Re: 56 GMC Last build - one more time LOL
 

I will admit that if you could get the engine far back and low it might be ok. My 5.3 is sitting really far forward and it goofs up the weight distribution. I've noticed the small block guys can get it positioned better but the LS engine is just wider and harder to package.

Re: 56 GMC Last build - one more time LOL
 

A 5 spd would probably be the least expensive way to get freeway speeds.

Re: 56 GMC Last build - one more time LOL
 

Bob, check out the frames from canadian hotrods in tappen bc. I have seen them up close at their shop. really well thought out. not cheap but good I think. they have a lot of good points you may want to incorporate into anew frame or suspension swap. these old frames are pretty flat so fabbing a new one may be easier than working with your old one. you can set the frame width to whatever you want then and adjust the cab mounts accordingly.
just a thought.
old red looks great. I can see why you want a few upgrades though, speed and suspension wise. it sucks to always bracing for the bottoming suspension and feeling like the engine is revving too high on the highway. the slow truck and fast car is an option though.

Re: 56 GMC Last build - one more time LOL
 

dsraven I checked out Canadian Hot Rods a while back and they are nice, but like you said not cheap. Have a nice rust free spare frame now and stripped out a second vette (first one was just a little too nice to part out)

Have an old school engine ready to go in with a 700r4, should be ready to start making sparks sometime this winter.

Re: 56 GMC Last build - one more time LOL
 

Nice engine bobinbc. I spot early camel hump heads, finned corvette valve covers and an oil fill tube. What displacement?

I'm have a similar plan, old school 327 and a 700r4

Re: 56 GMC Last build - one more time LOL
 

Thanks it's a Corvette 350 with 327 heads, forged pistons, 1962 Edelbrock C4B intake and a mild cam.

Re: 56 GMC Last build - one more time LOL
 

Very cool! Mine is an small journal 327 with the same heads and an older Performer intake, that will be milled for the oil fill tube.

Re: 56 GMC Last build - update
 

I know this is an old thread but just thought I would update.

I left the GMC intact, was just too nice as is to modify. The 350 went into my 65 Nova SS and the Corvette parts got sold.

Fast forward 2 years and I have another truck, a 57 Chevy shortbox, and I'm building the chassis for that one. Bought the spare frame back from a buddy, picked up front and rear C4 suspension and started building my own mounts.

Picture of truck is a crude photochop to lower it to my intended ride height :)