Chevy 632 SS Build: Chassis Strengthening and Drivetrain Installation

Chassis Strengthening with Boxing Plates

• 🚀 The 632 SS project chassis is being strengthened to handle over 800 horsepower by welding in boxing plates to the C-channel frame.
• 💡 This modification aims to prevent frame twisting when launching the vehicle, addressing the open middle section of the GM frame design.
• 🛠️ Before welding, the frame interior is cleaned and prepped with POR15 cleaner degreaser and metal prep for rust prevention and coating adhesion.
• ✨ A POR15 rust preventative coating is applied to the inside of the frame rails to protect against rust, especially since interior access will be lost after boxing.

Rear Fuel Tank Relocation

• 🎯 The fuel tank is relocated to the rear of the truck for better weight balance, utilizing an 18-gallon rear mount fuel tank from Tanks Inc.
• 🧩 A factory crossmember was removed to make space, and a new tubular crossmember was fabricated and installed to maintain structural rigidity.
• ⚙️ Rivets holding brackets were removed using a cut-off wheel and air chisel to clear the area for the new fuel tank mounting.

Drivetrain Installation: Engine and Transmission

• 🐎 The Tremec Magnum 6-speed transmission from American Powertrain is being installed, featuring a twin-disc clutch setup capable of handling 1000 ft-lbs of torque.
• 🔧 Key steps include installing the pilot bearing, scatter shield, flywheel with new bolts torqued to spec, and carefully aligning the clutch discs using an alignment tool.
• 🎯 The clutch alignment tool is crucial for centering the clutch discs, ensuring the transmission's input shaft can slide in smoothly.
• 🔍 The throwout bearing spacing is measured and adjusted using shims to achieve the correct air gap with the pressure plate fingers, targeting a specific window for optimal performance.

Rear End and Transmission Mount

• 🔩 A Quick Performance nodular case third member with a 1350 billet yoke, Detroit True Track, 35 spline axles, and a 3.25 gear set is installed to match the Big Block's torque.
• 📐 The pinion angle is set on the rear end, and then the transmission's drive line angle is matched using an angle finder on the tail shaft.
• 🛠️ A custom DOM tube crossmember is fabricated and installed to support the transmission, as the boxing plates altered the original mounting location.
• ✅ The new crossmember is designed for rigidity and proper alignment, with brackets bolted and welded into place after confirming squareness.