1972 c30 prostreet

[Flikkie1972]

Hey guys i got 72 c30 that im revamping and was wondering if an occasional strip runner and cruiser would be ok with airbags out back or if coilovers are better??!? Im installing a 4link and didnt know if the bags would allow wheel hop or anything like that im new to them and unaware of their performance ratings and abilities!! Also how can i get rid of weight without going to fiberglass on the front end? Any help or thoughts are greatly appreciated!

[BR3W CITY]

I think the thing to address first is the fact that IIRC, that C30 had a 1ton frame which is heavier and taller than the regular c10/20 frames.
For a pro street truck, starting with a 1ton is going to be a challenge.

Aside from that; yes bags can be used for handling and racing with a 4link rear, but its not the same as setting a truck up to be bagged to be low. Take a look at how Ridetech has set up of some their prostreet and protouring builds. Putting a coilover in is easy once you know your travel, weights and spring weights, but obviously lacks the infinite adjustability and smoothness a bag can offer.

Losing weight off the front can be tough, but it depends how far you want to go. Inner fenders, washer resevoir, move battery to rear, aluminum heads on the motor if you don't already, tubular headers instead of cast. I'd have to check how much heavier the c30 front suspension stuff is as well.

Not trying to dash your hopes, but usually a c30 is better suited to build the tow-vehicle that gets the drag truck to the track.

[Super73]

Put a Duramax in it and crank up the boost. I know that is not saving weight but runs of tq and yoy are going to bed it with a C30.

[Flikkie1972]

Well its funny you say that super73 because i was going to do that i had a donor duramax bought for it and everything and just decided i wanted to do a big block instead but i have a 72 chevelle wagon clunker sittin on blocks that may recieve the duramax haha!! Thats a future project and i dont plan on it being strictly drag just a fun get up and go toy that will suprise a few people at the green light grand prix!! Id like for it to sit at a lower than stock stance thats why i was interested in the bags specifically for that reason and ill be taking the front suspension out and putting bags up there if i do bags in the back that should lighten the load a little bit i was also thinking of cutting the frame behind and in front of the cab to build a lighter more appealing frame if its worth it i doubt it but will it be fun you got it!

[Super73]

My 63 c10 received a back half and 4-link. The rear frame rails are now 1 5/8 cm staring at the back of the can. That plus the 10 point cage, truck lost 180lbs.

[Flikkie1972]

So could i do a 2x4 back half and lose weight? I just kind of want a boxed frame because id like to see 800hp i wouldnt mind more haha or do you think 10gauge flatsteel pressed into a channel would be strong enough with proper bracing?

[Super73]

I make 525rwhp on motor 690rwhp corrected on the first stage. Should be 900+ rwhp on the second kit. If you are going to back half, go round tube with a cage.

[BR3W CITY]

IMO with the weight over the front axle that a big block and c30 frame has, if you backhalf it, its gonna handle like a wheelbarrow.

[Flikkie1972]

What size of tube do you recommend? 2"? And by doing that would i benefit to do just a tube chassis cuz i was wanting to do tube up front and the 2x4 in the back

[BR3W CITY]

If your intent on doing it, I put a thread up a little bit ago about doing DIY tube frames. The consensus was that; its no small job, and that without the space for a frame table/jig/something to hold it, its very easy to get off-square and off-plumb easily.

You can buy tube chassis plans from Alston, or just buy a tube chassis. Honestly, pre-built tube frames are actually fairly inexpensive when you consider the amount of labor involved.

[Flikkie1972]

Well i have a 40x30 shop ill be working in and do i just build a level table that i can clamp or tack the rails to so i stay square and level? Ive never built a frame or tube chassis but alot of flatbeds and front replacement bumpers and grill guards i built a small 10x10 table for those thats about waist high and tacked my sides down to keep the beds squared up but im new to frames but want to at least try one haha

[Flikkie1972]

If i just build my frame out of the 2x3 or 2x4 rectangle tube should i cut my floor pan out to build the cage or how would i go about that? Any insight on this would be amazing and thanks for the answers and direction youve given me so far!