For me, it’s always exciting when I get a chance to spend some time on my ’57 Chevy project. Staying as close to on-time with the production of Classic Trucks as I can often rules out garage time, but I’ve been able to get out there for a few days over the last week or so. Taking advantage of that garage time, I finally installed the pickup’s engine and transmission.
Through a bit of investigation, I found that GMPP’s HT-383 was specifically developed as a high-torque small-block engineered for low-rpm torque that provides more than enough “grunt” to flatten hills or make a safe pass when towing. For me it was ideal and I instantly made it my choice to power the ’57.
You may recall me mentioning that I was planning to use one of GMPP’s E-Rod LS packages. Well, as usual, my plans have changed. I actually rethought the cost/benefit of that choice and decided that I’d be smarter, and just as happy, installing one of their HT-383 crate engines rather than the E-Rod LS1.
The HT-383 is a big-inch small-block that produces a whopping amount of low-end torque. And since the ’57 is destined to not only be a daily driver but a tow vehicle as well, that torque will come in handy. And speaking of torque, GM states the HT-383 offers an impressive 435 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm and 400 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm—more than enough for the ’57 to pull a 27-foot travel trailer with ease.
Since the Tri-Five Chevys offered a V-8 option, the installation of the small-block was pretty easy. Though, since I went and modified the pickup’s chassis with the installation of an aftermarket street rod-style IFS setup, I did make the V-8 install a bit less straightforward than it would have been. Since I receive lots of queries regarding the build, I promised I’d get my butt in gear and show you how it’s coming along … so here it goes. It may not be real exciting but every time I get to bring the project closer to the road it’s a big deal to me, so bare with me and check out this latest step in the long process that is building a home-brewed classic pickup. CT
