Project WideBody
 

So, in the quest to answer a few questions...i figured i will try to post a couple images of my project. Started life as a 89 Gold, tan interior 305.

Now, a 355 (400hp), 6 linked and bagged cruiser

Re: Project WideBody
 

Little back story...
Back in 08 i helped the then owner install a 260hp goodwrench crate engine. He had Macco do a red paint job....then he hit a deer (very light cosmetic front damage)

I gave 2500 for it in 2010, spent the next 2 years (08-10) redoing the entire truck. Had it completely off the frame and down to bare metal. It now has a sir michales pan welded in and shaved stake pockets.

I did a KP 6link rear, shockwave front and accuair management system. Black exterior and all custon red leather interior. I have driven this truck all over...started in illinois, then los angeles, and now lousianna...all over the last 10 years.

Just this year, i decide it was time to freshen up under the hood...so a 355 was built, and the games began.

Re: Project WideBody
 

355 (400hp dyno'd / 410 trq), vortec heads, decent roller cam. Edelbrock intake under a 600hp fitech efi, all 304 stainless exhaust.

Plan is to remove most of the factory wiring, running only starting, charging and gauge wiring.

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I will work on rotating the pics...

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another trial, must have turned my camera

Re: Project WideBody
 

Very nice truck!

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Nice!

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It can't get any better than this. Clean, simple and sexy.
Great looking truck, I will definitely be checking this one out to see the engine installed.

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:agree:

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Running fuel lines and some wiring tomorrow...hopefully try to start it

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Sweet truck, I've always had a soft spot for a rcsb obs

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little update, actually attended to the truck this weekend...got to fire and run for several minutes ( just enough to get the pipes hot).

i need to install the cooling system, i did de-rat the wiring nest in the above photos. i am down to about 2 wires that need to install into the cab, one to power the cab internals and the other for the ac unit. otherwise factory ecu and wiring are gone (most of which i didnt want to chop up yet).

so far, the FiTech unit is a real piece of work....in no way was it SELF LEARNING.
i have gone into the custom tuning several times making adjustments just to get it to run...still working on that. but since i know i CAN get it to run, i have reverted back to cleaning up the wiring, and making the install permanent.

i will try to update with a couple photos here soon, but not much looks different at this time (just a few less wires)

Re: Project WideBody
 

Very nice looking truck! I'm subscribed for sure!

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Good to know...once it is wrapped up, all the vendors i have used along the way, i plan to send a more detailed spread. Always nice to have for webpages.

I am also considering updating the management system...the phone app would be handy and cleaner than the touch pad....then the new tank /pumps look clean also...it never ends.

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That is a beautiful truck you have built. You cant go wrong with black exterior and red interior in my opinion. Such a classic combo. I am interested in your shock wave set up in the front. Did it still require trimming the spring pockets? Also do you have a big notch in the rear? Thanks for posting your progress please keep them coming.

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suspension wise...
i originally had the first release of shock waves, those has a large diameter billet surround that captured the bags. they installed with the bag under the frame pocket and had no issues ( no frame cutting).
somehow one of the shock stud mounts broke off...ride tech was kind enough to discount A WHOLE NEW SET by $200 due to a recent redesign (lucky me)...so roughly $800 later i have a newer version.
Currently they design has a urethane disc and the shock has been upgraded to a thread body allowing a slight adjustment to height after install.

only issue there is they COME MANUFACTURED with a 1/4" inlet line fitting (only ride tech can change). After several discussions, and multiple notes of having 3/8" line...i received the new with 1/4" fittings still ! Again, ride tech was kind enough to allow me to purchase and adapter ( but now i have slower acting bags)...and the frame pocket will need clearanced due to the new bag location.

the rear, is a KP COMPONENTS 6 LINK and a standard bell tech frame notch (stock bed floor still intact), and a firestone bag ( dont recall the size as the suspension was done 10 yrs ago...with the exception of the new front shock wave ( never used yet, just installed)

Re: Project WideBody
 

Thank you for your time and the reply, that is exactly what I was hoping to hear is what you had on your truck. I have been trying to find information on the shockwaves for a while now from someone that has used them on a OBS and also information for the kp 6 link with a standard bell tech frame notch. I like the idea of having a bagged truck but not the idea of cutting into the bed with a big notch and also I do not want to cut up my spring pockets so I guess shockwaves are out as a option on the new version. Thanks again

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at ride height, they shouldnt be an issue, but when deflated they touch...i just dont want the possibility.

the only trimming that would be required is the lip of the pocket, reach in there and you will know exactly what i mean. i plan to trim as little as possible, but will keep you updated.

i dont recall how i came up with the original shock wave size, i believe i was just a guinea pig and it worked out...but they never offered them.

this go round, was a few measurements, and the new shock selection (fox) has a pin top with an adjuster, so no chance of flipping it.

once they are set for actual ride height (more so dropped height), i will reply with what was needed. my plan is to mimic the yard pic in height (old setup). so far it looks very close, but the only time the front has been on the ground, the motor was out and they had a touch of air in them.

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since it has been a while since i posted, i will throw up what i was able to get to so far this week...

trying the rigid upper radiator hose, need couplers to mount, and painted the heater hose fittings coming from the intake

plans are to start inner wheel tubs, route all hoses and wiring, paint core support ( it never made it to the body shop ?) the cruise

Re: Project WideBody
 

I like it! I’m curious to see what the final thoughts are on the FiTech.
I’m subscribed.

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:agree:

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well, i dont have much time to wrench or post...but, i do have the fitech tuned enough to run. i have not driven it yet, but it revs and idles nice.

i have one of the first easy street 600HP's, i was fighting what i believe to be a ground issue. since everything is so heavily coated in paint, i installed a ground wire from a base stud to the firewall ground (same mount as frame ground).

one other issue, this unit has a somewhat hidden tuning board (Pro Tuning)...it gets fairly in depth as far as being able to control the ability to keep the runner wet for heavy acceleration, but what i noticed was a line for fuel pump control.

assuming it just powered the pump as stated, this board showed the pump ON rpm to be 2500...it always fired, then would die. couple tweaks and all seems good now.

i have a few parts to order to clean up the bay and she should be ready.

Re: Project WideBody
 

guess i could do a little update...

so i have put about 4 miles on the new motor, still working out details for gauges ( just eyeing options for the look i want). the motor sounds and runs great, i need to convert the trans lock up to vacuum and really see how shes does.

right now with a 3.08 gear and 27" tire, 3rd gear at 4500 is rolling out...

and i just received my new 20" front wheels from COYS (a year later), so once tires arrive... a set of 18x7 and 20x8.5 Coys C5 gunmetals will be going by-by...

if anyone is looking, let me know.

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Just hoping to see an update on the project. Wondering how the Fitech is working for you.

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for the few trips around town and some top end blasts....it is actually working rather well.

i can tell the difference in power just by the A/F ratio changes.

the main issue i had was initial start up, it took several tries. come to find out, the box programming has a FUEL PUMP ON setting set for around 2000rpm...it never got power.

once i set that to like 150 rpm, it fires right up. it will crank longer if it has a sat for a week or so.

i currently have the dash dismantled as the new DD-HDX gauges arrive tomorrow.

so, i have the gauge set, new wheel/tires to get mounted, restore front grille assembly, and a/c hoses.

hopefully about 2-3 weeks and done. i am currently working 4-10's...so that helps.

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Thanks for the update. I am on the fence about my motor. I have a 305 now. I am debating on an LS swap or a 350 with a Fitech or Edelbrock injection.

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even if doing an LS swap, i would be looking into HOLLEY TERM X...and i may still go this route.

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Front wheel update, FINALLY received my 20x7 Coys, only took a year.

but that is the size i wanted...

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Love it!

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So what rear size are you running?
Tire sizes?

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so, back when i ordered the new fronts, i spec'd the same wheel only in 20"...

not saying it was their fault, but when they arrived, the order was referenced from my 10 yr old original order, and a set set of 20 x 8.5 showed up.

i decided to keep them and re order the 20x7, thus giving me 4 wheels in the end to sell, rather than 2.

current set up is this...
20 x 7 / 225/35/20
20 x 8.5 / 255/35/20

for sale soon (not now, and i do have 2 interested parties)
18 x 7 / 4.25 bs
20 x 8.5 / 5.25 bs

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and, my new Dakota Digital HDX (black face) cluster should arrive today, pics should follow this weekend.

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cluster in place...NICE PIECE, my hats off to Dakota on this one.
never have been a fan of their digital stuff, but this is a super nice piece.

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it has some nice features, center screen read out looks good.
cant wait to use the performance screens...

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Nice!! I just ordered mine today. Truck is coming along great!!

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you wont be disappointed.

install has some quirks...you have to trim the opening for the factory harness behind the cluster, not a big deal, but i prefered to open it up a lot.

since i have removed most factory wiring, i used the factory harness and colors to bench build my harness and tie it all in.

i mounted the control box under the column, drop the ash tray and look left...nice piece of factory sheet metal right there. i then ran the cable for the gps over to the pass. side and set the gps where the factory ecm sits.

i really wish they would make the control cable about 5', then both could mount behind the glove box with ease.

Re: Project WideBody
 

Awesome! I also got the BIM module to include air ride pressures so that will be another thing that needs to be mounted. Thanks for the info!

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well, here is the latest update...

the truck is together, has been driving great. so good, that i listed the old wheels for sale, and so much interest in the ONE pic of the truck (that said NOT FOR SALE, but could be)...it has led to the departure of the truck...

she left this morning for the new home just out side of Dallas, TX...a few parts still in boxes.

ten years of changes and enjoyment have now opened the door for another...love to find a clean Pace truck or White SS.

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Sad but totally understand Look at my title block of (SOLD) trucks... and that isnt even a quarter of the toys I/ve had. I am looking for a RCSB myself. Tired of C10s but want to keep it old school!:metal: Cant wait to see what you get next.

Re: Project WideBody
 

well, just give an update on this build...

it has reappeared in my garage ! mainly to tweak and go over some things that the owner wants completed or changed. it was let go with the AC not completed, and some of the wiring left unwrapped for the AC install.

so the following is/has happened... there was a mention of the truck laying over when trying to accelerate, we tried numerous phone talks to correct and diagnose...no luck. what i did find was a shorted out injector harness wire (all internal to the fitech unit). this short had melted the wiring and the injector plug into the injector body. fitech is sending an injector (our cost of 38$) and a piece of harness from a bad unit to repair this one.

repaint both inner fender wells (thinking about slosh tubs, but dont wan to cut anything), repaint core support, both outside mirrors (both have been hit), and the right rear lower bedside ( it has some contact damage)

then comes header back exhaust, i will be running true duals, probably down pass side to accommodate muffle placement, then tune everything accordingly.

just for the sake of saying and knowing...i ran through the dakaota digitial cluster and found a recorded top speed of 153 mph...i am guessing one of those runs was when i got a call that the truck was laying over and starved for fuel :)