Looking for a truck.

[Hookups]

I dont know if this is the right place to post about this or not, but I'll give it a stab anyways.

Im looking to buy a truck in the summer. I would eventually like to take it to the drag strip, while keeping it a daily driver. Keeping in mind I'm only 19 years old, so I dont have a huge wallet to fund an all out dragster.

Im looking for a good platform to use. I dont know much about trucks, so I dont know which manufacturer to look at in terms of quality and reliability.

So if anyone could tell me what would be a good option in terms of purchasing a truck (probably early to mid 90's) and what performance upgrades should come first and/or which ones would give the greatest performance without spending thousands of dollars on custom turbos and engine build ups.

Thanks in advance.

[Sindie]

S10 and then buy a crate motor(probably a 350ci). It would be hard to bet in cost to performance. Its a small truck so its light to start with compared to a full size and the 350 is an easy fit. Or you could put in one of those syclone engines(or build one like it) but it would be a bit pricier.

[texan]

In terms of pure performance trucks from that era, nothing comes close to a GMC Syclone. They are single turbo V6's with 280hp and an all wheel drive setup, you can read more about them here. With only minor modifications they will run 12's in the quarter mile and low 4 second 0-60 times. They were farily limited in terms of production numbers though, so expect to pay around 20 grand for one.

As a MUCH cheaper and somewhat lower performing alternative to that, you should look into a '91+ Dodge Dakota with the optional V8 motors. Starting in '91 Dodge fitted the Dakota with 5.2L and 5.9L V8 motors, producing anywhere from 215-250hp and a TON of torque. Here's a good site to learn more about these trucks.


So does this sound like the kind of truck you're looking for, or do you need something larger with more payload capacity? Hope this helps, peace.

[Someguy]

The Cyclones are just plane cool. My brother-and-laws neighbor has one with a camper-top; talk about a sleeper.

A 93 Lightning might be worth looking at also. There's plenty to do with a 351 Windsor and no swapping needed. But anyway, how much towing and what not do you think you will be doing?

[texan]

Originally posted by Someguy
The Cyclones are just plane cool. My brother-and-laws neighbor has one with a camper-top; talk about a sleeper.

A 93 Lightning might be worth looking at also. There's plenty to do with a 351 Windsor and no swapping needed. But anyway, how much towing and what not do you think you will be doing?

Jesus, I'd forgotten completely about the Lightning and how long it'd been around. Definitely look into those too, they're a good bit bigger than the trucks I mentioned but great hauling ass machines in their own right.

[92headache]

got a 88 F 150 4x4 with the 351 W FI, got any ideas on hp bolt ons not finding lot of parts around. different intake then I have seen on other V-8s looks like I would have to be creative to hook up an h pipe between the headers and dual exhust for the air pumps and o2 most 351 parts wont fit this year or style engine

[PWMAN]

Originally posted by Hookups
I dont know if this is the right place to post about this or not, but I'll give it a stab anyways.

Im looking to buy a truck in the summer. I would eventually like to take it to the drag strip, while keeping it a daily driver. Keeping in mind I'm only 19 years old, so I dont have a huge wallet to fund an all out dragster.

Im looking for a good platform to use. I dont know much about trucks, so I dont know which manufacturer to look at in terms of quality and reliability.

So if anyone could tell me what would be a good option in terms of purchasing a truck (probably early to mid 90's) and what performance upgrades should come first and/or which ones would give the greatest performance without spending thousands of dollars on custom turbos and engine build ups.

Thanks in advance.

I know you said early to mid 90's, but thats no good for a drag truck. The trucks from about 88 on up were junk. You need a truck with stout components from the factory. My dad's truck is a perfect example, a 1973 GMC 1 ton 2WD pickup. The thing is practically bullitproof in the drivetrain-TH400 transmission, 14 bolt Corporate rear with full floating axles. And it came with a 350, but my brother built up a 383 stroker with 425 HP, and 450 Ft/lbs and the truck handles it no problem. The only problem is traction, next step is a Detroit locker. Oh one other thing, it came with 4:10 gears from the factory-you wouldn't even need to change them. And it came with a good 4 bolt main block, mid 70's 4 bolt's are the most sought after block in the performance field. They are so strong I think the block itself can handle about 800-1000 HP levels.
Although you would be hard pressed to find a mid 70's chevy without much rust. We spotted the perfect deal, our 73 we found had practically no rust, fresh paint job, blown engine(thrown connecting rod), 54K original miles, new tires, all for 400 bucks!!! We thought it would be 154K miles, but upon further inspection of the cylinder walls after we started tearing it apart, we found it was 54K original miles. What a find.
This is one of the only trucks that can handle in excess of 400 HP from the factory. Truck doing that in a 88 on up truck, something is going to break.

[v10_viper]

I'll sell you my 93 Ranger! I've heard of them putting 460's into them!! LMAO

[killasoundz]

look for an SR5 toyota pickup with the turbo and 4WD. they were called by many magazines "a sports car with a bed" ive seen some with over 400hp running low 10s. but they are badass offroad vehicles and if you want they make great autocrossers or mini truck racers.

[loosie1982]

hello, i saw a while back that someone was looking for a nice truck. I now have a ford bronco, Eddie Bauer Edition for sale. Im low on the income so i have to get rid of my baby. I just bought a new mustang so its time to give up my ford. I am asking 11,500 for the truck or best offer, and i mean the best offer. A man in CA was going to buy it for 11 but the shipping was over 1000 dollars and the deal went through. Some of the things included in the truck are a soft top and hard top. Lights on front and lights on top. All are wired with switches inside. Their is a body AND suspension lift. The miles are at 109,000. The truck is very very clean as you will be able to see at the link below. If interested, or if you want to make an offer, or just want to ask some questions, feel free to email me at [email protected] HERE IS THE LINK FOR THE PICTURES!! ENJOY!! www.users.nac.net/crudeau/bronco.htm