'89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

It is time to start working on my 89 gmc again. I have owned the truck since I was 16. That has been some.. twelve years now. Anyways, I have had it parked for better part of five years, licensed/insured and drove maybe 1200 miles in that time frame.

It used to be my daily driver/go to school/do everything else in vehicle (ha if only the wife knew), but now I am going to put it where it belongs and have it be a fair weather cruiser.

Parts I don't plan on changing:

4/4 drop with spindles/springs in the front and different springs in the rear
Wheels/Tires
Hood (pending clearance issues)
Built 700r4 Update 03/13/2012 Upgrading to 4L80e Transmission
Front Bumper/Cover
Front Seats (they are faded but will dye them back out) Update changed out
Exhaust (Other then headers)



And for parts I have to change out:

Front Clip - other then Hood
Doors - Using 95-up doors on the truck, current ones are broken up badly and I don't care for the door panels
Engine - (bought a 6.0L, going carb'd with msd crank trigger ignition)
Interior - (undecided if I am going to do a full 96 dash swap) Keeping the burgundy color style
Bed - (mine was workable, bought another one worth the money that doesn't need bodywork)
Paint - (not doing anything fancy, just going back with the factory black)
Grille - (Gmc grille is broke in three mounting areas, have a 94-98 Chevy chrome grille I might use on it instead)

Parts to buy:

Carpet
Motor mount brackets for Gen 3 Engine (I hear ebay) - Update bought
GMPP Hot Cam - Update bought
Headers (need some advice on which to go with for this body style truck) - Update bought Schoenfeld Headers
3rd Member Have some F__D 9" parts, 6 lug 14bolt.. not decided on this part yet - Update went with 14 bolt and had axles redrilled
Carb Currently have a summit brand 650cfm, I don't think it will cut it - Update bought a 750
Intake - Update bought a GMPP rectangle port intake
Msd Controller - Update bought a MSD 6010
Flexplate - Update bought a flexplate for a th350/700r4, now get to swap back to one for a 4l80e


So with all of that said, I will be pulling motor/trans out together. Vortec headed'd roller 355 will more then likely be going into a 3/4 Ton truck I am going to buy. :metal: - Done

Once I get the motor/trans pulled I will start the tear down process of the front end. I am going to rebuild everything that wasn't replaced with the drop spindles when I had them put in.

I will work through everything to make it as clean as it should be, or as clean as I can make it be. It isn't going to be a show truck when I get done with it, but I want it to look like the owner is proud of it nonetheless.

..

Anyways, this topic is useless with out pictures so here are some.

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/6895/img1667a.th.jpg

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/9527/img1662a.th.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/5397/img1650a.th.jpg

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/5604/img1648a.th.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4808/img1647a.th.jpg

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/7279/img1645a.th.jpg

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/2696/img1642a.th.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/7...g1656aq.th.jpg


Yes I did pull the bed before I took the other pictures (Did that before the last of the two rounds of snow came through) I will put a picture I have of the truck right after I bought the wheels/tires off of craigslist on. :edit: Picture in

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/6...g00139a.th.jpg

Well here is to a new year starting out good for the ol' truck. I plan on having majority of the work done by cruising weather, but I anticipate a year or so build time?.. Who knows.

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Subscribed. I've been waiting for an LS swap I could follow. :metal:

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

I'll keep the camera close when I start on that part of it then! :) I have bought both sets of brackets, "standard" and 1" forward style.. Not knowing what goes in and keeps everything else factory..

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Found the time last night to get the front clip almost unbolted.. still lack the hood (too late in the day to try that solo).. a/c hoses and a few other parts. Already removed the radiator and some other parts earlier today but forgot to snap those pictures.

Also decided to keep the correct year style dash in.. found the parts I need to swap over to the 92-94 style tach dash for it. I will have to rethink what doors I use now, I don't like how the 95-98 style door panels mesh up with the 88-94 dash.


http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/289/img1687c.jpg
http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/1299/img1686.jpg
http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/5632/img1688x.jpg

Going after a 90 model 3/4ton 4x4 truck Saturday, that will be the new vehicle for this engine to go in. I'll snap some pictures of it, but the truck is going to cost me a whole.. $400, so don't expect a sharp truck :)

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Subscribed! This truck looked pretty wicked before, I cant wait to see the finisehd product! :metal:

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Cool build.:metal: There are a lot of guys who use the 95-98 door panels on the older trucks. They don't look to bad.:chevy:

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Thanks for that.. I might still do it, the body/interior parts of the build will be at the end, so I will probably change my mind a few times. I have a 96 donor vehicle and a 93.. so either way I can come ahead compared to whats there now (nothing!) :)

93 truck has manual windows/locks, 96 power windows/locks. I am used to the truck having power windows and locks, although, the power windows have been known to cause me issues.

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Bought a '89 3/4ton 4x4 truck yesterday, now I have more reason to get the front clip / motor pulled off of the black truck.

http://img27.imageshack.us/i/img1691ag.jpg

Just an old work truck, that isn't going to be done working yet. Truck has power steering, 4 wheel drive, 350, and it being a 2500 as its ONLY options. I like my a/c, but I don't think I will go through the work of moving all of the air conditioning parts to this truck from another. Come July I might change my mind.

When I get the motor pulled out of the black truck, I will shift work over to the 3/4 ton truck to get it back on the highway. All the waiting is fine anyways, still have to get the 6.0 back from the machine shop.

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Cool old beater.
My 89 did not have air-conditioning either, but I was surprised how cool the vents could keep the cab interior, especaill with the rear window open a little bit. I was comfortable even during the hotest dog days of summer, so you might not have a problem there.

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Thanks for the vote of confidence.. I wish it did have a sliding back glass in this one, I have took two out of other pickups I have had, now I need one. Figures!

I'll try to get some pictures of me in here somewhere, I get warm pretty easy even when its cold outside, pictures only help show why, ha.

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

No pictures, have the engine in the 3/4ton almost ready to come out. Will be bringing in the black truck to get the front clip and motor pulled hopefully this weekend.

Will be picking up the 6.0 either Friday or Monday. Found out that one of the heads from the engine is bad (cracked). Going to be ordering some L92 heads.. Guess it is a good thing I hadn't ordered an intake yet!

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Parts update:

Headers - Bought these today.. http://www.schoenfeldheaders.com/LS1-TRUCK.htm $300ish shipped.. (bought from a speedshop somewhat local, they are going to be factory shipped to me)

Flexplate - Bought GM part number 12621399, flexplate with spacer and bolts. $74 shipped. Found the flexplate several places, including sdparts.com, but ordered from crate engine depot. Ordered from there because their part number shows the flexplate as a kit, where some places are not selling it as such.

MSD 6010 - Ordered from Summit.

TransDapt Motor mounts, part # 4572. Ordered from Summit.

Also bought gaskets as needed from Summit.

Have the shop cleared for I can get the pickup in tomorrow to get the ready of the goodies out of the way.

I have also heard of people having issues with the stock oil pan clearing the front crossmember, can anybody confirm/deny?

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Got the truck in the shop today, was able to work on it a good solid four hours before having to stop to get ready to go eat with the family. Pulled hood front clip and have all of the wires unhooked on the engine. Did some minor cleanup on the front frame horns and some other areas while I was talking on the phone.. Going to wirebrush everything after the motor is out. Spent time cleaning the floor of all of the dirt, grime, and junk that fell out of the front clip when I took it off. It is amazing the amount of stuff I swept up today.

If I have the time tomorrow (which I think I do), I will pull the motor.

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/9250/img1722.jpg
http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/1376/img1721nf.jpg
http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/563/img1720z.jpg
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/3103/img1727sl.jpg
http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/9740/img1726g.jpg
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/2562/img1725n.jpg
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/7183/img1730f.jpg
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/7541/img1729e.jpg

:edit:

Also found that I need to swap out the steering sector.. what a better time to do it eh?

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Made a short video of what the truck sounded like before I pulled everything the past week. Something for me to be able to compare against later, outside of the driver's seat anyways. :)

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Engine pulled, truck rolled out of the shop. Minor focus redirection now to 3/4 ton truck, then back on build.

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Cool build! ill subscribe ;)

Man that hood is sweet! I ws waiting till they came down on price a bit but they are still up around 700 bones..

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

That is the price I paid for the hood, the better part of 8 years ago. Only thing that has went down in that time period is what a dollar is worth! :)

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Thats is very true and sad at that, all comes down to who can make a dollar..

So what are the next plans for the truck?

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Still waiting on the shortblock to get back to me, going to go check on it today. I haven't ordered the heads yet, an unexpected expense (I could cheap out and go back stock, but at this point... ), so I am also waiting on tax return cash to finish that part.

So, it boils down to time right now. Going to pull the engine out of the 3/4 ton hopefully mid afternoon Wednesday. Depending on how the flywheel looks (clutch etc), I might go back with my other engine in it the same day.

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Started getting parts in via fedex/ups today.. Came in to four boxes of parts..

Nothing kills the mood like waiting for somebody else to get done with what you are wanting! :lol:

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

:lol: i know the feeling there man, i have a machine shop that i used to work at that the boss lets me go in and do all my machine work free of charge only if i help him with customer jobs as im working on mine so its pretty cool.

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

If I'm correct, thats the 442 hood that can enable ram air induction. It's the same hood i plan on getting. You can find it at stylintrucks.com. It's about $530 there, not including shipping. Slightly cheaper than the $700 you see elsewhere. Now my only problem is the shipping charges, as well as duty with me being from Canada. Oh well.

-Jordan

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Yep, the 442 allows for a ram air piece to go with it from Keystone, the part number is GH-GBX42. Its a direct bolt on and go for Vortec motors only, of course depending on what you want to do and if you want to do it, it can always be modified :)


I used to have some good friends that worked at this machine shop, but times have changed and the good buddy policy no longer applies I guess. Just have to remember that when they need more business level support with their point of sale frontends die again.. :devil:

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

motor and exhaust sounds good. Also love that 442 style hood.

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Yeah, I don't have the vortec heads say enough. Do you know if any high flow air intake would work in replacement of that specific part?

-Jordan

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Its not so much the vortec heads or anything, its the layout of the vortec fuel injection. The airbox mounts on the passenger side fender, and has a cold air intake style box that seals off with the hood there. The box is hooked up to the vortec intake via plastic tubing.

With that said, you could make something that could tie into that, but I don't have specific measurements or anything for what it would take. I have always wanted to buy the kit, but just now actually deciding if I am going to try to make it work or not.

Thanks for that! I hope the sound gets better and not worse after this :)

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Turn of events on the 89 gmc build. I am going to be at the peak of what horsepower that I am comfortable with on the 700r4 build that I have (build was done by a local guy with no doubts of his transmission prowess). So with that said, same said builder is going to be working a 4L80e for me, going full manual valve body, whatever else he recommends for fun... if he deems I have a need for it anyways..

Stuck on what camshaft I am really going to buy now, I had previously said the GMPP Hotcam, but now that I have ordered L92 heads :metal:, I am more then likely going with something else.

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Update, engine from the black truck is now officially in the 89 blue truck. Several hours spent trying to get the exhaust to line back up, along with some clutch fork issues, I got it all back together. Almost.

Still need to finish up with some fuel lines and put the wires/plugs back in.

On track for hopefully next friday/saturday doing some 6.0L fitments..

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

ditto to that hood. been looking at those myself.

can't wait to see the 6.0 swap

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

I will be firing off the 3/4 ton and moving it out of the way some point in time tonight. Finished up with the few parts I needed for it with a fuel pressure regulator, heater hose, some fuel treatment...Here is where I stand on what I need for the black truck.

Parts to buy:

Carpet
Cam
3rd Member
Intake
Heads

Going to be using the stock lq4 aluminum heads on the mockup to see how close everything is as far as bolt and go. Local yard has found a late model 6.2 LS2/3 (not sure) engine that has the L92 style heads that I am going to use if I can get them for what they are saying they will sell them for.. Otherwise, will just buy them straight up from sdparts.com.

As far as the carpet, I am needing to figure out for sure on a few things interior wise, but that part should come last anyways! :)

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Long time no post. Have the 3/4ton truck done to the point where I put my focus back on the '89. 3/4ton truck has a rusted brake line by the fuel tank.. It is up in the frame rail and I am not ready to take the bed off of that dirty old truck anytime soon.

Anyways, all motor parts have been ordered and are well on their way. Did some more research and found that GM recommends that the head bolts be one use only. Can anybody vouch that? Headbolt kit looks to be somewhere around 240 dollars, and there is differences in year models. I am sure I would need the later for the L92 heads.

Speaking of the L92 heads, I sent them off to be decked to 64cc instead of the factory 70cc that they were.

Anyways, there is the update, I will get some pictures uploaded of parts in the next few days.

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Should be picking up the shortblock tomorrow, along with the heads. Went from 70cc to approx 64cc on the heads for the build also.

If everything comes together tomorrow, I will be taking vacation next week wed-friday to try to get something running.

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Awesome man. Sounds like a good vacation!

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

I hope so! I want to get it for I can move it around on its own power again.

I did come up with a 14 bolt 10.5" ring gear 4.10 eaton posi.. Going to go around quoting machine work/axle swaps for it today. Atleast I think its 10.5, it is an eight lug rear end out of a 3/4 HD truck, but not a full floater.. anyways its what im going to use..

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Spent majority of the weekend with a sick son (1yr 103+ temp and alot of time at the hospital equals not much done on the pickup), I did manage to waste a little time by hanging the 96 model doors on the pickup. Picking up heads tomorrow from machine shop, took Thursday/Friday off this week, maybe things will fall into place better.

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Time for some more pictures.. Will take some of the truck and what I have done with it the last little bit. Should get the short block tomorrow, but I could be quoted on how many times I have said that now.

http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/8598/img1812d.jpg
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/5985/img1764a.jpg
http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/9258/img1767ac.jpg

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Small update.. Finally got the engine in to start working on it. Will post some pictures when things are going good.

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Going to be putting cylinder heads on today, I will take my camera with me this time.

Found a great resource for information, thanks to ebay. I found a 6.0 LQ4/LQ9 specific engine manual for around 30 dollars shipped. It just so happened that there was a part number from this manual, so I google'd it and found that the company had the pdf linked directly off of their site.

www.pleasurecraft.com/manuals/L510016.pdf

It is somewhere around 300 pages printed, but it makes for a great read on the proper torque rating and squence for everything to be clamped down. It has by far been the best resource I have used so far for research. It even shows appropriate metric thread size for the bolt holes etc..

I am still short an oil pan, pickup tube, starter, front drive accessories, coil packs and smaller things..

I did find a seller on ebay that had what I needed to do my a/c compressor relocation due to the Trans-dapt motor mount plates blocking the factory compressor mounting bolts. I will get a picture of that too..

Otherwise, no other updates until pictures hopefully later tonight.

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

Pictures as promised.. not much more then a tease.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/4198/img1848c.jpg


http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/7186/img1849k.jpg


http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/4618/img1850b.jpg


http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/2949/img1840w.jpg


http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/4581/img1842m.jpg

I also did some preliminary measuring and found that from the engine mount to the top of the carb stud is around 25.75 inches.. Stock 350 with tbi unit measured to top of air cleaner is around 24.25 inches. I am going to have to measure the motor that came out of the black truck tomorrow and see its overall height and hope for the best that this new one will clear the center support of my 442 hood. :o

Re: '89 GMC C1500 build thread
 

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/1338/img1844m.jpg

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/7176/img1843l.jpg

Forgot to post door pictures, just got one of the driver side, I promise I put one just like it on the passenger side.