I'm looking to get some opinions on the ideal starting platform to make a fun truck. My goal is 600 rear wheel horsepower and the ability to drag race, sled pull, off road, etc. I would also like it to be able to pull a trailer if necessary. Oh, and drive every day, because what fun is having a hot rod diesel if you aren't driving it when a lowrider pulls up next to you at a light I have a 05 with the NV5600, and am looking for another truck that I can divert my creative energy towards so I don't end up bombing my new truck

My gut tells me to go with an automatic, as I believe the auto has advantages for racing and possibly pulling (especially for an amateur). But my wallet may not be able to take that.

If I go with a 5 speed though I'll definitely need to upgrade the clutch and most likely swap in a 6 speed to reliably handle that power. So it may cost just as much to do that as getting a DTT trans/converter in an auto truck.

If I get a truck with a 6 speed from the factory it will more than likely be a HO, which don't seem to be as cheap and easy to make power with as the SO or 12V.

I'm thinking I want a 12V, but all the trucks I've found so far have been 24V's. I have seen conflicting info on whether the 24's are harder and more costly to build big power with than the 12's. Either way I like the idea of being able to tweek a 12V myself rather than having to buy a chip or computer program from someone else for the 24V. But the computers on the 24's have more adjustability than the 12's, which should making building reliable power easier? Or at least have it come with fewer drawbacks.

 

12v...then put a 6spd behind it eventually with a SB DD...

lots of fuel, twins, 4k gsk, maybe even water-meth...looking at 600 hp

 

Yup! Big advantages. If you don't do an Auto....stay with the SO.....easier to get to 600 hp!

RJ

 

I agree. For a mostly play truck, I'd go with an auto. Better yet, a 12V auto. MOst of the fastest race trucks are 12V autos.

My ideal play truck (toy) would be a 12V auto reg cab 2wd in 1997 or 1998 years.

Getting tough to find.

 

I wont a 6 speed, was the 6 speed installed in the standard out put engine. I dont need 600 hp anyway, but over 400 would be great as long as I get over 20 miles to gallon on the highway with 3.54 gears and a 4x4. I just wont a towing machine thanks Jim

 

There were a few 6 speed SO's made in 99-00. But I've never seen one. That would be my prefered truck if I decide to go with a manual, but I doubt I could ever find one to buy.

 

Yes, but they had weak input shafts.

 

I have a 2000 with a 6-speed, but I believe the input shaft is the smaller 1 1/4" shaft and not the 1 3/8" of the later NV5600's. Like the other guys said there aren't many SO 6-speeds.

 

The clutch is also smaller on the 99-00 pickups. Its the same clutch as the 5 speed.

 

Guys thanks for the info, looks like a 2002 HO 6 speed 4x4 quad cab is the way to go for me if I go the 24 valve way. thanks Jim

 

I also have a 2000 6spd, you can change the shaft in the tranny and run a bigger clutch. Van haisley told me there are a lot of things you can do with a SO pump you cant do with the HO. I am a little over 500 hp and I am going out to haul a car for a buddie here in a littl bit