1985 C10 Project: Big Blue

[DCohoon]

https://youtu.be/mFUWbJ54QgM

[Steve-O-08]

Awesome build! The frame looks great. At some point when I have more space I'll strip my Silverado down to the frame and paint it. Can't wait to see what you have coming up.

[DCohoon]

So I should probably pose this question in the open discussion forum but the engine we built walks the line of needing race gas and I am looking for a solution to my problem. Obviously I could change the head gaskets to a thicker set but I do not want to lose power or efficiency. The engine at 28 degrees timing it made its best power strangely and I may could back it down 1 more degree but it does not like 91 pump gas. 93 octane pump gas is hard to find in my area and it still doesn't like 93 all that well. For the dyno we ran a mixture of 91 and 113 to make it happy and not chug or diesel when we shut it down. So my question is what are some of you doing- what solutions have you found that work? Aviation fuel mixture with pump gas? Race fuel mixed with pump gas? Make your own race fuel using toluene? Im looking for the best and cheapest solution to this problem because I do want to cruise around in the truck some bit on the weekends without having to run straight race fuel that costs 10 bucks or more per gallon.

[RBEAST]

you could change the head gaskets to lower the compression a little so you can run on 91 ... just a thought OH YOU SAID THAT LOL SORRY! But i cant think of any other way unless you can run E85 but not sure anout that as i dont have any experience using E85 or if it is even available in your area

[DCohoon]

Ok so it has been awhile since I have updated but progress has been being made! The shop got a lot brighter recently thank the lord and thanks to my uncle who volunteered to help replace the 15 ballasts that had went out and half of the lights in the shop. Things have been insane lately working on what seems to be everyone's stuff but mine yet a few hours here and there at the shop with a few buddies have payed off. The new firewall piece has been fabbed and welded in and next it is on to finishing the bottom of the cab out and spraying it in lizard skin. The welds may not be beautiful but the firewall sheet metal was paper thin and even with the welder turned down and adjusted it was difficult to weld. The Precision Industries torque converter came in and looks amazing- great piece for sure. With the new converter in it was time to install the motor and trans but first we had to level up the frame (because my shop floor is no where near level) then with a little help from a friend we got it set in and the new trans cross member installed with the proper drive line angle although the picture I am posting the trans is still being supported by a bucket..which worked perfectly I might add. Next step is to have Wiles in Paris TN build a driveshaft and for me to begin paint and body work. I will be moving the rolling chassis to the other side of the shop away from the paint etc.. so we can fab up the fuel tank, fuel & brake lines, and install sway bars etc.. Anyway here are a few pictures.

[RBEAST]

I spent a bunch of money on sheet metal valve covers like those only to have them puke motor oil all over everywhere it kinda pissed me off. they dont have the stock style baffles in them to prevent oil from coming out the holes in covers even with filters installed , so now they hang on the wall unused instead of on my motor. just thought i'd mention that so you wouldn't have to find out the hard way like i did... anyway project is looking great keep up the great work and post some pics !