1955 Chevy 3100 Pro Touring Project

[Jacobb55]

Well this is the start of my thread on my project. It is a 1955 2nd gen Chevy 3100 big window truck, my cousin bought the truck in 1991 in Bend, Oregon, which it sits the same now as when he bought it, due to starting a family and everything that comes with that. He knew I was looking for a new project so he offered to give me the truck and of course I took him up on that offer. So last weekend I flew out to Oregon and he picked me up from the airport with the truck on the trailer and we drove straight back down to Southern California where the truck will be staying now. Which is pretty cool because back in '55 it was built in Oakland, Ca. My plan is to have Art Morrison build the chassis for it, leaning towards naturally aspirated LS3 with a little bit of work done to it. Shooting for 450-500 horsepower, with a 4L80E behind it. I want to have it show truck quality but still feel comfortable to drive it every weekend or take it to the local tracks and run auto cross with it. With all of this being said was hoping I could get some input and opinions from you guys on the do's and dont's being this will be my first pro touring build. I've been in the desert racing scene my whole life and ready to change things up a bit. Thanks in advance.
Jacob

[Motown 454]

Welcome to P-T, this looks like a sweet project. It sounds like you have a great plan already. I'll be looking forward to seeing lots of pictures Subscribed!

[cbpldc]

Looks like a nice clean start. Pretty truck!

Chris

[sdg0080]

Nice truck. You can order a new gm crate engine ls3 with 430, 480, and 525 horse power and have a warranty. Get the connect and cruise package and it has everything you need to make it run and drive.

[Jacobb55]

Well as I continue to start ordering parts today I did make some big head way. Met with my motor builder, we came to an agreeance to build a new ls3, going to convert it to the Holley hp efi system, 95mm throttle body, 225/235 @.05 cam , valve springs and some engine dress up items. My next decision is what trans I want to run. Can anybody give me there opinion between a T56 or a 4l70e.

Thanks
Jacob

[rat_rod_russell]

T56 all the way!!!!

[Godbolt]

That is a great looking truck. Looks in good shape. Love the speedo.

[salesguy01]

Yea Super Shape!! Great foundation!

[snappytravis]

Automatic would be easier and nicer for cruising,, but shifting a t56 is a blast.. do what you want. I am also running the holley hp ecu on a ls3 in a 69 Camaro. I have a 57 that I bought when I was 17 in 1990. Still have it.. I will be watching this project..

[Jacobb55]

Well the past week I have thrashed on trying to get the truck disassembled and ready to send out to media blast and have had alot of success. This past week I also go the motor and trans ordered, final decision was a brand new LS3 and 4L70E trans. This coming week I plan on finalizing everything with the chassis. I have decided to go with TCI's chassis with their custom IFS kit. I took a tour of the facility last Friday with Steve and was very impressed with the operation they run. Here are some pictures to get everyone up to date. Any recommendations or advice is welcome through this process as this is my first build. I have gotten mixed opinions for the blasting part of it. Some people say soda blast others say acorn blasting. What do you guys think is best??

[Motown 454]

Man that is in nice shape! I'm going to enjoy watching this build.

[chunger]

What engine was in there before? Looks like something BOP?

[Jacobb55]

It had a 455 with a turbo 400

[chunger]

Just out of curiosity, why didn't you want to keep that? Would've been pretty interesting under the hood. Just a thought.

[Jacobb55]

Just out of curiosity, why didn't you want to keep that? Would've been pretty interesting under the hood. Just a thought.

When I got the truck from my cousin it didn't have the motor in it, when he bought it back in 92 the owner of the truck pulled the 455 and kept it and the turbo 400 that was still in the truck when I just got it is broken so being nothing in that package is really salvageable, so I decided to go with the LS platform knowing they are extremely reliable. One thing I can't figure out though is what the rear end is out of. It is HUGE, never seen such big drum brakes and third member before. lol