Building a 1963 C10

[Faelmartinez85]

Hey guys I'm new to this forum. Im starting my first build and Im stuck on which power plant to go with. I started my vision with wanting a 454 BBC in her, but with not finding one decently priced in the EL Paso area, Im leaning towards the LT1. I'd like to get several opinions on what you guys think. Included two pics of her, got her torn apart in the garage, with the rear end pulled off, since I'm doing disc brakes all around.well ill keep this one short and Ill continue to update you guys as the my build progress's.

[aerotruk63]

Nice truck. Be different, build a inline 6.

[vin63]

Welcome! I'm partial to Pontiacs, but a Cadillac 472/500 or a Buick Nailhead would be pretty cool.

[aerotruk63]

Fawn firewall. What letter in your serial number?

[jayoldschool]

If you have the LT1, or can get one very cheap, go with the LT1. They make good power, great torque, are easy to tune. If the money is close, go with LS family. I'm an LT1 guy, but would not build one these days, the LS/LQ stuff is too good. Forget the BB, the only thing you'd want it for is bragging rights.

[Captainfab]

Welcome to the forum

It looks like one of the PO's did some funky stuff with the engine mount brackets. You might think about fixing that when you decide what engine to go with. And as far as what engine, that will partly depend on what you want from your truck and how you intend to use it.

[Faelmartinez85]

Yes I was looking at this LT1 here in my area thats for 500OBO, I was thinking of offering 500. At first I was thinking 454 because I'm use to Carbs, but everyone I talk to is pushing EFI. The pull-a-part here sells LS blocks for 130 with a 20 core charge, but the only problem is being there when they come in to pull them. Yes I don't know what the previous owner was thinking when he was putting this truck together, thats why i decided to strip it down and build it from the frame up. As for the motor mounts ill be taken a angle grinder to those in the morning and ill be bolting on my 10bolt posi rear end I still have the straight 250 straight 6 i pulled from it and the 3 speed trans, but i was wanting some more power.

Thats the link for the LT1 if you want to check it out
https://elpaso.craigslist.org/pts/d/...491910869.html

I included some close up pics of the motor mounts (idk what they where thinking)

and the serial number for my baby is 3C144S155489

[Faelmartinez85]

Originally Posted by vin63

Welcome! I'm partial to Pontiacs, but a Cadillac 472/500 or a Buick Nailhead would be pretty cool.

that is a beatiful motor did you build that?

[Captainfab]

Don't ruin those engine mount brackets when you cut them off of the frame and crossmember. Those are what you will need to install that LT1.

[Faelmartinez85]

Ok thanks captain for the advise I didn’t know that I figured I’d have to buy new ones.. Can I use the original transmission cross ever for another transmission, or will I need to get a updated one?

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Don't ruin those engine mount brackets when you cut them off of the frame and crossmember. Those are what you will need to install that LT1.

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[Captainfab]

You can buy new ones if you want, but those original brackets will work. If you are going to stay with a manual trans and the original bellhousing, then yes you can keep the bellhousing crossmember. If you are going with either a newer style of manual trans or an auto trans, that crossmember needs to come out. Then you will need a trans crossmember from a '63-'87 truck.....or an aftermarket trans crossmember.

Originally Posted by Faelmartinez85

Ok thanks captain for the advise I didn’t know that I figured I’d have to buy new ones.. Can I use the original transmission cross ever for another transmission, or will I need to get a updated one?


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[Faelmartinez85]

Picking up a apache frame tomorrow with a camaro front clip; all i need is the camaro front clip to complete my 5 lug conversion. Anyone interested in the frame. Still on the look out for my motor, LT and Junk yard explorations have been bunk

[Captainfab]

The frame in your pic is a stock '73+ C10 frame and running gear. It does not have a 'Camaro front clip'. However this is exactly what you need to convert your '63 to 5 lug and disc brakes.....power steering too. Let me know when you need the steering box adapter plate.

Originally Posted by Faelmartinez85

Picking up a apache frame tomorrow with a camaro front clip; all i need is the camaro front clip to complete my 5 lug conversion. Anyone interested in the frame. Still on the look out for my motor, LT and Junk yard explorations have been bunk

[Faelmartinez85]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

The frame in your pic is a stock '73+ C10 frame and running gear. It does not have a 'Camaro front clip'. However this is exactly what you need to convert your '63 to 5 lug and disc brakes.....power steering too. Let me know when you need the steering box adapter plate.

Captain you awesome, thanks for the info I was going off the Craigslist posting. That’s amazing you can tell around what year frame it is by looking at the pic. Thanks for the information. He is asking $60 for the whole frame, I only need the front clip, as I already converted the rear to 5 lug disc. You think it’s a god buy?

[Captainfab]

Yes that is a good deal. The steering box alone is worth that.

I didn't see the master cylinder standing up there yesterday, so it is a '81-'87 frame assuming that is the original master cylinder.

[Faelmartinez85]

Captain do you know if it will bolt right up or will I have to make modifications to the frame

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Yes that is a good deal. The steering box alone is worth that.

I didn't see the master cylinder standing up there yesterday, so it is a '81-'87 frame assuming that is the original master cylinder.

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[Captainfab]

Will what bolt up?

Originally Posted by Faelmartinez85

Captain do you know if it will bolt right up or will I have to make modifications to the frame


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[Faelmartinez85]

The front clip off that frame me and the wife just towed it home. Can anyone also what’s the difference between these two casing numbers for a 454...

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Will what bolt up?

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[Captainfab]

The '73-'87 front suspension crossmembers bolt up to the '63-'70 frames all the same. As has been stated many, many times, you just need to drill 1 hole on each side and elongate 1 hole on each side.

Thank you for your service

[Faelmartinez85]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

The '73-'87 front suspension crossmembers bolt up to the '63-'70 frames all the same. As has been stated many, many times, you just need to drill 1 hole on each side and elongate 1 hole on each side.

Thank you for your service

Thanks captain, yea been seeing a couple video and reading some forum about lit. I see you fabricate the PS bracket, tube and flange assembly. Could you PM me a quote. Thanks again for all the great advise!

[Captainfab]

PM sent

Look here to find your block casting numbers.

http://www.mortec.com/bbc.htm

One is a '71-'79 and the other is a '78-'90 block. Both could be either 2 or 4 bolt main.