Here are a few of the things we have in store for Thunderpig. First up, a brand new custom chasis built by No Limits Engineering, based in San Bernadino, CA. The new chasis and suspension will give it a comfortable and safe ride as well as an agressive feel.. It'll have a pro-street back end on the chasis that will allow us to put 18" wide tires on the back.. You read that right.. 18" wide!! Hot rod tires!!! :)
The frame shop is just getting started on the chasis, so as soon as we get some pictures I'll be sure to post them, as well as the components we're installing on the chasis.
Here is what a basic chasis from No Limits Engineering looks like:
Obviously I can't put hot rod tires on the truck if it doesn't have a sweet engine to go with it, so we're having a brand new Doug Herbert Performance Engine built in Lincolnton, NC. This is a Chevy Big Block 454 with over 565HP.. With the agressive hydraulic cam, Holley Carburator, and other performance upgrades we're putting in it, we should be right around 600HP when its bolted onto the frame. I can't wait!
Here's what the 454 will more or less look like:
We already ordered (and received) a Turbo Hydramatic 700R4 automatic transmission to replace the "grind in every gear" manual transmission that is currently in the truck. I have to admit I will really miss having a manual transmission in the truck as well as the 8-ball gear shifter, but the new automatic transmission should really make the truck easier to drive with such a powerful engine. The transmission was built by a family friend, and MOPAR enthusiast, Mike McCoy, the owner of Gears Transmission and Drivetrain, here in Lehi, UT. The transmission has all new gears, seals, etc as well as a performance high RPM torque converter to handle the power the truck will exhert. This is officially our first part ready for the restoration!
Other items that are on the list for the truck restoration include: Detroit locker rear posi-traction with strange case, aluminum driveshaft, custom 21 gallon fuel cell (moving the existing tank from the cab to the rear bed behind the axel), duel exhaust, anti-lock disk brakes, power steering, Vintage Air Conditioning, a brand new wood bed, custom built Coy Wheels, Mickey Thompson tires, and plenty more.
Stay tuned! I'll post pictures as the project progresses.
