Thread: First timer, update of 48 Chevy 1/2 ton

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"will a big block work in a s-10?"

I have heard of someone doing it, but I would think it would be a bear. With a small block in there, the steering shaft is right up against the exhaust manifold.

"Would grafting a Mustang II front suspension work just as good?"

Maybe better. You wouldn't have to fab up a core support to hang the front sheet metal on and a big block would probably fit much easier.

"The rear suspension in the old truck and the s-10 are the same right,leafs?"

Yep.

Couple of years ago a guy had a Blazer (S 10 sized one) at Daytona, and it had a big block under the hood. Let's just say I bet he doesn't change sparkplugs very often, but it did tuck down under there. It was really amazing to see it fit.


Don

So it sounds like the S-10 is one option. Since this is a 6 cyclinder frame does it handle the weight of a small block & auto OK?

Don, on the g-body cars were you talking about a front end clip or frame swap? I have no problem with a salvage yard.

The seldom talked about s-15 is a much better deal,the frame is longer,more to chop and work with,and its a little stronger and has a better suspention too!!!

I was talking about using the G-body front clip...... The S-15 mentioned is better than a S-10 (I'm thinking the Blazer is a S-15). They do not kick-up in the rear as far as the S-10 & the frame is already boxed in. With the S-10 the rear kicks up so far that the floor of the bed has to be raised. With both the wheel base has to be changed. You also have to buy the long wheelbase & shorten it. The std. 2 doors have to be lengthened which is much harder than shortening a extended cab.

I still think the G-body IFS w/Crysler rear leaf springs is hard to beat, however the S-10 requires less skill to pull it off correctly & the Must II w/a C.E. rear leaf kit can be done the easiest( 2 weekends & it's done). It also is the most acceptable method. I just like using junk yard parts & all the fab work required to make it work. It's what street rod building is all about for me.
Dare to be different.

As far as cutting the frame reducing the value, I do not think it's a issue with too many people.