77 stepside street/strip rat build
 

Hi Everybody. I’d like to start by thanking the community for all the great information shared on the forum. I’m building my first rat motor and would like share my combo and get some constructive criticism.

The build:
454 bored .030 over
Speed pro forged 27cc dome pistons (haven’t cc’d heads so 10ish:1 CR)
Reconditioned rods
Stock crank
All ARP fasteners
781 heads, .219 int .188 exh valves
60204 Lunati Voodoo flat tappet w/ matching springs
Lunati Voodoo roller rockers
Edelbrock RPM Air-gap intake
Holley 850HP series
Still undecided on ignition…. Probably Mallory HEI distributer with a 6al box.
I should note I picked up an edelbrock c66 dual quad setup with two 1407 carbs I would like to swap on if I ever take the pickup to any shows. Not the ideal setup but it would look filthy if I could get it tuned.

Going into 1977 Chevrolet Stepside 2wd ~ 3800lbs but dropping and shifting weight where I can.
3.73 rear gears, a TH350, GM 12 bolt, and probably going to run cheater street slicks.
Stock front suspension dropped 2”. Air shocks in rear with traction bars and 1” drop shackles.

Any advice or criticism for my combo?

Re: 77 stepside street/strip rat build
 

Should look like an old school street machine with that setup, air shocks an all...sounds cool to me!

Re: 77 stepside street/strip rat build
 

Let's see some picture son!!!! I have a few big blocks laying around that will eventually make their way in my 73' short step

Re: 77 stepside street/strip rat build
 

Here are some progress pics. When I got the pickup it had been sitting in a shed for several years. I began by getting it in the shop and totally disassembling it. The floor had some holes which I repaired with a floor pan and then I did both cab corners and both inner/outer rocker panels. I managed to find two brand new rear fenders on Craigslist which saved me a lot of headache.

Re: 77 stepside street/strip rat build
 

I sandblasted the firewall and any body surfaces I didn't have to worry about warping. I have shot everything in ppg omni epoxy primer and after body filler I am following with omni 2k. After the panels are straight I plan to shoot it with a white ppg deltron epoxy and then with a deltron base. Going for some shade of red but I haven't chosen one yet. For clear I will either use the deltron concept high solid clear or perhaps the SPI clear. I have yet to address the chassis. It was painted several years ago and is in decent shape. I will most likely scuff it and shoot it with a chassis black.

Re: 77 stepside street/strip rat build
 

Here is a pic of the motor that will be going into it. Virgin bore 454 with 781 heads that had a flattened lobe.

I haven't had a chance to work on the pickup in a couple weeks but I will continue to post as progress is made!

Re: 77 stepside street/strip rat build
 

Got any more progress done? I have a 77 step side myself so defiantly interested in seeing this build.

Re: 77 stepside street/strip rat build
 

I've finally been able to work on the pickup the last few weekends. I decided to completely disassemble the chassis and sandblast everything. I primed it over the weekend with two coats of epoxy but the paint store accidentally gave me flat black instead of semi gloss. I guess I should have checked before I left. So hopefully I have time to tack everything and get it sprayed within the 72 hour topcoat window of the epoxy...I don't want to scuff everything. I also picked up an 850 speed demon. The transmission and rearend are still yet to be addressed. This project has had some "scope creep" and I'm not sure how much money I want to spend. One thing is for sure though, a stock th350 and 3.08 gears aren't going to cut it. Here are some pics:

Re: 77 stepside street/strip rat build
 

More pics:

Re: 77 stepside street/strip rat build
 

Got the frame painted. If anyone needs a high dollar paint job I've got a pretty nice booth as you can see.