Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

Yesterday I received a set of 73-87 LS Engine Mounts from Hedman Performance Group. I swapped out the Dirty Dingo's last night with the Hedman's to see how they'd work with this application. I like the Dirty Dingo's and will use them on another LS application, but for this one, I need to go a little bit forward and up in order to gain some space for hiding the coils behind the engine. It looks great. Downside, I'll have to have my driveshaft lengthened about an inch. I will pull the engine this weekend and get it cleaned up before I paint it. This will also give me a chance clean the frame as well. If I wanted to move forward another half inch, I could switch around the mounts. Thanks Mike

Pictures:
1-2. Hedman info
3. Engine location after swap
4. Engine location before swap
5. Pic of mounts

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

Here are some more pics. I think the driveshaft is a bit short, what do you professionals think? Thanks Mike

Pictures:
1. For some reason, engine sits more level now (3 degrees)
2. Driveshaft???
3. Driveshaft 2.5" into tail housing of 4L60E

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

While I am not a professional driveshaft guy, I would think that as long as the yoke is in the bushing of the tail shaft housing and is supported by the bushing more than it is not supported, I would think it is OK at that spot. Does that make sense?

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

Aggie91, make sense. I'll probably bring the driveshaft to the driveshaft shop with the tape on it and see what they say. :lol:

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

Today I spent most of the day running around town looking for cleaner, paint, shop towels and another engine stand. Also had a visitor so spent another 2 hours BS'ing in the shop!!!! OK, I did get the engine and trans pulled, trans separated and each on a stand for cleaning. I did get the LS pretty clean and will get the trans cleaned tomorrow, then hopefully get both painted by the end of the day. Yesterday I ordered a new trans pain with drain plug, so I'll swap that out when it comes in a couple days.

Pictures:
1. Engine and trans just pulled and on temporary wheels.
2-3. Engine and trans on their stands
4. Clean engine.

See you tomorrow. Thanks Mike

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

Very nice work Mike! ...about your driveshaft problems... I think about if, can you move the engine backwards to make the driveshaft better or will the engine come too close to the firewall? This is perhaps a crazy idea but came to mind.

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

The suspension will sag and the driveshaft will seat deeper into the tailhousing once the bed, cab, and nose are in place.

I would wait til the body is on the frame before you declare it too short.

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

Thanks MrFinland! I'm gonna keep the engine where it is so that I can get the coils in behind it. :metal:

Hatzie, you may be correct, however, the rear is aired out ;)

Thanks Mike

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

It was a good day. I didn't get the transmission painted because the paint didn't come in to Napa! :sumo:

However, I did get the engine taped off and painted after I gave it a quick once over cleaning this morning. Valve covers are temporary until I get a set of factory 70's 350 valve covers. I want the covers that have the wiring loom attachment so that I can attach the injector loom.

Thanks Mike

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

I was under my truck yesterday and I have about the same amount of space you have with regard to the shaft/transmission... I don't or never had any issues.

It took everything in my power not to make a shaft/tranny joke.

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

Wow Mike, that is clean!!!

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

It's all about driveshaft penetration!

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

Thanks Sir

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

What's the story with the color? I like it!:metal:

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

It's the factory color from I think 78-82, somewhere in there. GM Corporate Blue. Thanks Mike

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

very nice detail:chevy:

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

Thanks Chief. I like orange and had I stayed with the factory color I would have gone orange. However, since the truck is crimson/white, I thought the factory color (Corporate Blue) would pop against the crimson firewall? :)

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

Agreed, much better contrast, I think it will be a classier look (if there is such a thing)

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

Looks good Sir! RCK would be proud! ; )

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

I like the look of the LS in corporate blue!

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

Thanks fella’s!

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

Then you have the other issue. When you air it up it really really won't be seated deep enough... The propshaft is too short.

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

Very true!

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

Here's mine seated in with black tip removed.....

Re: Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"
 

Thanks Mongo. I just took the caps off a couple and they fit better. Mike