1972 Chevrolet Suburban K20 4×4
350ci stroked to 427ci Dart “Little M” · Lupo’s Dynamic 4L80E overdrive · NP205 · Custom restomod
The story of this build goes here.
Powerplant
Dart Little M 427ciAFR 195cc heads · Pro-Flo 4 EFITransmission & T-case
Lupo’s Dynamic 4L80EHeavy-duty torque converter · rebuilt NP205Suspension & stance
Offroad Design 5″ lift18×9 Delray wheels · 35″ Baja Boss tiresInterior & audio
UltraLeather & Scottish tweedAudioControl · Helix DSP · 4 speakers + 12″ subProgress by phase
Latest from the journal
How to put it together, phase by phase
Each phase lists the steps in order, the cautions, and the checks to sign off before moving on. Steps tagged with a source come from that manufacturer's instructions or listing. Steps tagged Shop practice are standard workshop method. The cam, engine and fastener makers' own instruction sheets always take priority.
Tasks
Gantt chart
Every task on a timeline, grouped by phase. Click a bar or a task name to see what it involves and the parts it needs. The dates are planning estimates.
Parts finder
Click an area of the truck to see every part for it, with part numbers, suppliers and status. Part numbers marked “confirm” or “specify” must be settled with the supplier before ordering.
Measurements and settings
The target for each measurement, with a space for the value actually measured, the date and who measured it.
Fluids and service reference
| Item | Spec | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 4L80E fluid | DEXRON-III originally; DEXRON-VI is GM’s backward-compatible replacement. About 13.5 qt dry, about 7.7 qt after a pan drop. Set the final level on the dipstick. | Auto Insider |
| NP205 fluid | Not verified Use the rebuilder’s fill spec and record it below. | – |
| EFI fuel pressure | 43–45 or 58–60 psi | Edelbrock |
| Thermostat | ≥ 180°F | Edelbrock |
| Battery | 800 CCA at 0°F (1000 CCA at 32°F) | Edelbrock |
| Spark plugs | 14 mm, ¾″ reach, gasket seat; street: Autolite 3924 or equivalent | AFR |
| Firing order | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | Edelbrock |
| Rocker studs | 55 ft-lb, sealer on bottom threads | AFR |
| Head fasteners | Fastener maker’s spec, GM sequence, 10 ft-lb steps from 40 ft-lb, moly lube, washers | AFR |
| Tires | 35×12.50R18 Baja Boss A/T: load range D, 50 psi max, 8.5–11″ rims | TireSize |
| Wheel bolt pattern | 8×6.5 (¾-ton GM). Confirm on the truck. | GM Square Body |
How it was built
The day-by-day record: what was done, what went wrong, what was decided, with photos.
Photographs
Manuals, invoices and paperwork
Manufacturer instructions found so far are listed below.