1999 Chevy S10 ZR2 Camper build.

[big a]

Good info. Thanks. Was thinking about gearing and tires the other day. Seems like 4.10 gears and 35s should get me around 70 mph at 2000 rpm. Not sure if 3.73 gears would be too tall

Run your numbers against a good rpm calculator. Aim around 1900 for cruising rpm. These engines where designed to be run at 1900 rpm all day long. Also, consider that the 4bt hits peak toque at 1600 rpm and peak hp around 2300. On a gasoline engine peak torque is a ridiculously high rpm that unless you're racing, you'll never consistently hit, same with peak hp. I wouldn't worry at all about the gears being too tall. Keep in mind my friend is running 3.27 gears with 33s and an 80% overdrive. I'm running an NV4500 73-75% overdrive. I have 33s with 3.50 gears. I'll run 3.73 if I jump to 35s. My friend can crawl up and over anything without effort! Also, the nice thing about taller gears is you get a little more out of first gear and it's much much more streetable, not to mention, it gives you a few more rpm up high when wanting to pass someone on the highway! I'm sure you'll figure it out! :smiley_drive:

Hit me up if you have any questions or need any help!

Btw, looking forward to watching your build progress

-Andy

 

[javajoe79]

Excellent perspective. I think I will shoot for 3.73 then as that will bring my cruise RPM down to 1900rpm at 73mph

I always use this calculator.

http://www.catherineandken.co.uk/sti/tyres.html

 

[Buddha.]

This one is good too, it has all the major transmissions and transfer cases with their ratios.

http://www.grimmjeeper.com/gears.html

 

[javajoe79]

Thanks that's a good one

 

[javajoe79]

So I scored some parts this weekend for the front suspension conversion. I got all of the front suspension, differential and CV axles from a 2000 Z71 for $200. Fresh rotors, pads and wheel bearings. Planning on fabbing mounts to mimic stock mounts on the Z71 so I will end up with the same track width. This will all get me stronger parts all around with the bigger ring gear, forged arms and ball joint and bearings that aren't overworked in stock form plus the benefit of parts availability by minimizing custom pieces. I will be sourcing coilovers as well to complete the setup.

 

[big a]

Very cool man!

-Andy

 

[javajoe79]

Also just ordered my first appliance, the biggest one, an Engel 45qt fridge freezer. I am going to build it's platform so it mounts level with the counter top. Came across a killer deal on it too from a friend.

 

[javajoe79]

Just got the Engel fridge freezer. Really nice piece!

 

[big a]

Man, I understand that! While building, you need "this" so that you can fabricate "that" even though you don't need "this" right now The problem for me is, the warranties will all be long gone by the time I get the thing completed, LOL!

-Andy

 

[javajoe79]

Ha!! I have plenty of plans for it while the camper is under construction...

 

[javajoe79]

Latest progress, I got the first counter top and the fridge shelf structure done. Then I rough fitted the counter top as well. I also built the entry door and redid the pass through into the cab. I will be making a dinner table for the camper that will be shaped like the pass through hole so it can be locked into place there when not in use or to secure the camper when we are away from it.

 

[big a]

That's a nice update! Love the shop too!!!

-Andy

 

[javajoe79]

That's a nice update! Love the shop too!!!

-Andy

Thanks man!

 

[chilliwak]

Thats some really sweet looking fabrication you got going on there Java!:drool:

 

[javajoe79]

Started fitting insulation panels this weekend. Have some more fab work to do for drivers side counter top and cabinet structure then I will start skinning the interior.

I am ordering FRP board for the interior as soon as we decide on a color and pattern. Getting close to having a camper it seems. Hoping to be road worthy this summer and planning on overland expo in October.