I've started on a 68 SWB frame off resto/modification. I'm shooting for mid 12s and figure 400 RWHP will get me there. The ulitimate goal is to outperform a newer lightning in all areas and be a show vehicle.

So far I have the frame sandblasted and painted with por 15. I also have the 5.3L from a 2005 avalanche. I'm getting a 4L60E next month. Progress has been slow due to money (I originally bought a T/A to use the engine out of...now I'm trying to sell the T/A).

I posted some questions on here about 400RWHP from a 5.3 and it sounds like a stretch. I haven't decided what I'm going to do to get there. I was kinda thinking of boring it out to a 5.7L. But then the idea of a supercharger was flying through my head (especially after looking at a local guy's 13 second H2!!!!). And of course I can always spray it which would probably be the cheapest route, though I've never been a fan of nitrous.

Some other things: I'll be running some meaty 20" wheels for the street (something like 315/35/20 in the back) airbags with the original style trailing arm suspension.

Because this is a show truck, I'm also thinking of running a car computer with a touch screen monitor, 5.1 surround sound, and all kinds of other goodies. Power windows and locks as well. I'm kinda concerned about the weight of all of this stuff, and if it weren't for it being a show truck, I'd probably not worry about it...but I think it kinda needs to be a little over the top.

These trucks weigh in around 4000lbs. What does a NBS rcsb 2wd weigh in at for comparison. How much HP does it take to hit the 12s in a truck (obviously it depends on some things...but ball park). Oh yeah, I'll be running some ET streets and skinnys for the track as well.

The link in my sig shows the whole restoration, but here's a pic of as it sits now:

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s79/dba4645/truck/restoration/100_1203.jpg

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s79/dba4645/truck/restoration/100_1329.jpg

at that weight you can hit 12's with under 300 rwhp.
there's a couple of us with heavier trucks running mid 12's pushing around 330 to 350 rwhp.

Hmm....the newer RSCBs weigh about 3800 lbs? Does that sound right? Theres a thread floating around here somewhere that shows weight.

no they weigh more like 4200-4500lbs.

Really? Guess Im losin' my mind or that guy was full of it, lol. Got any pics of the rest of the truck?

Hmm....the newer RSCBs weigh about 3800 lbs? Does that sound right? Theres a thread floating around here somewhere that shows weight.

my 6 speed '00 rcsb weighs 3900 lbs. but its not going to run 12's with less than 300 rwhp...

on the moon maybe. lol.

my 6 speed '00 rcsb weighs 3900 lbs. but its not going to run 12's with less than 300 rwhp...

on the moon maybe. LOL...

my 6 speed '00 rcsb weighs 3900 lbs. but its not going to run 12's with less than 300 rwhp...

on the moon maybe. lol.

do you have a 4-link or any other major mods besides the t56 swap? ive never heard of a NBS truck under 4k lbs. without some serious weight reduction

How much HP does it take to hit the 12s in a truck (obviously it depends on some things...but ball park). Oh yeah, I'll be running some ET streets and skinnys for the track as well.


To consistently run in the 12's you will need at least 350 rwhp, sticky tires, and good weather.
Good luck with your project. Look forward to seeing some more pictures as you make progress.

A link I saved a long time ago... Anything you need to know about 03-05 truck specs. Hope it helps. http://www.new-cars.com/2004/chevrolet/chevy-silverado-specs.html

My 00 rcsb stepside weighs 4100 with me in it. Race weight...aka remove sub setup and random crap from bed haha.

To consistently run in the 12's you will need at least 350 rwhp, sticky tires, and good weather.
Good luck with your project. Look forward to seeing some more pictures as you make progress.


That's about what I figured. That's why I'm shooting for an even 400RWHP. I'll be running some 15" ET streets.

I'll try to get some more pictueres. Also, if you click on the link in my sig, you can go to my build thread on the 67-72chevytruck board.