The last time I was on a drag strip was 1975 in Tyler Tx. Had a 67 Camaro 327 running 12.69's @ 110 mph.was .030 11 to 1 comp, cam ? 800 holley on edelbrock hi rise with a set of 5.13 in the back. WOW things sure have changed. I am lost with all this new technology. Altho it is really great to be able to get this kind of Horsepower and Torq out of smaller cubes............... In stating that I'll start at the begining of this OLD mans return to the drag strip.
Bought a 2006 GMC Sierra RCSB of course in my favorite color RED. Had a 4.3 and I live 8 miles from MO-KAN raceway Asbury, Mo. turned 17's and put some 4.10's in ran 16.70's. did some other changes and added 100 shot and ended up running 14.52 @ 93 mph. Now with the bug real bad........... That wasn't fast enough. Decided to go 6.0.
Found a 6.0 in a wrecked 1 ton for $1500. Sold my 4.3 for $1500. The 6.0 only had around 25 K on it. So I decided to put a cam in and drive it for a year or so and then really go thru it and make alot of mods. UNTIL...........
Decided after seeing a hotrod mag article where they dyno'd a 6.0 with 5 different comp cams with Carb and FI. The Carb out performed the FI. So I picked the 224/230 dur and 581/588 lift cam and a quick fuel 850 carb. Not realizing that with out the computer the trans and fuel system and gauges and alot of the wiring would not function.So ordered a TCI super street fighter turbo 350 and a 2800 stall.( this is my DD and thought a lower stall would be best on the streets) All new Auto Meter gauges and re plumbed the fuel pump and used a Holley Blue. Also not asking any questions got a Edelbrock Performer with the MSD Ign. Of course the msd that came with the manifold was a 6al and was not programable so Jegs exchanged it for the 6 LS. Got it running and was running pretty rich. But wow what a difference from the 4.3. 3 days later it spun a cam brgirng and a rod brging.
Pulled the motor and took it down the street to a engine builder and spent 3600 on machine work and forged rods forged .030 over diamond pistons and all new everything. Got it running and WOW again even better. the Quick fuel was still running rich and we couldn't get it leaned out so after about 15 t0 20 miles parked it and ordered a PRO SYSTEMS carb. It was just right. They really build a great carb.Got the timing set a limiter set at 7000 and headed for MO-KAN got 8 miles and it started making noise and the oil pressure started to drop. Turned around and went home. Parked it.
Pulled the motor took it back to the shop and they tore it down had 2 spun rod brgings and some marks in those 2 cylinders that they said was caused by to much fuel. Not anything they did so they were not responsible.
So I sent it to LME in Houston Tx. and they cleaned it up. Had to honed block another .010 (now .040) ordered a Callies 408 stroker with .040 over diamond pistons. New oil pump,etc. It is now a 410. Should have it back this coming week. I know this was long getting to this point and I hope no one got to bored. As I get it back in I'll keep this updated as to the progress. Her are a few pics

 

Good read. It sounds like two steps forward, one step back the whole way for you. I find hotrodding to be like that, it's all a learning curve with disappointments and successes along the way. If there's one thing I could say to someone starting out, it would be to research for a year or more and see what really works, then go at it. Also, go big the first time (way bigger than you would first imagine). You'll save a ton of money in the end by not remodding in baby steps.
It sounds like you'll have a great setup, I wish you the best of luck with the engine.

 

well you have spun two bearing in two motors. seems to have been the carb . although a magazine showed more power with a carb. im willing to bet more can be made with injection and a properly set up combo. not to mention slightly better behavior and ecomics.

either way good luck and awesome to see you tackle such a project on your own. ask questions though . now that your here you will learn alot and make that motor perform even better.

 

Nice setup, where is that gauge cluster from. Looks great. I am guessing you made it.

 

Nice project you got going there, Ill agree I think you could do more with injection (Better manners, power etc.) Anyway nothing wrong with carb. I am staying posted to see your results. There is allot of info on this site so dont be afraid to ask questions and read away.

 

I would say two steps backwards and one step forward...you should embrace some of the new tech...fuel injection. you have a very stout block...and you can protect that investment better with the benefits of running the STOCK computer and injection system. I know you are an 'old dog' but you can learn and the results will be more reliability, better fuel economy, better diagnostics/scanning/safeguards (ie torque management:can change spinning out of the hole into some consistent short time)

just like you can learn from us young'ins...we can learn from you old guy experence. welcome

 

The gauge cluster was out of the 1 ton that I got the motor out of. Took the gauges and cluster to a guy that has more know how and he cut the center out and fabed a piece of sheet metal and then had a friend do the rest. then I put the gauges in and installed in dash. It will also have 100 to 250 shot of NOS. I have a edelbrock progressive controller for setting the percentage of nitrous off the line kicking the rest in at 1 or 1 1/2 seconds. Also have a set of Cal-Tracs on with Rancho 9000 on the back. Still thinking of a higher stall convertor and maybe 4.56's.
Steve Sr.

 

Awesome project you have on your hands, but unfortunately it seems you have my luck when it comes to engines. Ive been through 2 engines in 5 months, with less than 2000 miles combined on both of them, so I understand your frustration.

 

Yea I read most of your build and that was really my luck. Which I don't wish on anyone. I only had about 50 miles on the last motor. I will put more miles on this time before I do anything over 3000 rpm. I will for now stick with my carb. I have always been the guy who has to be different. Just ask my 3 ex-wives.

 

That is a sexy truck!!!! Now lets keep this motor togather and get some track times!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!