86 Silverado K20 12V CUMMINS Build

[Dieselwrencher]

These things move a lot of water in the cooling system. They move so much that when you start running over 3k the water pump can over pressurize the cooling system and usually the rear most block freeze plug will blow out. I've clipped 2 fins on 6 fin pumps before to help, but then it doesn't cool the same if you hot lap it. So I just use billet freeze plugs and a by pass if it's going to be over 3k a lot.

[brimc]

I am going to install a used electric fan from (?) at the scrap yard. I am thinking I will not need much just as "56" has mentioned. I also ran this engine for a few years without any fan with no issues. As far as running over 3K, only once did I even have it up anywhere near that. But that's another story.
Thanks for all the interest guys, I'll try and get some more work done to it so I can update.

[6BT 56]

Originally Posted by brimc

I am going to install a used electric fan from (?) at the scrap yard. I am thinking I will not need much just as "56" has mentioned. I also ran this engine for a few years without any fan with no issues. As far as running over 3K, only once did I even have it up anywhere near that. But that's another story.
Thanks for all the interest guys, I'll try and get some more work done to it so I can update.

Is your shop heated brimc? This time of year sure slows down the progress. I have a propane radiant tube in my shop i leave on all the time set at 40. When it gets colder I heat my home and shop with my outdoor wood boiler.

[brimc]

Originally Posted by 6BT 56

Is your shop heated brimc? This time of year sure slows down the progress. I have a propane radiant tube in my shop i leave on all the time set at 40. When it gets colder I heat my home and shop with my outdoor wood boiler.

Ya unfortunately the weather plays a big part in "build" time and no heat in the garage slows things down a lot. The house wood stove is just inside the door tho. I have a large portable electric radiant heater I use if I need it just to take the edge off.

[6lcummins]

Originally Posted by brimc

I am going to install a used electric fan from (?) at the scrap yard. I am thinking I will not need much just as "56" has mentioned. I also ran this engine for a few years without any fan with no issues. As far as running over 3K, only once did I even have it up anywhere near that. But that's another story.
Thanks for all the interest guys, I'll try and get some more work done to it so I can update.

Only time I have ever needed fans with either of my trucks has been when using the A/c. The Chevy lived in TX for 8 months and never got hot in DFW in aug-sept when its really getting hot in TX.

[brimc]

Originally Posted by 6lcummins

Only time I have ever needed fans with either of my trucks has been when using the A/c. The Chevy lived in TX for 8 months and never got hot in DFW in aug-sept when its really getting hot in TX.

We'll it is defiantly colder up here compared to Texas!! Good to know. Maybe I will hold off of the fan until after a few good test drives.

[Dieselwrencher]

I say put a fan on it now because as soon as you pull it out of the garage, it's highly unlikely to put it back and want to quit driving it.

[spgill2000]

Updates?!

[brimc]

Originally Posted by spgill2000

Updates?!

Thanks for asking!
I planned on updating by now, just haven't got to it yet. It has been one of the coldest with the most snow in a long time. (years) Hit-35 last week one day. Needless to say not much shop time.
I did get some neat emblems for Christmas.



I did start working on the engine bay wire harness. going to piece together the chev and the cummins from the doner to try and make it look somewhat clean and "factory" looking. (inside the house, not the garage )
I also have it narrowed down pretty close on the gauges. About 75% sure. Just have to convince myself it is worth the money. - about $900 for complete set. Here is a sneak peak.


As soon as winter lets up it will be full steam ahead on the cab and box. Really want to have it painted in the spring! We'll see.

[Dieselwrencher]

Nice emblems and nice gauge. I like that it has a 4k tach instead of the typical 6 or 8k unit.

[arrover]

Thanks for posting the Speedhut gauges. I had never heard of them but they make some really cool stuff. Appreciate the info.

[brimc]

Originally Posted by arrover

Thanks for posting the Speedhut gauges. I had never heard of them but they make some really cool stuff. Appreciate the info.

Ya I really like them. You can customize them almost anyway you want.
Not sure about cost. I am still shopping. I worked out a complete set just over $900. I would still have to ship them to Canada too.

[brimc]

So let me say first off, it is fricken COLD. I have a small project going on inside with the engine wiring harness. I decided to try and add a "W" terminal hookup for a tach. I started with taking the back cover off.



Then I picked a terminal that looked to have the most room for clearance etc.



I drilled two access holes. One for a screwdriver, and one for the wire.





Made a new wire. Double heat sink cover.







This is what it looks like all back together. I am going to use the original alternator wires, which I cut out of the dodge, and run them to the battery, ground and voltage regulator.
Has anyone used this method for the tach signal? I have only read about it and have not tried it. Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.

[Dieselwrencher]

I've never used that type of set up for a tach pick up, but it would be cool if it works well. Most of the swaps I've done the OEM tach is looking for a certain pulse count to operate correctly.

[stepside83]

this is a cool build def wanna see more

[brimc]

As soon as this long, cold winter starts winding down there will be many more to updates

[Mr. 250r]

I like the build but i questioned the motor mount metal thickness until i re-read the thread i was thinking it was 1/8in because it looked thin but you say its 3/16 to me i personally would've made it a 1/4 since i know these motors are rattle traps but at work for some reason we put these motors in industrial drills with tube frames that are 1/8in thick and solid mount the motors =-/ So i guess it'll be okay lol nice build keep it up

[brimc]

Originally Posted by Mr. 250r

I like the build but i questioned the motor mount metal thickness until i re-read the thread i was thinking it was 1/8in because it looked thin but you say its 3/16 to me i personally would've made it a 1/4 since i know these motors are rattle traps but at work for some reason we put these motors in industrial drills with tube frames that are 1/8in thick and solid mount the motors =-/ So i guess it'll be okay lol nice build keep it up

I really appreciate this comment. I spent a long time thinking and researching before I pulled the plug on that part of the project. Yes they are 3/16 but I still believe they are overkill for this project. If I was going to up the HP and TQ big time I would have went 1/4. Definitely gotta be better than the stockers.

On the next project truck, one thing for sure, the next set I build will be better than the last ones!

[COS399]

Brian,

I can't wait to see you finish this one and follow your next one. Thanks for the great pictures and lots of them.

[6BT 56]

Looking good . I am likeing those gauges. I will be checking there website for sure . I am so tired of this winter !!!!! Burned up all my firewood . I have ALWAYS had some left . Guess I will know better for the future . Burning furnace oil at $1.20 ish pr L and up really burns me . I had so many plans this winter and it just kept coming and coming . Will be glad to see temps in the + thats for sure . Any plans to get a tc under there ? A divorced 205 is hard to find i bet . I always giggle to my self when I see the pics of the truck with the 2 tone paint . Reminds me of when it lived down the street and was always rollig thru Coldwater covered in mud So nice to see it getting the proper attention . I always liked the 2 tone . Really looks good on these trucks

[brimc]

Originally Posted by 6BT 56

Looking good . I am likeing those gauges. I will be checking there website for sure . I am so tired of this winter !!!!! Burned up all my firewood . I have ALWAYS had some left . Guess I will know better for the future . Burning furnace oil at $1.20 ish pr L and up really burns me . I had so many plans this winter and it just kept coming and coming . Will be glad to see temps in the + thats for sure . Any plans to get a tc under there ? A divorced 205 is hard to find i bet . I always giggle to my self when I see the pics of the truck with the 2 tone paint . Reminds me of when it lived down the street and was always rollig thru Coldwater covered in mud So nice to see it getting the proper attention . I always liked the 2 tone . Really looks good on these trucks

I hear ya on the winter. WOW. My wood pile and oil tank are nearing empty as well. Probably double the fuel than last year.
I have 3 options for the T/C. ( 4 if I go 2wd ) I keep scanning the adds for NP205's. I figure I might as well hold out until a good deal. I want to go divorced. 2nd would be change out the tail on my current getrag and put on a 205 from a 1st Gen. ( only because mine is recent rebuild and good clutch ) 3rd is swap out the front axle to a driver drop and go NV4500 or 5600 or G56 and T/C from the same.
I remembered when you mentioned coldwater that I was going to put up some more history about the truck and never did. Here is an appraisal from 1997 when the truck had it's first rebuild.









Hopefully as soon as the weather warms up some, more truck building

[6BT 56]

Well I think the local who owned it may have let it slide a bit according to that vs what you are showing now . Lol.

Any thoughts on the paint ? The burgandy and gray looked sexy for sure.

[brimc]

Paint options still up in the air also.
Solid bright white.
Solid red.
Two tone white/red.
Or paint it the same two tone burgundy / charcoal grey. ???
Right now, leaning towards solid white.

[6BT 56]

Solid white is so commercial . We have a fleet of trucks at the marina that are all white . They all look the same and there the same as every other shops trucks as well.

Yes it is nice when it's all nice and new but that gets old fast . As for the bergandy / Gray . Thats just flat out sexy . Not to likely to find another one like it either .

Whith your attention to detail it will be nice no matter what you do Im sure.

[brimc]

Agreed on the White. However, it is easy to prep, spray, and excellent coverage and hides poor craftsmanship well
I can not remember who or where I stole this picture from, so if this is your truck, let me know so I can give you the credit I think this is a very nice truck and shows the "white" very well.


I am also going to be painting this thing myself. Since I do not have access to a full shop / booth anymore I will be creating a special home made booth at home. Can't wait. It's almost truck building season around these parts. I could work outside today and still feel my fingers inside my gloves!