Caprice engine swap?

[kevm14]

This 2500 sleeper truck idea really has some merit.

Turns out the stock driveline is probably fine for what I need to do. And I am referring to a 4WD truck, which means I can pull ridiculous hole shots. And I can switch to 2WD and do sweet burnouts.

Source for any max speed limitations in 4WD:
http://www.silveradosierra.com/transmis ... 86410.html

Answer: not really as long as you aren't turning very sharply.

Source for drivetrain stoutness and max speed again:
http://www.duramaxforum.com/forum/trans ... speed.html

Similar responses.

I went 140MPH in 4x4 on dry pavement this weekend....on the drag strip, lol.
Stock drivelines, stock diff., stock transfer case.

I know the diesel uses an 11.5" ring axle instead of the 10.5" on the gas. I am sure the 10.5 is fine. I don't know if the transfer case is the same. Probably can verify easily enough.

Oh shit.

2007 LBZ tow rig/Daily driver, stock engine 11.70 @ 115mph on #2, 677 HP, MPI Twins
23.5 MPG Diesel Power Challenge 2008
2002 LB7 Max'd Out 9.71@141+MPH on #2 fuel only, MPI Twins

I think I know this guy from that diesel drag thing on hot rod. Anyway...

Next is gearing considerations.

I think these trucks all basically come with 4.10s. Gearing spreadsheet attached. Long story short, you can probably be well into the 10s in the 1/4 mile before even needing to shift to 4th on the strip, depending on operating rpms (assuming you run it to 6500 or so). If I shift at 6,000, I can still go 125 to 130 mph in the 1/4 in 3rd. So plenty of gear. That is with stock height tires (245/75-16).

Examples?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqBdzLDcBjM

There's a 600 rwhp one that I found easily on youtube. Very similar truck to the one posted earlier on Craigslist - even the same mileage.

How about the turbo plumbing? There are solutions for that, too. Turns out Sloppy was onto something with these trucks.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/On-3-Performanc ... Pb&vxp=mtr

There is a whole kit!!! And for $200 I can get that sweet 78/75 On3 that Sloppy loved so much (so I know On3 is legit).

An online calculator figures that 500 rwhp would get me very low 12s in the 1/4 mile according to 625 crank HP and a 5675 lb race weight.

So the real hard performance things I'd have to do are:
- Trans torque converter
- It is pulled anyway, so I would take the time to do the TransGo HD2 shift kit so the trans survives
- Decide if I want to do a cam or just leave it stock
- Decide if I want to pull the engine and open the ring gap as a safety measure
- Figure out an exhaust

Those aren't nothing but compared to other LS swap turbo projects, this is easy stuff.

There is something interesting here, for sure.

And it could begin by buying that 2500 4WD truck if it is still available. Then I have a pretty awesome winter vehicle and a Caprice backup.

Eventually I would replace the Caprice and then I could potentially consider doing the whole turbo thing.

[bill25]

Sounds Awesome! Do it!!!

[bill25]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhpgQZs7N9g

Very uneventful (good)! Just takes off! No crazy burnouts to warm the tires, just launches straight and hard. No squeal, no G-Body shuffle.

[bill25]

That was 11.7 on stock 3.42's

[kevm14]

Oooh!

http://capecod.craigslist.org/cto/5852432205.html

2002 Silverado 2500HD
200k
6.0 V8
Automatic 4x4 work truck
Regular cab 8ft bed
This would make a great work truck or plow truck
No rot on rockers / cab corners
No rust
CASH TALKS

Asking $3500.

I inquired.

His response:

Frame is fine, brake lines are ok. Everything works there are no major issues.

[kevm14]

Or should I be looking for a clean 1/2 ton??? Lighter, better ride and handling...

[Bob]

Yeah, I think the 2500 is going to be a bit rough as a daily driver. I would be in favor of the half ton for anything but heavy towing.

[bill25]

What are the drivetrain differences between the 1500 and 2500? I would say that if anything is heavier duty in the 2500 drivetrain, and you are planning for 5 to 600 RHP, go with the 2500, if the drivetrain including transfer case and rear end is the same, the 1500 is lighter so it is a no brainer.

[kevm14]

The 2500 has heavier duty everything, from the 8 lug wheels to the frame.

[kevm14]

The cons of the 1/2 ton:
- 5.3 or smaller except in very rare trims so forget it on price alone
- Lighter duty everything
- probably really hard to find a clean 4wd in my price range but I can look
- does not come with a 4L80E.

Pros of the 1/2 ton:
- lighter
- better ride and handling
- more likely to get better creature comforts in my price range