Coilover Race Suspension Conversion for the 454 SS - Big Block Chevy OBS Shop Truck Ep 2

Thanks QA1 for helping sponsor this build by sending over this awesome coilover conversion kit for the OBS Chevy 454 SS! If you're trying to upgrade your suspension to get the most out of your vehicle make sure to check out QA1 at www.qa1.net!
.
.
.
If you caught last week's episode, you saw us tear down this OBS Big Block chevy! We pulled the front clip off and yanked out the motor to start making some much needed upgrades! Well, while we have the motor out to get a whole bunch of go fast parts, like our cam, heads, and intake; it's a perfect time to do some suspension work.
Ok, ok. The term "some" may not cut it here, because we have a full performance coilover conversion kit strait from QA1! We're super stoked about this kit because it's a full bolt on set-up! Well it would be if Mike would start reading the full product descriptions! The front fabrication is going to be a breeze. Just a drill a few new holes, put in a few new bolts and we're good to go! But the rear is another story. Because the 454 SS comes with a beefier 14 bolt rear end, we have to do a bit of cutting and welding to the kit to make sure it will fit the application. But that's not too much of a hassle to get a huge performance gain for this shop truck!
Make sure to subscribe to the channel, because the next time you see this project on the screen, we're going to be dropping the 454 big block back in this truck and getting it ready to fire up!
.
.
.
Want to See More S2S Madness???
LT4 Swap K10 Squarebody Interior
• LT4 Swapped K10 Interi...
Godzilla Swapped Continental Project Update!
• 7.3L Godzilla Swap Con...
LT4 K10 Light Bar
• Building an Off-Road K...
Missed the finale of the '62 Stepside? Catch it here!
• Supercharged Stepside ...
Twin Turbo Chevelle Update
• Twin Turbo LSX Chevell...

[@simbanugz2906]

I think the reason I like your youtube Channel is you get your hands dirty, your not some shop owner who is in the youtube video talking while all the workers are doing the hard work. Love the build

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thanks so much! We couldn't keep Mikey away from the power tools even if we tried! lol

[@oldblueshhrchannel1847]

Great content, thanks Mike and Andrew, it’s great there’s a kit now, 30 years ago, I dropped my 88 C1500 ext cab long box 6 inches front and 10 inches in the back , a lot of trial and error with leaf springs flip kits spring hangers and shackles out back and springs coils and custom upper and lower A arms . Took 3 months to do. Now it can be done in a weekend! Awesome!

[@SalvagetoSavage]

It helps when someone else is doing the R&D for ya! They definitely make the install super easy!

[@ADEMSALAN]

Alot of people are arrogant and won't admit they made a mistake well done killer build

[@SalvagetoSavage]

We try to keep it as real with y'all as possible!

[@tylerbarrett6652]

Now THIS was a piece of work... way to persevere though guys... not made for a 454, but you stuck with it and made it work. Thanks for sharing this.

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thanks for the support!

[@chrispy104k]

Ah ya gotta love Mikey and his honesty with getting the springs messed up. Truck is looking great.

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Appreciate that brother, and hey we’re all human. Not to mention I’m always doing like 10 things at once.

[@jasondemuro6882]

Love the work you guys do, I think it's great that you always shout out the brands your using!

[@SalvagetoSavage]

We try to only use products and materials we're proud to be reppin! And if we think it's good enough to go on our build, we want to let you guys know too!

[@mtechcbs]

At 20:15 and 20:20 the spacers at the tops of your shocks are fitted back to front, they should have the smaller diameter side, i.e taper down towards and, against the heim joint ball to allow maximum articulation of the shock without the spacer fouling the outer edge of the joint housing and restricting the movement.

[@michaelrolleri2085]

ill check with QA1 on that because that's how they were sent out to us. thanks for the heads up

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thanks for the heads up!

[@brettloeffler408]

Thanks for posting this seriies with SS 454, my father recently passed away & I couldn't see his SS 454 being sold & go to someone else, so I aquired it & I want to build rhe truck as a tribute to him & his passion for the truck & the Marine Corps... Now I need to add on to my driveway & possibly add a smaller shop garage, my small ass 2 car garage is barely big enough for 2 cars (who designs these garages 🤔, not sure how to hide all that from my wife... 🤪

[@SalvagetoSavage]

We're so sorry for your loss. Rebuilding that truck would be an awesome tribute to your dad! As far as extending the garage, just tell your wife you're extending the kitchen to put in one of those fancy islands with a double sink. Then just ignore her questions when she starts asking why the extension to the kitchen now has garage doors!

[@brettloeffler408]

@@SalvagetoSavage Thanks for the tips, I like where your going with that idea, nothing helps the air flow through the kitchen more than a nice large garage door... 🤪 On a side note I may just add a another kitchen to the garage because I may be living in it... Lol 👍✌️

[@chrisr4815]

Incredible work fellas! Keep it up!

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thanks so much!

[@thruitallauto2538]

Aaah just in time ,y’all come out right at my lunch time, now I got something to watch

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Hope you packed something good like one of those fancy mini cheese wheels in the red wax!

[@thruitallauto2538]

@@SalvagetoSavage lol, nah just sandwiches,

[@shadetreemetalworks]

I'm impressed with that front coil over kit -- QA1 makes some nice stuff. Nice work boys.

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thank you! They really made a very solid bolt in kit!

[@gabechiplin8140]

Great adaptation of the kit. Your explanations of why and how really make things clear. Keep it up👍

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thanks so much for the support!

[@simundos]

This is a great channel and undersubscribed. You do get it done consistently with a great mix of vehicles and constant progress. Great team. So impressive. Many thanks

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thanks you for the compliment! Our goal is to share our love for building cars and trucks with a community that feels the same way! We're stoked with the followers we have and the progress we've made, but if you want to help us grow, share us with your friends. We always appreciate that!

[@iceman45ification1]

Love how this truck is coming out! I'm glad you guys kept the 454. I love updated old school power. Especially a big block Chevy. Nice work guys!! 🏆🥇🎖🏅

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thank you! We're glad you're liking it!

[@LuisRamirez-ts3rp]

Ty has nice again for the content very much appreciated 🔥💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thanks for watching! We really appreciate all the support!

[@NASTYcraftX]

That's a hell of an upgrade.

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Hopefully she'll handle a lot better now!

[@lamboferruccio]

Ya’ll prolly know this already but RideTech has a coilover kit for the 454SS 14 bolt trucks, super expensive but really nice with a center locating rear upper wishbone negating the need for a panhard bar…just saying…carry on! Enjoying the build so far!

[@SalvagetoSavage]

If we ever pick up another 454, maybe we'll check it out and compare the two systems!

[@boccamokg1829]

I love this type of builds where a lot gets done in one episode. I really cant wait for that Continental build episode.

[@SalvagetoSavage]

We love to hear that! Thanks for the feedback. We're working on the rear end of the continental as we speak! We're hoping that will either be next week or the week after!

[@nicolelongneckergallery]

S2S Wednesday!!!!! Love it when the shop owner gets dirty! Go Mikey!

[@chrisb3017]

Thanks for admitting to the mistake, I’m sure it’s happened before. Hopefully it will save somebody stress later

[@SalvagetoSavage]

It's a small little oopsie with an easy fix! lol It wouldn't feel right keeping that little learning experience from y'all!

[@billybike57]

One thing that you all do at your shop is provide great content. I just watched 15 minutes of a 35 minute video watching, because of the lack or production on the truck , he rebuilt his shop tool tray. Not your shop, good, reliable and educational content. Well done as always 🎉

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Well thanks Billy! Yes we are getting more and more comfortable, and dialed in as we go! Plus our “behind the scenes “ Kyle is very good at keeping us focused on the episodes

[@lowtidecustoms1166]

So bad ass!!! Little shop are true OG's in the truck scene.... Nice fab work Mikey!!!

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thank you!!

[@briancambpell8268]

I prefer the fabbed torque arm bracket to the built in one on the cover.

[@mrm4155]

Hell yeah! You put some work into that trucks suspension. Can’t wait to see the next video!

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Hopefully next time it's on screen, we'll get it fired up for y'all!

[@NeverLetOff]

Love this build. It is going to be so clean

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thank you!!

[@eddieparrilla1259]

Thats a hell of a unit

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Very well made!

[@jamartinomd1]

Fearless. Impressive work

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thank you!!!

[@PabloDamon]

splendid precision grinding= ideas per minute

[@carlossanroman1751]

You are making the truck that I have always dreamed of. I wish one day I could have one just like it. Greetings from Mexico

[@SalvagetoSavage]

You'll get it one day!

[@Justiccc]

Thank you for putting out content! Love it!

[@SalvagetoSavage]

We couldn't do it without supporters like you! Thanks so much for the love! We're glad you like the content

[@smedlap8789]

I have to agree to remove the front clip is definitely more steps and takes time but and that's a big BUT it makes for a way more enjoyable working experience. 👍

[@SalvagetoSavage]

I think that's a big part about working on cars! A lot of times we find ourselves trying to get it done in what seems like the fastest way. But if we just took an extra hour to do some extra prep (like removing the front clip) the whole process becomes easier, faster and, like you said, more enjoyable!

[@smedlap8789]

@@SalvagetoSavage I do not work on many vehicles since I had to move back into an APT. I worked on my own BMW in the past and everything is so packed in the engine bay. I also tore down my dad's old work truck and to get the engine out I did just as you did I took the front clip off. So that is why I can agree with you. I would be considered a poser if I said I work on vehicles. lol

[@ShortFuseChannel]

Потрясающая работа! Жду с нетерпением следующую серию.

[@UNITEDBYTRUCKS]

Really enjoyed this one! Great info. Thanks for putting this together.

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Awesome!! Thanks for watching and the compliment

[@nonameisthename138]

Your fab skills are awesome!! 💯👍👏👏👏

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thank you!!

[@hermyherm365]

Loved this video this 454 is looking awesome love the stance ! Much love guys this channel is one of my favorites no doubt !

[@SalvagetoSavage]

We certainly appreciate that, we’re are putting a lot of love, and effort into building the channel and cool projects

[@PowerHousePerformanceLLC]

Great work and video. Always look forward to wednesdays for your videos.

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thanks so much powerhouse! We really appreciate your support!

[@darrelleaf]

Awesome Mikey nice job. The shop truck is gonna be a beast. You guys ROCK

[@SalvagetoSavage]

You rock! Thanks for all the support!

[@tgdojo]

Man you put in work with this one. Nice work great episode.

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thank you so much!

[@nickgibson1191]

Fire.. as a kid this was my end all be all truck. Hell yeah❤

[@SalvagetoSavage]

It is 100% a dream machine!

[@cannondevin]

Amazing work as always 👏🏾

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thank you!

[@AlexCerdaPB]

I have 91 454ss also, Can't wait to see how it comes out.

[@SalvagetoSavage]

That's awesome! These are some cool trucks!!

[@AlexCerdaPB]

@@SalvagetoSavage yes sir love mine

[@IYIENACE]

loving this build

[@SalvagetoSavage]

We love to hear that! Thanks for the support!

[@Apittslife]

Guys, If You have vehicles next to the one you are Cutting & Grinding on, & they have good Paint & or Glass? Cover them up! All those Sparks you will be making is hot metal, & will burn into the paint & glass. I Learned that the hard way!

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thanks for the heads up! Normally we have blankets or covers to throw over em!

[@brentbeiler7051]

That’s a super fun build!!

[@SalvagetoSavage]

She's gonna be a fun little ripper!

[@angelbeck4713]

Great job guys.

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thank you!!

[@justinmalone8518]

Now you guys need to replace that boat anchor of a an engine. Big ol block making what 250 horse puppies. I do love that body style and everything else though lol

[@SalvagetoSavage]

You should check out episode 1 of the project to see what we're doing to the motor! We even dyno'd it on the stock motor!

[@QA1TECH]

Great video guys!

[@SalvagetoSavage]

QA1 for the win! Thanks for the support guys! More content to come for sure 💯

[@jamesdeath3477]

Wow, that is coming out nice. That kit looks like i really nice thing to have.

[@SalvagetoSavage]

It's definitely going to change the way the truck handles down the road!

[@thomasstott527]

QA1 makes so amazing stuff.. we use a lot of the front stuff none of the rear on the trucks... the coilover placement leaves no room for wide wheels... they should have designed there rear system with coilovers inboard of the frame...

[@SalvagetoSavage]

It would definitely be more helpful to have em inboard! Luckily we're not running any super wide rear tire/wheel set ups on this truck!

[@IR-nq4qv]

The video starts out with a smorgasbord of goodies spread out, too many to mention and it only got better from there. Much respect for the tidy job on the front chassis, its got the non molested factory look. This truck will corner like it's on rails. The stance will no doubt have to be readjusted once the engine and front clip get added but you can certainly get a sense / preview as to what its going to look like. Awesome job guys, keep the quality content coming!

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thanks so much! We know it's gonna need a little tweaking once we add that weight back in, but we couldn't wait to see how it looked back on the floor!

[@IR-nq4qv]

@@SalvagetoSavage Thanks for the sneak peek, Its all part of the process.

[@Siyadlams]

This progress is good. A lot was done in this video.

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Hope you liked the video!

[@Siyadlams]

@@SalvagetoSavage I enjoyed it. Great content.

[@wickedc10]

Great content! Awesome build

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thank you!!

[@UncleManuel]

Thank god that the swaybar went on so easily! Otherwise it would be a swearbar... 😁😇🤟

[@SalvagetoSavage]

hahaha! Best pun of the day!

[@michaelrolleri2085]

come on guys, of course im gonna get out in the shop to work on these projects. I spend as much time out of the office as possible.

[@shanethompson7543]

Looking Amazing 👏... 👊👊👊👊

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thanks!

[@brucegoolsbyjr8954]

I just subscribed just because of this build

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Awesome!! Welcome to the channel!

[@T0tenkampf]

Nice, I will have one of these kits on my OBS one day

[@SalvagetoSavage]

They're super well made! And even easier to install if you're not running a 14 bolt!

[@billrutter5246]

Great job Mikey

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thank you!

[@paulthompson8642]

Love this

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Love to hear that!!

[@clydegreenwood5673]

Looks good

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thank you!

[@ryanhuser774]

I had no idea the 454 half tons came with a 14bolt that's pretty cool

[@SalvagetoSavage]

They had to put in a beefier rear end for all 250 horsepower the stock motor puts out! lol

[@dave5833]

Most everyone I know would be over the Moon with what you are using for a Shop Truck.😂😂😂

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Well we need to get these parts back to the shop fast! lol

[@dave5833]

@@SalvagetoSavage very funny, my Bride leaves next week for a bit so I will try to get down to see you and your shop. Given I get the El Camino back

[@Miguelonches_]

Bad ass shop

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thank you!

[@gkanderson92]

Woozer!

[@KingBee77]

Automotive Scientists!! A little bit of this & a little bit of that makes clean mean muscle!

[@richgurley610]

nice job

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thank you!!

[@scottdoleac5651]

LEFT A LIKE CUZ I LIKE IT

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thank you!

[@Truckingforlife323]

I wish i can do all this to my 454 😢

[@SalvagetoSavage]

The only big issue is the kit fitment on the rear end! Everything else is super simple to tackle on your own! You got this!

[@Truckingforlife323]

@@SalvagetoSavage yeah if i ever do it i just swap the rear differential and put some bigger gears inside the casing lol

[@steveo7767]

Plasma cutter would make quick work of those mounts and the perches.

[@SalvagetoSavage]

It definitely would!

[@willemp6432]

That`s going to stick to the road like Doberman poo to a wool blanket..Lots of likes from me...👍

[@SalvagetoSavage]

hahaha! That's the best thing we've heard all day!

[@joelpico3493]

Nice work. Was wondering when part 2 was going to come out.

[@SalvagetoSavage]

We're trying to get this one back on the road soon because we got parts to pick up! lol

[@mblake0420]

What paint used for frame? I suppose you guys know that rear end is made of cast right? Needs preheated to weld and slow cooled to have a good chance of holding without ripping off.

[@brentbeiler7051]

Na not a Lexus

[@ryanbutcher7554]

Isn’t it just C channel? What part is cast??

[@mblake0420]

@@ryanbutcher7554 the center section of the rear differential is cast, the whole casing

[@jaxjax5322]

Rack and pinion up grade missing

[@jamesdisney9150]

@@mblake0420 🤓👍

[@michiganracer1181]

Nice work on the work around to make the suspension work with the bigger rear end. The C notch the previous owner did does look a little “light” on the top side. I’m not an expert on the C notch deal by any means just looks different from others I’ve seen done. You guys will have to auto cross the truck at least once just to see how it handles. 💪🏻

[@SalvagetoSavage]

That’s brother, between the 3 of us at the shop there’s nothing we can’t overcome! Might not be the prettiest outcome but functional. 😂

[@PEDR0SKI]

The coils also have a lb rating listed on them.😅 Solid video guys

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Learning lessons, one mistake at a time

[@jimbroomfield8252]

Damn, I love what you’re doing. I only wish I had the time to do through a truck. My dad bought for me before he passed away. I’m a truck driver and always on the road in the near future. I’m looking for a 454. My daughter is a mechanic I’m going to have her rebuild it for me with a hot cam, the aluminum heads and I love that suspension what I have is a crew cab, 1 ton, 2 Wheel Drive and love to know what you would charge to do a suspension like that on that truck

[@JoeZelensky]

Thats about the way it should have come from the factory.

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Definitely!

[@Posibrian]

Thoughts on pre & post heating the cast pumpkin before and after the weld? I did this for new 4 link mounts on my JK as it’s recommended… you’re not running 40’s but I’m assuming will see some good torque with that motor.

[@tylertrimsale1259]

Boss man getting it done love to see it

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Gettin his hands dirty!

[@rjkusse]

Rattle-can paint job! 😂😂

[@DanielVillasenor-nv9rl]

What wire type u use to weld on the diff case? Or is this steel casting?

[@pedrofernando176]

✌👍

[@masterg8189]

💪👊👏

[@davidj1436]

I am surprised y’all don’t have a plasma cutter or torch for some of this rather than grinders. It’s a lot less work in my opinion. Nice build, coming along nicely

[@SalvagetoSavage]

I have plasma cutters, and torches,, but the quickest way for me is always cut off wheels. Not the cleanest, or peaceful but, I’m a savage

[@fishpony1211]

Dude this truck is going to be a monster! U guys painting the outside?

[@SalvagetoSavage]

We're on the fence about it! We do love our patina, but we think it would be funny having all of our big builds rusty and have our shop truck nice and shiny!

[@fishpony1211]

@@SalvagetoSavage hahahah thats great!!!

[@adrianzamora2741]

I have a question and I hope you guys could respond but I have a 96 with a 2 inch lift and I wanted to know what suspension you guys think I could go with?

[@gilbertflores1112]

Why didn't you remove spring perches on the rear axle?

[@danielmains4914]

What are you using on the frame, prime and paint?

[@OBS_raul]

Is this a lever 3 Qa1 Coilover kit in the front ?

[@Billyspacerocket]

Fantastic work Mike / How long did it take to get the suspension fabrication done?

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Thanks brother, I’d say 3 good days and it can be done. I got the bulk of it done Saturday and Sunday.

[@1022SLB]

Those rear shock mounts are a road hazard risk, they are too close to the road! You should regroup on a cantilever system out back… plus they look cool AF!

[@kylenorris9585]

With the Kit you used can you run the truck at Standard ride height? Can you still carry a max load in the back?

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Not with this kit. It's more of a performance suspension, but QA1 definitely has some options that would allow you to haul at least a little something with it!

[@demarques1911]

I'm dying to hear it run. Maybe change the wheels as well.

[@SalvagetoSavage]

We already got new wheels coming for it!

[@demarques1911]

@Salvage to Savage cant wait to see this man!! Hurry with the episode lol

[@thruitallauto2538]

Now who do I call for the set up y’all put on the Chevy 4x4. Tge one in the shop now

[@SalvagetoSavage]

Send us a message on instagram or give the shop a call! The number is on our website!

[@greghartzog9247]

You welded the torque arm brackets to a cast housing? Not good...at all.

[@BillyOceanSmokin]

I wonder if catching the springs swap wouldve kept you from pushing that bracket up half inch

[@SalvagetoSavage]

You talking about the rear upper coil mount? If so no, that had to do with our wheelbase, and drive shaft fitment

[@Smurfyeah68]

i have a 1990 454ss what do y’all recommend for breaks on the stock setup? should i go to wilwoods?

[@SalvagetoSavage]

A Wilwood full disc set up would definitely be a safe way to go. Might be overkill for the amount of power the stock motor is making, but you can never have too much braking power!

[@bazilwreckerloughead]

So I think all the modifying is finished, now all that's left is reassembly. Right?

[@SalvagetoSavage]

We shall see, this project wasn’t meant for anything crazy or custom. Trying to keep it simple, clean and true to its roots

[@-RyN-23]

Did Tim leave the shop????

[@lackodhr.5303]

🤗👍👌👏👏

[@carbonfiber8071]

So the coil-over mounts locate the axle laterally? No watts link or panhard rod?

[@SalvagetoSavage]

These is a pan hard bar

[@carbonfiber8071]

@@SalvagetoSavage Thanks. I skipped through and didn't see it. Nice looking kit.