72 GMC swb ls build
 

Hey guys im new to the forum and the c10 world. About 4 months ago I picked up a 72 GMC swb truck original AZ truck which happened to be sitting in a backyard in Tampa. Unfortunately, it had been in a wreck and the frame was fubar... luckily I was able to find a 68 c10 frame. Game plan is lq4, T-56, terminator x. As much as I would like to do a detailed restoration, corners will likely be cut when it comes to bodywork as ill be taking the patina route. Mainly due to budget and a new baby on the way. This site has been a huge help, so please feel free to criticize or offer suggestions along the way.

Thanks - Barry

Re: 72 GMC swb ls build
 

Welcome aboard Barry! Looks like you have your work cut out for you! Enjoy the ride along the way, because if you’re like me, it’ll take 3 times longer than you expected.😊 I spent some time in Clearwater in the 70’s when I was a kid, grandma and grandpa lived there. Awesome memories for sure. :lol:

After reading the sites rules, here are some of mine for new members...
1. Post a bunch of pictures
2. Ask a bunch of questions
3. Don’t get discouraged
4. Balance time on truck with family!

Brian

Re: 72 GMC swb ls build
 

Welcome to the board. All it takes is time and money...and more money.

Re: 72 GMC swb ls build
 

Well its been 6 months...new job, new baby, and a little progress on the 72 but I am long overdue for an update. I was able to pull a 6.0 from an escalade at the local pull a part for 300 bucks. I decided to break it down and hot tank it as there was a ton sludge and carbon build up. Thats when things started to snowball.. Turned out the rods were just out of spec. Leading me to pick up some texas speed rods. I was worried about PTV with my 243 heads cut .030 so I grabbed some wiseso fly cut pistons. I had inteded to use the stock crank... until my buddy showed me eagles ebay clearance account... So I ended up with a completely forged rotating assembly, double roller chain, texas speed 228/232 .600 lift cam with their dual spring kit, ARP main, rod, and head studs, trunion kit, ls7 lifters, etc.. I finally got her buttoned up a few weeks ago and was able to drop in the truck. I used the CPP mounts and retained the stock trans cross member. I ended up using a LT1 T56 out of a 94 vette I was able to pick it up dirt cheap and converted over to the ls1 mid plate. The T56 actually fit pretty well as I was worried that I would have to pick up the mid mount shift kit but after moving the bench back 2 inches there is plenty of clearance, plus extra room for my legs. At 6,2'' the fit is perfect. Besides drivetrain I replaced the rockers, and did some light rust repair, still learning everyday.. Last night I started mock up the fuel system using a 25 gal 87 blazer tank and sending unit, walbro 450 pump, Holley bypass regulator to a "ruturnless" stock rail. Please feel free to criticize or question anything I could be overlooking, im no expert by any means and here to learn.

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Re: 72 GMC swb ls build
 

Now that's one precious motor pic.:chevy:
What do you estimate the hp and torque to be?

Re: 72 GMC swb ls build
 

I can honestly say I have never seen a baby sitting on an engine. Getting her started early!

That's going to be a nice engine - I bet you'll make at least 400 HP. Nothing wrong with the patina route either. It saves a TON of time and money and when you're done you don't have to worry about scratching it. Put some nice wheels on it, replace all of the lighting and electrical, new interior, and you should be set.

Re: 72 GMC swb ls build
 

By the time your current engine configuration is complete (grownup) you'll have about 300k plus in it! Enjoy every moment it goes fast.

Re: 72 GMC swb ls build
 

Good pics, especially the kiddo! The snowball comment made me smile. Nice progress

Re: 72 GMC swb ls build
 

:lol::lol::lol:If that includes the truck you did well. :lol:

Re: 72 GMC swb ls build
 

Thanks guys. Im shooting for 400 whp… well see. I am leaving my options open if power is an issue I will defiantly add a single turbo down the road. This Holley system makes it way to easy. I was able to score a Holley race series intake off facebook this week complete with deatschwerks 80 lb injectors and rails. Im not a major fan of the candy apple red but the price was right.. I had a couple hours last night and finally got around to fixing my driver side door hinge/nut bracket.

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