new 72 c10 swb build

[jst4fun]

I am currently tearing down my 72 c10 and removing the small block. Going to be putting a twin turbo 540. What I am trying to build is ultimately a daily driver that can go to drag week, power tour, and some auto cross events. I know some people on here have probably built something similar to this but I need some help on deciding a d few things. So figured I would post up here and get some ideas and bounce some of my ideas off of some of you. With that being said I think I am either going to do a 4 link rear end set up or keep factory rear end setup and upgrade with coilovers and such. I am going to be putting in a moser fab 9" with 40 spline axles and such. I was wondering what you guys thought about either an 4l80e or a 6 speed manual. Also wondering should i be putting in a cage since I am pretty sure I should be able to get down into the 7's or even high 6's. So any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[GASoline71]

If you're in the 7's... you HAVE to have a cage.

Gary

[70STOVEBOLT]

Are you talking 1/4 or 1/8th mile for the 7's?

[jst4fun]

in the 1/4

[GASoline71]

Yup... you'll need an NHRA Certified cage, and probably an NHRA license.

Gary

[Average Joe]

A cage is an understatment at that speed. Lol

Forget the manual unless you go to a Lenco or Jeffco or some other hardcore tranny.

7 second cars are purpose built and do one thing well. Go straight for 660' or 1320'. Id build one or the other and scale back your goal. Personally id shoot for a 11 second ride that could still handle and cruise with. A BB is awesome but also has a negative effect on handling. Ie nose heavy.

[Trackman101]

Were you not going to build this last year?
You'll need 1-200K to build a 6 ,low 7 second C10.
I call BS.

[Mollzyie]

I'll believe it when I see it

[RodnRudy]

You need to get hold of some one over at Jeffers Race cars in Mo where you're at. They build those pro mods you're after. They can set you on the straight and narrow path.

[jst4fun]

where would I find a cage building chart so I can build the appropriate spec'ed cage for 6 seconds in the quarter?

[jst4fun]

Originally Posted by Trackman101

Were you not going to build this last year?
You'll need 1-200K to build a 6 ,low 7 second C10.
I call BS.

started that build and had a guy offer me more money than i had in it so now starting another one and not going to sale this one. just trying to get all my research done before starting this one. My builder and me already have it tore all the way down to the bare frame and have it out being sand blasted currently so doing more research to achieve what I am looking for.

[RodnRudy]

Get an NHRA 2117 Rule Book. It'll have all the info you need.

[jst4fun]

Originally Posted by RodnRudy

Get an NHRA 2117 Rule Book. It'll have all the info you need.

got one on the way already thanks

[Shinysideup]

Totally buy a nelson racing engine for it bro!

[Trackman101]

Originally Posted by jst4fun

started that build and had a guy offer me more money than i had in it so now starting another one and not going to sale this one. just trying to get all my research done before starting this one. My builder and me already have it tore all the way down to the bare frame and have it out being sand blasted currently so doing more research to achieve what I am looking for.

To run 7's you should have plenty of experience running 8's and 9's safely in something first. Sounds like you have no driving experience at all. The grill will be the only stock part left of a truck that fast. I'd set your goals for a 12 second ride, even that would be super impressive. Good luck.

[hugger6933]

The C-10 frame for a well anything that fast is a waste of time and money. Your probably need a double frame rail Chrome moly frame for anything that fast. If you go to a track somewhere to even just test and you aren't near spec they are gonna kindly [or not so kindly] ask you to put that stuff in the trailer and don't come back to their track. While a roll cage is important it is only one link in the frame chain that you will need to harness the power that you can make with two turbos on a big block. With the amount of power you need to do what you want a factory type frame is gonna be a hindrance.Good luck with your build have fun but STAY SAFE!!

Now with all that being said I think your goals may be a touch lofty To try to run 6 or 7 seconds in the quarter and still drive it on drag week, but it can be done look at what Jeff Lutz has done. I don't know the man but his fab reputation proceeded him before he got on TV and he has built what appears to be one heck of a car, but I promise you it doesn't have a 69 Camaro frame

[rob32472]

Keep the sheet metal and throw the rest away. Build a tube chassis to handle the HP and you should be close. Good luck!

[Mollzyie]

Originally Posted by RodnRudy

You need to get hold of some one over at Jeffers Race cars in Mo where you're at. They build those pro mods you're after. They can set you on the straight and narrow path.

Sure they'd be glad ... As Long as u got a few 5 gallon buckets full of cash .

[RodnRudy]

Originally Posted by Mollzyie

Sure they'd be glad ... As Long as u got a few 5 gallon buckets full of cash .

Just like my signature says. LOL

[Mollzyie]

Originally Posted by RodnRudy

Just like my signature says. LOL

Didn't see it .. Haha Man U know it !

[GASoline71]

Originally Posted by jst4fun

where would I find a cage building chart so I can build the appropriate spec'ed cage for 6 seconds in the quarter?

I believe you would have to have it built for you. A 6-second cage can't be booger welded together in your home garage and no grinding on the welds either.

6 seconds... in a truck... that's gonna take some serious cash money amigo.

Gary

[Overdriven]

Originally Posted by rob32472

Keep the sheet metal and throw the rest away. Build a tube chassis to handle the HP and you should be close. Good luck!

^ what he said! 7.50 or faster requires a complete tube chassis (no backhalf vehicles) and has a maximum weight limit as well. Drag week is the only ones who seem to ignore the weight maximum but I'm pretty sure they're enforcing the chassis part of the rules.

Normally I wouldn't indulge in such speculation but those are lofty goals. Autocross and run 7's? 7's requires a pretty specialized setup not conducive to going around corners. There was a magazine project 69 Camaro with 1000hp (Super Chevy? Popular Hor Rodding?) where it was to be dual purpose. That car was a custom box tube frame with provisions for running a 3 link and 4 link. No idea what became of that car or how well it worked.

The only other inspiration I can give is to look at vehicles like Nissan GTR, C5/6 vettes, maybe Toyota Supra. There are some of those in the 7's with relatively stock suspension. Obviously some modifications were made to go fast in a straight line, how easy it would be to reconfigure for going around corners is the question. Research needed. Either way a custom tube frame, big power and as little else as possible to keep it light would be required.

[GASoline71]

I'm thinking we might be being trolled a bit...

Gary

[jst4fun]

hmm lots of good information and I thank everyone. I am definitely new to the super big horse power game. The motor I am having built is as follows dart big m 540 filled with callies and twin 83m bullseye turbos with nitrous and water to air cooled intercooler, 120 lbs injectors. My engine builder says 2000 hp capable but plan on backing it down to be streetable. So with all the info some of you guys have provided maybe step away from the drag track part of the build and just build a good pro touring auto cross/ daily driver truck. What are you guy's or gal's thoughts on that?

[Graham57a]

Originally Posted by jst4fun

hmm lots of good information and I thank everyone. I am definitely new to the super big horse power game. The motor I am having built is as follows dart big m 540 filled with callies and twin 83m bullseye turbos with nitrous and water to air cooled intercooler, 120 lbs injectors. My engine builder says 2000 hp capable but plan on backing it down to be streetable. So with all the info some of you guys have provided maybe step away from the drag track part of the build and just build a good pro touring auto cross/ daily driver truck. What are you guy's or gal's thoughts on that?

My vote is build the truck to satisfy whatever you wanna do with it. The motor sounds like a killer start, if you wanna run it on the drag strip then start somewhere and build it up with a final goal in mind but set realistic incrimental goals along the way and learn as you go. Ultimately it's your truck and you can do whatever you want with it, that's the best part about this hobby