2002 Top Truck Challengers 1985 Chevy K30

Corey Dean's big red '85 Chevy K30 is as stout and rugged as a Sherman tank. It gets its power from a balanced 454 big-block that was bored 0.060-over and uses TRW pistons. The engine runs on propane, which in Canada, from which Corey hails, is much cheaper than gasoline. The truck's powerplant squeezes horses from an Edelbrock oval-port intake manifold, custom dual 3-inch Hedman headers and two chambered Flowmasters. Ignition mods include the addition of an MSD 6AL ignition and ACCEL wires. The Chevy offers an estimated 450 hp at 5,600 rpm and 520 lb-ft of torque at about 4,200 rpm.

The driveline on Corey's Chevy features an SM465 transmission and a divorced NP205 transfer case. A Centerforce Dual Friction clutch pushes power through the tranny, which rotates driveshafts equipped with 1350 CV joints. The truck has 1 1/2-inch 35-spline axles at both the front and rear. Corey's Chevy rides on a Dana 60 up front and a Dana 70 at the rear. Detroit Lockers can be found in each pumpkin, with gearing set at 4.88:1.

The K30 features a 1 1/2-inch... 

   

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The K30 features a 1 1/2-inch 35-spline Dana 70 with a Detroit Locker stuffed with a 4.88:1 ring-and-pinion.

No question, Corey checks clearance signs when he enters a garage. His K30 is based on a 1 1/4-ton shortened military frame. It is equipped with 6-inch-lift Rancho leaf springs up front and uses 2 1/2-inch-lift leaves to cushion the rear. Add a 3-inch body lift and you're talkin' tall, tall truck. All this lifting provides clearance for Corey's 39.5x18x15 TSL Boggers on a set of 15x10 eight-stud chrome spoke wheels. In order to get his truck's steering geometry squared away, Corey installed a Ford 4-inch dropped pitman arm. A custom crossover and hydraulic assist help keep those big ol' tires pointed in the right direction.

Corey digs good tunes, so a Kenwood stereo was a must. To meet its full potential Corey's system relies on a powerful 520-watt Jensen amplifier. With 10-inch subwoofers and a trio of 6x9 speakers it's likely that you'll hear Corey before he sees you-despite his lofty perch. But can all this goodness overpower the Tank Trap? We'll have to wait and see.
-Gabriel Sheffer

The Chevy exhales through...        read full caption The Chevy exhales through two custom 3-inch tubes and a pair of chambered Flowmaster mufflers. Corey's Chevy transmits its power through a divorced NP205 transfer case.

There's a lot to look at behind...        read full caption There's a lot to look at behind the K30's front wheels. Here you can spy the rig's 6-inch-lift Rancho springs and Rancho 9000 shocks. Steering utilizes a 4-inch drop pitman arm from a Ford and hydraulic assist. Disc brakes are used throughout.

A Chevy 454 was bored 0.060-over...        read full caption A Chevy 454 was bored 0.060-over and fit with TRW Hyper pistons and an Edelbrock oval-port intake manifold. The engine runs on propane. An MSD ignition fires the engine while protecting it from over-rev damage, and ACCEL wires get sparks to the combustion chambers.