SamCo Fabrication Vortec 7200 Build

[Samco Fab]

Here is our 7200 build using a Vortec 4.2 Inline 6. This engine should make about 300 Hp and 300 TQ with a redline of 6200 in stock form. Not bad for a stock engine that is all aluminum, and was $800 at the junkyard! It is a bit long, but not too bad.

It will have a Culhane T400, 71 gallon Fuel Safe cell, Fox 2.5" coilovers, 2.5" 3 tube bypass shocks, Light Racing jounce shocks, Spidertrax 4130 rear housing with 40 spline axles, MB hubs, Cone snouts, Cobra seats, PWR coolers, and the list goes on.

We will run 37" BFG's, with non beadlock A.R. Baja wheels. Our goal is 4000 lbs.

This truck is the first of its type for us, we did not CAD design it..we imagineered it. It is for myself, and if I step up the pace of the build, I hope to have it racing by Parker next year, as The Parker 425 takes place on my 30th B day!!

Our shop just relocated so this project is just starting up again as we settle into our new location. We still have a lot to learn, but this truck will hopefully take us to the next level. Thanks for checking it out, and I will post updates when we make progress.

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[Dezertpilot]

Sounds cool! But seriously a 2.5 3 tube bypass? At least a 3.0 shock with some more bypass tubes for added adjustability.

[Samco Fab]

Good point on the 2.5" bypass, but that is part of my plan to run the smaller bypass shock. Lightweight parts make lightweight race trucks.

Keep in mind, Ivan's PPI TT. had a single 2.5" coilover per corner. These shocks had coolers. Also, I am pretty sure that Curt Leduc's class 8 truck has or had a 2.5 c.o. and a 2.5" bypass shock, and that thing is plenty fast for plenty long. Those Light racing bump stops are also almost 3" in diameter, they will also help spread the heat load.

I will add a recirculator and cooler to the coilover and add more valving to the coilover to compensate for heat issues....as soon as I have shock overheating issues. I also have no problem rebuilding them every race. And I feel that I will have more than enough valving adjustability with this setup.

[Samco Fab]

[Dezertpilot]

Sounds like a cool race truck. But even thought Ivan's truck has a 2.5 like u said, I would still seriously reconsider using a bigger shock. Why go through all that trouble cooling a smaller shock? I think you would be much happier with say a Fox 3.5. Or what about the RR racing IB shocks? With all the new 7200 trucks getting built the competition will be crazy! Trying to stay in the front of the pack will make you push the truck hard thus heating up the shocks probably more than you think. I am no fab guy and have zero experience truth be told. I just enjoy looking at trucks/buggies/bikes and I feel that you would be happier with a slightly bigger shock combo.

[Samco Fab]

Sounds like a cool race truck. But even thought Ivan's truck has a 2.5 like u said, I would still seriously reconsider using a bigger shock. Why go through all that trouble cooling a smaller shock? I think you would be much happier with say a Fox 3.5. Or what about the RR racing IB shocks? With all the new 7200 trucks getting built the competition will be crazy! Trying to stay in the front of the pack will make you push the truck hard thus heating up the shocks probably more than you think. I am no fab guy and have zero experience truth be told. I just enjoy looking at trucks/buggies/bikes and I feel that you would be happier with a slightly bigger shock combo.

You are right, you really cant go wrong with a bigger shock....however, I already have all the shocks, and I am using this truck to try out new ideas, and to learn.

Have you ever picked up a 3.5" to 4.4" Fox or King? They are very heavy, and tough to rebuild and mount on the chassis. You can get the same valving out of a smaller shock, and if you add a cooler, you can regain the same oil capacity if not more. You can then place that weight somewhere else...lower in the chassis, twards the middle, in the airflow, whatever you want.

I feel many of the faster cars of the future will have smaller shocks, and shock coolers to save weight, and to increase capacity. We have a cooler for every other part on the machine, and the shocks are one of the most important items on the truck.

I already have most of the parts to do the recirculators if needed, and I have used them on other race trucks in the past. I suspect that I wont need them for most races. Fox red oil does not seem to break down even past 400 degrees, and the seals are very good.

[Dezertpilot]

You are right, you really cant go wrong with a bigger shock....however, I already have all the shocks, and I am using this truck to try out new ideas, and to learn.

Have you ever picked up a 3.5" to 4.4" Fox or King? They are very heavy, and tough to rebuild and mount on the chassis. You can get the same valving out of a smaller shock, and if you add a cooler, you can regain the same oil capacity if not more. You can then place that weight somewhere else...lower in the chassis, twards the middle, in the airflow, whatever you want.

I feel many of the faster cars of the future will have smaller shocks, and shock coolers to save weight, and to increase capacity. We have a cooler for every other part on the machine, and the shocks are one of the most important items on the truck.

I already have most of the parts to do the recirculators if needed, and I have used them on other race trucks in the past. I suspect that I wont need them for most races. Fox red oil does not seem to break down even past 400 degrees, and the seals are very good.

Well their you go then. Sounds neat, are u talking about the recirculator idea like Baldwins old torsion sprung TT? Those were some BAMF shocks! And since you already have all the shocks that might be another reason to not buy newer ones. Keep us updated I am interested in this build already!

[Ryan B]

someone is flaunting their new table.....

[mexracer10]

Way cool project look foward to seeing more progress pics. I like the idea of the i6 engine, and the design from imagination to creation i like it.

[dezerts10]

looks rad sam. What glass are you gonna run? whats the Inline 6 out of? i just started to tear my 4.3L apart so i can get it rebuilt for my truck