Fuck The Reaper

[DRIVEN]

First, let me say that this will not be a really fast moving build. In fact, it's taken me 14 years to get it this far. On 11/15/99 I was involved in an accident in my '35 Ford pickup. Not my fault. Just the wrong guy in the wrong car at the wrong time. This was technically my first car and I drove it everywhere for about 7 years.
A couple before shots:


An after:

And currently:

[flatcat19]

Very neat.

Looking for original steel for that or re-pop to repair?

[datsunmike]

.

[DRIVEN]

Over the years I've collected lots of parts. Bought a '35 Sedan just for the frame.

A pretty nice grill (on the right), some replacement doors.

Fenders and hoods.

Corvette front and rear suspension.

A few engine choices (LT1, 400, 327, 283)

Some transmission options (T5, T5, T5, Muncie, A833, A833)

[DRIVEN]

Very neat.

Looking for original steel for that or re-pop to repair?

It'll be all steel when I'm done.

[flatcat19]

End plans?

Original styling with a kick-ass updated powertrain?

[510freak]

Sure glad you cheated the reaper Driven

It will be sweet again,with your hands

[DRIVEN]

You were very lucky. There were no crumple zones, no collapsible steering columns, no padded dash. I assume you would have added seat belts as the windshield looks intact..

Lucky is relative. The girl in the other car was pulling out of a driveway on my right to make an illegal left turn across 3 lanes. There was a planter median to the left of me and another car to my immediate right (2 lanes each way). I had no place to go but through her. I anchored the brakes and went slightly sideways hitting her with my RF fender first. This spun the truck around a couple times causing me to go out the passenger door back and head first. Instead of breaking the passenger door latch, the back of the cab actually rolled out allowing the door to swing and me to eject. The guy in the car next to me later said I was airborne for about 20-25 feet. The police report says I was thrown 30 yards. I remember waking up on my back in the middle of the road with 2 cops shining flashlights in my face and screaming at me not to move. I had a pretty major concussion and skull fracture. Spent 3 days in the hospital. My neck and back are still pretty messed up. I get a lot of headaches.

...but I didn't die.

[DRIVEN]

So after several attempts to flip projects to "finally get enough money to finish my truck", I realized I'll never finish it unless I just focus on it and work. Which brings us to today, my 14th anniversary of cheating death. I began by dropping the frame out of the rafters...by myself.

Well, I had some help from the cherry picker.


Once I had it on the floor, I sat down with a pen and paper and started making a parts list. Pretty much all that'll be saved from this frame is the outer rails.

[DRIVEN]

The proposed combination will be:
-Stock body probably dark blue
-Significantly strengthened frame
-1990 Corvette front suspension (has the F41 big brake option)
-1981 Corvette rear suspension with 3.73 posi
-Coilovers in all 4 corners. Possibility of air ride upgrade later.
-Steel 17" & 18" wheels with '40s caps and trim rings
-Probably reuse the 283 that was in it at the time of the accident
-Probably use the A833 overdrive. Maybe on of the T5s.
-Stockish interior

I prefer a traditional hot rod feel. A "street rod" approach is easily dated. I'm in love with this one at the moment.

More tomorrow.

[510freak]

Thats a BC truck

I like the look

[DRIVEN]

The color is dicey but the stance is dead on. Completely stock body with '34 commercial headlights. In 5 years his wheels will be dated. My steelies will still be fine.

[510freak]

I agree the color is dicey.
Stance is on.
The wheels,yeah a bit ...
Cant wait to see where you take this one

[DRIVEN]

So, I'm looking for some input on my drivetrain combination. There are several engines and transmission choices available. I'm also open to suggestions not listed.

Engine #1. 283 (+.060=292ci) forged flattops. Ported iron heads. DZ302 spec solid lifter cam, carb, intake, distributor.
This was in the truck when it was wrecked. Ran really good and pulled really hard from 5000-7500rpm.


Engine #2. 400 (+060=413ci) flattops. Junk 883 heads. Comp XE262 cam. Performer intake and Quadrajet carb.
Currently in my El Camino. Pulls like a diesel. Ridiculous torque but all done by 4500rpm.


Engine #3. LT1. Totally stock.
I have a useable high-miler. Photo is actually my brother's. Mine is on a stand directly behind the tarp.


Engine #4 LT1/302 hybrid. This can be built by using the block and pistons from an LT1 along with crank and rods from an L99 (aka baby LT1). I'd need to come up with an L99 and spend some money with a machinist.

Now, on to the transmissions. The 3.73 gearing won't be changed so an overdrive will be nice if not necessary. Compound first and cruise RPM are both to be considered. Originally the truck had a 2.79 rear along with a wide-ratio Saginaw 4-speed. With it's 3.50:1 1st gear I had a compound 1st of 9.765 (10:1 is considered ideal) and a 70mph cruise rpm of just over 2500. Pretty nice all around combo.

Transmission #1. New Process A833 (GM code is MY6). Basically, a 3-speed + overdrive. Very strong but heavy. Chrysler used the A833 behind Hemis. Shifter placement isn't ideal but is OK. 1st gear is 3.09 and overdrive is .73. with the 3.73s I would have a 11.52 compound 1st and a 2450 cruise rpm.


Transmission #2. WC T5. The one I have is from an S-10 but I could theoretically replace the gears with Camaro/Firebird set. Probably best suited for engines under 300lbs of torque but will live a long time behind much more if not abused. Great forward shifter placement in close to stock location. Great for the sleeper look. 1st gear is 3.76 and overdrive is .72. Compound 1st of 14.025 and cruise rpm of about 2450. Really would be better with rear gearing closer to 3.08.


Transmission #3. Muncie M20. This is originally from my El Camino and no overdrive. Compound first of 9.400 and cruise rpm of 3400. Photo was internet swiped.


Transmission #4. Aftermarket T56. I could pretty much choose my ideal gearing and there's 2 overdrive gears. Downside? They cost $3000+, bulky and kind of heavy. Special bellhousing required.



Your input and discussion is welcome.

[flatcat19]

Ford truck. Nothing but Chebby motors around.
Tsk, tsk.

FI 5.0. My 0.02.

[510freak]

My 2 pennies worth

Engine #1 (more for the nostalgia part of it,and that you know it,and how it worked in the truck.
Trans # 2 (ease of parts availability ,and longevity....unless you are going to be slamming it through the gears..But gearing is a drawback)


Like Keith said, Maybe go sbf

[DRIVEN]

I hear what you guys are saying about Ford in a Ford. In fact I have strongly considered going that direction a couple times. It used to be that everyone had a 350/TH350/9" combination. Over the last few years everyone has made the extra effort to be different so a SBC in an early Ford isn't as common. Lots more flaheads, Nailheads, Y-blocks, early Olds Rockets, early Cadillacs, etc. This particular 283 and I have a long history. I built it in school and did 100% of the machining, porting and assembly myself. In fact, I ran it for a while when the rest of the drivetrain was stock using this old Wilcap transmission adapter.

I really don't have anything against Ford engines, they just aren't my favorite. Compared to a SBC they don't fit as well either. They're a bit longer and most need to be converted to rear sump to fit the frame, steering and suspension. A SBC now also makes it waaay easier for an LSX upgrade in the future, if I choose that path. Besides, I already have a Ford in a Ford...

Plus, I have a TON of SBC stuff around the shop.

I have an idea for a really unique induction system so I'm 98% decided on the 283. Hint...

[DRIVEN]

Trans # 2 (ease of parts availability ,and longevity....unless you are going to be slamming it through the gears..But gearing is a drawback)

This is my preferred choice too. If I can come up with a late-80s Fbody T5 I could combine the 2 to get better gearing and the optimal shifter placement in a lighter, smaller package than the A833. The 283 would never break it. I'd need to be careful with an LT1 or LSX. The A833 is damn near indestructible.

[510freak]

Trans # 2 (ease of parts availability ,and longevity....unless you are going to be slamming it through the gears..But gearing is a drawback)

This is my preferred choice too. If I can come up with a late-80s Fbody T5 I could combine the 2 to get better gearing and the optimal shifter placement in a lighter, smaller package than the A833. The 283 would never break it. I'd need to be careful with an LT1 or LSX. The A833 is damn near indestructible.

Seems like the best way to go(if you can get the F-Body trans too)
Coupled with the 283(I have a a soft spot for the early sbc motors)you should have a stellar drivable combo,with decent power.
And the tri power to boot

You have a nice array of sbc stuff there Driven

[DRIVEN]

I got a little more work done yesterday. Cut out the X-rails and some other unneeded stuff. My wife's family came in to town yesterday so I had to stop being a "rude hermit" and socialize. Hopefully I can get back out there this afternoon.