Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

Blaines turned mine around within days. I'm betting there's a place close to you that does similar work/speed.

Much easier to dictate what goes into the combo to (so you're not guessing/assuming). Then it's just prep/detailing for paint & installation. While the motor is out of the way your focus goes toward the front frame section so that time isn't wasted.

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

You know I am prone to over think things. No where near your level, but you do know me. If I were to build this motor it would open up a can of works. It would be a ground up build and that would require a ton of research that I just dont have time to do.

If my plan doesnt work, I will take my ass whooping and move on.

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

I ordered all of the parts required to patch up smog dog from Summit. In the interim I'm working on the small parts. I had acquired an Edelbrock Performer 2.0 a few months back that I plan to use. It was in great shape, but seriously stained. I attempted to clean it up, and the made in USA sticker fell off.

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

I could see that there was no way this thing was going to clean up to my satisfaction, so I grabbed my 4" grinder. I put a Benckmark Abrasives flapper disc on it and tested the surface, and I liked what I saw. I cleaned the mating surfaces and masked them with duct tape.

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

With the openings covered as best as possible, I tested the cartridge rolls on my die grinder. I decided it was going to require several hours to smooth the entire intake so I opted for cleaning up the top surfaces.

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

I liked what I saw, so I spent a bit of time with a wire cup feathering the transiting between smooth and textured. To soften the texture I decided to lay on a few coats of filler primer. I will use the cartridge rolls to remove the primer build in the crevices and add a coat of Tamco sealer before installing.

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

Sorry to hear about the engine problem, but it looks like you have the ship righted and moving forward! :cool:

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

I understand. If I were 'building' a big-block, it definitely would have different parts vs. its 'stockish' internals. But, I didn't want (wasn't prepared for) the LS swap project @ that time even though I already had the freshly removed 6.0/4l80e & un-cut wiring harness sitting on a pallet in my garage. I just wanted/needed the truck going again ASAP.

The local rebuilder was able to make a couple of small changes based off of alternative parts from the same suppliers they already used (flat-tops vs. dished pistons & rv/towing cam vs. stock specs). There was only a small increase in cost for the cam. It was all fresh within a week w/a warranty. In my book, that's working smarter (not hesitant once it hits the road & hoping nothing else fails). I KNEW what the motor was now & didn't have to worry about it. It also would pay for itself if when sold on down the line as I have all rebuild info & supporting documentation. It was a nice feeling knowing the cylinders were round & fresh; plus the bearings, freeze-plugs, rings, heads, & valves/seats/seals were all starting over FRESH once it hit the highway....

I'm just talking about my experience of being in a similar situation. Seems for under or <2k, it's a modest/small investment (that you can get a return on) until you have the proper time for the updated drivetrain swap.

Make whatever decision you want :metal:

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

I understand why you made your decision. Hopefully you can appreciate why I am taking the path I am.

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

Looks great!!

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

I see no issue with the direction you are taking on the engine. I also understand why SCOTI did what he did.

Intake is looking good. We have been working on Owen's truck doing an LS swap. We have had to skip a few cleaning detailing steps because of time, but will go back later to correct those slips when we do the rear section.

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

Good to hear his truck is making progress. I hate having to skip over a section due to time constraints, so I understand your anguish.

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

I spent some time sanding on the marketplace manifold last night. I have to remind myself that most of this will be covered up. I am trying to keep the paint build to a minimum so I take a layer off, then add more on.

Last nights session of sanding brought me closer to where I want to be. Please excuse the image quality.I'll see if I cant make them better

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

I got a shipment from Summit racing on Friday so I "assumed" I was set for the weekend. Unfortunately I failed to double check the order. I was distracted that the parts for my 2016 Sierra had arrived as well.

Besides my day job of running a business, I'm currently spread out between three projects. I bought a 2019 Sierra so I need to prep my 2016 Sierra to sell. I took it to the dealership to have a few recalls brought up to date. My check engine light was on and they determined I needed to replace both catalytic convertors. I got a quote of 1750.00 so I picked it up. I priced doing the work myself vs a muffler shop and the cost was similar. I had the muffler shop do the work so I could focus on Jake.

After spending 800.00 on catalytic convertors, the check engine light came back on. :( I checked the codes and found an O2 sensor bad. That came in on Friday evening so I spent time installing that and taking the truck for a test drive. All clear, so I can get it inspected.

Consequently I didnt verify my parts order for Jake. Ok, I did check one small item for fitment

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

Saturday morning I got the Sierra inspected, then met Chris to get started on Jake. We test fit the push rods and discovered that the Melling HD rods wont work with stock guide plates. We spent a couple of hours chasing the right parts, but managed to find them at two different parts stores.

Before we installed the new rods, I had Chris slowly rotate the crank 180 degrees while I inspected each cam lobe and lifter. I saw no visable signs of abnormal wear or damage. We spun it again as I loaded each lobe with a dollop of assembly lube. We pre-lubed the new A/C Delco lifters and the lifter bores, then slid them in place.

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

With the new lifters greased up the new rods went in as well. The rockers were set back in position then snugged down till there was no play. I'll run the lash settings before we drop the manifold on. We covered the lifter galley and turned our attention to the outside of the motor. I had cleaned spots along the way, but the sides and back of the block were still caked with dirt and grease.

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

Chris worked on the top side while I worked on the bottom. We got the years of grunge stripped away, and blasted the block several times with brake cleaner. While Chris triple cleaned the surface I removed the remaing accessories. The fuel pump and assorted fuel lines were set aside for restoration. The starter we recently replaced by me so I know its in good condition with a warranty.

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

Man I got way behind on here. Let's get caught up a bit. I pulled the oil pan to ensure my hunches were as correct as possible. The short piece of the push had made it's way to the bottom. I spent quite some time inspecting for additional damage and found none.

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

I cleaned the crankshaft thoroughly and inspected again. I masked off the area to prevent contamination while I cleaned the rest of the block and crossmember.

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

Chris and I spent several evenings prepping and painting small parts. The oil cooler adapter, fuel pump,
all got stripped raw, primed and painted.

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

We spent more time detailing the exhaust manifolds then sprayed them with high temp primer. These will be prepped and painted with Cerekote air cure.

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

The pile keeps getting bigger. I ordered several parts from Summit Racing to complete the installation. They sent the wrong oil pan gasket. I was forced to use a 4 piece

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

I got the bottom of the block final sanded and color added

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

I installed the oil pan gasket and let the side rail pieces dry overnight. The end cap pieces are tricky. I'm hoping they seal correctly.
I used standard bolts to hang the pan. Once installed they were replaced with stainless button heads from Alloy Boltz

Re: "Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion
 

With the frame cleaned and painted and the oil pan on I decided to jump back up top.
I decided to test fit the carb to verify clearance. The bores were so gunked that the secondary butterflies were sticking.