Could use some help and advice.

[80sCarGuy]

I've spent 15 hours and 250.00 dollars in fuel looking at rusted out junk projects. I have a 85 swb GMC 2wd body. Its really solid, and besides engine and trans, it just needs a wiring harness and the seats recovered. Would it make a viable pro-touring project? Do you think it could be made to handle as well as a 4th gen F body in a autoX?

I know ridetech and Porterbuilt hotrods make a front suspension kits. ridetech is fixing to start on a coilover kit for their strongarms. Kore3 makes the corvette kits for the truck and they can do the front hubs to 5x4.74 lug pattern to open up my wheel choices. The rear is very simple, I plan on running a 63-72 truck arm set up with a built factory 12 bolt with Moser axles drilled for 5x4.75 wheels.

My 2-2500.00 initial purchase budget would go a long why on this truck. Any ideas, advice,criticism or useful comments would be greatly appreciated.



Jay

[69lsxamx]

what cars did you go look at or what would you like to get? I have a lightning and have done one autocross in it although it was fun and I enjoyed it I would not use it again for another one. It was just to wide for the way the corse was sat up I took out a lot of cones, Traction was a big issue on a 305 drag radial. at 450WHP The big stall probably didn't help that though. I love the truck and it handles well, a full size truck it not something I would build to autocross in though. I think you will be better off buying a 4th gen camaro, or SN95 mustang that way you will have a better platform to start with.

[80sCarGuy]

what cars did you go look at or what would you like to get? I have a lightning and have done one autocross in it although it was fun and I enjoyed it I would not use it again for another one. It was just to wide for the way the corse was sat up I took out a lot of cones, Traction was a big issue on a 305 drag radial. at 450WHP The big stall probably didn't help that though. I love the truck and it handles well, a full size truck it not something I would build to autocross in though. I think you will be better off buying a 4th gen camaro, or SN95 mustang that way you will have a better platform to start with.

I looked at a few 3rd gen camaros, an 85 GT and a very rusty 71 El Camino that the door hinde broke lose from the body from rust damage. Don't really like the SN95s and 4th gen F bodies are boring. I'm not building the truck to just autoX, but say I go to an event with an AutoX, I can run the course.

Thank you for the reply.

[lineberrcasey]

that truck would make a bad-ass pro touring projects is it short or long wheel base?

[69lsxamx]

Maybe Someone on here will be able let you know what your truck is capable of. It is nice having a truck that you can daily drive, haul crap and even race. That's why I like the lightning so much.
You can pick up a 5.3 pretty cheap for your engine get a 4l80 transmission put a turbo and good suspension like you said and would have a bad truck and it won't be something you see a lot of when you go to an event.

[80sCarGuy]

Maybe Someone on here will be able let you know what your truck is capable of. It is nice having a truck that you can daily drive, haul crap and even race. That's why I like the lightning so much.
You can pick up a 5.3 pretty cheap for your engine get a 4l80 transmission put a turbo and good suspension like you said and would have a bad truck and it won't be something you see a lot of when you go to an event.

I already bought a carbed 6.0l and TKO 5spd from a local guy. He decided he wanted BBC and an auto.

[shockrod]

Have you checked out project "Rolling Thunder" off of Trucks! on the Spike network? Might give you some ideas

[cheapthrillz]

Where are you in NC? There are more late second gen f-bodies around here than you can shake a stick at..... and a 6.0 and 5 spd in one would be sweet!

[naynay]

I say build the truck.. have fun with it. And once it's done start looking for another long term project. I am in the same boat. I have a 63 c10 thats getting the full treatment. Now i have a 2 month old son and all i keep telling myself is that i should find a monte carlo, or chevelle or something that i'll be able to get him in and out of so we can cruise.

[cheapthrillz]

http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/3252756315.html

[80sCarGuy]

Thank you for the replies guys, but I sold the GMC after I got a free 86 Monte Carlo LS from a lady at work after the transmission died.

[Rick Dorion]

Good luck. I have looked at a few Novas and a Dart that were so misrepresented it's a crime. And this is after having the right conversations. As far as trucks, look at what Hotchkis is doing with their C10. Impressive.

[MonzaRacer]

did a cool ride with parallel 4 link 3 yrs before ridetech did theirs.
Honestly mine is long bed, 78 Factory diesel but runs 355 roller, H.O.T. cam, Holley Street Dominator, TH375, so far stock later wheels, added the 91 R model front end.
for handling the air ride is AWESOME, if you use the 2000lb springs over the 1500lb ones the truck get more ability to tow over springs. I love the fact I'm able to drop my truck when I park,,,,really for a stock body truck, ie had no good paint, still rusted in places, it drew comments, questions etc.
Any questions give me a shout. BUT I love my CoolRide.
Oh and I simply used 3 paddle switches, started out using an A6 ac compressor for air , 5 gal tank mounted down on frame, also added in an air hose to keep in bed with ball valve. Made it easy to air up tires and such. lots of great simple ways to do things.