Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Thanks son, really cool, like it a whole lot...Dad

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

That is cool..!!!

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Way cool! Does it hang over the fireplace?

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Hey guy's and gal's been awhile since I've done any posting on my pickup. To make a long story short, since Aggie's passing I've been buys with different things, but that's about the change.

My son Mark has installed several LS engines in different rides over the years (currently installing one in a 38 chevy pickup). So earlier this year I talked to him about removing my 350 engine and trans and replacing it with LS and trans. I purchased an LM7 5.3 from a 2005 GMC Yukon with 150,000 miles. Also purchased a rebuilt 2005 4L60E trans. The engine has been gone thru and in good shape. Change the oil pan, new intake, wiring harness, coils, plugs, wires, injectors, coil covers, 02 sensors, headers, new trans shifter, etc.

It's been ready since July, but I've had to wait in line for room in the shop and for Mark to help with the the change over (also wanted to go to shows and cruise-in while I waited).

I do want to say that the FI Tech unit I had worked perfect for me for 5 years, and is still on my engine. I just wanted to change things up, with a different look and better milage, etc.

Pulled the truck in the shop this evening, and will start the tear down tomorrow. Here's a couple pics to get things started...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

It will drive different for sure. There are days I miss the SBC in my Z28, but 425rwhp and 24.5mpg @ 78mph is pretty awesome!

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

This is going to be fun to see. You and your son do amazing work. And you are both very supportive of others in their builds. Thanks for the effort it takes to bring the rest of us along for the ride!

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Thank you both, looking forward to the end result...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Glad you are back on the truck. Pics look good.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Thanks Robert...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Right on Jim, this will be a great modification in terms of both looks and performance.

Looking forward to following yours (and Mark's) progress.

Marc

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

That's purdy..!!!

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Jim, nice to see you just keep improving that beautiful truck! Nothing wrong with the SBC you had in it but I know after having a LS in my S10 it will be even more FUN to drive.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Thanks Marc, Greg and Ray. After driving with the SBC and 350 trans for 17 years, looking forward to see the difference, with report back on my impressions...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Doesn't look like much, but we got stuff done yesterday. Had to disconnect all the wiring to lights, horn, remove old cruise control unit up front. Then disconnect all the ac stuff going up front, removed radiator. Had to remove part of interior to get to bolts for the passenger inner fender. Remove the whole front end in one piece. Here's a few pics to keep everyone happy...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Just noticed that date on pics is off by 11 days, will have to correct...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Great time to clean all of the nooks and crannies of the front end. Good progress. Where are you hiding all of the ECU stuff? That can be a job in itself if you try to hid it all.

Marc

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

I was just fixing to ask about the ecm location..and Marc beat me to it
The last few swaps I've done ,I used PSI harnesses on..happy enough with them except the harness is to short to reach under the seat..BP is supposed to be long enough to reach under seat

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Yes, I went with a BP Automotive harness and it was long enough to mount under my driver seat with no issue. I'm sure Jim has a well thought out plan.

Marc

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

I'm not going to complain! I'm just happy the picture is oriented correctly, hahahahaha!!!

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Jim is usually atleast one or two steps ahead of us on planning!:lol:

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Thanks guys with the comments. Yes I will be cleaning. The ECM, etc. will be going under the seat. I also went with the BP automotive harness. Mark has installed several, and is the way to go. Don't know about two steps ahead, but I ordered stuff starting in July and have everything I thing I need on hand. The only hang up is the shifter, I ordered it in sept. was to be here this week, so show, called and was told it won't be until Dec 6.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Not much to show, but was busy all day, exhaust removed, all wiring from the FI Tech removed, all wiring etc from cruise control removed, and misc other items. Also removed top and all the interior to be ready for install of new stuff. Here's a few pics...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Back in the shop today, after getting a few more things disconnected, we got the engine and trans pulled. Then I cleaned the front end of frame, boy do they get dirty when you drive them. Had to remove my old frame engine mounts, and put the new engine in place. Will be back at it tomorrow to see what all will need to be modified, etc. Here's a couple pics...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Looking good Jim!!

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

OUT FREAKING STANDING.

man i dont know how i missed this but I am glad to see it!

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Great progress!

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

The heart transplant looks to be going great. What a fun off (drive) season upgrade.

Keep at it,

Marc

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

I noticed the change in the color of the new LS from the old SBC. Are there any other paint changes or will the LS get repainted?

Will be interested to know where the PCM gets placed and which harness you use.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Greg, Russ, Outlaw, Marc and Robert. Thanks guys, it's moving along, but may have to change a few things up. Robert everthing will be under the seat, I'm using the BP automotive harness, which is longer, so it should work out. Yes I was ready for different color in the engine bay, I painted the LS this color...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

OOO Baby! I will be like night and day, sometimes you have to go out with the old and in with the new.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Hey everyone, Mark didn't feel well Tuesday or Wednesday, so I only got a few small things done in the shop, but it was progess. Mark was back in the shop today and we got alot done. I'll post up some pics, with what we did.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Mark pulled the engine back out and put the transmission on the block. Then we put everything back in place. He cut my old chassic mounts to fit back in the same place, but smaller, and tacked in place.

1st. pic is with engine back out.
2nd pic is after all welding was done and Mark painting up everything.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

While the engine was in place, we checked the old trans crossmember and all it need was modified a little and in bolted back in place.

While under the truck we checked the driveshaft and it fit perfect. The reason is my old 350 trans had a long tail, which made it work with the new 4L60E.

1st pic is the trans modified crossmember all painted.
2nd pic is the long tail on the 350 trans

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

The last pic is the engine and trans in place for final time. Then we started installing the BP harness to the engine. Don't have pics of the harness inside the cab, but will post pics tomorrow. Lots done and taking shape...Jim

Almost forgot about my headers. The ones in earlier pics, aren't going to work now. My brake arm hits for header. So I ordered center dump stainless headers which should clear. Should be in next week.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Lots of progress, looks good! I need me a Mark.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Mark and Jim, that looks great! Nice job.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Looks great guys. You will be driving before Christmas....Well done.

Marc

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Thanks Jan, yes he is great to have around, reminds me of when I was his age...Jim

Thanks Robert...Jim

Thanks Marc, was hoping before Thanksgiving, but Lokar shifter won't be here until sometime in Dec...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Looks great!!!!

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

"Thanks Marc, was hoping before Thanksgiving, but Lokar shifter won't be here until sometime in Dec...Jim"

I was going to type Thanksgiving but I thought that would be crazy fast... I had a Lokar shifter for a turbo 350. I called Lokar and they sold me just the parts I needed to convert to fit on my 4L60e. Just a though, maybe they have the spare parts in stock more than a whole new shifter. Just a thought.

Keep at it.

Marc