[dagnabbitt]

Sorry I have neglected this thread, I got caught up in my 1968 C20. I should always focus on one thing at a time, but never do.

This truck has been steadily improved, though. I bought a new dash pad for it, and using a Classic Industries cover, had the seat redone. It also folds, now. Some door panels from the junkyard, and a wood grain Grant steering wheel simply to remind me of high school.

Mostly creature comforts, in other words. This is the only truck I own that you can have a conversation with a passenger in without shouting over wind noise or the howl of the drivetrain; I am not kidding. I am looking to make it my daily driver.

In terms of driveability I located a 1991 700r4 for a hundred bucks and had it rebuilt with a shift kit and 2200-2500 stall: it is built with "corvette parts" as they say. It became a new truck over night. Even with the tired old 350 the tires break loose not just in first, but when shifting to second, too. The best part though is that I drive the freeway and highway 30 miles each way to work and with that fourth gear my rpms are way down.

As to that tired old 350 - if it even is a 350 - it is more than just tired, it is done for. It has so much blowby that it is frankly hilarious at this point. I installed a road draft tube just to get it home the other day, and when moving it from my driveway to the street I have to put a quart or two of oil in it. No one can accuse me of acting too soon on this engine, I waited until the truck was undrivable.

I am refocused on this truck: after much deliberation and consultation with the forum, I have ordered and received a new 355 from Blueprint. I never supposed I could afford this option, but it turns out that staying out of the bars for a year and a half due to world events (and quitting smoking) was just the ticket. Nuff said, check out the below!