Drag racing a K-5 (LEGAL)

[Busted Knuckles]

I have a '77 K-5 that I'm in the process of rebuilding. It has a 203 transfer case that I plan to upgrade to a NP205. I'll use a 9" Ford rearend for it's strength, axle retention and ease of ratio changes, plus it's a lot lighter than a 14FF. I have a 565 cubic inch pump gas engine that I'm considering dropping into this truck, corrected hp around 750 but actual around 625 at my 3250ft. elevation. Part of the reason for using this truck as a streetrod and occasional drag race ride is the added traction/less slippage with the extra tires on the track. I have a good TH400 that I can have rebuilt by one of the best in the business, so that part is good to go. If we're talking straight-line stuff, none of the high torque on a max turned single wheel that you rock crawlers use to test your front axles with. Any chance of the Dana 44 living thru it or should I find my Dana 60 while I have it torn down? I plan to set the ride height to give myself the best pinion angle possible. I'd rather spend the money now than get stranded somewhere and tear up more than it would cost to upgrade in the first place.

Anybody have any experience with this power level and racing or crawling?

For those of you that don't comprehend why anyone would want a mountain motor in a 4x4, head on over to the next thread, you wouldn't understand even if I tried my best to explain it to you

 

[chevyin]

What

What I really mean is wtf







Just checked, we are in the for sale sec. And wtf?

 

[thatK30guy]

I suggest you to build a shortbed truck instead of a Blazer. They weigh considerably less than a K5. I mean a lot less. You will get much more power-to-weight ratio if you use a SWB.

 

[thatK30guy]

Oh yeah, if you're gonna use a 9" rear, stick with the Dana 44. You don't need the D60 if you're using the 9" rear. D60's weigh a lot and if you're not using a 14FF, then you don't need a D60 front. The D44 will survive just fine but with modifications to it first.

 

[Busted Knuckles]

Shortbeds are a dime a dozen here, I want something a little different. I understand there's a big weight difference, but I'm confident this engine can get this thing accelerating pretty well. I know a lot of guys with 540's in Chevelles and Corvettes, this rig would have a much "saner" power to weight ratio. I'm considering running narrower tires on the front to help align the outside sidewalls and give it some tracking ability, too. Less tire when the power hits it makes for some tire spin to take the strain off of the Dana. Good to hear it's worth leaving in place, I don't want to add that weight unless necessary.

If I really want to screw with people, I can build the 565 with a dual plane intake (old hotrodders may remember the Edelbrock 427-C) to give it a warmed-over 454 look.

Paint scheme looks like it's gonna be orange with a flat black top and hood. I need to replace the interior, so I'll get the as-delivered black panels, dash, etc. and get some orange and black seat covers. The body is string-straight and rust free, one of those out-of-the-blue discoveries.

This is the kinda **** that happens to me when I happen to have a spare engine and happen to have a K-5 than needs an engine...