Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

Heads are back, and boy am I impressed! They look fantastic.
Before:
http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...-05-33_216.jpg
http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...-05-21_882.jpg
And After:
http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...7-17-58_87.jpg
http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...-18-14_341.jpg
http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...-17-35_894.jpg
That, plus I got a radiator from a early '80s C10 the other day, so I'm moving right along! Traded some of the work on these heads for the 810 casting TBI heads I had, got a big discount. The place even threw in new intake valves, all 8 of them! I highly recommend this place if you are in Central or Southern Alabama. I can give you details if you PM me.

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

Summit delivered some valvetrain stuff yesterday. Comp cams 26918 Springs, 648 Locks, and 787 retainers. No pics yet, may just take some when I get them on the heads. I'm stoked!

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

Wow, those heads do look great!!

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

Thanks man! I'm really proud of them anyway. Can't wait to get the valvesprings swapped over. Just one step closer.

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

Finally got the Beehive springs put on the heads. Making progress. Was recommended a machine shop for the block, so that or ordering an intake manifold will be next. Anyone have experience with Professional Products Hurricane manifold or PP products in general? Or should I splurge on an Edelbrock Performer RPM or RPM Air Gap?

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

Well got some NGK's for spark plugs today. Still saving for block work and rebuild. Let me know how I'm doing guys. Its hard to stay motivated sometimes.

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

Did you pick up an intake, or just saving for machine work?

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

Just saving up for machine work for now. School is starting back, so buying books is gonna be a huge PIA. I also meant the CROSSWIND intake, not hurricane, but a little digging showed I should probably just swing the Eddy Air Gap. Too much hit or miss on the Professional Products quality. Also, Lunati 60103 or Comp XE268 or Comp XE274? I've narrowed it down to those 3 unless someone recommends me another good cam, or should I get one custom ground?

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

Well got the block in the machine shop! Boring .030 over, all cam rod and main bearings, freeze plugs, new pistons and rings, and they're assembling the short block. I did a lot of crazy math last night with DCR and SCR. Running the Lunati 60103, I'm shooting for around 9.4-9.6 SCR with the vortecs and dished pistons, that will give me right at 7.9-8.1 DCR. I need to make sure and call them back to tell them to deck the block to 9.01, I'll be running a .028 head gasket, so if the pistons come to stock height, quench will be right at .038-.040, accounting for tolerances. If the pistons are in the hole lower than stock(which I fear may happen), I can still come out near .040-.045, still great quench. Ready to get this thing running!!!

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

Looks like you're making some good progress
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Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

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!

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...-37-26_135.jpg
http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...-37-43_166.jpg
http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...-38-00_401.jpg

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.

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

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?

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

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.

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

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?

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

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

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

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.

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

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.
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Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

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.

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

Bump

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

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

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

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

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!

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

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

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

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.

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

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!:lol:

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

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....

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

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

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

Good work keep it up. Id keep the sbc!! Theres a reason theyve been such an important motor since 1955!!!
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Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

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

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

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.

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

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.;)

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

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.

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

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.

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

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

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

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.

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

Well you guys talked me into it
I'll build the small block....

...and the buyer for my 350 backed out. Sigh, the universe wants me to build it because every buyer backs out or something happens so screw it. Just need odds and ends and she should be running soon!
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Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

Hey, I have a 5.3 sittin on the stand in the garage - was gonna do LS but decided to stay old school for this particular truck. Maybe a trade if your interested? Shoot me a PM..

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

Ok. Been a while, and there are some pretty big changes..

GOING LS!
Sold the Gen I and trans, Picked up a 5.3/4L60e with harness, ECU, accessories, etc. for $1400, after selling 350/TH375 for $1300, I came out pretty good!

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...184505_770.jpg
Combo sittin' perty!

Dirty Dingo 73-87 swap plates!
http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...121052_467.jpg

This is the car that got me really on board with LS swaps. My friend's 1978 Camaro Z/28, 5.3 w/LS1 intake, 700r4, still under construction.
http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...190955_136.jpg


87 gas tank, sending unit and new straps on the way from rock auto, should be here tomorrow.

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

awesome Z!

Re: Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)
 

I agree! I love his car, I'll stop by and sit in his shop and just look at it and brainstorm. Plus my parents had a black on black 1978 Z/28 as well!

As for updates, the 87 fuel tank and sending unit came in today, new straps as well. I think I'll be running the EP381 in tank pump, summit has it for $75, autozone had it for $105. I'll check somewhere else locally, but will probably end up ordering it. May or some braided line as well. The right sizes are -6 and -8 right? My engine has the return style fuel rails, so no corvette regulator, but will need to run more fuel line.