1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build

[STOCKISH]

Any time man.

[STOCKISH]

Ok guys, I need some opinions. I have a low mile 292 I was debating throwing in the truck. Mostly for nostalgic reasons, looks cool, etc. I would throw a 700r4 behind it and leave the 3.07s in the rear. I was thinking this would make a cool cruiser. However, I originally planned a LS swap and loved my last one. But I can have the truck running bad driving for cheap with the 292, or around $2000 or so for the LS. I'm not trying to build a fast truck so I don't have to have the V8, just a dependable cruiser, what are your guys thoughts and opinions and why. Thanks fellas.

[99 to Life]

I really dig seeing an I6 under the hood, hoping that trend comes in a bit more. LS swaps are getting hot right now. Just comes down to what you want and how much you want to spend. I think the I6 would be cheaper and quick and just look cool. Either route is cool and has pros and cons.

[papastrk]

The 3.07 rear gear and the overdrive at highway speeds will give you a 2.15 final ratio when in overdrive. The 292 will be great for this. The LS not so much. The LS would like something closer to 3.55. I drove a 63 Chevy truck with the 292 for a couple of years. It had great torque at low rpm's. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it drove and didn't regret installing it.

[99 to Life]

I agree, the down low torque is awesome. I drove my buddies 53' that had a 235 in it, 3 on the tree, that thing was soooo smooth to drive. Def solidified why I'm doing a 235 with T5 in my 52' I'm slowly working on.

[STOCKISH]

Had a little time to spend on the 54 today. My friend Matt (chev3600) came by to lend a hand as well. Thanks Bro. We got the chassis finish welded, determined wheelbase and ride height, and took the time to mock up a few panels for a picture or two. The ride height is going to be sick! Here are a few pics for you guys. Let me know what you think.

[oldman3]

Liking the mock up...Jim

[Billys68SS]

Really nice looking truck, I like the ride height a lot! Subscribed!

[mcbassin]

Mock up looks great! you are flying on this one. As for the LS vs 292 That's up to you. I am all about the LS design for my builds but, I absolutely refuse to work on another carburator.
You could do like me, I went with a 292 LS-4.8 Liter is the same displacement. BTW, it was a swap on the cheap.

[Wybrow]

Looks great, nice job on the frame. Those 20's look a lot better than I thought they would.

[coffeeman]

Great build so far, I have been thinking of doing this kind of build. Looks awesome! I would go with the 292. Sixers rule! Best thing I've ever done to a truck was put a T-5 behind my 235. So much fun to drive and it gets CRAZY attention at shows. Keep it up!

[fabguy]

Your build is coming along very sweet. Nice looking ride height.

[skymangs]

Looks sweet Josh. One thing to consider is that the value of the truck will be considerably higher with an LS engine.

[STOCKISH]

If i didnt have the 292 sitting around I would probably do another LS swap. But I figure i can use this for now and swap later if I dont like it. The value doesnt matter much to me, this one isnt for sale!
Im not sure I can run the 20s on the front, at least not with those tires. They are 28" tall and dont leave much room to turn!

[STOCKISH]

If i didnt have the 292 sitting around I would probably do another LS swap. But I figure i can use this for now and swap later if I dont like it. The value doesnt matter much to me, this one isnt for sale!
Im not sure I can run the 20s on the front, at least not with those tires. They are 28" tall and dont leave much room to turn!

[99 to Life]

looks great, gotta love moching it up. works paying off. Everyone does sbc or LS, I think a I6 would be a nice change of pace. I like all the styles, its nice to have a little bit of it all. I don't like seeing too much of the tradition taking out of the era of a car or truck. I think its important to enjoy and portray certain aspects that defined what the vehicle is.

[Hellion Customs]

The Camaro wheels look good on there. The frame is turning out pretty sweet. You should run the 292 since you already have it. I think it would be cool with all the c4 stuff, everyone would expect a LS or aleast a v8 to be under the hood. It would not be a big deal to take it out for a LS later on. I was thinking of running the 250 that was in the 64 in the 48 Suburban to cut down on some initial build cost. The I6 motors are cool as long as your not in a hurry to get somewhere lol

[STOCKISH]

Thanks Ray. I think ill run it for now. Can always swap it later.

[48 GMC BURB]

Sounds like you made the right choice those 6's look sweet with some old school fenton bolt ons. I would have went that way but my truck was missing a mill & the vett frame was setting next to the house looking for a home.Sweet build rims are all ways a issue.

Originally Posted by 1972SuperCheyenne

Ok guys, I need some opinions. I have a low mile 292 I was debating throwing in the truck. Mostly for nostalgic reasons, looks cool, etc. I would throw a 700r4 behind it and leave the 3.07s in the rear. I was thinking this would make a cool cruiser. However, I originally planned a LS swap and loved my last one. But I can have the truck running bad driving for cheap with the 292, or around $2000 or so for the LS. I'm not trying to build a fast truck so I don't have to have the V8, just a dependable cruiser, what are your guys thoughts and opinions and why. Thanks fellas.

[STOCKISH]

Yeah, if nothing else it will be different and unsuspecting. Im sure Ill catch some crap for the decision but its all good. I think the I6's are cool and the 292's torque should move this truck around just fine!

Hope everyone has a safe and prosperous new year. Thanks for keeping me motivated fellas!

[vince921]

Awesome looking project cant wait to see more!

[STOCKISH]

Thanks man, I appreciate the comments. I will start making the front suspension crossmember this weekend. It will be just like FlatOut's or Progressive's but will cost me nothing more than my labor, some welding wire, and some 1/4 wall 2x4 I already had laying around. Now thats a budget I can deal with!

[STOCKISH]

Spent a couple hours in the garage today looking at things and Im having issues with the C4 rear. I just dont see how Im going to be able to fit anything wider than a 245-265rear tire under there. Not unless I widen the rear fenders, which Im not opposed to doing, but I would love not to have to do that. How wide of a tire are you guys with the C4 rear being able to use? Almost makes me think about throwing a solid axle under there to get the look Im going for......

Looks like unless I do something to relocate the trailing arms inward a good bit I will have to use a narrower tire than I had hoped. I might try to put the trailing arms on the inside side of the spindles with a 3-4" spacer between the arms and the spindles. What are your guys thoughts?

[STOCKISH]

After looking at it some more I think thats exactly what Im going to do. Time to throw some metal stock on the lathe and let the chips fly!

[fabguy]

Originally Posted by 1972SuperCheyenne

Spent a couple hours in the garage today looking at things and Im having issues with the C4 rear. I just dont see how Im going to be able to fit anything wider than a 245-265rear tire under there. Not unless I widen the rear fenders, which Im not opposed to doing, but I would love not to have to do that. How wide of a tire are you guys with the C4 rear being able to use? Almost makes me think about throwing a solid axle under there to get the look Im going for......

Looks like unless I do something to relocate the trailing arms inward a good bit I will have to use a narrower tire than I had hoped. I might try to put the trailing arms on the inside side of the spindles with a 3-4" spacer between the arms and the spindles. What are your guys thoughts?

Are you trying to narrow the rear track width? If so, by how much?