Need advice on a 1953 Chevy build
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis, MO
Need advice on a 1953 Chevy build I've pretty much decided I want to get an LS based engine for my 53 Chevy. That being said, what I want is to try and make this a 13 second car. I don't plan on racing this on a regular basis, maybe take it to the track once or twice a year, I just want it to be respectfully fast, yet also a cruiser. I'm guessing if I make 350-400 hp, I could achieve this. I'm on a budget of about $3000 for the engine and transmision. I'm looking at getting an LM7 and 4L60e combo with 160k miles or less, which I think could be had for less than $1500. This would leave me with about $1500 or so for mods.
What I have:
According to what I have found, the car had a curb weight of 3420 lbs. from the factory.
I am using the original frame but the front suspension is from a Jaguar XJ6 with disc brakes and rack and pinion power steering. The rear leaf springs are factory specs (1.75" wide) with 8 leafs instead of 7.
The rear end is out of a 95 Chevy S-10 4x4 with 3.42 gears and drum brakes.
I have a set of 15 x 7 aluminum wheels with 215/60 R15 tires on them. I can't go much wider.
I'm doing a frame off restoration and am hoping to have her back on the road fall of this year. I know body work. Not so much about mechanics.
What I have:
According to what I have found, the car had a curb weight of 3420 lbs. from the factory.
I am using the original frame but the front suspension is from a Jaguar XJ6 with disc brakes and rack and pinion power steering. The rear leaf springs are factory specs (1.75" wide) with 8 leafs instead of 7.
The rear end is out of a 95 Chevy S-10 4x4 with 3.42 gears and drum brakes.
I have a set of 15 x 7 aluminum wheels with 215/60 R15 tires on them. I can't go much wider.
I'm doing a frame off restoration and am hoping to have her back on the road fall of this year. I know body work. Not so much about mechanics.
Last edited by postalcop; May 19, 2016 at 04:14 AM. Reason: Added photo
1953 Chevy build I think your goals are very realistic! If you are doing a frame off then build a "K" member into the frame because the original frame does not have this and will twist with the added power. Appears the rear end needs to go back a little. The gearing is a bit high for an overdrive trans. Final ratio in overdrive is 2.73. Overall things seem to be good with the one weak point being the rear suspension. May be a bit difficult getting the power to the ground but others maybe can shed more light on that. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis, MO
I think your goals are very realistic! If you are doing a frame off then build a "K" member into the frame because the original frame does not have this and will twist with the added power. Appears the rear end needs to go back a little. The gearing is a bit high for an overdrive trans. Final ratio in overdrive is 2.73. Overall things seem to be good with the one weak point being the rear suspension. May be a bit difficult getting the power to the ground but others maybe can shed more light on that. Good luck.
I think I have the rear as close as I'm going to get with this set up. I've already moved it back about an inch because it was way too forward when the perches were centered up.
You will definitely need to trim the front body support braces as they extend forward into each cylinder head area.
50 chevy 53L - YouTube
50 chevy 53L part 2 - YouTube
50 chevy 53L - YouTube
50 chevy 53L part 2 - YouTube
I appreciate the responses guys.
53 Chevy frame The "K" member can actually be in many configurations. What I did on several frames is build an internal structure that would resist frame twist. Some builders use 2 x 4 but I use 1 x 2 upper and lower to provide more room and stop any twist. Here is a frame I built for my '39 to give you an idea of the internal structure. Again, good luck with your build and remember, you can't build a house on shifting sands same goes for a solid foundation on a car.
