The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/index.php)
-   Squarebody Projects and Builds (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/forumdisplay.php?f=139)
-   -   1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=806842)

400/400 02-13-2021 08:29 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Nice work on your build. It’ll be a cool truck for sure.

Nick_R_23 02-21-2021 04:12 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Thank you!

I picked up an air box tray and core support mount from the junkyard for $10! It didn’t fit anywhere near as well as I was hoping that it would, but nothing that a few cuts and welds can’t fix.

https://i.postimg.cc/yd1cFrBf/F6-ABD...0-CE41-A30.jpg

Ended up going about this far to fit correctly.

https://i.postimg.cc/50svpq2f/39-DF5...6666243-A0.jpg

Factory battery tray bracket and 07+ core support bracket joined together.

https://i.postimg.cc/XqX5PGrd/7-BC67...5028-E4060.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/GtNDnLDN/1-B4-D...8-AE93-ACC.jpg

Fitment in the truck!

https://i.postimg.cc/pV1zFZSZ/FDB55-...92648-A288.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/Nf9T7Xqw/650-CD...8-C3-C03-C.jpg

Also fabricated a fender bracket for the other side of the air box tray.

https://i.postimg.cc/Dy8QjDGH/A436-A...B1-F867439.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/QMrpMdzZ/75-A88...03-C92-C01.jpg

Nick_R_23 02-22-2021 12:54 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
More test fitting of the air box tray!

https://i.postimg.cc/rprxcgtf/E00-BB...FB5685-D66.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/qRHn7ns4/7128-B...6-DBE3-DDF.jpg

All parts painted, and everything bolted down!

https://i.postimg.cc/DZQG4Z6s/C34629...D59-DD2-E3.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/x80zv2pZ/7-FDCC...32549-EFFD.jpg

The ECU will be mounted on its own bracket directly behind the air box. Test mounting where the best spot will be.

https://i.postimg.cc/KjJgQHd8/618-DB...-C327845-F.jpg

Nick_R_23 02-28-2021 07:36 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Alright, another weekend of progress!

A few more components showed up in the mail. These are 1/4-20 rubber mounts with a 5/8" diameter body. They will be used to mount the Terminator X ECU.

https://i.postimg.cc/SNQq2LbV/IMG-2602-1.jpg

This is an OE connector for the Ford Fusion fan. This will be used when the fan harness is built and integrated into the Terminator X.

https://i.postimg.cc/t4YjDXTx/IMG-2603-1.jpg

New grommets came in for the airbox from the dealer!

https://i.postimg.cc/52TMRZYk/IMG-2608-1.jpg

I fabricated an ECU tray and installed the rubber mounts.

https://i.postimg.cc/43cTkBp4/IMG-2610-1.jpg

Tray and ECU installed! Wires were also routed during this time.

https://i.postimg.cc/hjqRST0L/IMG-2611-1.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/gjNCq5bs/IMG-2612-1.jpg

Next project, accessing the cooling fan. I picked up a mating connector for the fan at a junkyard, and picked up a PWM generator from Ebay. These cost less than $10 and will be a handy little piece for testing equipment in the future!

https://i.postimg.cc/wTB8T6DG/IMG-2613-1.jpg

The test harness is made, and the fan works!

https://i.postimg.cc/3JbMkPBJ/IMG-2614-1.jpg

I've also made a video showing the PWM operation of the fan and the basic wiring needed to make it function!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMEX...ature=youtu.be

As shown here, it pushes a piece of paper very well!

https://i.postimg.cc/fLvpDFys/IMG-2615-1.jpg

I also made the dedicated battery connections for the Holley ECU.

https://i.postimg.cc/7hYc6VJ2/IMG-2617-1.jpg

And finally, here's the engine bay progress so far!

https://i.postimg.cc/pVq4Sg3Y/IMG-2618-1.jpg

93M6Formula 03-04-2021 11:47 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Coming together! Still love this build, you do good work.

Nick_R_23 03-28-2021 06:00 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Thank you!

I haven’t updated in a while due to some overtime weekends that came up, as well at taking care of those things that always pop up in life. But, during that time, I made a new score! Next in line for an LS swap :lol:

https://i.postimg.cc/05fz6bQ1/90-C80...6615-F3019.jpg

I was finally able to make it out to the powdercoaters and pick up the ceramic coated downpipes and midpipes. They turned out amazing, and should help out with durability and heat retention.

https://i.postimg.cc/LsHvjF8h/505-AB...-C445-F8-D.jpg

New flanged bolts and gaskets!

https://i.postimg.cc/50y3k5vV/C62-B5...0197-DD133.jpg

Drivers side downpipe installed

https://i.postimg.cc/nzWk8sYQ/BA78-D...ADB0973243.jpg

Passenger side downpipe installed

https://i.postimg.cc/C5f4wFmr/0-E382...10-C0-D1-B.jpg

Both midpipes installed

https://i.postimg.cc/sfQFM7Lq/AE781-...7257-DAFDC.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/NGW3mLqM/9-CEB8...39-EA5-A61.jpg

Catalytic converters and mufflers secured!

https://i.postimg.cc/7Y0pVDwN/782-E3...14-BFAF285.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/GmjVWQB8/C271-F...7-D7596031.jpg

And finally, tailpipes!

https://i.postimg.cc/3wS6RxF3/1-E850...-ADFAE0-FD.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/ZRWQyzwp/BE125-...AC2-EAE2-A.jpg

Next up, the final piece of the fuel system. I had to special order a package of 7/8” P-clamps.

https://i.postimg.cc/y8hvJ8Bw/E0-B89...0011113-F0.jpg

I reused an extra battery terminal bracket I had, to mount the fuel distribution block and fuel pressure sensor.

https://i.postimg.cc/2jBJkmbf/092874...12-E484403.jpg

Mounted to the side of the air box tray

https://i.postimg.cc/bNc5dMkS/3-B8-B...52-B03-B68.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/GmbSxyMc/35-C35...235521-C18.jpg

Engine side fuel line ran with fire shield liner installed.

https://i.postimg.cc/cLTk9Ljf/A749-A...-EE39-B1-C.jpg

And a support bracket made for the line, and sensor wires.

https://i.postimg.cc/vmBqpdFk/931-A1...2075017-B6.jpg

OutlawDrifter 04-28-2021 05:53 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Wow, just made my way through this thread!

Amazing work and attention to detail for sure.

400/400 05-01-2021 11:37 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Nice work!

Always fun to pickup another project.

Nick_R_23 05-15-2021 12:45 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Thanks guys! It’s been a long while, but I’m finally ready for another real update!

In the meantime, I’ve picked up yet another project! A 1987 Chevy V10 that’s been turned into an off road truck. It needs a transmission rebuild, but I’ll post up another build thread once I have some time.

https://i.postimg.cc/tCKkB1jX/EB6985...0-F4-C9-F9.jpg

I’ve also been buying a few fun parts for the newer 2012 Silverado. It received new brakes, 28% tint to match the factory rear, 2014-2018 running boards, GM Accessory 22” wheels with Michelin Defender LTX tires, and the Denali/Escalade style side trim. The interior also received integrated Qi Charging in the center console.

https://i.postimg.cc/P5149tX1/8-BDE5...C62-BD63-C.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/QtYk1CmZ/34-B5-...AF973-CF01.jpg

Back to the ‘78, the engine bay and radio harnesses finally arrived from M&H!

https://i.postimg.cc/2yqdwY9b/D5-F0-...DF2398-CBC.jpg

The engine harness as it arrived. It will be modified to accommodate the LS components, as well as upgrade the power feed wire.

https://i.postimg.cc/XqTf1Pt2/9-E920...EF42-B0001.jpg

First, completely removed the fuel tank sender wire, as the dual tank harness includes this already.

https://i.postimg.cc/59GStHjw/D7-A80...F7-AB74-D5.jpg

Replaced with a quick connect for future servicing!

https://i.postimg.cc/RZx1cj7h/954788...55014-D5-D.jpg

I’m rewiring the large +12v wires a bit to more closely resemble the 99+ wiring, since that is mostly what is used on this build. The alternator +12v wire was removed and a larger one installed with a fusible link from the power block which runs direct to the firewall distribution block. The +12v starter feed wire was removed entirely since the firewall block is now fed from the battery’s power block. The +12V ignition (distributor power wire) was cut and routed to a sub harness as a trigger feed for the Holley ECU. The coolant sensor wire was also ran down with the purple starter wire, as the sensor was moved to the passenger side of the block.

https://i.postimg.cc/zDLPpYgF/440-E7...C1-B443-A3.jpg

Completed harness with all modifications applied!

https://i.postimg.cc/VkwGYSHK/6304-C...7310-F8024.jpg

Harness routed and installed!

https://i.postimg.cc/NjxNLg3B/DC68-E...-E8-E92-B4.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/FKsTLMvc/CF5-EB...-D7-F555-F.jpg

Good view of the larger power feed wire here.

https://i.postimg.cc/hGypb24Y/2-F25-...49573-DD95.jpg

Temp sensor wire, and the +12v crank wire peeking out in the background.

https://i.postimg.cc/1t8MWDf3/63-AAE...-D45800-E9.jpg

I also upgraded the battery terminals for the Holley ECU to solid brass, as the previous ones were cheesy and would loosen up on the battery.

https://i.postimg.cc/mZF8C3vd/3-F57-...61-BFA6748.jpg

Nick_R_23 05-16-2021 05:05 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
I added a pair of vacuum caps to keep the studs from corroding at the junction block.

https://i.postimg.cc/cCFy8Mqs/7-C60-...AFD3-E7282.jpg

Next step, installed the radio!

https://i.postimg.cc/BZpGysjd/23691-...40864-E1-D.jpg

Support bracket that always seems to be missing

https://i.postimg.cc/vHmdwj9D/33-A57...F9-AA07-A8.jpg

Gauge cluster going in!

https://i.postimg.cc/8PngpHB4/8-B857...43-EBC9082.jpg

Now that the internal dash and engine harness were in, I started testing the electrical side of things!

https://i.postimg.cc/13nhfqvQ/7-E45-...30-C646-DA.jpg

I had trouble with the drivers rear taillight and license plate lights not working. I tried several bulbs, the brake and turn function worked fine. I dove into the harness and couldn’t get continuity through to the bulb sockets. Turns out, the LH taillight wire never got spliced in!

https://i.postimg.cc/wBLCkdK4/270092...9-E748-DBA.jpg

All the lights work!

https://i.postimg.cc/50JZ7kb4/CFD615...9-ECC66-F6.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/XJgtTcYw/ED774-...C3-AB33-B2.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/BbQRsLjR/6-ACAA...BE4-E844-C.jpg

I got sidetracked and installed a new master cylinder :lol:

https://i.postimg.cc/T17FPdm1/0-BABF...C48958-AE5.jpg

Finally, the new dash pad from the parts truck. Not perfect, but a better match than blue!

https://i.postimg.cc/NGpWD4Vt/26-EB6...-CC272-BED.jpg

Dash pad and gauge bezel installed!

https://i.postimg.cc/15XbjFhq/8175-D...324-F0-BB7.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/ncWNbLpw/206-E8...901-DBC883.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/Z5y2ThqY/33-CF0...62-EA20-E1.jpg

WilliamFd55 05-18-2021 09:43 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
That V10 is Nice! We need more pics.

Honest Bob 05-25-2021 03:38 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Nice progress! Rebuilding my np205 was probably my favorite part of my build.

93M6Formula 08-02-2021 01:22 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Updates?

Nick_R_23 08-02-2021 11:34 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Nothing really as of yet, I’ve been tackling a lot of other “outside” projects before winter hits. Been contemplating a small intake issue, but I haven’t had a chance yet to walk the junkyards to look for what I need.

Nick_R_23 09-05-2021 03:13 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
FINALLY, an update! I’ve been stressing about this intake issue for so long, that I thought I wouldn’t be able to come up with a solution for it! I haven’t touched on it much, but this is basically what happened - when mounting the air box, in order for it to clear the hood, it had to be installed perfectly flat, as the height available in that area is limited compared to newer trucks. I didn’t think this would be an issue, but it “tilted” the airbox outlet enough that it misaligned about 10 degrees compared to the intake tube - it doesn’t sound like much, but the couplers available were so short and rigid, that it would pop the airbox out of its mount after sitting for a few minutes. This facilitated the need for a flex joint, but this would mean the MAF would need to be removed in order to create the room for a flex joint, but this left a 4.25” to 3.5” size difference between the airbox and intake tube. Not a big deal to delete the MAF (I had only retained it for the internal IAT sensor), but finding any combination of 3.5” flex coupler and 4.25” to 3.5” reducer has been eluding me…until now!

Today, the solution fell into my lap completely unexpectedly, and on the last vehicle I would expect to find it on - I picked up a 96-98 Chevy SCSB 2WD for another project. It came with a junk V6, but sitting on top of that engine was a perfectly sized 3.5” flex joint - also with a grommet-mounted IAT sensor! To say I’m more stoked about an intake part over an entire new vehicle is an understatement! :lol:

The 4.3L V6’s intake system:

https://i.postimg.cc/cCkXCsNj/C2-BB3...3-B540-A59.jpg

The stock filter gauge and grommet removed, the 4.3L’s IAT and grommet installed perfectly in its place!

https://i.postimg.cc/zDxd0kRj/9-E004...FC41-B72-C.jpg

And finally, the 3.5” flex joint cleaned and “installed”. I still need a reducer, but reusing the MAF’s rubber coupler, I can buy a 4” to 3.5” exhaust reducer and join the two together! I will order the reducer, along with an IAT sensor extension harness now that I know where the sensor will be mounted, from Summit in the morning!

https://i.postimg.cc/L6hx7ZtM/AE390-...10878815-C.jpg

Nick_R_23 09-11-2021 02:42 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Summit package arrived today! The IAT extension harness came in.

https://i.postimg.cc/d0CxQ4jF/3-DA40...B10-FF28-C.jpg

Installed!

https://i.postimg.cc/MT8rnV9Q/347-BD...87864-D1-F.jpg

As well as the exhaust reducers. I ordered two different sizes just to see which fit better. Both would need a little massaging, but I think I can get one or the other to work!

https://i.postimg.cc/26F9hytX/27-F8-...D8777-A1-C.jpg

Nick_R_23 11-13-2021 04:31 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
After a few test fits with the exhaust reducers, I determined they weren’t going to work. So, I ended up just ordering a new, cheap MAF sensor to be the adapter. At $25, the quality definitely wasn’t there for its intended purpose, but since I’m not using it for anything other than an adapter, it’ll work just fine.

https://i.postimg.cc/9fvTGBJd/E35-BD...6451-E3-C8.jpg

Installed! The intake is finally done!

https://i.postimg.cc/26hWTBKP/C831-B...F889557-B0.jpg

I also made the electric fan harness, which runs to the battery and will be controlled by the Terminator X.

https://i.postimg.cc/MHwQLpkX/40712-...-A385-B8-A.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/2yxZNNmG/EDC431...4-C8617-AF.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/mZ3MHCM9/79-A5-...073-EF0722.jpg

And finally, the (just about) complete engine bay!

https://i.postimg.cc/jjyV8wgN/A99-B0...43-B125-BD.jpg

At this point, I believe the to-do list has gotten pretty short.
I know I still need:

• New front and rear driveshafts made
• Install O2 sensor
• Run wiring for and install rear speakers and dome light
• Install new glove box door
• Diagnose non-functional oil pressure gauge (pretty sure it’s the gauge itself)
• Shim master cylinder from hydroboost
• Eventually go through the front axle and steering components
• New tires

Getting close!

OutlawDrifter 11-13-2021 04:59 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Good progress!

Nick_R_23 11-21-2021 12:50 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Well, here’s the biggest update yet! IT RUNS! I brought my laptop home and temporarily installed the O2 sensor, set a basic profile in the Holley software, and it fired up immediately! I ran into a few initial setup issues, including a fuel leak, but it runs great and holds 45 psi of oil pressure at idle! This video doesn’t do it justice, but it runs!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhPRcW5gGqs


I also ran into a weird issue before starting the truck, I had an odd smell that seemed like a burnt electrical smell, but I couldn’t pinpoint it. After watching for a while, I finally noticed a faint puff of smoke from the wiper assembly. I popped the cover off and it seems like a coil melted! I’m not sure what would cause this, except maybe just an old part?

https://i.postimg.cc/qMH56H91/61-B3-...C68875-ADF.jpg

OutlawDrifter 11-21-2021 10:30 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Congrats on the start!

Nick_R_23 06-18-2022 11:34 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Thanks! It’s been a real busy summer, and finally found some time to get back to it!

Finished up the last bit of wiring and cable routing, securing the O2 sensor lead, clutch bleed line, and speedo cable.

https://i.postimg.cc/g0MPMLrK/A07-A4...36-CF54-AE.jpg

Sourced a cleaner and straighter bumper for the rear!

https://i.postimg.cc/B6XfRZKf/0-F266...1-F35-DB30.jpg

Drivelines are being brought into town for either a rebuild or replacement.

https://i.postimg.cc/C1Xp0yGB/5-DDBA...D425-BF1-C.jpg

The biggest part, updated the tune to include PWM fan control logic! Anyone care to critique my setup? I watched projectgatago’s video, and set it up the best way I could think, seeing as I don’t have a speed sensor on this truck. My thought process is that the fan should be off at 195F (thermostat temp) and running progressively faster at speeds above 200F, and ramping up significantly above 220F. I did RPM based instead of speed, one, because I don’t have a speed sensor, two, because the fan should remain off while moving anyway due to airflow over the radiator, and three, it acts as a safeguard to kick the fan on regardless of speed or engine running if the temp is that excessive. I haven’t tested this out with the engine running yet, as I wanted some feedback in case I screwed up.

https://i.postimg.cc/G3T1Q2Rk/B724-D...50-AE080-F.jpg

I used Holley’s default Electric Fan #1 pin but repurposed it to PWM-

https://i.postimg.cc/SN0bthQH/6882-C...8-AA7-F946.jpg

This box pops up when I click ‘Where Used’. Does the port have to be actively functioning (fan on), or did I screw up?

https://i.postimg.cc/9FG56nr0/81-C5-...248-D51392.jpg

I set this to 190F just to ensure no need for the fan below that temp.

​​​​​​​https://i.postimg.cc/13BxtV0Z/C84-F5...-AC7-F9-CF.jpg

LT7A 06-19-2022 04:13 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
That's interesting to see. Sorry, I'm no help with it. The bumper looks good!

Honest Bob 06-22-2022 08:57 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Dont forget to tie up the knock sensor wiring. I failed to secure mine and it rubbed through on some metal (Im guessing the fuel rails) and was shorting out popping the 40amp fuse for the ecu.

Nick_R_23 07-30-2022 11:41 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Got into the suspension a bit since it’s been raining the last few weekends. New front springs, went to 8600lb GVWR since the rear was already done long ago.

https://i.postimg.cc/Hs0S3jh6/7-EEEA...1-A5-DC3-D.jpg

Out with the old!

https://i.postimg.cc/bwzm5pXp/3-A840...CC2-C45330.jpg

In with the new!

https://i.postimg.cc/fRB8npZX/AB3-C0...-E91-E1-B2.jpg

Passenger side

https://i.postimg.cc/W4zX28by/7-E082...CD58-C1174.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/g074rhx2/7-C2-C...B8-EEC2815.jpg

All installed!

https://i.postimg.cc/qRCwK7KX/4-C69-...6-F103-EC7.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/HnD29C4G/0-DF78...1932-CF971.jpg

layinrocker65 07-31-2022 12:24 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Keep it up. This is one of my favorite builds to follow.

Nick_R_23 08-12-2022 07:55 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Finally! Both driveshafts are finished. The rear was rebuilt, the front is nearly all new. It might actually drive!

https://i.postimg.cc/FH7dMtSn/35006-...AAE2-DD924.jpg

The front axle needs to be rebuilt before any serious movement happens. It’ll be getting new ball joints, new brakes, new axle seals, and new wheel bearings. I scored this OTC axle socket kit for $50 on FB!

https://i.postimg.cc/ht6zgCb4/3-EB0-...E907-BBE83.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/0NS6NpcY/AC6-D4...C8280-CD65.jpg

OutlawDrifter 08-12-2022 07:56 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Glad to see some more progress!

Nick_R_23 08-13-2022 07:18 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Driveshafts in!

https://i.postimg.cc/RV6B6f3h/D17-D3...6133327-AB.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/65kNd3R0/F94-DB...541-C6-F60.jpg

Nick_R_23 08-28-2022 01:03 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Down to buttoning up a lot of the little things now.

Installed the hood back on, and aligned!

https://i.postimg.cc/NfKFPBcK/A31-D1...000-B31675.jpg

The glove box door was broken off at the hinge, so it’s getting a new one.

https://i.postimg.cc/Qxvt2w80/8237-C...CD540605-B.jpg

New part in!

https://i.postimg.cc/8zW5N4sD/6-FC59...310-F3-A11.jpg

Utilizing one of the cutouts for the Holley USB cable.

https://i.postimg.cc/q7T7RKCK/8-BC73...8-BF1840-F.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/wBQjsBhG/DED6-C...7-A0-F7389.jpg

And with the final touch of the original Owner’s Manual, it’s done!

https://i.postimg.cc/j2Lx9QBp/46-D39...FD118-E832.jpg

Installed the floor mounted high beam switch.

https://i.postimg.cc/wjh6SBbj/9-B618...7786-F6-C9.jpg

Ran the wires for the speakers and dome light.

https://i.postimg.cc/9fCWVjvt/E6-F85...-F54-E7-B5.jpg

Mounting the new rear speakers in their housings.

https://i.postimg.cc/vmhGZNyR/CFC6-C...04-F359-E7.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/85CNJmk7/5-F7-A...5-F6-C5-B9.jpg

Left and right rear speakers installed!

https://i.postimg.cc/qqhrQB30/387-FA...-E7541-ED9.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/fTdZ9Lsf/905-DC...774533-FBE.jpg

Nick_R_23 10-10-2022 04:15 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Getting even closer here!

New front bumper brackets showed up from LMC. Very good fit and quality!

https://i.postimg.cc/qq4Yf0PF/A2-F4-...CEC3-D84-C.jpg

Picked up some stainless carriage bolts and hardware and mounted the bumper.

https://i.postimg.cc/KvLNPCCk/871-C2...3792093-F8.jpg

The hood is looking pretty ratty with the rusted out front section, but we’re going to make it look slightly better in the meantime before I replace it.

https://i.postimg.cc/s2tx4Hkx/29-BE8...5-F2-EE2-A.jpg

Desecrating some old valve covers.

https://i.postimg.cc/fbXDDzPW/7-F7-A...-D0-AB9-C1.jpg

One side in!

https://i.postimg.cc/L4Q7Qdyx/D3-C5-...87-B164-C7.jpg

Also ordered a front axle seal install tool. For $31, it wasn’t worth screwing around without it.

https://i.postimg.cc/7hKKpzMC/6-AC80...-F32-E71-C.jpg

Nick_R_23 10-17-2022 12:49 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
I totally forgot about these heat shields. Cleaned them up and bought some stainless hardware to install them!

https://i.postimg.cc/X76Rsyc7/A0-FE1...6-C9-FA407.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/7Y1pdYm1/450404...-D0-DCEA73.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/t4XLjQMK/97-EAD...7-EC2-A506.jpg

Getting very close to being done under the hood!

https://i.postimg.cc/vZ3C82Rc/C7-A66...6-DF57-AFE.jpg

I picked up a different rear bumper in chrome instead of painted. Also installed stainless hardware on the mounts. Ordered new license plate lights as this takes a different style.

https://i.postimg.cc/8Cc97dDw/9-E7-F...A848793-FA.jpg

The shop is currently a disaster, but the truck is coming together!

https://i.postimg.cc/25tJhqSY/EEA185...-F7543-D96.jpg

OutlawDrifter 10-17-2022 08:56 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Engine compartment looks very "stockish"...I like it!

Nick_R_23 10-30-2022 01:26 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Thanks!

Back to smaller updates! I bought some replacement license plate lights for the new rear bumper.

Old ones removed

https://i.postimg.cc/Vv7FPKW1/3332-D...366-BB2657.jpg

New ones installed!

https://i.postimg.cc/CMJ78KTt/6-BD9-...E7-BFD8-F3.jpg

Nick_R_23 02-10-2023 01:28 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
I picked up a new wiper motor because the old one quit working.

https://i.postimg.cc/ncKWXtvK/868-F5...80-BC795-E.jpg

Turns out the new motor didn’t solve the issue, nor did a new switch. After a day of troubleshooting, it turns out the blue wires were swapped in the new harness!

https://i.postimg.cc/ncnkw9D7/9-C789...D9-BD20320.jpg

New wiper motor in and all wires where they are supposed to be!

https://i.postimg.cc/ncTk8V4W/D72-B5...478664-FE1.jpg

Installed all new wiper washer lines and filled the tank!

https://i.postimg.cc/NjMxQhbj/7-E8-F...25-C7040-A.jpg

Next up, finally rebuilding the front axle!

https://i.postimg.cc/sgVNS0ck/27-B83...2-A93-D3-F.jpg

Hub and rotor removed

https://i.postimg.cc/t42mztvY/607906...-E24-B4-CC.jpg

Rotor and bearings are well worn due to improper hub nut adjustments.

https://i.postimg.cc/fbyqqt15/CF6-B3...4-D97-D448.jpg

The calipers are showing their age also

https://i.postimg.cc/XvPHRNbW/3466-E...1-A22-D026.jpg

Drivers side!

https://i.postimg.cc/W3JWTRNk/6-CA63...EB7-B8-C75.jpg

Even the spindles are damaged beyond repair from the loose bearings

https://i.postimg.cc/cCyDJDC5/84-ABB...6882-C8-DB.jpg

U-joints are completely shot

https://i.postimg.cc/prfs5DnV/0826-D...D533-E8951.jpg

Everything all apart!

https://i.postimg.cc/bwNmdSY8/BB7337...6305474089.jpg

Time for some new parts! Rotors and bearings

https://i.postimg.cc/8kMKYVn8/CD1-D1...D1564-D7-B.jpg

New calipers and pads

https://i.postimg.cc/15SChYL8/2-C909...A4-F9-FCD6.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/ZKLfTxSV/42-B2-...D0-DA41-E3.jpg

Removed the carrier and old axle seals, cleaned the housing.

https://i.postimg.cc/R02dPP7V/2189-A...458-BEC7-B.jpg

New axle seals!

https://i.postimg.cc/W3rnxM8m/A62-FB...D42-B10214.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/SRhr4J1B/D393-E...14-BFBCB19.jpg

Pressing the new seals in! This tool was worth every penny

https://i.postimg.cc/kGvygqkB/0-E10-...5329-EBCE4.jpg

Carrier reinstalled

https://i.postimg.cc/66rc0fyt/A09360...5848541-E6.jpg

New spindles

https://i.postimg.cc/ht51jC3b/139090...754945-E50.jpg

New hub nut kit

https://i.postimg.cc/hGQb79kF/8017-B...003-C08214.jpg

New U-joints installed in the axle shafts

https://i.postimg.cc/pTNQQmvm/40-C83...C468-B8773.jpg

New ball joints installed in the knuckle

https://i.postimg.cc/Y916dt2b/FF2-B4...9-A5-B6-D2.jpg

New rotor and caliper installed

https://i.postimg.cc/VvmjT2d1/FF9-DA...399721-C40.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/8c4hVw6v/C6-BF1...C9014460-C.jpg

Hub installed

https://i.postimg.cc/KcD7LcHY/5-AF21...-BAF51-FD1.jpg

Ball joints installed in passenger side knuckle

https://i.postimg.cc/hP4L0Fk1/1-CEA9...EC6-E8-EBD.jpg

Knuckle installed to axle housing

https://i.postimg.cc/yYfFQQB4/06-E2-...B777-C65-F.jpg

Axle shaft and new spindle installed

https://i.postimg.cc/RZNwj7V3/EB4-DB...78-B5-D3-E.jpg

Backing plate, rotor, and caliper installed.

https://i.postimg.cc/52T81X6s/6332-A...8-F4-D2-E9.jpg

Also installed the new trailer brake controller under the dash.

https://i.postimg.cc/5tzLtfzb/BA93-D...AD8-F95808.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/C1VDB9CD/AC5-BB...-DCB3791-F.jpg

layinrocker65 02-11-2023 01:50 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Any concerns about the TermX being in the engine bay and it not being sealed?

Corts60 02-11-2023 06:19 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Nice progress buddy! Lots of work!

Nick_R_23 02-20-2023 07:07 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
No concerns about the ECU in the engine bay. Holley states that it’s okay to mount it there, and it's not something thats going to see a lot of moisture anyway.

Nick_R_23 03-15-2023 04:52 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
More new parts! I decided to ditch the original hubs because they were missing some small parts. Upgraded to the premium Warn set!

https://i.postimg.cc/j5n0XtPS/FFBF00...F77-E22043.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/4ypDDP8C/6-D0-B...B0-C7-CF15.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/QN5ZKNj6/17430-...33-FF3-BA9.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/dVsbf8rX/C4486-...1-D1211722.jpg

Also bought a new drag link set

https://i.postimg.cc/Gp9ZLdMx/F7-F2-...37-E3887-B.jpg

And tie rod

https://i.postimg.cc/rpb7z33X/25-AA5...-F4-E522-B.jpg

The tires I ordered also showed up! BFGoodrich All Terrain in 305/70R16, or the closest metric equivalent to the current 33x12.50’s.

https://i.postimg.cc/1tq2FM1g/9-AF6-...8-B65-C3-B.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/J0Cg5JRp/330-BF...-E08707-DF.jpg

Nick_R_23 03-17-2023 08:22 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
A few more parts showed up also!

I ordered a Borgeson Street/Performance steering box with a modern 12.7:1 ratio, and 3 turns lock to lock. This should feel MUCH better than the old floaty box!

https://i.postimg.cc/3w8fgJ1m/2-F23-...6140-E90-D.jpg

Also ordered a new matching rag joint.

https://i.postimg.cc/5ts7pdKG/B3-A09...C31-D2-D77.jpg

Bought a pair of Rancho shocks for the front!

https://i.postimg.cc/263HKcP5/E7-B5-...7572626627.jpg

And a new dome light lens.

https://i.postimg.cc/d1XWPRYj/CCCC6-...1-DD6-E2-A.jpg

Started off this weekend by installing the dome light and new lens.

https://i.postimg.cc/T1D5FfkP/8-A035...D88-D36-F4.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/6Tx4NgSf/0-E0-F...-AC662-D27.jpg

Removed the old steering box since it had play down at the pitman arm. I also deleted the cooler since it was leaking.

https://i.postimg.cc/VsdTGv8F/396651...-D452-D092.jpg

New box has metric O-ring fittings so the CPP adapters are no longer needed!

https://i.postimg.cc/WpCyQVpc/9-E686...14226-C2-A.jpg

New rag joint installed on the new box!

https://i.postimg.cc/c43zWz6g/7-B7-C...A97-B82939.jpg

Painted the old pitman arm and installed it along with the new box!

https://i.postimg.cc/kgdpgytj/C1-DED...-AA613-C52.jpg

New drag link installed!

https://i.postimg.cc/Sx7t2z6m/50252-...-D31-E0069.jpg

evan 03-22-2023 10:12 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
I need that steering box.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:52 PM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com