New Project

[goatman]

Now that the z34 has been sold, I finally started a new project in my spare time: 86 c10 frame off resto/custom. I know 86 wasnt the greatest year as far as looks go, but i like it, and thats all that counts. I dont see many of them around that have been fixed up, especially not 2wd long box 4spd like mine, so thats another reason. As of now, i have it down to just the bare frame, rear end, and front suspension. Once I get the new bushings, drop spindles, etc etc, it will be ready for blasting and paint. Here are my questions: I want this to be a fast truck. I'm shooting for 500+ hp, but cant really decide between small or big block. What do you guys think? Based on my limited experience with BBC, they seem to take awhile to rev out, the one big exception was my aunts 68 camaro rs/ss 396. SBC are a dime a dozen around here, and the after market is ungodly. BBC are a bit harder to come by, but still have a big aftermarket with decent prices. I was thinkin either a 383 or 400, but tell me what you think. For a trans, I plan on going with a Richmond Super T10 Plus, loose that old top-loader that came with it. Which brings me to my next question, rear end. Right now it has a 10 bolt, 8.2 inch 2.73 ratio. Highway gears. Like i said, i want this to be fast, but still generally street friendly. A GM 12 bolt rear is nowhere to be found near me, although ford 9's are everywhere. Another conundrum. And then, finally, rear end gears? I was thinking 3.73, but I have very limited experience with gear ratios and what is good for what. This is a slow going project, especially with me being broke, and i dont want to cut any corners to save cost. If it takes me 10 years to finish it, so be it, I just wanna do it right. Any input is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

[geoffinbc]

I am a huge fan of off the beaten path engines. Ever dove into a Caddy or Buick?

Buicks cost a little more. But a 70's Caddy engine is very cheep. Its lighter yet larger is displacement than a BBC. Only a bit heavier than a small block. It boasts a HUGE flat torque curve and is a great street performer. Cad and Buick engine will mount up with just a change in mounts which you can buy. Since you going with a different style truck than the norm why not a different engine? Check this buildup out. http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/e..._v8/index.html

The Buicks were sweet because they boasted the largest bore and shortest stroke of the Big blocks so horsepower numbers are high and they rev like crazy while the big bore still maintains a very strong and flat torque curve. A little less common than the Cad engine but make the big numbers when you want.

[ForcedFirebird]

Grab a rear form a Trans AM, look for the 9 bolt cover. They are plenyful, have 7.56" gears stock, most have a 3.45 gear raito, and you get disk brakes to boot. Thay are made by Dana.

[1meanz]

iv grown to like the 4.10 gears in my dads truck. seems like its winding the motor out at highway speeds tho. dad got a rearend from a mid 80s model e350 to put in his truck. its a full floater, 4.10 gear, dana 40 i think? something like that. but your truck might look goofy lowered, with the 2 huge snouts sticking out from the rearend.