My first project.... 66 swb fleetside

[ChadW]

I bought a 66 swb fleetside project that has been started...so the fun is for me to finish...this will not be an original restoration but will be a restomod.

Its got a good start with the chassis...Has a ThorBros front drop member, with power rack and pinion steering, drop spindles, Ridetech StrongArms, disc brakes up front.

Power plant is a 1964 327/300 with trick flow aluminum 180cc heads, comp cams 260h cam, edellbrock performer intake and it has a 700r4 bolted to it.

Rear end is out of a 98 tahoe that was narrowed with new seals and bearings and then new 5 lug axels installed..it has a posi-trac with 3.73 gears.

Long ago, when i was younger i helpled my dad with a 23 T bucket and an old 55 ford pickup...Ive always wanted a project so this will be a big learning curve but i am ready for it...frame/body all look to be in great shape with minimal body work needed.

all body is there except the front fenders...bumpers and grill etc have been poweder-coated a silver/aluminum color. Brand new 20" rims and tires, 245's in front and 275's in rear (center caps have been changed to the standard cap, i wasnt a fan of the spinners..lol)

Im excited to get started...Let me know your thoughts...Can anyone chime in about the power plant? is that a good combo with the 327? rear gear ok? etc...

Once i get started on it, ill try to have a build thread...It is currently being transported from California to Illinois and i should have it in my possession this weekend...

[Jferrante]

Nice score! All the big money seems to be spent already. Are you just going to buy the missing body panels, paint it and drive it?
I am a fan of EFI so I moved to the LS with my latest build. The reliability and potential power is what did it for me. Other than that you have a nice head start.

[ChadW]

Originally Posted by Jferrante

Nice score! All the big money seems to be spent already. Are you just going to buy the missing body panels, paint it and drive it?
I am a fan of EFI so I moved to the LS with my latest build. The reliability and potential power is what did it for me. Other than that you have a nice head start.

Thanks...

No..i actually think im going to take my time and do it right...piece by piece...get the body good and straight, paint, complete wiring harness, interior... etc etc...may take me a while, but I will know what i have when im done... Yes, i need to find some decent front fenders to use, or may have to go with some repop's..I think im going to stay with the 327 for now as it wont be a daily driver..hoping someone can chime in on that motor and parts combo with some opinions..

[Rusty63]

very nice,love those rims! looking forward to build!

[DPowers]

Great start. Congrats. What makes you think that it wouldn't be a good combination?

[ChadW]

Originally Posted by DPowers

Great start. Congrats. What makes you think that it wouldn't be a good combination?

Nothing at all..just not a motor guy so wanted some opinions on it..

[The Rocknrod]

I like the 327, Stay with it - Timeless.

[Clyde65]

Welcome!!

If your looking for economy, your not gonna get it.

But it will sound good and be a good motor!

[Macdaddy1]

I have a 1965 327 in my 65 c10 and it is a great motor.

[ChadW]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

Welcome!!

If your looking for economy, your not gonna get it.

But it will sound good and be a good motor!

Not worried about economy..wont be a daily driver...

[Captainfab]

Welcome to the forum

The 327 is a very good engine and overall that engine, trans and rear end is a good combo. The one thing I would have done differently is go with a much better cam to take advantage of the flow capability of those heads. The 260H is somewhat of an old school grind and is very mild, even in a 327.

[Bennett68C10]

Nice looking truck

[ChadW]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Welcome to the forum

The 327 is a very good engine and overall that engine, trans and rear end is a good combo. The one thing I would have done differently is go with a much better cam to take advantage of the flow capability of those heads. The 260H is somewhat of an old school grind and is very mild, even in a 327.

Motor is not in the truck right now so a cam change is not that big of a deal...Id like to make it right before putting it in...what cam would you recommend for this..327/300, 180cc trick flow heads, headers, edelbrock performer intake. If possible, id like to have a nice lumpy idle, yet maintain some good torque (stop light to stop light quickness) Not looking for a tune that allows for high speed/high revs...More of an in town, good sounding, yet quick from the line type of truck.. It seems the 268h cam is more along those lines....thoughts?

[timmytimm3]

Nice truck! Can you post a few more pictures from the front and back?

[Captainfab]

Yes the 268H will give you a lumpy idle, but as I said earlier, the High Energy line from Comp Cams is somewhat old school by today's standards. Those were designed back in the early '80's IIRC.

I would go with either a XE262 or XE268. That will somewhat depend on the compression. I think you might be happier with the XE262 as it will still have a little lope at idle but you should not need a stall converter. The XE268 would be more in line with the heads IMO. I would suggest calling Comp Cams' tech line and get their input. Also are you aware of the possible issues associated with a flat tappet cam these days and well as the extreme importance of proper break in?

Originally Posted by ChadW

Motor is not in the truck right now so a cam change is not that big of a deal...Id like to make it right before putting it in...what cam would you recommend for this..327/300, 180cc trick flow heads, headers, edelbrock performer intake. If possible, id like to have a nice lumpy idle, yet maintain some good torque (stop light to stop light quickness) Not looking for a tune that allows for high speed/high revs...More of an in town, good sounding, yet quick from the line type of truck.. It seems the 268h cam is more along those lines....thoughts?

[Macdaddy1]

Just some considerations. if you are planning on installing headers mock them up first as they might be real tight against the plugs causing the plug boots to melt. You will have to install shorty plugs, ceramic plug wires etc. Also try and mount the engine as far forward on the motor mounts as possible as you will only have an inch or 2 between distributor and firewall to play with. good luck and look forward to more pics and updates.

Pat

[rvrfoot]

Your 327 motor with the 700 trans and the 373 rear end will be fine.