1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler

[MTCK]

Yeah it is pretty unique. You don't see a lot of K30 SRW's around here that aren't crew cabs or CUCV's. I already have the crew cab covered.

The truck was purchased new by the school district, so I am the second owner. The 1984 title looked like it was about to crack and break in half. Advertisement said it had a 250 in it, but that was not offered in a K30 I don't think, build sheet shows 4.8L and the fuel pump is in the center of the engine, which I read is specific to the 292 vs. 250 or 230.

This thing is really growing on me. The 292 combined with 4.56 gears pulls and pushes snow like a mule. I think I just need to accept it and start a build thread. IF I do keep it, I'll ditch the flat bed / lift gate for a regular bed, then pretty much freshen everything up as is. It has a little rust on the front inner fenders, driver's rocker, seat has holes on the driver's side, driver's gas tank is inop, I don't like the big truck battery (and associated hood clearancing) and various dents and scratches. The motor starts in the cold, runs great, but gets terrible mileage (5-7) and diesels on shut down when hot. It needs some gauges too. Time will tell.

[whitels1]

Start a build thread and get going on it.... lol

[MTCK]

Yeah yeah yeah Not going to be much flow to put towards this until the L29 project is done, but maybe just a tinkering thread...

[DirtyLarry]

Man, that truck is just too cool. I love it with the flatbed and lift gate. That would be so handy around here for junkyard and Lowe’s runs. Put a 2” lift on her and mount up some Q78s on those stock wheels and it would probably do better on fuel for highway cruising with those deep 4:56 gears and look cool too. I’m sure you’ll get the little bugs worked out when you get some time. Being it came from a school district explains why they installed that big battery, so it would be common with the buses. I’d be peeling off the smog stuff first thing. Stay warm up there!

[MTCK]

Thanks Larry. The flat bed / lift gate might have to be sacrificed to help convince the CFO this is a value proposition. We will see.

You win Dave, build thread link below.

[MTCK]

Rod bearing showed up. Description said set of 8 but it was only one... Thanks GM/Summit.

[MTCK]

Seriously. I like using GM parts, but I can't pay $440 for a set of rings and $220 for a set of rod bearings. Clevite here I come.

[watahyahknow]

think irs a new salestrick , i had seen it with tools too , they show a complete set but you pay per piece

[MTCK]

The wife ordered me up a set of steps for the truck for Christmas. Should have them the first week of January. I'll post up pics when I get them.

[400/400]

Originally Posted by MTCK

The wife ordered me up a set of steps for the truck for Christmas. Should have them the first week of January. I'll post up pics when I get them.

I installed steps this summer. Definitely a big help. Also attached some boat handles inside above the doors.

[watahyahknow]

Originally Posted by 400/400

I installed steps this summer. Definitely a big help. Also attached some boat handles inside above the doors.

those foldable roofhandles that are usually mounted on the passengerside work well too and you dont hit them too hard when youre bouncing about on a dirtroad
think if you mount one a little above the steering to the a pillar you can swing youreself in and out verry eazy

[BossH0G]

Nice work so far, I'm looking forward to seeing more so please keep us posted.


(My preacher said I am going to hell ! I said it beats freezing my nuts off in Wisconsin)

[y5mgisi]

I forget now for certain what the plan was. This is a later vortec motor right? Are you sticking with the vortec injection?

[MTCK]

Thanks Boss.

Yep it is a 2000 model year Vortec 454. Keeping the sequential multipoint fuel injection, new cam, factory roller lifters, some GM LS1 injectors, Thorley headers and pretty much all stock otherwise. I'm going with a Howell harness and they will put the older style 4l80e plug in it for me.

[y5mgisi]

Nice!

[MTCK]

Hahaha not quite done, Dave. Finally had a couple hours to tinker this weekend. Installed the mains and checked clearances and end play. Everything checked out right down the middle. I also test fit the the LS1 injectors and they plug right into the manifold, fuel rail and harness. Tomorrow I'm going to drop off my pistons, tin and intake for a bath as those parts were all buried out in the shed when I made the first trip to the machine shop. Hopefully more progress this week.

[whitels1]

Get it together yet?!?! lol

[whitels1]

Looking good man, this thing will be a beast when you are done!

[y5mgisi]

Nice!

[Bird_Reynolds]

Sweet truck, man. Look forward to more updates. There was just an '85 crew cab 4x4 for sale in CO Springs, looked a lot like yours. We missed it I think it sold in 2 days.

[MTCK]

Thanks guys. Got the pistons, tin and intake back today. That was $$$ well spent! They are spotless. Hope to get some work done this weekend.

[DirtyLarry]

[COS399]

Looking good. This is a nice little project for this time of the year. You should have it up and going before the white stuff is gone.

[MTCK]

Thanks. Great project for this time of year. The best part is that we have not had any cold temps for more than a day or two, so parking outside hasn't caused too much strife with the CFO.

[COS399]

Originally Posted by MTCK

Thanks. Great project for this time of year. The best part is that we have not had any cold temps for more than a day or two, so parking outside hasn't caused too much strife with the CFO.

My CFO got a new truck in July and it has only been in the garage once. In October I had a remote start kit installed for her. Luckily she hasn't complained and at this rate she isn't going to get an opportunity to park in there.