1952 Chevy Vette Farm Truck Build

[FarmerSid]

This is what the internals look like once I had the truck pan off. Pan was clean with no sludge or anything laying in the bottom. By the looks of it, what do you all think the condition of it would be?

[FarmerSid]

A few of the two pans for comparison and a few others.

[Advanced Design]

The engine does look really clean inside. Should be good to go. The F car pan is a good fit and was just measuring mine today to check fit for one. Yep, it will work.

[99 to Life]

sweet looking good, one more thing off the list.

[ptc]

Originally Posted by FarmerSid

This is what the internals look like once I had the truck pan off. Pan was clean with no sludge or anything laying in the bottom. By the looks of it, what do you all think the condition of it would be?

Just by the browning discoloration I would say oil changes were not a priority in this engines lifetime or it has been sitting a long time full of oil. I would pop the caps and just take a look see, if any remnants of wear I would freshen it all up while you got it apart. Then keep the oil fresh.

[lower50's]

Pan clearance looks great now!! I'd say motor is in good shape. I've seen motors with regular maintenance have some kind of sludge.

[99 to Life]

I didn't even notice the top engine pics. If it were me, I would pop a main and have a look if a pan comes off. I don't think the studs are torque to yield like the head bolts prolly are. I'v seen engines with that colorization, if it isn't bluish I wouldn't think it was getting too hot or anything. I think the color could be a combo of things, the oil being used (now days all types of admixtures involved) the way the engine was running, the list could go on. If you look at the block it has that same stainish color. You might pop the heads and see the pistons have a lot of carbon build up. Or check the plugs bf you do that. To me, the LS stuff can run way better on way worse than sbc's. But I'v witnessed the most insane sludge in a 305 my buddy tossed in his truck and that thing ran so dang well, you'd never believe it was a sludged up 305.

To me I like to tear completely down and put all new on, but sometimes you just gotta cut the corners, I understand. but a simple bearing check is well worth it. Heck do a compression check too, I found a dead cylinder on two engines by doing that simple check. One engine had a broken piston land. I got 230k on my LS in my daily and it runs good so if you got a low mile LS and want to risk not checking stuff, I'd say the odds are better but like anything, its never a guarantee. I like to run stuff on a start stand prior to putting everything together.

[FarmerSid]

Blasted the Hooker headers and sprayed with Graphite lube.

[Advanced Design]

Those look really good Sid. Apologies if mentioned before, what is the part number of the Hooker headers?

[FarmerSid]

They are part # 8501HKR. No apologies needed.

[FarmerSid]

Hooker manifold installed. I like the look.

[oldman3]

Nice...Jim

[Advanced Design]

They do look good Sid. And thanks for the part number!

[FarmerSid]

In the never ending search for an accessory set up I like, I picked up a AC compressor mounting bracket for a 03-08 Trailbaser SS. The compressor used is a TRSA12B. It uses the truck spacing and as you can see, it brings the compressor closer to the block. A little bit of trimming and a hole drilled and it should work. I don't have too much invested in the part so I won't be upset if I don't go this route. Can't justify buying a TBSS compressor for mock up and not use it. Maybe the junk yard will have a compressor they don't want an arm and a leg for.

[99 to Life]

very good info, I'll be flanking you guys on the bracketry cause Im getting close to that point. Be cool if this works, plenty of trailblazers out there since they are garbage! Its crazy how much guys ask for 1 bracket, let alone buying two or a whole kit. The cost of two brackets and you could have a nice complete engine.

[FarmerSid]

I hear ya on the brackets and such. Tons of info and options to go over. I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer and takes me a bit to get a understanding of things. Sometimes I have to just have to say "enough is enough!" and get it done. My overall goal is to keep the Vette theme thing going if can. In order to avoid notching the frame for the AC and ALT, they should be moved up high. The Holley brackets do this and look like the C6 engine bracket but can use the truck ALT. I've found used C6 brackets but they want big $$ for them and only take the $$$ Vette ALT. I like the stock look and the Holley is the same width as the Vette bracket. But this interferes with the inner fenders. The more I contemplate this, the more I'm willing to mod the inner fenders to fit. Not a pocket type mod but a long slice type thing to pull the metal in closer to the tire. We'll see when I get to that point.

I don't plan on buying all the parts just yet but planning ahead so I can get my engine placed for upgrade later on. Money needs to be spent on needed things right now and not at wanted things. Ha! I will probably run the truck stuff for now. That's what's going on in my tiny head right now.

Merry Christmas all!

[99 to Life]

I agree, gotta buy what you need bf what you want on a build. Seems like the stock frame LS swap is def the most difficult, which I knew would be. I'm a big fan of stock inners, but I'v seen some cool customs ones. Seems like it would be easier to build some custom inners and modify the firewall a touch and boom, save a lot of time and headache and money on the brackets. But.... the more guys on here saying this and that, will make it basically the norm on future builds for guys. We all do some leg work and make it easier for the newbies!!! bless the forums!

[Advanced Design]

Trail blazing to a new bracket idea! Would be nice if it fits without modifying the frame and hopefully you can find a compressor to try out.

Sid, I was thinking along the same lines on the inner fender mod. Do a long slice like a long bubble rather than a pocket. It would look better.

99, it is helpful, as you mentioned, accessing forums to figure this stuff out. There have been many AD trucks built with LS so someone has probably figured out what works or fits. I just haven't looked hard enough I guess. Anyway, it is interesting figuring it out.

Here is to sharing information!

[Advanced Design]

Sid,

I was wondering if your cab was on the frame?

The end of the manifold seems to be really close to the toe board on the left side. Before ordering one, I just wanted to double check if there will be room to get a u joint on the end of the steering shaft.

Would you have a picture showing that area with the left manifold installed?

Thank you!

[FarmerSid]

Not sure I'm following AD. My cab is off. It's on the stand and have the fire wall cut out. my C4 rack came with a factory steering shaft about 12" long with a rag joint on it. I put it on it cleared the motor mount and manifold just fine and pointed to the floor board where the steering column would come out. That was with the Camaro manifolds. More clearance now with the Hookers.

My firewall column hole has been filled and don't remember where the factory hole was. A buddy dropped off a steering stub shaft that he thought I could either use or cut it up for parts. I will go take a few pics and maybe it will show what your looking for.

[Advanced Design]

Apologies Sid. I should have said a u joint on the end of the steering column. I was looking mine over again this morning and I believe I have enough room from about where the steering column will come through the firewall to rear of header clearance.

Thank you for your kind offer and please don't go to any extra trouble.

[FarmerSid]

Not to much to update on with pictures but I have ordered a 68 Camaro EFI fuel tank. Finished modding the firewall so the valve covers won't hit. Gonna order a rad in the AM. Been busy parting out the roadmaster to provide funds for parts. Quadrupled my money so far.

Off topic but my oldest boy just competed in the International Silver Stick tournament in Niagara Falls, Ontario. They came home champions in the Atom/Squirt tier II division. Played the York PA Devils, New Jersey Bandits and San Jose jr Sharks. Patrick Marleau's son played on the San Jose team. We played them in the championship game and came out on top 3-1. Met and had a bunch of cold ones over the 4 days with parents of the American teams attending staying in the same hotel as us. What a great bunch of people! It was an experience of a life time for my boy and I. I will post a pic or two later.

[lower50's]

Congrats to your boy for the win

[Advanced Design]

Sid, congratulations to your son! That had to be a great experience.

After a lot of measuring and research, I have pretty much settled on the 68 Camaro fuel injected tank too. If I keep plodding along at my current glacial pace, I can follow your ideas for installation!

[FarmerSid]

Thanks guys! Camaro gas tank was sitting in the garage when I got home from work today.


I hear ya on the glacial pace AD. Gotta get the roadmaster parted out as 90% of it is sold. Can't believe how many of the parts people want. Not complaining as its bringing in good money.


And lastly, a few pictures from the Silver Stick Tournament