Silverado Street Truck build!

[91blkstpsd]

Hey guys, Im new here to this forum. My name is Drew and Im 22 years old. Im currently building my 91 Chevrolet Silverado. It was bone stock when I bought it 3 years ago. A little under a year ago the original engine crapped out so now its time for a big makeover! I bought a 95 LT1 and 4l60e trans with less than 40K miles on it. I am hoping to build a performance street truck that looks as good as it runs and drives even better. Keep posted as updates come in. I am doing almost all of the work myself with the help of a select few friends so its not as fast as I would like but Im taking my time with it also.

Before the teardown.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/22825mytruckangle-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/22825rightrear-1.jpg

Old nasty stock 350 TBI engine!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/125002214_404907777_0-1.jpg
This looks really bad!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/DSC00415-1.jpg

[91blkstpsd]

cleaning things up some.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/DSC00519-1.jpg
Front Frame painted
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/MYFRAME-1.jpg
Firewall painted and new poly mounts in.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/firewallafter-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/firewallafter2-1.jpg

[91blkstpsd]

Time for the engine! Here it sits quietly on the stand. Starting look look better too.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/DSC00239-1.jpg
I powdercoated my own intake with a kit from Eastwood. Came out great!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/DSC00244-1.jpg
Got the ceramic coated headers and BBk throttle body on. Also powdercoated the acc brackets in a chrome like finish.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/DSC00522-1.jpg
Next comes the fabbed aluminum valve covers. Makes it almost look like a big block!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/DSC00573-1.jpg

[91blkstpsd]

Trans got painted and Transgo shift kit installed along with polished deep pan.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/DSC00486-1.jpg

For mature eyes only. They are now mating together! ahaha
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/enginetransmating-1.jpg

Now time to set it in its new home!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/enginein-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/0423072051-1.jpg
Fits good except had to notch the frame on passenger side slightly for acc to clear.No prob though.

[4birdman]

Did you spray clearcoat on those chromelike brackets? I know one of my mistakes when I started powdercoating was not doing that. Chrome powder will fade and turn grey unless it has a clear powdercoat sprayed over it.

Sorry if you already knew that, I have been powdercoating for years now and just wanted to make sure you didn't have to redo anything!

The powdercoat looks great!

[91blkstpsd]

Now time for wiring! YAY! Everyone loves this part!(sarcasm)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/0423072051a-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/DSC01145-1.jpg

Im trying to hide as much wiring as I can to keep a clean look. Lengthing wires is becoming common here.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/DSC01146-1.jpg

Its getting closer!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/DSC01251-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/DSC01452-1.jpg

[91blkstpsd]

Im redoing my interior at this time also. The dash will be smoothed and painted, black leather with charcoal suede accents. I have newer model black leather seats and console. Im using all Autometer Ultralite electronic gauges in a custom made panel me and my dad made to fit the stock location. Installing an overhead console as well.

Suede headliner I did along with overhead console.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/154745037_509361161_0-1.jpg

Gauge panel I designed on AutoCAD at home.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/gauges-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/mydash-1.jpg

Started smoothing and painting my dash.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/DSC01448-1.jpg

The seats used to be blue but I dyed them using SEM leather/vinyl dye. They turned out great! Next is the console.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/seats1-1.jpg

[91blkstpsd]

Doing a little bodywork also. Shaved my tailgate handle, stake pockes, smoked my factory lenses, and added steel rollpan with hidden hitch.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/DSC01483-1.jpg

I like this picture for some reason.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/DSC01431-1.jpg

[91blkstpsd]

Here are the wheels I want for it. 20"x8.5" for the front and 20"x10" out back. They are Coys C5 with grey centers.(this is an old photochop pic)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/sig-1.jpg

[91blkstpsd]

Did you spray clearcoat on those chromelike brackets? I know one of my mistakes when I started powdercoating was not doing that. Chrome powder will fade and turn grey unless it has a clear powdercoat sprayed over it.

Sorry if you already knew that, I have been powdercoating for years now and just wanted to make sure you didn't have to redo anything!

The powdercoat looks great!

Thanks man! No I didnt do the clearcoat. It said I didnt have to use it so I dunno. Its the single stage reflective chrome from Eastwood. This is the firs stuff I have ever done and love the results.

[CRCRFT78]

Where'd you pick up the valve covers?

[70TWO NOVA]

How did you smoke your tailights?

[curly]

That's a clean LT1! Your intake looks like mine (black which I think would be much easier to keep clean). In fact, I used a cheapy Harbor Freight kit and it turned out very well. I need to polish my fuel rails to really make it 'pop'!

Your truck should look awesome when it's finished! Good work!

[bbcc]

Very cool truck. What are your plans for the suspension? Also, are there step shavers available for the silverado's? Might clean up the rear end alot.

cheers bbcc

[91blkstpsd]

Where'd you pick up the valve covers?

Actually got them on ebay. Had to notch the pass side one for the alt but that wasnt bad. The only thing I dont like about them is they dont have the rail for the gasket on the bottom so you just kinda have to set the gasket on the head and line it up like that. :-( But there is ALL KINDS OF ROOM in these and have nice welds too.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/147169183_482892792_0-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/147169240_482892996_0-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/193620435_642667419_0-1.jpg





How did you smoke your tailights?
I just mixed up some of my black basecoat then mixed up some clear. I added just a very slight amount of black to the clear and went to spraying. You can apply as many coats as you want to get the darkness you desire. I wanted mine dark to blend in more with the truck. I have done a couple sets like this already and its easy and looks great.This set was just slightly tinted, he didnt want them too dark. Also did his corner lenses.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/smokedtails-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/smokedcorners-1.jpg
They look black in the shade but when the light hits them they are back orange!




That's a clean LT1! Your intake looks like mine (black which I think would be much easier to keep clean). In fact, I used a cheapy Harbor Freight kit and it turned out very well. I need to polish my fuel rails to really make it 'pop'!

Your truck should look awesome when it's finished! Good work!

Thanks! It is alot of work, especially doing most of it by yourself in the afternoons after work. I have the finish product visualized in my head. I just got the Photoshop program so Im gonna try playing with it to get a better rendering.



Very cool truck. What are your plans for the suspension? Also, are there step shavers available for the silverado's? Might clean up the rear end alot.

cheers bbcc

Thanks bbcc! For right now I am going with Belltech suspension. Im using 2" drop spindles and 3" drop coils in the front, out back I will use a 6" flip kit and all performance shocks. My future hopes are to put it on air but money doesnt allow right now. Also using Energy Suspension bushings and mounts to keep it tight. As far as the rear step shaver kit, they do make one for it but I kinda like the look of the steps and I already have a set of billet steps for it that will look nice I think.Here is a pic of what it will look like.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/BILLETSTEPS-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/BILLETSTEPSRR-1.jpg

[4birdman]

Thanks man! No I didnt do the clearcoat. It said I didnt have to use it so I dunno. Its the single stage reflective chrome from Eastwood. This is the firs stuff I have ever done and love the results.

OK, gotcha. That will still dull slightly over time, but won't gray like a standard chrome powder. I spray NIC Super Chrome, which is an unbelievably reflective powder, but it is super UV sensitive. I have to shut off the lights in the garage and use a few incandescent bulbs after I take it out of the oven to be sure that I get the full effect before I spray the clearcoat.

If you have any PC questions, just give me a shout. I am always happy to talk powder. :)

[TPI Monte SS]

Hey man, that looks awesome! Nice work so far, keep it going!

[70TWO NOVA]

Thanks for the "smoking education"!

[Brandon Miller]

Cool another TN boy. I live in McMinnville but work in Tullahoma.

[91blkstpsd]

Cool another TN boy. I live in McMinnville but work in Tullahoma.
Cool, I work in Manchester at St.John engineering. I go to Tullahoma often but not really to McMinnville. What do you drive? Is there any pretty quick rides up there?

[bbcc]

Thanks bbcc! For right now I am going with Belltech suspension. Im using 2" drop spindles and 3" drop coils in the front, out back I will use a 6" flip kit and all performance shocks. My future hopes are to put it on air but money doesnt allow right now. Also using Energy Suspension bushings and mounts to keep it tight. As far as the rear step shaver kit, they do make one for it but I kinda like the look of the steps and I already have a set of billet steps for it that will look nice I think.Here is a pic of what it will look like.



Wow:drool: I hate chrome and billet and all that junk, but that looks damn good.:headbang:


cheers bbcc

[Brandon Miller]

Cool, I work in Manchester at St.John engineering. I go to Tullahoma often but not really to McMinnville. What do you drive? Is there any pretty quick rides up there?

I work at Schmiede Corporation as a machine designer. My daily is a Crew Cab '04 F150, but my project is a '91 ext cab Ranger. I'm designing a new frame for it to run C5/C6 Vette suspension and it will be powered by a twin turbo ex Nascar Busch series Ford SVO 4.5L V6. One vehicle from my way you may have seen before is a '93 blue Ford Ranger Splash that had a blown 347 stroker in it. It belongs to a buddy of mine. He is completely redoing it right now. It will have twin 76MM turbos when done.

[91blkstpsd]

Wow I hate chrome and billet and all that junk, but that looks damn good.


Thanks, I thought I could change your mind. haha
I like the billet look as long as its not overdone. With the rear of these shaved just makes it look weird to me. Wait til you see my dash then! :-)

[jy211]

Looks good :naughty: ...if you change your mind on wheels I have a 2 sets of staggard 20's that'll fit that....

[hechtrod]

I love the truck! Keep the updates coming. WHeels are a cool choice too!
Chris

[91blkstpsd]

I love the truck! Keep the updates coming. WHeels are a cool choice too!
Chris

Thanks, I wish I could get another good front picture and have a good photochop done. I have been tryong to decide on some wheels for forever and I actually ran upon these on this site. I love the look. Kinda a classic but yet modern at the same time. Fits well I think since my theme is black, charcoal, and polished throughout the truck. If anyone is interested in doing another chop let me know please. Thanks for all the compliments guys! Its people like you all that keep me motivated and giving me ideas.

[91blkstpsd]

Hey guys, I got alot acccomplished last night on the truck. I finaly got the frame notched and painted back. We fixed a big vacuum leak and the engine miss. THIS THING WILL SCREAM NOW! I love it. Runs really smooth now. Ill post up a few pics and videos for yall to enjoy.

Test fit the metal in.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/208168934_692482578_0-1.jpg

Welded and painted.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/208169580_692484550_0-1.jpg

Accessory bracket on.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/208170504_692487681_0-1.jpg

Ok here is the video! This sounds like a beast in person! You cant really hear the exhaust from the front but listen to that intake! Also notice the entire truck torques when I rev it thanks to the poly mounts! Let me know what you think.
http://s135.photobucket.com/albums/q153/91blkstpsd/?action=view&current=MOV01505.flv

[Smock67]

wow your truck is coming along quick. its gonna be one hell of a performer when its done keep it up.

[91blkstpsd]

Also can view on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLz00iggC14

[hechtrod]

Nice vid. The intake does sound nice. How much power do you think you have? Keep the pics and vids coming.
Chris

[91blkstpsd]

Nice vid. The intake does sound nice. How much power do you think you have? Keep the pics and vids coming.
Chris


Hey Chris, Im estimating about 320hp to the wheels right now. Thats over 120hp more than my stock engine had so I think Ill be pleased haha. I have the Zex nitrous kit for it too later on when I need some more power on hand.:-) I just need to get it to hook up now.

[91blkstpsd]

Hey guys I have a little update. I have the front back on the truck now and everything working properly again. Also got the drivers site wiring done and in the loom. I mounted my new optima battery and started wiring up my fans. For the interior, I ordered some new carpet from ACC and Im waitng for it to smooth out on a nice warm sunny day. I installed my overhead console and am very pleased with it. Here are a few pics of progress.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/211511989_704117890_0-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/DSC01595-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/DSC01661-1.jpg

Headliner done in suede and console painted to match truck.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/DSC01668-1.jpg
Here is a preview of my seats and carpet.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/DSC01677-1.jpg

[70TWO NOVA]

That suede headliner looks sick!

[scogin918]

You've done a great job with this truck. I can't believe how good the LT-1 looks in the truck engine compartment.

[69camarokid]

Hey Chris, Im estimating about 320hp to the wheels right now. Thats over 120hp more than my stock engine had so I think Ill be pleased haha. I have the Zex nitrous kit for it too later on when I need some more power on hand.:-) I just need to get it to hook up now.

which set of 1.6 roller rockers did you use and how do u like them?... im looking a couple different pairs for my LT1 but i havnt decide which set i want go with yet.

[Marty G Cars]

I've been there on the truck scene too! Here is a 95 Silverado that I had built and put a ton of $$$ into, then sold it to a local friend.

http://www.ttcustomsinc.com/production/95_chevy_pickup_psychosis.html

Good luck with your project!!!

[91blkstpsd]

which set of 1.6 roller rockers did you use and how do u like them?... im looking a couple different pairs for my LT1 but i havnt decide which set i want go with yet.

I just bought the aluminum Jegs brand for now. They sure do make that Hotcam come alive and has a good lope to it. Im about to buy another LT1 and build it with forged interals and supercharge or turbo it and Ill use the Pro Magnums that Comp Cams sell.


I've been there on the truck scene too! Here is a 95 Silverado that I had built and put a ton of $$$ into, then sold it to a local friend.

http://www.ttcustomsinc.com/producti...psychosis.html

Good luck with your project!!!

Hey thanks, nice truck BTW. I actually used to have a picture of that saved to my computer a while back. After finishing up this one I want to either do our 57 Chevy Stepside or Im thinking about our 73 Nova with the LT1 turbo or supercharged with a 6 speed as mentioned earlier. No one ever does a 73-74 Nova so I want to be different.

[Code Red]

loving the engine

[69camarokid]

After finishing up this one I want to either do our 57 Chevy Stepside or Im thinking about our 73 Nova with the LT1 turbo or supercharged with a 6 speed as mentioned earlier. No one ever does a 73-74 Nova so I want to be different.

haha. nice... my dads car is a 73 nova. sweet custom interior and getting were rapainting it in metallic orange. he'll be happy to hear that someone else will join him in the later yeared nova world!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/Novacamaro222-1.jpg

[91blkstpsd]

loving the engine Thanks, too bad I havent even drove it yet! But will soon. Just taking my time on it to get everything right.


haha. nice... my dads car is a 73 nova. sweet custom interior and getting were rapainting it in metallic orange. he'll be happy to hear that someone else will join him in the later yeared nova world!

Thanks man, you have a sweet ride yourself. And that Nova is nice! I think I want mine painted red-orange or something similar with a cowl hood, lowered, and bigger wheels. Ours is a factory 307ci,3spd, hatchback so I want to keep a manual trans in it too. My dad bought it brand new when he got out of school so its sentimental also. Keep up the good work!

Also I went to get my other engine this weekend and they didnt have anyone to pull it so it will be this weekend before I get it. I went ahead and unhooked all the wiring and PCM so they wouldnt cut it and all the lines and hoses too so now its ready to pull out. Still cant believe Im getting everything for only $350!

[91blkstpsd]

Hey guys, I have done a little more in the last couple weeks. I built a radiator support out of stainless but havent actually attached it yet. Also been working on the interior some. I dyed my interior plastics all black for now. Also put in my carpet and other seat for good. The interior is starting to come together nicely I think. Now to finish up my gauges and add some coolant and hopefully it should drive. Let me know what you think.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/11/DSC01729-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/11/219900343_733423682_0-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/11/219899929_733422217_0-1.jpg

[bbcc]

Lookin' good bud. :cool:

bbcc

[Smock67]

nice progress man. can't wait to see a vid of the maiden voyage.

[SixSpeed454SS]

Cool truck. Alot of those pics bring back some memories from doing mine. I unbolted everything from the frame but the cab. I wish I would have pulled the cab & powdercoated the entire frame, instead of painting just the cab-forward.

I'll just have to redo it down the road.

Good luck on your project.

[91blkstpsd]

Im hoping to get it retuned this weekend and the interior finished up. Also am planning on dropping it soon. 4-6"

[91blkstpsd]

Ok I havent been on in a while. I bought a new truck so progress has slowed some but its almost there. I have driven the truck several times now and its going to be a beast. I love it. I had some minor oil leak issues but got them fix and also had a radiator hose to blow off and cause a mess of my engine bay and still need to do some cleaning on that.

Bought a Hamburger 7 quart oil pan.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/03/243182992_816954202_0-1.jpg
Added a little more billet to show those who dont know what engine this is.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/03/plate-1.jpg
Got a new smoothie bumper and valance on.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/03/254686195_857684884_0-1.jpg
Also finally got in my sppedometer!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/03/252086138_848519906_0-1.jpg
Mounted my Corvette covers for good.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/03/DSC02106-1.jpg
And just this week I traded for a set of 20" billet wheels and tires.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/03/DSC02114-1.jpg

[SixSpeed454SS]

Looks great. Are you on performancetrucks.net?

[Daveman2]

Damn, nice to see some other bowtie trucks going for PT, it's looking real clean

[91blkstpsd]

Looks great. Are you on performancetrucks.net?
Thanks, na I may join before long tthough.

Last night I got the diagnostic port wired up so I can read codes and tune it more. Also attached the throttle cable to the corvette cover so its not sticking up in the air like a sore thumb.

[shortrack]

Lookin' great.......

[91blkstpsd]

Havent updated in forever. Here is how its sitting now. Painted it satin black for now, has a set of billet 20"s, lowered 4-6" using belltech springs and DJM flip kit etc.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/279594993_946957904_0-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/279702473_947339939_0-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/DSC02463-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/DSC02465-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/DSC02462-1.jpg

[796spdbu]

Hey bro nice truck!!! Can you get me any info on how you mounted your gauge panel. It looks killer.Im putting together a 90 shorty and was thinking about doing the same thing you did withthe gauges. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Code Red]

looks good man

btw how do you fill your oil with those valve covers?

[Krazed]

I have to ask, what seats are those? They look like from a newer 99+ Chevy. Also, did you have to modify the frames much to make them fit?

[91blkstpsd]

Hey bro nice truck!!! Can you get me any info on how you mounted your gauge panel. It looks killer.Im putting together a 90 shorty and was thinking about doing the same thing you did withthe gauges. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks man. I just took out the factory gauge cluster and measured the back of it where it mounts to the dash. Then I drew it out in Autocad and had my dad machine it at school. I still have the drawings if you want me to send to you. It would be a good start at least.


looks good man

btw how do you fill your oil with those valve covers?
Thanks, Either take one off or through the dipstick. LOL Im using Royal Purple so I dont have to change very often. Its a sacrifice I make to get the smooth look I wanted from the covers.



I have to ask, what seats are those? They look like from a newer 99+ Chevy. Also, did you have to modify the frames much to make them fit?
The seats are from a 96+ Tahoe, Suburban, or ex cab silverado. They use most of the same holes as my bench seat did. I just mounted what holes did line up then drilled new holes and bolted them up. Make sure you use some sort of backing plate so the bolts wouldnt pull through in case of accident.

[91blkstpsd]

Here are a few more pics of the gauges and such.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/279592503_946949175_0-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/258423941_870971886_0-1.jpg
The window in the left corner is where Im going to put a gear selector.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/258424189_870972738_0-1.jpg

[91blkstpsd]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/279708139_947360409_0-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/SATINBLACK-1.jpg

[91blkstpsd]

Here are a few before I painted it satin. It had some rough bodywork and then I primered some spots on it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/274141686_927365727_0-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/274137186_927350342_0-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/274137977_927352998_0-1.jpg
And I like this shot. It shows that I cant get a wider tire in the back or it will rub! (unless I change wheels)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/274504218_928699018_0-1.jpg

[796spdbu]

If you wouldnt mind i would appricate those drawings... looks killer bro. Thanks

[07the19]

Can you please send me those designs for the gauges. I'd like to do the same thing.