"The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

How's it going guys? I'm back with a 78 stepside I picked up yesterday afternoon. SOLID truck minimal rust, looking to get that fixed as soon as possible. I learned my lesson the first time around!

Anyway here it is:

1978 Chevrolet Stepside
250 cid Straight 6
3 Speed Manual Transmission (Death Trap)

The previous owner's last drive:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a84...C_2737_598.jpg

Right after it got parked in the driveway:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a84...C_2754_615.jpg
My partner in crime loves it :lol:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a84...C_2750_611.jpg

And after the Mavericks v Heat game this is what it looked like:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a84...C_2755_616.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a84...C_2757_618.jpg

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

Need a better shot of the wheels on it now since the first ones had the hub caps (which looked cool). Good looking truck man & looking forward to seeing where you take it!

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

Amazing the difference since you changed the wheels!

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

Thanks guys, I'll get some better pics of the rims tomorrow.

First thing on the list is getting the cab corner replaced.

Cowl induction hood

v8 swap

18" billet's

and we'll see how wild this one gets

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

Might I suggest an upgrade to an LS truck motor given you're looking to do a V8 swap anyway. You'll be MUCH happier with it, even it you run it with a carb it's still a better engine than ANY of the older V8 designs!!!

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

That's the plan. I initially wanted a crate engine ls1 but I'm in the process of buying some land and got to adjust the budget a little. Might go with a used 5.3 or 6.0.

I like the idea of running a carb on an lsx, I've heard the peak horsepower goes up but the fuel injection is stronger throughout the power band.

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

I originally purchased an '08 LY6 6.0L out of a 2500HD that had less than 10k on it, but started wanting a different cam & springs so I just ordered a new one from Mast Motorsports already the way I want & making 497HP at the crank. The shop building my truck is now selling that motor since I won't be using it - it doesn't have the ECM, pedal assembly or MAF sensor however (does have the wiring harness though).
I went with the LY6 due to the better head design over the older engines as well as the advantage of the VVT feature. Any of the truck motors are great though! Pace Performance has a 4.8L carbed LS motor that's complete from carb-to-pan for $3k which is a pretty good deal - especially for a light 1/2-ton truck!

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

WOW! You have great taste in trucks!:metal:

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

That's not a bad price at all, but the truck racing scene is HUGE down here like you wouldn't believe. I wouldn't be able to do much damage, I need at least a 5.3.

That engine you have sounds like a straight up beast! I'm mainly worried about the wiring aspect of the swap, I'm borderline retarded with wiring

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

Just saw you avatar, haha! Thanks.

This was my old one.......err new one before cancer took over it:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a84/low84/Penny.jpg

Actually those are the rims I put on the 78

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

The Mast wiring & ECM is a little easier for installation & that's one reason I went with them. There are lots of companies though that sell LS harnesses that are pretty easy to install. Biggest thing is just ensuring adequate fuel flow & PSI.

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

Is this a complete setup? Just plug and play type of deal

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

Yep, for the most part - have to modify or change mounts, install the new pedal assembly & some other items, but pretty easy really. Mine didn't come with the fuel system (although you can get them) because we're using a new stock GM sending unit assembly for an '08 truck that fits in the gas tank they built. You can however just use the '87 sending unit assemblies in your tank & upgrade the pump.

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

Sounds simple enough. I'm going to start hounding around the junkyards for lsx engines right after i get that cab corner replaced

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

Nice score!

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

Thanks, it is I'm happy with it. It's getting tougher and tougher to find good, solid, build-able trucks for a realistic price.

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

Took me a little longer than I thought it would to get the pic, should have at least cleaned it :lol:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a84...3110_630-2.jpg

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

Nice. Subscriber from Corpus. Rust is a fact of life.

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

looks good with those wheels on it..

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

Small world, I just got back from Corpus a few hours ago. Spent the weekend over there for the "Battle of the Bay" car show. Rust is the devil!!

Thanks, thinking of dropping it a little and cruising as is for the summer :lol:

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

Might be picking up a new engine for it tomorrow :bann:

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

did you decide on 5.3 or 6.0?

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

What size are your wheels and backspacing?

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

A 2in drop is all you'll get with those tires or you will rub tha fenders..do spring & shakles for now & when you need new tread..you can increase tha drop then..

Re: "The Relapse" 78 Chevy Stepside
 

If everything goes well today, it's going to be an lq4 6.0


They're 15x10, but I honestly don't know the backspace on them.