Cheap and Easy upgrades

[chiefmiller84]

I have a 1983 C10 shortbed. I know I want to do a full resto-mod, but i'm on a tight budget with four kids. It currently has a '69 307 paired with a 700r4 and i'm unsure of the rear gears. It is my daily driver and will be for the forseeable future. I'm not looking to make a race truck, but I do want it to move when I step on it.

I want to drop it, upgrade the brakes all the way around, change the interior from red to black and keep the red bench seat. Eventually I have some body mods and paint I want to do, but I think that will be the last thing I do.

My question is, where to start?! New engine, trans, brakes, rear end, suspension (drop, how low, static air), interior stereo, steering wheel, color change, tint, bedliner, solid rear window, one piece side windows, it's never ending!! lol

[Irish_Alley]

start with the safety stuff first

[chiefmiller84]

start with the safety stuff first

Alright, so brakes it is. Nothing is really unsafe at this point.


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[redhot1.4]

I always way save the looks for last. Getting an old chevy reliable 1st. Which I think goes with safety,  and some new looks.


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[chiefmiller84]

I always way save the looks for last. Getting an old chevy reliable 1st. Which I think goes with safety,  and some new looks.


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Thanks man. I have a good idea where I'm going to start from


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[1967KaiserM715]

Brakes, suspension, drive train, looks.

Do some research, especially if you wish to lower, brakes should pretty much remain stock, but if you need to do any suspension parts, it would be more worth it to lower then to keep it stock only to change out new parts a couple months down the road.

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[chiefmiller84]

Thanks brother


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[chiefmiller84]

I have a 1969 307 in the truck and she runs and drives fine. I'm building on a budget so I've decided to go with some new headers. Question is what are some recommendations? Do all SBC headers fit or do I need to find specific ones? long or short tube? I'm thinking of doing a 2.25 or 2.5 in exhaust.

Also I have an old style ignition system on it and i'd like to upgrade that as well.

Lastly, I already have an edelbrock torquer 2 intake manifold, will that work with my engine? Would I need to upgrade the carb as well?

I apologize for all the questions, i'm pretty new to all of this and I'd like to learn as I go. (truck is an 83 SWB c10)

[travisr1988]

Headers for our trucks are cheap, if you want to lower the truck or not see them hang down you can use g-body headers I believe. As for the ignition the cheapest upgrade would probably be hei. The torker 2 is a single plane right? If so I would stay away from it unless your pushing big power, a dual plane intake for a truck to keep low end torque strong, a 4 barrel carb might be a good idea, but a 2 barrel will give you the best low end torque. Lastly a dual 2.25" exhaust is good for around 400hp and really anything bigger doesn't help a whole lot. 2.5" is the biggest I would run unless I was pushing serious power. Chris here sells a 2.5" exhaust kit with x-pipe if you're looking. Oh and usually long tube headers are most beneficial.

[rich weyand]

Yup.  Everything travisr1988 said.

[FlatBlack77]

once you get all that done start messing around with timing. you can gain alot or lose alot depending on where the timing is set at

[chiefmiller84]

Do any SBC headers work or do I need to find specific ones for my 307? I'm not at home right now, but do I just order HEI from like an  , classic industries or Brothers trucks? Who is Chris with the exhaust kit and how much is it?

[VileZambonie]

Headers for SBC made for your truck will clear the frame and starter. You just need to decide what type you want, i.e. shorty's, long tube, flange type, finish, dia. etc. Upgrading the ignition system is a great idea. Sounds like you need to visit Summit Racing's website.

Click on Store for more info on the items for sale on this website http://store.73-87chevytrucks.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=7&Product_Code=SGT80&Category_Code=73-87UHood

[79 Royal Sierra]

Im in the same boat as you bud with my 79 c15. As stated above, I got her running pretty good, then from there tackle the small mechanical stuff here and there. My truck has very little rust and a good blue patina. I say unless you want a show truck, worry about the mechanical stuff, as that is fairly cheap and you can do it your self and look at the results along the way. I just sold my 61 Impala, that was a heck of a hot rod, but also cost way to much because I overdid it, and in the end sold it for a 1/3 of what I had in it. Good luck and keep us posted. God Bless

[chiefmiller84]

Yeah she runs and drives fine, but I'll start updating her as I go. Like when I need new brakes I'll do the rear disk conversion instead of just replacing the drums and shoes. Right now I think I'm just going to do exhaust, headers, intake, carb and install a hei.


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