/8 mph:61.69
1/4et:17.691
1/4 mph:71.82

I hope when all is done that I can run my 1/8th mile time in the 1/4 mile!!

[lechez71]

keep us updated. sounds like you have huge plans for the truck.

[softballnrd27]

I bought a 2004 LQ4!! Wife picked it up a few weeks ago and it is sitting in the garage waiting for me to get back from Afghanistan. Plans changed a little though, the turbo will have to wait a while. For now I am going to build a good solid running motor for now and collect parts a little at a time to do the turbo build. I am going to rebuild the shortblock (149k miles) add a nice cam, 243 heads to up the compression a little, and a LS6 intake.

[pl4yboy]

Don't do the 243s if you're planning on boosting it. Just reuse the stock 317s. You're already waiting on the turbo, no reason to spend more cash now and have to swap heads later.

[skeet]

nice platform and excellent starting point!!

gotta agree with ^, if you know youre going turbo then stick with the heads you have!

[softballnrd27]

I am shifting gears on the build some, instead of eagle rods and forged pistons I am going with a complete 390ci stroker kit from AES. 4.030" bore, 3.825" stroke, Callies crank/rods and custom CP pistons with -13cc dish and ARP main studs. Patrick G spec'd a cam for me to run until i get the turbo on (12-18 months). I will keep the top end pretty much stock and run it N/A while I gather parts for the turbo build. Here is the list for the turbo parts(please feel free to add input):
Vic Jr w/fabricated elbow(not an edelbrock one), possibly AFR 215 or 225 heads, custom cam grind from Patrick G, 76-88mm front mount w/truck manifolds(would like some help on turbo size selection), ______ __mm Wastgate, _______ __mm BOV(not sure on brand or size) and all the supporting mods/hardware to go along with it. I am already installing a fuel cell in the rear, I will just have to upgrade or add another Walbro 255 pump when I add the turbo. The rear is being built for the turbo now braced 9", strange nodular n center, yukon grizzly locker(same as detroit but better warranty), 35 spline Mosers and 3.50 gears. I am also going to build a th400 for the transmission bc I can't see spending $4000 on a 4l80e.

[softballnrd27]

Also here is a pic of her current state:


And the new heart: