56 GMC update
 

Here is the latest progress I have made. Next is motor mounts and the frame. Any tips on boxing the frame and building an x member?
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...87_28_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...87_30_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...87_31_full.jpg
mmmm...turbo
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...87_27_full.jpg
-Dennis

a few more pictures of my messy garage featuring the gmc project can be found here.
messy garage
-Dennis

i won't be much help on your questions, but i will tell ya, that is a sweet lookin ride.......... :thumbsup:

thats the first engine I have ever seen fill up the engine bay of a 5,6,7 pick up......lol

Thats gonna be a killer truck, :hail: the diesel is an awesome twist. :wow: I would think that the proper sized "C" channel would be best for boxing the chassis, and go to artmorrisons website and download thier catalog and look at the bottom of page#13 for an X member kit, looks like it would be easy to install and not a bad price either. keep us updated

That's going to be one cool truck. :thumbsup:

Yeah, it does fill up the bay nicely. What does that motor and trans combo weigh?

where did ya source the duramax? i been lookin but everybody wants an arm, a leg and a left nut for one.

my idea for the stiffening would be..... the morrison 45* bends about the blellhousing to a crossmember at the 4 link attach point on the frame, tie that into the factory frame...then box it in and around with the same gauge steel as the frame is made from. fortunatly its gonna blow the tires off long before it ever trys to twist the chassis up.

dont forget to fab up a hidden hitch.... this is the ultimate true hot rod tow rig.

I got first DIBS on that when its for sale . SERIOUSLY . YOU FINISH IT , I WILL BUY . HELL GET IT RUNNING AND I WILL BUY IT. DONT FOR GET ME NOW !!!

there goes the kids education :wow: :rofl:

datsbad...you are making me want to build another one now. This one I am building for my dad, it is kind of a design project for me as I am in school to be a mechanical engineer. This helps keep me sane between studying and gives me something to apply my thinking to. But if this combo works well dont rule out something like it later...I have a 66 suburban that just might get a diesel if all goes well.

I got the engine transmission combo on ebay for $5000...yeah thats kind of an arm and a leg but for a reliable package that puts out that kind of power its pretty cheap. I have to think reliability will be awesome too.

Im working on placing the engine where I want it now. I have cut the firewall out some more and am going to move it as far back as I possibly can while retaining space for my feet.

I read somewhere the engine weighs 840 lbs. I dont know if this is right or not. I think its around that. Its pretty heavy with the 5 speed automatic transmission compared to the small blocks I'm used to, but is this any heavier than a big block? The block is cast iron and everything else on it is aluminum. Heads, accessory brackets, valve covers, most of the oil pan, intake manifold, all aluminum.
Last day of class was today, then finals and then I should make some serious progress.
-Dennis

The reason Im concerned with the frame is this thing should be putting out 900+ lb-ft torque and I am planning on taking it to the track to race it as well(road course maybe willow springs). I have a feeling this will put some serious loads on the frame. I havent calculated anything yet but Im sure the frame will have to be pretty stout. This should be a beast to make handle but Im confident that it will. I can fit some pretty huge tires under it, and its going to be low. With some suspension tuning once I get it on the road Im sure it will do pretty well.
-Dennis

hey man thats cool , keep us upated on it though . And i would seriously buy this if it was a bit closer to running and driving . I am in no hurry . Just remember me , even if it is a year from now . I AM INTERESTED . you can PM me at anytime . thanks jas

cool truck :thumbsup: :captain:
rick kirkindall