'90 s10 build
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 121
Likes: 16
From: Albany, NY
'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.
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...
Attachment 715059
Attachment 715060
Attachment 715061
Attachment 715062
Attachment 715063
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.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 121
Likes: 16
From: Albany, NY
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.
Attachment 715054
Engine out
Attachment 715055
Cleaned up the frame and treated it with some POR15 before I dropped the engine in
Attachment 715056
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).
Attachment 715057
And engine in mated to the th400...
Attachment 715058
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.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 121
Likes: 16
From: Albany, NY
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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Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 121
Likes: 16
From: Albany, NY
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 121
Likes: 16
From: Albany, NY
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.
Attachment 715045
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Attachment 715043
Attachment 715044
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.
Attachment 715045
Attachment 715046
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 121
Likes: 16
From: Albany, NY
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.
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
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; Jul 30, 2019 at 09:18 AM.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 121
Likes: 16
From: Albany, NY
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..
New wheels came in!
Mounting/mocking up the new seats and cleaning up all the wiring... new dash, door cards, ozite, seatbelts, etc coming shortly.
Installed the radiator/fan. Plenty of clearance after I modified the core support. Building the top brace now..
New wheels came in!
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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Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 121
Likes: 16
From: Albany, NY
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).
What do you guys think? Should I run it as is, or take the time to narrow the frame?
What do you guys think? Should I run it as is, or take the time to narrow the frame?
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.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 121
Likes: 16
From: Albany, NY
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!
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.
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.
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.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 121
Likes: 16
From: Albany, NY
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?
I'm wondering if I need to, would it be wise/unwise to notch the existing frame?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 121
Likes: 16
From: Albany, NY
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.