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'90 s10 build

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Old 06-06-2019, 02:08 PM
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Default '90 s10 build

Copying from another forum.. debated on waiting until it was running, but we're almost there so why not.

So for a few months I've been on the prowl to build a car.. or truck to race in the x275 and no prep class events near me this summer. Now when I look for a car to race, I become obsessed with weight. I like to start with the lightest platform I can and go from there. Obvious choices in this category would be fox body Mustangs, a Datsun 240z, perhaps a Nova II or AMC Rambler. However, for some reason or another I couldn't find decent examples in my price range (except for the Mustangs... but I'm a GM guy at heart). Then one night my father suggested a 1st gen S-10, which at the time, I completely shrugged off because I assumed they were heavy due to be a full frame truck. Boy, was I completely wrong. All the sudden I began intrigued and started my search which lead me to this...

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A 1990 s10 with tons of goodies. Full roll cage, 11:1 355sbc, refreshly rebuilt th400 with reverse manual, 4500 stall, line lock, QA1 coilovers in all corners, triangular 4-link suspension, fuel cell, battery relocation kit, JAZ racing seat, and best of all a clean title. I found it on craigslist for $5000 Christmas morning and drove out the next day to get it. I didn't even haggle the price because I thought $5000 was a steal.
Old 06-06-2019, 02:11 PM
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I've been wanting to do a turbo LS swap for a while, so my father expressed an interest in the sbc for his corvette.
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Engine out
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Cleaned up the frame and treated it with some POR15 before I dropped the engine in
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This past weekend I dropped the 5.3 from a 2005 silverado. I was pleasantly surprised to find this 180k engine received some regular oil changes in it's life (I did hear it run before I purchased it).
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And engine in mated to the th400...
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Next item on the list is figuring out a way to fit my LS3 exhaust manifolds around the steering shaft. I tried to mock them up, but the flange was hitting on the upper control arm.. I think I'm going to have to cut the flange off and run a straight piece of pipe instead to get these to fit.



I also need to drop the transmission crossmember and shorten it a little. I ended up moving the engine forward about an inch because clearance was pretty tight against the firewall with the sbc.
Old 06-06-2019, 02:12 PM
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Made it to the shop for a little bit this weekend. Kind of uneventful, I finished mocking up the transmission crossmember, but didn't have enough time to weld it. Decided to save that for this week. I also started mocking up and taking measurements for the turbo hot side. I think these LS3 manifolds might work after all. I plan on running the exhaust tubing in front, under the oil pan and up to a merge. The area is pretty tight, but I took my measurements with the pitarm turned all the way right, just to make sure there is enough clearance for the steering still.

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Old 06-06-2019, 02:13 PM
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Finished the turbo bracket and placement.

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Old 06-06-2019, 02:15 PM
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Started wiring the Holley Terminator X, installed a Holley Hi Ram, WARR throttle body. This weekend I'll be redoing all the fuel with 8an feed/returns and running a Magnafuel 4303 pump and Magnafuel boost referenced fuel pressure regulator.

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Finished up the downpipe, decided to teach myself how to tig on this project. It's been a struggle (and still is.. I have the shakes pretty bad), however I find myself more excited to do it, and not as terrified anymore. I finished up my downpipe last night, welded the vband and bung for my wideband.

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Old 06-06-2019, 02:16 PM
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As far as the build goes..

180k 2005 Gen 3.5 5.3 SBE

Summit Stage 2 turbo cam

pac1218 springs

Magnafuel 4303 pump

Magnafuel 9950 fuel pressure regulator

-8an feed and return fuel lines with flex fuel

Snake eater 1500cc injectors (142lb/hr)

Holley Hi-Ram intake

Holley Terminator X

Garrett GT4294 divided t6

VSracing 50mm wastegate

Warr 92mm throttle body

a2a intercooler
Methanol injection

th400 w/ reverse manual

8" 4500 stall converter (probably going to get changed)

Fab 9 rear end, 3.25 gears (coming soon)

QA1 coilovers front and rear



Power goals.. I have no idea. I'd like to get into the low 9's / high 8's for now. So whatever it takes to get there.

Last edited by 9outofs10; 07-30-2019 at 09:18 AM.
Old 07-30-2019, 09:15 AM
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A few updates since my last post. The truck is running!

Installed the radiator/fan. Plenty of clearance after I modified the core support. Building the top brace now..
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New wheels came in!
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Mounting/mocking up the new seats and cleaning up all the wiring... new dash, door cards, ozite, seatbelts, etc coming shortly.
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Old 07-30-2019, 10:13 AM
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E85 and no IC? Spray water/meth preturbo?
Old 07-30-2019, 10:15 AM
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Correct, I'll be using meth for cooling with a boost referenced controller.
Old 07-30-2019, 08:00 PM
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Killer Truck!!#
Old 07-31-2019, 07:28 AM
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Kinda unrelated, but after 14 years it was time to retire my 05' duramax and pick up a new tow rig/daily. Can't wait to put it to work!
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Old 10-07-2019, 10:49 AM
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Finally got a chance to mount my wheels. Been busy with another project, but back onto this one. Unfortunately, I feel like I'm going to have to narrow the rear... although I planned on keeping this a small tire car. I have some old 28" slicks on it now for mock-up (which is the size I want to run).

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What do you guys think? Should I run it as is, or take the time to narrow the frame?
Old 10-07-2019, 06:42 PM
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I personally would narrow it just a bit. I always like the way Flacos Cornfed trucks have looked. His may actually have a stock setup, but I honestly don't know. Kind of hard to say for sure without seeing the truck out a little better.
Old 10-07-2019, 07:36 PM
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Originally Posted by rpturbo
I personally would narrow it just a bit. I always like the way Flacos Cornfed trucks have looked. His may actually have a stock setup, but I honestly don't know. Kind of hard to say for sure without seeing the truck out a little better.
Flacos truck has been a huge inspiration for mine. I agree.. I think it needs to come in a couple inches on each side. Good thing I haven't ordered my rear end yet!
Old 10-08-2019, 06:48 AM
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In the back of my mind I have always wanted to do an early S10-a buddy has one in great
shape, bad engine, been bugging me to just come and get it-its about a 4 hour drive to where
it is, so might do a road trip-good excuse to enjoy the turning leaves, lol. S & W has a rear
frame kit to narrow one, you can buy it as comp. as you want.
Old 10-08-2019, 09:37 AM
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I guess that's where my issue lies. Is it worth backhalfing to gain a couple inches on each side? I don't intend on making this a big tire truck.
Old 10-08-2019, 09:53 AM
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What is your plan for the rear? I'd have a hard time spending the $ on narrowing a rear if your not going to make it a big tire truck. I run the factory 8.6 rear. I've known 3 guys who for at least 2 years went bottom 8's @ 170+ without issue. 2 guys used a older style stock Auburn posi from like a 94 Roadmaster and stock 30 spline axles. I know my truck will never be that fast,so I am 100% comfortable with it.
Old 10-08-2019, 09:58 AM
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Right now it has the stock 7.5" rear, with a 4 link setup, so that has to go. Finding an 8.6" has been a battle, so I have a Ford 9" sitting around that I'll need to convert over to 4 link and narrow. I plan on running a 31 spline axles and a 3.25 gear.

I'm wondering if I need to, would it be wise/unwise to notch the existing frame?
Old 10-17-2019, 07:23 PM
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What did you do for the steering shaft?
Old 10-17-2019, 07:59 PM
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1994 Jeep Cherokee shaft.. much narrower and stronger than the stock tag joint. I also had LS3 exhaust manifolds from my old camaro laying around and they hugged the block just enough to clear the shaft and box.


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