Check the dealer for Vortecs...If I remember correctly, they should be just over 400 bucks.

That 400 block alone is work good money by itself.But,if crank turns out useable,why seperate.400s are getting hard to find.A 383 job on a 350 block is slick.But,a 400 already has the torque.And,they can be built to 406 or even 426.Now that`s a B/A small block!Those saddle tanks are add-ons.Often by dealers,mostly in the westsrn states.It`s gonna be tough to find a trade on that TH350 for an 700R4.You might try a junkyard or buying a donor vehicle.By the time you have that rebuilt,you might wanna weigh the option of an outright unit fom someone like Jet Performane.I knlw,we`re gettin` pricey.Good luck,nice trucks.

Thanks. Just to clarify, I am keeping this a 400. It turns out my crank was still perfectly fine even after throwing a rod. My previous 400 block was going to need a sleeve as well as getting bored over again. Luckily I found a virgin 400 block that has never been bored, and cost just a little more than a sleeve repair would have been. So yeah, this will probably turn out to be a little shy of a 406 small block (only going .20 over so I can rebuild again if needed) with 5.7 rods and vortec heads - at least that is the plan so far. Should be fun!

It's been along time since I've given an update to this truck. Here are some pics of progress I've made. Nothing costmetic has changed to the exterior. But at least it runs strong and is back on the road!

Instead of the small block 400, I opted to put that into another truck and put a new GM Goodwrench 350 in this. Installed a 700r4 behind it that I got from bisquick65. What a great feeling to have it drop into fourth gear!

Also installed new carpet, a tach dash, driveline, exhaust, power brake booster, etc. Just little things here and there when I get time, and money. Next up is the disc front end conversion.

Many, many thanks to all those who have chipped in with answers to all my questions. This truck simply would not be here if it wasn't for this board!

He could put an LS1 in the Bug.. that might be interesting... LOL


Nice truck there.. I see I'm not the only one with er.. "alternative" materials making up my cab corners. :))

I love the 66. Is that the one that was giving you fits when you first got it running?

No, it was this truck pictured, the '70. You have a good memory. What it boiled down to was having the incorrect harmonic balancer, so my timing was not where it needed to be. And replacing my Road Demon carb for this Edelbrock. Runs great now!

Hey Vortexofpain,

The camper loading gizmo is called an EZloader. I have on for my 1969 Mitchell camper that came with my 1970 C20 Custom Camper. They work really nice for loading the campers....just walks them right up into the bed.

It's a strange coincidence that I have a green truck and a Silver Beetle too. :crazy:

Super nice truck! I especially like how everything you have touched, you have cleaned. Damn thats a lot of work! See you have the BTO TV set-up. Made that 700 install easy, huh? Only 2 things I'd like to point out to save ya some trouble later is to put some heat sleeves on your plug wires if u are gonna route em like that and ya might wana think about getting a double spring set-up for your carb return. Would kinda suck if that one broke. Hope ya don;t leave us hanging for another 9 months!
Rich

Thats turning into a really nice ride.. Keep up the good work..

Great Work! Keep The Progress Pics A Comin'