|
1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
This is my 1978 Chevy K20 longbed!
https://i.postimg.cc/rwdGSd78/IMG-0271.jpg Oh wait, this is better :lol: My dad bought this truck nearly new, way back in the early 80's. It's been in the family quite a bit longer than I've been alive, and I remember riding around everywhere in this thing. I've added the upper light bar and tube bumper, but aside from that, it's been mostly unchanged for as long as I can remember it. One day, I would like to completely restore the truck, and I'd like to take it back to that look as much as I can, but for now I'm focusing on getting it back on the road! The odometer has rolled over multiple times, and I believe it is sitting at somewhere close to 467,000 miles. https://i.postimg.cc/W1QGSNP0/photo-36.jpg The truck is currently outfitted with it's (pretty sure original!) 350 engine, although I know the heads have been replaced multiple times before due to the valves receding into the heads from soft seats. The transmission is an SM465, with an NP205 transfer case, a Dana 44HD front and 14 bolt Camper Special rear axle and springs. The front has an Add-A-Leaf kit and there is also a 3" body lift. 33x12.50x16.5 tires and 16.5x10 American Racing Outlaw II's. Here she is this winter hanging out with the local riffraff. https://i.postimg.cc/hG7dNDf1/224-EA...7-A4289-BC.jpg I had briefly (and regrettably) sold this truck several years back due to buying a house and needing to majorly downsize the vehicle population. It stayed local for a year or two, but after that I lost track of it. Just last year, a friend texted me and told me he had seen a truck listed on Facebook that looked like mine, and sent me the link. Turns out it was, and was only a few miles up the road! I took the rest of the day off work on the spot, and went to go rescue the old girl. Sometime while it was away, the clutch went out and the guy took it to a "mechanic" to have the clutch replaced. I'm not sure how you can screw a clutch job up this bad, but the story is whatever the guy did, the engine overheated badly immediately afterwards, and it was parked since. The carb, intake, distributor, and valve covers were missing, and knowing the mileage on the engine, I decided to finally let it retire - she's done pretty well! All said and done, I bought her back for $500 and towed it home right then! Fast forward to today, after sitting for another year, it's time to bring her inside to get started with some long awaited and well deserved upgrades! https://i.postimg.cc/W4g22MSy/B59144...C411-B2-D6.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/CL9npc6g/A8-C5-...4-EC0-C6-B.jpg I always thought this truck was the biggest truck out there as a kid, so it took me a little by surprise when it cleared my garage door no problem :lol: https://i.postimg.cc/xTNq5KjF/F95-C7...6-C5-D8612.jpg And a little preview of what's to come! https://i.postimg.cc/qqM0XW0f/5-CD47...948018-D24.jpg |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Awesome story I love reading threads like this.
In for more man keep it up |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Thank you!
This is as far as I was able to get this weekend. Started stripping the old engine down to get it ready to pull. https://i.postimg.cc/gkQJw4R2/B6-FC4...-C1-D15767.jpg This is incredibly clean for the mileage this engine has! https://i.postimg.cc/K8TYtLrr/59-D90...66-C93-A56.jpg Got the exhaust, starter, and alternator all pulled. Someone installed this exhaust in the time it was away. Whoever thought it would be a good idea to make the turn downs point straight at the gas tanks was :crazy: https://i.postimg.cc/LsM8DXxd/04-AFD...A0-EB8-BB2.jpg I’m just noting this so I remember to fix it in the future. I don’t think you’re supposed to be able to do this! https://i.postimg.cc/0Qk2g4gc/5-A008...946000-FD3.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/QtfNjqhs/F1630-...24-E382-EC.jpg |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Cool truck and story! I’m partial to K20’s myself.
I’ll follow along. |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
I'm happy for you. It will be cool to see it brought back to a running, driving, working truck.
|
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Thank you guys.
I starting buying some of the fuel system parts that I’ll be needing. I’ll also be buying something else for another LS swap project, but will have some parts that I’ll be using for this one. This is definitely going to be an expensive weekend! :lol: To start off with, I decided to keep the dual tanks and make the system as simple as possible. I ordered up a pair of Holley C/K fuel pump modules with internal regulators and Hydramats. https://i.postimg.cc/15ZphPRy/38-DBE...-FF425-AC0.jpg I already know exactly what will happen, so I’m being smart this go around and getting all new tank straps beforehand! https://i.postimg.cc/gkq3G5r8/17-F3-...-B3-E83-D3.jpg |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
I ended up picking up a 2012 5.3L LC9 engine (all aluminum) with 120,000 miles for my Exocet project today, for only $1400! While this engine doesn't have much to do with the truck itself, it will be donating it's truck-style intake for this build, as the Exocet will require an LS6 intake. This intake will match the returnless Holley fuel pumps, and also uses the newer 4 bolt throttle body, which will get converted over to a 90mm cable throttle body. No pictures yet, but I'll be picking it up next Friday!
I did do a bit more junkyard hunting, and I think I came across the right gauge cluster to rob the water temp gauge from. I couldn't read the VIN number or the door tag, but it did have the hood with the bump on the front, as well as the fuel gauge reading "Unleaded Fuel Only", so I'm pretty confident I got a 79-80 cluster. https://i.postimg.cc/HxNFJs2N/IMG-1098-1.jpg Two brand new stock replacement 1978 Precision fuel tanks came in from Oreilly's today as well. https://i.postimg.cc/PNsc430z/IMG-1108-1.jpg When I purchased the Exocet's 5.3L, I got them to throw a stock airbox assembly in with the deal. I'm not 100% sure it will work yet, but my vague plan is to move the battery over to the driver's side, and use the stock air box where it would normally go on a modern truck. https://i.postimg.cc/FFdHTY27/IMG-1103-1.jpg Here's a high quality mock-up for everyone :lol: https://i.postimg.cc/fWGTpwN5/IMG-1104-1.jpg |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
I also ordered a full set of filler necks and hoses from LMC Truck.
|
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
|
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
So this all aluminum 5.3 came home today! While this engine itself is going into my Exocet project, it will be donating its intake manifold for this project.
https://i.postimg.cc/HsyNV92C/7-A377...0-C5-EF6-C.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/sgCNSG6G/93-ADB...D6-A3-B323.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/nhKw1VgR/880-E3...463-BC81-D.jpg |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
I picked up a few more pieces today at the junkyard. I got a full hydraulic pedal assembly, master/slave cylinders (for test fitting), and a hydraulic bellhousing for the SM465.
https://i.postimg.cc/DfcG1BQK/15-F01...5-ACCCD9-D.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/YqqWRY8L/00-CAE...DCF105-BF7.jpg After a little bit of elbow grease https://i.postimg.cc/W1dJLVB2/23-FB5...D9-B404-E4.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/SK82RrQ3/2-E7-C...4819339-D6.jpg Confirming that the new LS flywheel and clutch assembly does in fact clear! https://i.postimg.cc/V6WJBkCF/75-F1-...B6-E598-E6.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/0Qs6wwbQ/8-AC71...D7-CB32-F8.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/T2QyKhGd/13-E7-...9-B341-E89.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/VL6Jn1Lj/CB0-D9...897-FDEDC7.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/jdFLh9LB/3-A392...688-ABCC35.jpg |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Not to derail you, but have you considered using 1987 gas tanks that are baffled for EFI?
|
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Quote:
|
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
ok
|
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Slight change of pace on the clutch and bellhousing setup. The original plan was to run the hydraulic bellhousing with an external slave cylinder. After picking one up to test fit, it turns out that the 2010 Camaro manifolds dump exactly where the slave cylinder is! So now, I will be running the original SM465 bellhousing, and going with an internal slave cylinder setup.
On to better news, more parts are showing up! I received my filler necks, gas caps, and hoses from LMC. https://i.postimg.cc/Bb225zzH/IMG-1166-1.jpg I also picked up some EFI fuel hose, but will likely have to get more as I wasn't sure what size I needed. Also got some 5/16 to 3/8 adapters just in case. https://i.postimg.cc/RVz7CM3R/IMG-1167-1.jpg And finally, the harness and tank switching valve for running EFI and dual tanks. This is from Harnessworx/gmachinz and is incredible quality! https://i.postimg.cc/yYXFkwcz/IMG-1168-1.jpg |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Last night was another ordering spree! I bought a RAM internal slave cylinder with remote bleeder, 36” -3AN braided line to run to the master cylinder, a Earl’s 3AN to 12mmx1.0 ISO adapter fitting for the master cylinder, a gasket and seal kit for both the SM465 and NP205, since it looks like both are covered in oil and grease. This morning I will also be ordering a clutch fork boot and tank pads from LMC!
I had a bit of free time last night, so I assembled the fuel tanks. Prepping the Holley 12-308 units and installing the Hydramat. https://i.postimg.cc/mDfS0pDr/81-C88...A6-F2685-B.jpg Being gentle, it’s her first time! https://i.postimg.cc/YCTNWDQx/D39727...B766-CB0-E.jpg Perfect fit! New O-rings and locking ring installed. https://i.postimg.cc/FzGgk9xf/5-BCFE...30-F1-D424.jpg Both tanks completed! https://i.postimg.cc/W4rG6mnc/AEBE8-...4-BF9469-C.jpg |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Alright, finally made some progress on the truck itself!
Started off today by removing the driveshafts. The rear U-Joint was so worn that there were no needles left. I'm surprised it didn't fall out of the yoke! Definitely had it's moneys worth used up! :lol: https://i.postimg.cc/9f4dYJKJ/IMG-1174-1.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/Cx2D5b5D/IMG-1175-1.jpg Drained the transfer case and transmission. The fluid came out looking brand new on both, so a gasket and seal kit should be good to get both cleaned up and back in service again. https://i.postimg.cc/7hQP9Mpn/IMG-1176-1.jpg The transfer case is out. https://i.postimg.cc/htn4rjYw/IMG-1177-1.jpg Transmission came next! https://i.postimg.cc/MHRx02mq/IMG-1178-1.jpg These SM465's sure are incredibly heavy for their size. That's cast iron for you! https://i.postimg.cc/m2YBt4rS/IMG-1179-1.jpg And finally, the engine came out last! https://i.postimg.cc/JnHWmVgZ/IMG-1180-1.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/tTWm2XwS/IMG-1182-1.jpg I did a quick wipe down of the engine bay. Picking up some new engine and transmission mounts in the morning, and a few other small parts. The next step will be a lot of cleaning! I've already scraped a 5 gallon bucket's worth of grease off everything so far. https://i.postimg.cc/vBF01JTW/IMG-1185-1.jpg |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
I picked up a new pair of motor mounts, upper and lower transmission mounts, heater motor resistor, and a new bolt and washers that were missing from the transmission mount. Napa sold me one automatic mount on accident, but quickly swapped it out for the correct one.
https://i.postimg.cc/LsJ04vJL/E72-D2...3-A42-D0-B.jpg As a nice bonus to end the weekend, I sold the ENTIRE engine setup from the truck. The short block, alternator, power steering pump, pulleys, belts, starter, fuel pump, manifolds, and even the whole exhaust system sold in one go for $400! Sure was nice to get a little money back and not have to kick that around the shop. |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Started off this weekend by finishing up a bit of cleaning and removing the old engine mounts.
https://i.postimg.cc/GtfP3HmK/65-BB7...9180-D4-AD.jpg I spotted a crack in the front crossmember, grooved the area and drilled the end to prepare to weld it. https://i.postimg.cc/zGg7BSWg/220-B5...-F3-B2-D22.jpg Welded and painted. https://i.postimg.cc/9F4t8tLn/6-B672...A720739-A3.jpg New motor mounts installed! https://i.postimg.cc/28PdPbJ8/034-DC...3-D1-E8421.jpg |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
A few more parts trickled in today. I was hoping for at least the transmission and transfer case gasket kit, but I guess I’ll see them next week. The Ram throw out bearing, the Earl’s adapter, and the 36” braided line.
https://i.postimg.cc/50tmqtfM/CB6244...9-B158-C65.jpg Since not all the parts showed up, I got onto the cleaning and painting. The crossmember got a nice bath and fresh coat of paint! https://i.postimg.cc/C16svVKn/202-AE...-C6738-C75.jpg The transmission was caked and took me most of the day and a nearly full case of brake clean to get it to where it’s recognizable as a transmission again. Mostly there! https://i.postimg.cc/Fzdg8nfW/D0-D65...F57-F6-A11.jpg Fully cleaned and ready for paint. https://i.postimg.cc/L5cBpBLH/377-B1...-BA75524-A.jpg Shiny! It’ll still be resealed when the gasket and seal kits come in, but shouldn’t need much, if any, touch up when that happens. https://i.postimg.cc/8kj2TpM3/0-C350...-F4-F2-FEA.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/tRwLTKzg/4334-C...5-AEE78-A8.jpg |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Kind of a side step. A while back, this was the original plan for the truck - a carb swap, just to get it running and driving, and back on the road.
https://i.postimg.cc/8P6sfFPz/7-EAEC...-C2-A99-EE.jpg I also lost some pictures in between showing me picking up and cleaning up the 2003 Tahoe 5.3L for this build, but here it is on the far left - replaced the oil pan gasket, front and rear main seals, front and rear cover gaskets, valve cover gaskets, ceramic coated Camaro LS3 exhaust manifolds, and Dirty Dingo slider mounts, and new plugs and wires. https://i.postimg.cc/gjVCPcFY/121-A9...-B59-F74-D.jpg |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
I picked up a new radiator and hoses locally, using stock 99-02 Silverado hoses. These have worked perfectly with a stock 73-87 radiator in my '86 C10 swap before.
https://i.postimg.cc/XN2tfcvP/IMG-1010-1.jpg A new pair of Magnaflow stainless mufflers came in today! https://i.postimg.cc/vBYS9cwM/IMG-E1009-1.jpg Holley's Hooker exhaust kit showed up also! Yes, I had to mock it up inside! https://i.postimg.cc/pTscBRPj/IMG-1029-1.jpg A brand new 2 piece fan shroud and hardware came in from LMC Truck to top everything off! https://i.postimg.cc/ncDTXv9B/IMG-1224-1.jpg |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Christmas in June, always great when new parts show up.
|
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Unfortunately I have to pay for this Christmas... :lol:
This turned out to be a really busy weekend, I got quite a bit done on the truck! A few more parts showed up. New pedal pads, pedal bushings, SM465 and NP205 gasket and seal kit, clutch fork boot, and tank pads! https://i.postimg.cc/y8SRTbrv/IMG-1230-1.jpg New driver side battery tray, clamp, and mounting hardware, reverse switch for the transmission, a box of 1/4" rivets for the fuel tank straps, and a new input bearing retainer. https://i.postimg.cc/pdbFcJwx/IMG-1233-1.jpg Billet valley plate, new valley gasket, exhaust manifold flanges, and new gaskets. https://i.postimg.cc/ncX9HWZp/IMG-1234-1.jpg I started to installed the new bearing retainer on the transmission. I noticed the bolts originally had aluminum washers, which are one time use, but the bolt surface is a rough cast iron finish. I picked up some bonded washers to help with sealing that area a little bit better. https://i.postimg.cc/4Nj7n1Nt/IMG-1235-1.jpg New bearing retainer installed! https://i.postimg.cc/zGWLhRVQ/IMG-1236-1.jpg I had to epoxy the magnet back into place, the glue had finally released after all these years. https://i.postimg.cc/fbDb0q43/IMG-1237-1.jpg Pretty damn clean on the inside! https://i.postimg.cc/3w1xjj7t/IMG-1238-1.jpg Shift forks are in good shape as well. https://i.postimg.cc/rmpFfdwM/IMG-1239-1.jpg All of the gaskets have been replaced, touched up the paint and also painted the bearing retainer to match. https://i.postimg.cc/T1zd2Cq3/IMG-1240-1.jpg Installed the reverse switch. https://i.postimg.cc/WpCb71Lc/IMG-1241-1.jpg Assembled the throwout bearing and lines, test fitting how it will go together. https://i.postimg.cc/T3XdZN3k/IMG-1242-1.jpg The new fork boot is installed. https://i.postimg.cc/cLMxZ7Kd/IMG-1243-1.jpg Picked up some new bellhousing bolts and washers. https://i.postimg.cc/GpLcpBYG/IMG-1245-1.jpg The bellhousing is installed and the transmission is finished! https://i.postimg.cc/yNL73VX5/IMG-1246-1.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/FR1Nj2TK/IMG-1247-1.jpg |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
I picked up a few tools for setting the throwout bearing depth and a helicoil kit for the transmission adapter.
https://i.postimg.cc/pXBVMY5R/IMG-1250-1.jpg The ball stud had to be machined down as it just barely interfered with the lines. https://i.postimg.cc/7ZYHHGS7/IMG-1251-1.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/g2SYnzK7/IMG-1252-1.jpg I didn't take any pictures, but the bearing depth is set with a .130" gap. RAM called for .150" to .200" gap, but I later found the .200" gap is recommended for twin disc clutches. Most factory specs are .100" to .125", and the included shims would either put me at .130" or .190", so I settled for the .130". https://i.postimg.cc/BZT42cgH/IMG-1254-1.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/7LjwnKdM/IMG-1253-1.jpg The engine and transmission mated up perfectly! https://i.postimg.cc/02ZvBkhN/IMG-1255-1.jpg There is excellent clearance all the way around. Air gap setting looks to be spot on. https://i.postimg.cc/cHqGnrtF/IMG-1258-1.jpg Next up was starting on the transmission adapter. Drilled and helicoiled the stripped hole. https://i.postimg.cc/0QpRdPpP/IMG-1260-1.jpg It was also painted to match! https://i.postimg.cc/KjxX0wNL/IMG-1261-1.jpg |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
The transmission adapter seal wasn't included in either the transmission or transfer case kits, go figure! I swung by the parts store and picked one up, as well as a pinion seal and some vent line.
https://i.postimg.cc/02yFrpH8/IMG-1265-1.jpg The new seal is installed! https://i.postimg.cc/kXYZSBkW/IMG-1267-1.jpg Coupler sleeve installed! https://i.postimg.cc/T3ysJT6F/IMG-1268-1.jpg Mated to the transmission. https://i.postimg.cc/7ZpWBjP6/IMG-1269-1.jpg Before going any further with the engine and transmission, I wanted to address this pinion seal leak on the front axle. Eventually, the outer seals and U-joints will be replaced as they are worn out also, but for now I wanted to knock out this one, as it'll be much easier without the engine in the way. Here's a trick I use to hold the yoke from spinning while removing the nut. You can also see that I've written how many turns the nut took to remove, in order to set the nut back in the correct place and not affect the pinion crush sleeve. https://i.postimg.cc/Z5g1GCHJ/IMG-1262-1.jpg Removing the yoke. https://i.postimg.cc/xdzWnnpM/IMG-1263-1.jpg New seal installed! https://i.postimg.cc/Bv0CP3Qx/IMG-1277-1.jpg Yoke back in place and nut tightened back to it's original position. https://i.postimg.cc/yNyyFGk2/IMG-1278-1.jpg Part of the reason these seals are all bad is because of the vent system. The hose was cut and packed full of dirt, and the nipple was half broken off. https://i.postimg.cc/QM1nvSVq/IMG-1271-1.jpg Tapping the hole for 1/8" NPT. https://i.postimg.cc/d3tHkY6W/IMG-1272-1.jpg New, better fitting installed. https://i.postimg.cc/RCXbrWC2/IMG-1273-1.jpg I ran new vent line for the front axle. https://i.postimg.cc/4Ny2XXmy/IMG-1274-1.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/fR0H057h/IMG-1275-1.jpg Replaced the upper line as well. https://i.postimg.cc/dVdB03vs/IMG-1276-1.jpg |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Now we're finally ready to go in!
https://i.postimg.cc/gjCh9yxv/IMG-1279-1.jpg I had to remove the hood for this one. I didn't think I'd ever have a chance of wrestling that SM465 back up from underneath, so it goes in from the top! https://i.postimg.cc/m29MYnnV/IMG-1280-1.jpg Since I'm using the Dirty Dingo Sliders, I started at the transmission mounts, since the crossmember and transmission mounts are fixed, and that will determine the engine setback. https://i.postimg.cc/DwdXDXnX/IMG-1281-1.jpg There is tons of clearance all the way around the stock truck pan! https://i.postimg.cc/ZKLpRMDQ/IMG-1283-1.jpg Here are some pictures of the 2010+ Camaro exhaust manifold clearance to the frame. Sorry for the fingers in a few pictures, the LED shop lights are almost blinding! Passenger side: https://i.postimg.cc/9QFTqY6Q/IMG-1288-1.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/VkGt9bwB/IMG-1289-1.jpg Driver side: https://i.postimg.cc/yN2St4kD/IMG-1290-1.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/1t6NZCqJ/IMG-1291-1.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/kGmRMQN9/IMG-1292-1.jpg The engine and transmission are completely bolted in! The return line on the power steering pump required a very slight bend away from the frame, but otherwise, it's a perfect fit. https://i.postimg.cc/KjDk11QT/IMG-1293-1.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/RC7nsY90/IMG-1294-1.jpg Removed the hoist plate to install the valley cover. https://i.postimg.cc/xT9NWPT3/IMG-1295-1.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/FHRdKsSf/IMG-1296-1.jpg And the cover installed! https://i.postimg.cc/wjGtR85w/IMG-1297-1.jpg |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
You seem to be matter of fact about fixing things along the way that others, including myself, would be frustrated by. This is going to be a very solid rig when you are finished putting it together your way.
|
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Thanks! This is definitely far from my first swap, and I have two more in line once this one is done! I worked as a professional technician for years at some pretty fast paced shops, and it forces you pick up the ability to think up solutions on the spot for the weirdest problems. I also work 4 10’s and get a 3 day weekend, so work evenings are pretty much spent doing HOURS of research on what I want to use and to plan ahead to make sure I have all the parts needed to knock out a good chunk over the weekend. Which still doesn’t work as I spend half the weekend running to the parts stores for THAT little part I missed :lol:
|
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Nice write up on an LS swap! Great history on the truck and looking forward to seeing it up and running again.
|
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Thank you!
Nothing too exciting happened this weekend, I got busy with 4th of July plans and the holiday also pushed back some parts I was expecting in. I did get the fuel tanks and filler necks pulled, and the tank brackets sent off to powder coat though! https://i.postimg.cc/xd3XM5BF/462840...CEBFB21-A7.jpg |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Really like this build and great progress so far. Reminds me of my build, get everything mechanically in shape and make it pretty later.
|
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Thank you!
My small Summit box showed up today, with new intake gaskets and the power steering return line. https://i.postimg.cc/3JMc9dCm/IMG-1322-1.jpg It's a cut-to-fit piece, so now it should hopefully fit! :lol: https://i.postimg.cc/qM8ZF4jY/IMG-1323-1.jpg Perfect length, I left just a little extra in the bend to compensate for any engine movement. https://i.postimg.cc/XYL1VxMk/IMG-1324-1.jpg |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Alright, this was a very productive weekend, although I jumped around doing all kinds of little things, so this post will be a little sporadic! :lol:
A great start to every weekend - more parts arriving! These are the shift boots and trim rings for the transmission and transfer case shifters (one is on backorder momentarily), hardware, and new radiator mounts. https://i.postimg.cc/GmH6t3V9/IMG-1325-1.jpg A new parts kit came with the shift boot, greasing up the handle for installation. https://i.postimg.cc/1322qh1B/IMG-1326-1.jpg Transmission shifter and retaining hardware installed! https://i.postimg.cc/rp4bGn8k/IMG-1327-1.jpg The boot fit right on. https://i.postimg.cc/pTY64mhc/IMG-1328-1.jpg I took some time and cleaned up the shift knobs. https://i.postimg.cc/j2xFbRyx/IMG-1329-1.jpg About this time, the powdercoaters called and said that the tank brackets were done! I swung down and picked them up before they closed for the weekend. https://i.postimg.cc/05n4CJqb/IMG-1331-1.jpg I sidetracked myself and removed the old battery tray and all the wiring harnesses in the engine bay. https://i.postimg.cc/SNKv1NyV/IMG-1333-1.jpg I also painted the transfer case shift lever. https://i.postimg.cc/dVkSvHZy/IMG-1334-1.jpg The weather turned pretty bad and started pouring rain, so I decided to come inside for a bit and get started on assembling the fuel tanks. https://i.postimg.cc/1zDCV8HR/IMG-1336-1.jpg Installing new tank pads. https://i.postimg.cc/0jyc4cqr/IMG-1337-1.jpg I cheated and used electrical tape to hold them in position while the hangers were installed. https://i.postimg.cc/Gh9XJ7Q5/IMG-1338-1.jpg New straps were installed on the hangers with 1/4" rivets. https://i.postimg.cc/25NTYzfs/IMG-1340-1.jpg Looks like a good fit! https://i.postimg.cc/yY5vfmpY/IMG-1339-1.jpg Two completed tanks! https://i.postimg.cc/1tJKDwNS/IMG-1341-1.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/3rfBRjTC/IMG-1342-1.jpg |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Mounted and torqued the transfer case shifter.
https://i.postimg.cc/fLLdnFJ4/IMG-1343-1.jpg Installed the boots, shift knobs, and the trim ring that came in. https://i.postimg.cc/Y0LmjW6b/IMG-1344-1.jpg This isn't exactly restoration correct, but I remember my dad adding this way back when I was a little kid. I thought it would be a neat touch to put it back on! https://i.postimg.cc/y62Ljhb6/IMG-1345-1.jpg Cut and trimmed, perfect fit! I think it's pretty funny the odd details that get remembered! :lol: https://i.postimg.cc/TYmC4yzV/IMG-1346-1.jpg I forgot to take a picture of the installed sensor, but I removed the rear coolant plug and installed a turned down 1979 coolant sensor to run the gauges. The factory CTS will be for the EFI system. https://i.postimg.cc/K82JSGbd/IMG-1347-1.jpg Made another parts store run and picked up some fluid for the transmission and transfer case, miscellaneous clamps that will be for different things throughout the rest of this build, and some 3/4" heater hose. I already had a perfect length of 5/8" hose! https://i.postimg.cc/76fNMb1T/IMG-1348-1.jpg I robbed the heater hose stand from the 2013 5.3L, since that project will not be utilizing a heater, and bolted it to the inner fender to keep the hoses away from rubbing on it. https://i.postimg.cc/xCh3sYgp/IMG-1349-1.jpg Both hoses installed! https://i.postimg.cc/L5jLNPJh/IMG-1356-1.jpg So, I realized something very interesting about the radiator I picked up. This is the part number if anyone wants to use this! https://i.postimg.cc/wMNcZPGq/IMG-1353-1.jpg New radiator! But wait, does anyone see what I'm seeing? https://i.postimg.cc/m2QySv9V/IMG-1354-1.jpg This radiator includes a 1/8" NPT port for a steam line! I was planning on tying into the heater hoses, but this will make it much easier! https://i.postimg.cc/bJDQSW8x/IMG-1355-1.jpg I cleaned up the radiator upper mount. https://i.postimg.cc/qBKskP10/IMG-1357-1.jpg Bolted in place, radiator is installed! https://i.postimg.cc/yxCSgNLK/IMG-1358-1.jpg I went to Autozone and picked up this 1/8" NPT to 1/4" barb adapter, and two 5/16" block off caps for the transmission cooler ports, since they won't be used with this swap. Not really necessary, but it does make it look better! Also snagged a new radiator cap and some wiring bits for later on. https://i.postimg.cc/MHwvZFGK/IMG-1365-1.jpg Adapter and caps installed in the radiator. Who knew it would ever be this simple?! https://i.postimg.cc/j2hCD4W6/IMG-1366-1.jpg And the radiator cap to make sure any stray coolant doesn't get in until I'm done hooking up the hoses. :lol: https://i.postimg.cc/Kc71px9K/IMG-1367-1.jpg |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Jumping back a little to the fuel system, this is the harness from gmachinz here on the board for a dual tank, in tank pump system. It's a piece of art, but one issue is that the Holley in tank pumps use a 4 wire connector, and this harness uses the stock 2 wire connector.
https://i.postimg.cc/QMBBf7Ps/IMG-1361-1.jpg We're in luck though, since the connectors are the same Delphi Weatherpak connectors, so instead of building an adapter harness, I'm just going to de-pin these connectors and combine the two! Holley's provided pigtail and the gmachinz stock connector both disassembled. https://i.postimg.cc/VkZr9gKD/IMG-1360-1.jpg Here's one side with the two wires from the harness (+12V pump wire, and sending unit wire) clipped into the proper position to work with the Holley pump, and the two ground wires fed back through. https://i.postimg.cc/BQg1b4HW/IMG-1359-1.jpg Both sides completed! Again, not the end of the world to have built an adapter, but it makes the installation that much cleaner in the end! https://i.postimg.cc/DZLSTTnM/IMG-1362-1.jpg Starting on the interior, I'm removing the dash, gauges, steering column, interior harnesses, and pedal box assembly in preparation for the new interior and fuel tank harnesses, and the hydraulic pedal box. I decided to do a little work on the gauge cluster bezel first though! All the factory trim paint had worn off, so I reapplied it! Cleaned up, before: https://i.postimg.cc/Pr2PhKnT/IMG-1368-1.jpg After! Looks much better! https://i.postimg.cc/8zcsCWTW/IMG-1371-1.jpg Up close, you can also spot the difference between the auxiliary gauges and the speedometer trim which I hadn't gotten to yet. The lower part of the bezel was completely worn off! https://i.postimg.cc/13dXVtzd/IMG-1370-1.jpg Finished stripping most of the interior that I needed to! https://i.postimg.cc/fLcRPfv4/IMG-1382-1.jpg Cleaned up the inside of the dash! This is where I'm leaving off for this weekend! https://i.postimg.cc/4yXxRH8Y/IMG-1383-1.jpg |
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
You are a force of nature in the shop. It's coming together nicely.
|
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Being single and having 3 day weekends every week certainly helps! :lol: I have a pretty good system going, work on it all 3 days and get what I can done, and figure out what I need for the following weekend, and order it before I leave back for work. That way, when the next weekend comes, I’m loaded back up with parts and things to do!
|
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
The truck is looking great. Even though you won’t see the dash once it is buttoned up, there is a great feeling knowing it is clean and organized under there. Nice wiring job also!
|
Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
Thank you, I agree. It's nice knowing everything is in good shape under there, even if it's not seen.
So, EXCELLENT start to the weekend! The Holley Terminator X arrived! I'm stoked to try this out, the reviews have been great so far. It's essentially supposed to be a replacement for the junkyard ECU/swap harnesses with much more tuning capability. I also got two sensors, one for oil pressure and one to read fuel pressure, as well as a quick connect to 3/8" hose adapter. https://i.postimg.cc/T2Dp6trs/IMG-1405-1.jpg My lower battery tray support showed up. The last piece to move the battery over to the driver's side. https://i.postimg.cc/7Y4YywPC/IMG-1411-1.jpg The shift boot trim ring also came in for the transmission shifter. https://i.postimg.cc/ZKLYb20w/IMG-1412-1.jpg The CPP steering box flare-to-oring adapters arrived too. https://i.postimg.cc/G2YrZSZJ/IMG-1417-1.jpg I did some junkyard scouting and scored this hydroboost manual pedal! I didn't really plan on this conversion, but for $10...that's hard to say no to! https://i.postimg.cc/LsG2QM08/IMG-1416-1.jpg I also came across an uncut set of battery cables for a 99-02 Chevy, these should work perfectly with the driver's side battery! https://i.postimg.cc/90hVVY23/IMG-1419-1.jpg Back to the truck, I decided the harness still wasn't complete, so I tied the grounds together and added a single termination point for the frame, and also ran it to the front to connect to a forward ground point. Shouldn't have any ground issues with this setup! https://i.postimg.cc/3RyWWBzd/IMG-1403-1.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/7h06nLH4/IMG-1404-1.jpg Next up, I started on transferring the hole for the clutch master cylinder. I took a thin piece of cardboard, scissors, and pen to the junkyard and traced out the area out using the harness hole as a guide. https://i.postimg.cc/BQ5b8t7c/IMG-1406-1.jpg Cut out. https://i.postimg.cc/JnB4RhBX/IMG-1407-1.jpg Not too bad of a fit! https://i.postimg.cc/brxy2FgN/IMG-1409-1.jpg Outline traced out, and verified against the online template measurements. I had to adjust my template slightly to the right, but otherwise it was pretty spot on! https://i.postimg.cc/y6cY5kK4/IMG-1410-1.jpg Cut out the holes, I believe this was 1.25" that needed to be ovalled. https://i.postimg.cc/FHcZkb5C/IMG-1420-1.jpg The clutch pedal itself had a deep groove worn into the pin where the clutch slave rode. https://i.postimg.cc/mDZNn0cK/IMG-1421-1.jpg I removed the pedal and built some weld up along the worn groove. The weld is harder than the material, and should prevent the spot from wearing back out as quickly. https://i.postimg.cc/G2MJnqGt/IMG-1423-1.jpg Perfect fit! https://i.postimg.cc/8z8dGFJR/IMG-1424-1.jpg Oh yeah, I picked up a new clutch master cylinder to test fit this! :lol: https://i.postimg.cc/Mpy7pWVh/IMG-1425-1.jpg I started painting the pedal box, pedals, and all related parts. https://i.postimg.cc/tJK69fTq/IMG-1426-1.jpg Getting ready to install the new bushings and pedal pads. https://i.postimg.cc/J7vZ3yQf/IMG-1427-1.jpg Fresh bushings and grease....mmmm! https://i.postimg.cc/xTmH60xc/IMG-1428-1.jpg Pedal box reassembled! https://i.postimg.cc/x8zkpRPW/IMG-1429-1.jpg I removed the gas pedal for the same treatment, and drilled and tapped the housing as a place to mount the fuel pump relay block up and out of the way. https://i.postimg.cc/xqVXwzxq/IMG-1430-1.jpg |
| All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:22 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com