Thread: 66 c10 - 400 sbc build

I finally finished building the small block 400 in my 66 c10. I took it from bone stock pig to a pretty nice performance budget build. I started with a new comp cams thumper cam, lifters, pushrods and forged anodized aluminum rockers. Aluminum procomp heads that I got on ebay for a steal!... $700 for the set, drilled for steam holes and delivered! Topped with an Edlebrock RPM Performer intake and Holley 950 carb. I had to replace the water pump, the 42 year old original finally gave out. lol. I took the old headers to my buddies shop in tulare and was able to sand blast and repaint them with BBQ paint to look like new. I found a direct aluminum drop in replacement radiator and switched to an electric fan on a toggle. During the cam break in, we had a bit of a situation with cooling and initial start up, but we were able to oakie rig a few things and made a successful break in ( 2000 RPM for 20 min ) The truck had a new 700 R4 Tranny in it when I got it, but I am looking for a TH 400. Anyone out there interested in a trade, please let me know. Pics below and more to come when I start on the next project!! Hope to have it burning tires pretty soon!

pics before and after

after pics

looks good....

Yeah, the water pump was junk, we started break in and the radiator pops a few leaks, it was an overall bad deal. Replaced it with the aluminum unit without the 16" electric fan and ran it again, timing was all tore back and everything but ran okay, the way I kept it cool was to use the garden hose while it was taching 2k. Evaporative cooling through the radiator with a box fan was enough to do the trick. Sounds funny in that oakie truck, can't wait to TH400 that thing with a stall and a spool! >=)

good to see its all together randy

I finally got all the major stuff bolted on and dialed in. I have been working on finishin up all the little detail stuff like fuel lines, vacum lines, linkages and that stuff, and so far everything has turned out pretty nice. I ended up having to switch from the electrical fan setup back to a mechanical fan; the electrical setup just wasn't pulling enough air to cool that siamesed headed 400. I went with a Flex-a-lite 19 inch mechanical fan and so far it works great even without a shroud. I had a minor issue with fan blade clearance next to the lower radiator hose, but I found a stainless steel, flexible hose for $35 delivered on ebay that did the trick. It worked so well that I ordered one for the top hose as well. Now that the front suspension has been updated and the engine has been built up, I am looking for a tranny. I plan on pulling the 700R4 and replacing it with a TH400 and new shifter. I have looked at a few different options, but so far I think I like the B&M Megashifter for my application with the turbo 400. After that I'll move into the rear end and rear suspension and try to get that thing to launch right and quit doing peg leggers!!! Happy racing!