PDA

View Full Version : The little black truck gets a big block



Backtobasics
01-24-2014, 02:52 PM
I have had this 1987 D50 for 3+ years,
It has been part daily driver, and part backup vehicle.

It is in daily driver mode right now, but will be moving to motor swap soon.

I have seen and heard about small swaps and associated issues.

I have decided to go big block Mopar. Part of the reason I the distributor location, and part is because I already have the 383, heads, cam, timing, etc.

I picked up an Offy intake to go on the engine, and have a 650 spread bore, double pump carb (think Q jet replacement), that should give plenty of pep, plenty of vacuum signal, etc.

I will post pics of truck as it sits now, and progress of the engine,.

Long term will probably include cutting down a C body 8.75 housing, custom axles to keep the stock wheels (I like the 5 spoke Bogart look), and probably a 3.23 or less gearing to make it highway driveable. '

Updates to come.

pennyman1
01-24-2014, 04:19 PM
a 8.75 from an A body mopar fits without cutting if you can find one - same 5 x 4.5 bolt pattern. At least its not the carter thermobog carb it came with - or you could got fast efi or holley projection 4. Pics please!

Backtobasics
01-24-2014, 07:06 PM
My truck is 6 lug. Plans are to cut down the longer C body axle, and order new HE axles in the right bolt pattern to keep the 6 lug 5 spoke wheels...

pennyman1
01-24-2014, 08:47 PM
that is different what about the brakes - you may be able to use front rotors off of k1500 chevy 4wd trucks and fab a bracket for calipers, or go wilwood or ssbc

Backtobasics
01-25-2014, 06:42 PM
that is different what about the brakes - you may be able to use front rotors off of k1500 chevy 4wd trucks and fab a bracket for calipers, or go wilwood or ssbc

Definitely have to figure something out. May try to keep it 6 lug drum of some sort, but haven't got that far just yet. Right now I am trying to keep it roadworthy for daily driver use, but damn. It leaks gas and oil at astounding rates. Gonna lift the bed tomorrow night, and see if I can figure out where it's leaking underhood.

Backtobasics
01-25-2014, 06:47 PM
Here is how she looked several years ago, when she was drug home...

Backtobasics
01-25-2014, 06:47 PM
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u77/backtobasicszm/1987%20D50%20%20The%20Little%20Black%20Truck/D50.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/backtobasicszm/media/1987%20D50%20%20The%20Little%20Black%20Truck/D50.jpg.html)

Backtobasics
01-25-2014, 06:48 PM
Here she is now...
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u77/backtobasicszm/1987%20D50%20%20The%20Little%20Black%20Truck/20140120_105945_zps4f02bc61.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/backtobasicszm/media/1987%20D50%20%20The%20Little%20Black%20Truck/20140120_105945_zps4f02bc61.jpg.html)

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u77/backtobasicszm/1987%20D50%20%20The%20Little%20Black%20Truck/20140120_110000_zpsbefe9152.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/backtobasicszm/media/1987%20D50%20%20The%20Little%20Black%20Truck/20140120_110000_zpsbefe9152.jpg.html)

Backtobasics
01-25-2014, 06:52 PM
The 383...
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u77/backtobasicszm/Mopar%20Misc/Picture126.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/backtobasicszm/media/Mopar%20Misc/Picture126.jpg.html)

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u77/backtobasicszm/Mopar%20Misc/Turbo015.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/backtobasicszm/media/Mopar%20Misc/Turbo015.jpg.html)

Backtobasics
01-25-2014, 07:05 PM
The needed a replacement piston. It has new bearings, a split duration Summit Racing cam of some sort, timing set, oil pump and pick up, gaskets, etc. I have already trimmed the tab on the block to use the shorty stainless headers from Ebay. It should keep the entire combo relatively narrow.
I am going to pick up a core 727 and have a friend run through it. I also have a T handle shifter from B&M that a friend didn't need, but I might look at one of the narrow pistol grip style shifters for clearance in the cab.

pennyman1
01-25-2014, 07:09 PM
be sure he replaces the sprags in that tranny - the one weak part in a 727.

Backtobasics
01-25-2014, 07:09 PM
Before the heads and intake go on, I am going to do a basic port job on the heads. I will probably not even bother with a valve job, just a basic port cleanup, bowl cleanup, and some red scotch brite cleanup. I will decarbon the valves while they are out.

Backtobasics
01-25-2014, 07:13 PM
be sure he replaces the sprags in that tranny - the one weak part in a 727.

This one will probably not see the track, so the sprags and the drums won't take too much of a beating. Hoping to keep all the hard parts in the trans, trying to do this whole job on the cheap.

A radiator is probably going to be the highest cost item.

pennyman1
01-25-2014, 07:14 PM
you are right there might as well do the whole job - the valves have to come out to do the porting anyways

77amc
08-05-2015, 08:55 AM
Any updates?

I found out with mine that a later Magnum "ROLLER" block isn't the best motor since the starter and steering box wants to sit in the same place..

NOW I get to weld in a steering rack and MAKE IT WORK..

E

340D
08-06-2015, 08:00 PM
I have a stroked 340 (394) in my 1980 D50. It is a pump gas motor and made 662hp and 533 tq. There is plenty of room for a small block. I had to build my own headers. Ran a best of 6.21 @110 in the 1/8. I can drive it anywhere.

340D
08-06-2015, 08:04 PM
Picture..

Rymar Garage
09-04-2015, 07:03 AM
^ the want is strong with this one.