Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)

[79shortbed]

Originally Posted by 78gmc4by

Looks like you're making some good progress
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Thanks! Means a lot to hear some encouragement. Just waiting for the block to get done and pick up, then it will be all top end from there!

[79shortbed]

Here's the block back! All new bearings and freeze plugs, bored .030 with dished pistons, decked .015. Excuse the dirtiness.

I knew I was doing my math right. H423 pistons are .02 shorter than standard height pistons because they are rebuilder pistons. 1.540 vs 1.56(standard). With the new pistons and .015 deck, they are exactly .03 in the hole. With some felpro .015 shim gaskets, right at .045 quench. Slightly more than I wanted, but still within reason. Compression ratio (static) is pushin 9.7 with the vortecs that were milled slightly. Voodoo 60103 (their 268 cam) will put me around 8.01-8.07, which should be fine for pump gas. Here in 'bama, we get the 93 (good) go juice.

[79shortbed]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/73-74-75-76-...fda6ce&vxp=mtr
Any thoughts on whether this would be ok/safe to use? Special tools needed?

[79shortbed]

Ok. I'm hopefully in the process of selling the SBC and related parts I've gathered and trying to go LS. Fingers crossed. It doesn't make sense that I spent $900 to get the Gen I rebuilt, when I could pick a 5.3 for $850. I'll be at least $2k into this either way, might as well keep up with the times.

[79shortbed]

Bump for thoughts or interest. Tips and things to remember for LS swap?
I went to a place local here, and can get a 5.3/4l60e complete, harness, ecu, accessories, for $1250. 4.8/4l60e combo for same price, but actually comes from ONE vehicle, 115k 2002 Yukon. Who wants to see a turbo 4.8 SWB?

[Dieselholic92]

I would build the 350, but that's just me. At least everything will bolt up in the current state of the truck.

[notyo_cheez]

Actually $900 to rebuild the short isn't that bad, O'Reilly gets about $1400 for a rebuilt long block with exchange around here. Summit and Jegs sells crate 350s all day for around $1500 less shipping. Consider the complete rebuild kit fetches about $650 over the counter and you still have to do the machine work.

The advantage with doing your own teardown/reassembly is picking the various upgrades you want as you go; cam, timing gears, etc. Ultimately you get what you want going this route. A fresh crate out of the box may not have the internal performance goodies, but unless that's important to you it's a quick and easy way to get it going.

My $0.02 on the LS swap, (and I know there will be experienced builders who will disagree with me) is the extra work and possibility of unforeseen things that can happen when installing a used plant. Yes the salvage yard will warranty what they sell you but do you want to tear it down again if you have problems with it? For all the time and expense involved to install an engine experience has taught me to work smarter instead of harder.

Really, it's all up to you and the depth of your pockets. Bragging rights are only worth how much you spent to get there in the first place.

[79shortbed]

You guys are probably right. When I'm unable to make progress for a while, I guess I gey a little distracted. I hate sitting around, waiting for something to happen with no job.
Posted via Mobile Device

[79shortbed]

Oh well in some good news, got a transmission this past weekend. I was told it was a TH375. TH400 body trans with the TH350 output shaft and spline count. Should hold together with my small block right? Let's guesstimate 400bhp and 420btq.

[79shortbed]

Bump

[79shortbed]

http://montgomery.craigslist.org/pts/3346711557.html

I think you can tell what I'm about to do....

[truckzilla]

I hope I'm not too late to add my .02s worth on the LS swap, but I'd by all means encourge you to go modern with the motor. A really built up 350 is nice, but a bone stock 5.3 will still rock your world and get mileage worth being able to actually drive the truck around, especially if you pick up the 4L60 that is usually already attached. And those can be picked up relatively easy because of the abundance of them.

I subscribed to see how it all turns out! Good luck on your build!

[truckzilla]

Also, a later model 4.8 with a cam swap and tune will really make 'er fly as well!

[79shortbed]

Thanks truckzilla! That's my plan for now, still trying to sell the 350. I have been wanting to go LS so long now, the small block just doesn't get me going like the new engines do.

[truckzilla]

There must be something to 'em since everybody and their brother are making the switch. Granted, they're not the most attractive of motors with the coils and the cabling and whatnot, but hey, I'm up for the challenge of making one look halfway presentable. There is more information on making a LS swap than you can shake a camshaft at!

[79shortbed]

Originally Posted by truckzilla

There is more information on making a LS swap than you can shake a camshaft at!

Bahaha ain't it the truth though! I was thinking of a few things to make it look a little better, maybe run some wires and stack or arrange the coil packs in the back to make it look like a distributor or something. I'll come up with something to make her perty!
Then again, a turbo would look sweet in there....

[truckzilla]

Yep, a turbo would look dang sweet in there along with it!

[hopped up]

Good work keep it up. Id keep the sbc!! Theres a reason theyve been such an important motor since 1955!!!
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[truckzilla]

Originally Posted by hopped up

Good work keep it up. Id keep the sbc!! Theres a reason theyve been such an important motor since 1955!!!
Posted via Mobile Device

Without a doubt, they've had their day!and nuthin' but!

[79shortbed]

Well I have a buyer lined up or this weekend for the SBC, now I'm thinking of keeping the trans I have now, but wondering if it would be easier to just put a 4L60e behind it. Thoughts? Also thinking of using Trans Dapt PN 4595 for the mounts. Slides it back 1 inch. Would this allow me clearance for headers and such? A/C will not be used, so no need to notch the frame for that.

[68Timber]

You're close to being able to drop that 350 in, and it will all bolt up. Not a bad thing to do while you save up for the LS engine and 4L60E. And the 350 should be easier to sell when you can take a potential buyer for a drive before you pull it. IF the potential buyer changes his mind.

[UATahoe]

Looks like you had a good start for the motor. Just not interested in the 350 anymore? Hopefully got a good deal for what you had.

[79shortbed]

Yea I just still needed a lot of parts for the 350 as well, I was still at the crossroads where I could recover from the expense on the 350 and get a complete 5.3/4.8 with the money made off selling the SBC. Gen III/IV is what I had my heart set on, so I knew I wouldn't be completely happy with the Gen I.

[truckzilla]

I sense the Jedi LS force is strong with you! Follow your instincts!

[68Timber]

If you want an LS that bad, sell the 350. It sounds like your heart is set there, no sense building anything else. I thought you were more on the fence. It's a good looking truck, should be sweet.