and so it begins..

[Ranchero50]

I think that by definition, those covers are just cosmetic and I doubt most would know it's a Chevy engine without the covers making it obvious.

[elgemcdlf]

My thing with the covers is the vehicle is not a Corvette. I feel the same when I see this engine in mid 50's Chevrolets. Just take that one more step and fab up some covers that are appropriate.

[mk]

right on fitz----the core of roddin'----

Love it !!


mike

[meteor545]

I'm a ford guy at heart and I can't come up with any kind of argument not to go this way. For the money there is no ford engine as good. And the frame clip opens the truck up to a whole world of suspension options.
as nice as the Vic clip is for cruising. ( I drive an 05 p71) it isn't a handling machine. As nice as the coyote is, you could do 2 Ls swaps for the money. And again the Ls opens the truck up to a massive aftermarket.

I'm another who will say that I wouldn't do it. Mostly because I don't have the money skills or time.

[Maximus]

Nice truck! If you have the option the Trans-am steering box has a much quicker ratio than the standard bird,
I couldn't imagine doing all of that work just to sell it off, but in the end someone's going to have one hell of a pleasure vehicle on their hands. I enjoy any old car, no matter how botched up it is. Kinda bugs me how close minded some people are...
I subbed a 79 bird on my Chevy step and I'm amazed at how tight it handles, especially with the huge away bar they come with installed.

I was also going to make the same point mentioned above about how easy it is for someone across the country that you should be using a coyote engine when the low supply has put a premium on the price, as the old saying goes... when it's not your money it's easier to spend...
Not to mention if this is a flip job spending half the cost for every bit or more performance is a no brainer for what your putting together.

Anyways I'll enjoy seeing your progress!

[bluff dale butcher]

this stopped being a truck the minute the torch was lit . it is now a hotrod . much larger market to sell in and will bring more money . in the market there is a bowtie mentality and a fetish for the corvette motor or at least the valve covers. has been for well over 50 years . we dont make the rules we just have to play by them. on the farm i have nothing but fords but if i build it to sell it will follow the market.

[6Delta]

My thing with the covers is the vehicle is not a Corvette. I feel the same when I see this engine in mid 50's Chevrolets. Just take that one more step and fab up some covers that are appropriate.

Maybe he will put a Corvette interior in it as well, that would make her much more comfortable than a couple of Mustang bucket seats and the HUD would be cool. So far, I am sorry to say, I don't see any more fabrication or welding skills than what was taught to me in shop class in 1972. Anyone can weld and if you can use a tape measure, you can put in a new subframe. We are not talking rocket science. Just more of the same stuff already out there. I am sure this "beast" will handle like a slot car (but no one will try and see) and draw a crowd at the local malt shop. Really, it is just another Chevy into a Ford swap. If you don't know how to make a fast Ford with a 429 (can you spell Kaase) put a LS in it. At least if it blows up or wrecks you aren't out much. Parts are everywhere and cheap compared to Ford. I have to agree, at least this bump is not getting crushed. My only real complaint is why not do it to a dent and save a bump ??

[fitzwell]

[

Maybe he will put a Corvette interior in it as well, that would make her much more comfortable than a couple of Mustang bucket seats and the HUD would be cool. ??

Nope. Lincoln Aviator leather seats. F600 cluster. Power windows & locks. Tilt column shift. As far as the basic skills, you're correct. not rocket science, but there is a "right" way to do a clip like this, and a "wrong" one. This is NOT the "cut & butt" method. Hell, there is a right way to do everything in a hot rod, and a wrong one. I've seen/repaired too damn many of 'em. As far as it's handling abilities, I assure you I'll see what it's capable of. Malt shop... who cares? Old guys with fat ugly wives are not my target audience on this one. This truck is being built for a couple of reasons, first to sell, and make a buck. Second, fun. I could do a 429, (or a 514) or whatever. I simply chose not to. Originally it was going to be a 5.0 Explorer motor.. The LS is a proven performer, and a proven selling point, not to mention much less expensive. Seen too many nice Fords that were All ford just not sell.. If I have 20 guys looking at this thing, I might have 2-3 that would be wowed by an "all ford" driveline. I'll have 15 drooling over "vette" motor. I don't write the rules, but if im building to sell, i'll play by 'em. As for doing it to a dent, my daily, for right now is a 77 SuperCab with an injected roller 351/4R70W. That one is MY truck. and not for sale..

Now, where'd I put my beer...

[red_67f100]

Kool project

[bluff dale butcher]

late model vette seats would be really nice but they are designed to lay back low to the floor. i will use impala ss seat from a 2004 up in my 54 . bunch of salvage late model leather out there.

[mk]

My thing with the covers is the vehicle is not a Corvette. I feel the same when I see this engine in mid 50's Chevrolets. Just take that one more step and fab up some covers that are appropriate.

...why not do it to a dent and save a bump ??

Save a bump for what?? To rot away in a field somewhere? There's still plenty to go around. This line of thought comes up every time someone mentions upgrading/modifying a Merc too. I'd say put your money where your mouth is and come save it yourself...


mike