The plan for Day 1 was straightforward and simple: remove the old and install the new, as quickly as possible! The C10’s underpinnings were pulled out in no time and preparations made for installing a bolt-in IFS and four-link rear, each outfitted with adjustable coilovers and CPP disc brakes. In place of that original 305ci small-block, an upgraded Connect & Cruise LS376 backed by a 4L65E overdrive transmission will send power to the 9-inch rearend.

The C10 maintains progress, as the CPP crew starts the morning of Day 2 by installing the crossed-drilled and slotted 11-3/4" inch CPP Performance Brake Kit for Mustang II to the front spindles, and a CPP 12" Rear Big Brake Kit to the 9-inch rearend. New brake lines and plumbing were bent and ran and the Hydrastop Hydraulic Assist Street Beast System cleanly mounted to the firewall. The Connect & Cruise LS was prepped with a host of performance upgrades and fitment modifications, while the 4L75E four-speed automatic transmission was being delivered.

The Squarebody was still up in the air by the end of Day 3, but the crew completed the drivetrain install (minus the driveshaft), before switching attention over to routing and connecting all the engine and transmission control harness wiring, as well as all the miscellaneous wiring for lighting and accessories. The remainder of the C10’s wiring focused on a complete vehicle harness kit.

Wiring continued on Day 4, and into the cab finalizing the electronics from front to rear. Connections were completed for the fuel system in the engine bay, gauges in the dash, and modern LED lighting all around from headlights, turn signals, to tailights. The CPP Classic Fit Steering Column with 5-Way adjustable tilt gets installed, adding creature comfort to the cab, and topped with a billet aluminum steering wheel for a touch of custom to the interior.

The last day was spent finishing all the odds and ends before firing up the 525 horsepwer LS under the hood. The driveshaft connected, and engine filled with fluids, the Classic Performance Products, Inc. crew was back to bleed the CPP four-wheel Big Brake disc setup boosted with a CPP Street Beast HydraStop hydraulic assist brake system. Day 5 was coming to a close, but still handed us a few snags and teases while firing the engine. The crew stuck through it, pinpointed the problems, and ended the night's performance with bellows of smokey burnouts!