LUVTruck.com

Hey all - Looks like RatNLuv is no more? Hopefully there is another big block project out there? The only obvious issues I remember are exhaust - which in my case wont be much concern as I plan to run a twin turbo setup, so headers will be fabbed for the turbos, and just run 4" dump pipes out the fenderwells. What other big gotchas are there? Does anyone know how tight the streering column is? I plan on using a glide with a Dedenbear SFI case. Im sure the firewall will need to be moved back, and I may need to refloor the cab? But from what I know so far it's very doable. After some in depth number crunching, it's clear I can build a 496 twin turbo setup and make power for less than it would cost to build a small block up to the same power level, now I just gotta make it all fit! Thanks for any info!

Derek

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LUV Truck Desserter!
76 Daily driver (SOLD)
73 LUV (rusting away at the moment)
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63 Nova
74 Camaro

Ratnluv still drops by time to time. And yes there is a big block project going on. Im working on dropping a 425 caddy into my 79
Im not planning on running turbos or anything. Im just going to run a stock engine for a base line and hope to get into the 12s whith it. I wont be much help whith exsaust and steering clearnace though as a caddy big block is a bit narrower than a BBC.

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1980 LUV 4x4, going under re-construction...

Be sure and send us some pics.. I looked into the cad motors myself, lots of potential, but BBC stuff is cheap compared to caddy parts lol Too rich for my blood.

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LUV Truck Desserter!
76 Daily driver (SOLD)
73 LUV (rusting away at the moment)
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63 Nova
74 Camaro

Yes I drop in from time to time but the trck is no more. Frame is almost ready to paint and go under the Model A. I still get asked about the truck from locals. It seemed everybody knew the truck and can't believe I took it apart. I just wasn't willing to sell it for nearly nothing.The body is in the field growing weeds

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stripped and just a memory!

What year body is it?

yeah ill be posting lots of pics of the caddy swap. Ratnluv, your truck was a 78 right?

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1980 LUV 4x4, going under re-construction...

i'm still running a big block = 10.23 @ 130mph / running a motor plate bolted to brackets that are welded to the frame. powerglide and 9" out back with 14.5x32's. pics on this site. headers home made from headman weld up kit running out the fender wells. no problems with anything else. try to get the biggest radiator you can stuff in it..

Wow. A bigblock in a Luv. Now that sounds cool. Maybe I should try that instead of a smallblock for my next project.

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Jeff did you move the motor back at all? Did you mod the firewall floor at all?

Derek

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LUV Truck Desserter!
76 Daily driver (SOLD)
73 LUV (rusting away at the moment)
---------------------------------------------
63 Nova
74 Camaro

yes, at first with the small block i had it further back about 4" into the firewall, but with the big block i had to move it foward about 3" because it's wider. the balancer sits right behind the front cross member. the radiator sits on tabs welded to the front cross member. the valve covers are right at the firewall. since it's a rae car i cut the radiator support and fenderwells out. it weighs 2600lbs and runs 10.2 @ 130mph. i have built 3 luv race trucks and can answer anyones questions and may have some money saving tips. you need to be good with a welded and torch, anything is possible..