How possible is it??

[69GMC910]

I have a dilemma... I really love the 81-87's, and want to go either high 11's or at least low 12's. I am definately doing a Big Block and a SWB. I'd like though to not have to butcher the sh!t out of it and make it impossible to corner in or take on a road trip. I am lookin at the vortecpro motors, and I definatly lean towards the upper 600hp engines... Is that just way too much torque? Is a well built rank sbc a better way to go? Traction and weight are the biggest issues right? What can you all recommend I do? Thanks!

[68 C-10 KID]

look into the life of the engine if you plan on driving it on the street and freeway.

A 600hp small block might be good for 2 1/2" years
A 600hp big block will last for 5 years.

IMO if you run a big block and plan on hooking up.
Your looking at moving the motor back or your weight transfer will be 65% front and 35% rear.

[69GMC910]

Well I definately want the engine to last! Transfering weight from the front to the back is obviously a large issue... I plan to do a fuel cell between the frame rails out back, and relocate the battery... More than likely slap on a glass hood as well... What other recommendations can you make C-10 Kid? Your ET is EXACTLY where I want to be!

[68 C-10 KID]

A man sized tire & a set of adjustable shocks for the front, rear.
I haven't started any weight reduction, my battery is still up front. So my truck is a fat pig.
One of the 1st things once you get the motor combo, fuel cell and battery relocated is to scale the truck. Find some stored energy springs for the front. They will help to get the front to transfer.
I'm no good at any of this.
Super73 and some of these other heavy hitter have there trucks set on kill for the launch.

[69GMC910]

Well it's safe to say that I cannot wait to start building! I look forward to the help and knowledge from everyone on this board! Best damn board on the internet for sure!

[BR3W CITY]

LS motor + FI might help keep weight down and still deliver the power.

[69GMC910]

What is the build cost on an LS motor though? I can get 700hp for $7500 @ vortecpro... While I know his engines are all cast steel (heavy) parts, you can't beat the price/power ratio he offers as far as I know.. Please fill me in if I'm missing something!

[PGSigns]

Well the first thing you need to do is pick what the main use of this truck is. The motor that make 700 is not going to run well on todays pump gas and may make it hard to do the road trips you talked about. You can run the number you want on 600 real HP and make it on pump gas. Bolt on fuel injection will make it much more drivable and help at the track also. A good tranny and converter is needed and I would put a 9" in it with clatracs and let it eat. The suggestion on good front springs and shocks is a good one. A no ac and no power anything truck weighs the least. Some things we have done for years to get weight out are things like light weight seats, pull the carpet and remove all the padding and sound insulation and put the carpet back, a fuel cell that is only as big as you need like 12 gallons. A smaller battery, no tail gate, a pin on hood, roll pans front and rear. It all ads up and a 100 pounds is a tenth off the et.
Jimmy

[Super73]

Start by reading the suspension 101 thread sticky I started and have not finished. There is a lot of good info there. Once you read it, then feel free to ask me more specific questions.

[69GMC910]

Great, thanks Super73!