"CAROLINA EDITION" '99 Tahoe slow build/restoration

Done allot to this truck for looks, now I'm looking at what i should do for performance and interior. Suggestions? Warnings? A nybody done any of this to their trucks. I think its going to be a killer rig.

Plans for the truck:

INTERIOR
-> REAL hardwood floor in back cargo area
-> swap in NBS black leather seats
-> build custom center console
-> Upgrade sub amp and install door speaker amp, maybe a double din swap?

PERFORMANCE (the expensive stuff...)
-> blueprint 383 (if i do an engine swap, I'm sure building a 355 wouldn't suffice)
-> monster performance level 4l65e (suggestions? I doubt I'm inclined enough to build a trans)
-> 4.11s and posi trac unit in the rear to replace the factory g80, axles in need of rebuild anyways.
-> replace steering parts, anything to remedy the sketchy steering.
-> an affordable brake upgrade, haven't found one yet...

Love the dance floor in the cargo bay
Looks like our plans are about the same, kickass Vortec powerplant, 4L65E, good gearing, slick as hell SUV (I have yet to get to that part....)

Word to the wise, DO NOT buy from Monster Transmission, I've heard horror stories about them.
I'd go with someone like Mad Dog or a reputable local trans builder.

I don't know if you've looked at it but GM makes an ht383

BowtieBrody said:

Love the dance floor in the cargo bay
Looks like our plans are about the same, kickass Vortec powerplant, 4L65E, good gearing, slick as hell SUV (I have yet to get to that part....)

Word to the wise, DO NOT buy from Monster Transmission, I've heard horror stories about them.
I'd go with someone like Mad Dog or a reputable local trans builder.

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Thanks for the insight! I've never heard of mad dog but ill check them out!

white97 said:

I don't know if you've looked at it but GM makes an ht383

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Yessir I've looked at it, but why pay 5 grand for a dead stock replacement?

Got the shocks in today

BowtieBrody said:

Love the dance floor in the cargo bay
Looks like our plans are about the same, kickass Vortec powerplant, 4L65E, good gearing, slick as hell SUV (I have yet to get to that part....)

Word to the wise, DO NOT buy from Monster Transmission, I've heard horror stories about them.
I'd go with someone like Mad Dog or a reputable local trans builder.

Click to expand...

DO NOT go with Mad Dog, I bought a "built" 700r4 from them on ebay back in 2009 and it took a dump within 50 miles, when I pulled the pan off, it looked like it had stock internals that were never rebuilt or anything, along with tons of metal. I had a local guy completely rebuild it and it was fine after.

Justin S said:

DO NOT go with Mad Dog, I bought a "built" 700r4 from them on ebay back in 2009 and it took a dump within 50 miles, when I pulled the pan off, it looked like it had stock internals that were never rebuilt or anything, along with tons of metal. I had a local guy completely rebuild it and it was fine after.

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Thanks for the heads up! I was shopping for a 4L65E before I just decided to rebuild my 60E, and they had pretty appealing prices.

BowtieBrody said:

Thanks for the heads up! I was shopping for a 4L65E before I just decided to rebuild my 60E, and they had pretty appealing prices.

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Yes, if I remember correctly they had a well built 700r4 that would handle "500 hp" or something with a 3000 stall converter for $1000 shipped, was too good not to pass up, but I should have. That was in my 72 Chevelle, and most likely will be the last build I ever do with an auto.

Nice hoe'! Love the wood in back ;P

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