Phase 2, the Transformation
After about a year of driving the truck to and from work and everywhere else, it became apparent that a nearly 40 year old design suited to life on the farm was a chore to deal with in the big city. Keeping up with freeway traffic using a 235 and a 3 on the tree was exciting. Coming to a stop from autobahn speeds with 4 wheel manual drum brakes was even more entertaining. The decision was made to transform the country boy into a city slicker. The list of major changes goes like this: 350 V8 engine, 700R4 automatic transmission, Power brakes with front disks, Power steering, New climate control and refresh the rattley windy noisy doors and windows.
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First off I got a great deal from a friend on a new 300hp 350 GM Performance crate engine. He had it in a 50's Willys Jeep Commando he was building up, but opted for an LT1 before it was finished. Nice leftovers! Fortunately I had most of the pieces the long block lacked stashed in my garage. good and sprayed all of the rusty areas with rust converter. |
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After browsing dozens of catalogs and web sites,
several major purchases were made: |
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