Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

@BlueJeep - interested in your motor mounts. I'm doing 5.3 swap on my '53 from the 5.7 that was in there before. The position of your motor looks great, not to deep or tall like some get.

Any info or pics?

-Panelrodder

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

It's the 24" (beginners) model.

Let me know what you need/want. It's really easy to get anything at this point.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Well a couple pics would be the most basic request I guess. Are you using the stock ls mounts or something custom or something you purchased somewhere?

My motor came with some stock mounts and my first thought was to lower the motor in place and just see if they would even work. I've looked at aftermarket mounts and they are crazy expensive for just some metal plates so I'd like to see if I can use what I've got or modify them before dropping coin on new ones.

-Panelrodder

PS: Your build is inspirational man and I'm gonna jack your batter mount in the fender well idea I think.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Thanks! I used motor mounts from Carshop.com. I'd likely build my own if I did it again, mainly because since they came all welded up I had to cut them apart to start fitting then to my frame, which was more work than I wanted. If you go back in the build thread a page or two you'll see lots of great pictures of the motor mounts and how it sits in the frame. I have a couple sets of stock ones too, but I think it would take too much to be able to re-use them as they're bulky and not flat.

Here's a good picture showing how low the motor sits in the frame:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...p/DSCN2570.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Today was spent working on the transmission tunnel. I did some shrinking around the rear edge of the tunnel to get it the shape I wanted and then spent a lot of time trimming. I went a little at a time so as not to cut to much off, and I'm very happy with how it turned out. I'll have a little finish work when I flip the cab back over, but for now it's looking good!
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps42431f08.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psda3ce43e.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psc2472005.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psb6f49345.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

And now that I don't have to be in and out of the cab so much, it's time to finish some other things up. I waited on installing the cowl panel until I had the door hinges rebuilt. I'm trying to get the gaps as good as I can get them, without spending too much time on them. I'm just building a driver, and periodically I have to remind myself of that.

So, I hung the door to get started and then proceeded to adjust, and adjust, and adjust the cowl panel. It really doesn't follow the profile of the door very well, so that will be modified more tomorrow.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps8e551e45.jpg

I also didn't like the crater that was formed when the panel was overlapped like original, so I cut it out and will butt-weld a piece in there.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...pse4ec6b18.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Trans hump looks great, I agree those repop panels can be a bear to make work...Jim

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Tonight I spent a few more hours working on the cab. I have the cowl panel on for good and the driver's side cab corner. Just a few more things to wrap up before I call that side done.

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psb8a6ebeb.jpg

Here's how much I had to spread the cowl to get it to somewhat line up with the door.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps44531d99.jpg

I'll have to do the same thing with the bottom of the cowl too, but I don't have good access to it right now so that might wait until I pull the cab back off.

The cab corner turned out pretty nice, some finish grinding still required.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps0f78cf15.jpg

And here's where I'm at with the profile of the door and the profile of the back of the cab. I'm not looking for perfection here, but I am going to get it better than this:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps39d8044a.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Going to spread back of cab to match door, like the front???Jim

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Yes, that's exactly what I'll be doing.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

It's always a challenge to get everything fitting how you want it. I spent alot of time on the door/cab gaps too.

Looking great!!

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Chipping away at it a little more. An inside task I could do was to figure out what the hole needed to look like for my suburban gas filler grommet. I had previously used the truck one, but didn't like the mis-match of angles of the filler neck and the grommet. My solution was to order a suburban one. Since I don't have a suburban, I had to figure out the hole for it. Paper pattern to the rescue:

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps784297c6.jpg

Then again on some scrap to check the fit:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps2dc9d50e.jpg

Yep, that'll work:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps691b22de.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Since I had help here this weekend, I did some work on the bed. First I had to fix one of the captured nuts on the bottom that had broken loose. Then, I was able to set the bed back on the frame and build new mounts for the front of it. Last time it was together, I just kept the front box mounts...but never liked how big and bulky they were with the integrated cab mount. I cut those off when I blasted the frame and was now able to build new ones. I also needed to support the front of the bed floor, which had been spliced on from another s10 bed. I came up with a simple solution using 1x2 rectangle tubing that would meet the need and be clean.

Bed back on the frame:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psc12775f7.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps60a96fc1.jpg

New mounts:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps9fca1966.jpg

Checking the fit with some spare parts:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psf188469c.jpg

And lastly, my helpers seeing if the tailgate works....it did.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psf5e07376.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

And I've realized I didn't post pictures of the rear axle swap.

Out with the old (circa 1995):
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psc370d4b5.jpg

And in with the older (circa 1977ish):
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psb59e4cf7.jpg

Put my 2" blocks in while I was at it. I'll probably add 2" drop springs to the front too.

Here's the new stance:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps23e9191b.jpg

I built the rear axle wider than the s10 rear so I could get rid of the wheel spacers I had been running. I moved the spacers to the front to push the track width a little wider.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Looking good...Jim

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

You sure have some quality helpers working on your truck with you. Your not only building a old truck but making memories for a lifetime! Keep up the good work.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Have you ever ordered your radiator yet. Wasnt sure what you ended up going with. Most of the ones I have seen have an angled lower snout. I would like to find one that comes off straight.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

BlueJeep, Looking good. It is alway good having little helpers. Mine has not been able to come out lately because of too much welding and grinding. I love the s10 bed floor. Keep up the great work.

Shannon

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Thanks!

Yep, and I'm pretty sure they're the only ones in their preschool class who know what clecos are and how to use them.

Haven't figured out a radiator yet. I keep looking for one with the proper 1 1/4" upper and 1 1/2" lower fittings with a steam port. No luck yet.

Mine have safety goggles and earmuffs, but have to go inside when I get to major grinding or welding too.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Well I bit the bullet and ordered a radiator from a supplier of mine yesterday. Its a griffin. It has the upper 1 1/4'' and lower 1 1/2'' ports. I am not sure about the stem vent but would it be possible to tie it in to the overflow spout on this one below the top water neck. I am new to LS engines so I am still learning some of the smaller things like that about them.


Attachment 1047867

Attachment 1047868

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Nice! How much was it and what is the part #? I believe you can't tie the steam port into the overflow because that would be on the wrong side of the seal on the radiator cap (and therefore wouldn't return coolant until there was negative pressure). Should be able to find someone who can TIG a fitting in one of the tanks for you though. Looks like the lower neck is angled, can you share how much it is angled?

What is the fitting toward the bottom? I only see one so I assume it's a drain, but it's quite a ways up on the tank.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Yes the price was $155. The lower neck is slightly angled but not enough that its gonna hurt I hope. I hope I can get a closer look at it this weekend. I will post pictures to my thread if I do. I also ordered a straight water neck for my engine too. The part number for the radiator is 1-25182-X assuming that is not the supplier part no. and its Griffins part no.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

That's about what I was hoping to spend, good to hear!

Which water neck did you get? The one you have to modify to fit or the one that uses the LS thermostat?

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

I got the one that said it fits the LS Thermostat. I hope it works out. Should be a short piece of hose on the lower radiator neck for sure. If you want one of those radiators I can get you one through my supplier for the $155 plus shipping. I could just take a paypal payment from you and just dropship it to you. If you are interested or want to wait and see how mine works out just let me know.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

I might just take you up on that. Let me know how it looks when you get it. I think you may have been misinformed on the inlet/outlet size though:

http://www.griffinrad.com/buy_online...7e8c2a322b064f

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Today I spent some time trying to improve upon my door gaps on my driver's door. The profile of the cab didn't match the profile of the door very well, and the cab seemed easier to modify. I started out by just making a slice inside the back of the cab....but that evolved into just cutting out a large section and making a new one with my stretcher/shrinker.

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps468aaa7c.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps70fd8097.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psd81e140a.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps75ac4b4b.jpg

Just a little more to do at the top and the bottom, and I'll be happy with the profile. Next up will be to add some TIG wire to the outside edges of the door in certain spots to fill in some gaps...

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Here's where I started:

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps39d8044a.jpg

And here's where I ended up:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psc27bdf9e.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Super nice work. These body and doors have to be reworked to get a nice fit...Jim

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

I did a little more work on the door gaps, then grew tired of it so I switched to something else. :)

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psc82c0aaa.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psf629ec20.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

So I pulled off my passenger door and decided to fix some rust on it. Actually, I needed to trim some metal around the upper hinge so I can get it adjusted to where I can work on door gaps some more...but since I had the door off...

I evaluated what needed to be done:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps7f3e69a7.jpg

Yep, need to make a patch. So I did.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps5d11510f.jpg

Checking the fit, it fits pretty good:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psc78c0ff3.jpg

I ground the edge and peeled away some rotted metal:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps5fe7dc23.jpg

And cut out the bad:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psbe612597.jpg

And here's where I ended up tonight. Some more fine tuning, then some POR inside the door, and I can weld it back up. Not too bad of a job, so far I'm about 2 hours into this door:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psf34d16a5.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Looks like a nice repair....Jim

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Saturday I started with painting the inside of the door with POR-15, and then welding my patch in. I still need to pour a little more POR in it, to seal up the freshly welded patch on the back side. It turned out pretty well.

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps63a0496c.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps308253af.jpg

And then I went to work on the bed. I did some shrinking on the bedsides, and then was able to weld the front stake pockets on for good. I also cleaned up the hole for the filler neck and finished up the rest of what was needed prior to spraying epoxy on the bed.

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps52fe9b2d.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps7f3baa9c.jpg

And...
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps784dfa34.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

My dad got me started, and I took over from there. 2nd time ever of spraying finish from a gun, first time at home. I did find out that the smell does permeate into the house pretty well on an attached garage. :-) I didn't think it was too bad, but my wife disagreed....

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps3d136358.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psd228934b.jpg

Wet black primer makes me realize how rough these bedsides were/are. If I had it to do over again, no way I'd use these....I'd build new ones from scratch.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psf3697f1b.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psed0d7b74.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps6e6ead47.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Like the work you've done. I'm starting my project with much the same equipment any advice you can give on putting the 3400 on the S10 chassis would be appreciated. Also feel free to take a look at what I've done so far I'm using your project as my base line.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Thanks, and I've checked yours out and will continue to watch.

Well, I'm very close to being back at it with my truck. I had to take a break to work on another project, and now that that is wrapped up I have the truck back home!

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps9781afa8.jpg

Today I scored some LS1 exhaust parts off a 99 Camaro. Now I can buy some bends and build my exhaust. I had previously bought a near new OEM muffler off a 2012 Silverado that I'll be using. Yes, I'm looking for quiet. I'm happy to learn these manifolds are steel, so rather than messing around with blockoff plates for the EGR, I'll weld 'em shut.

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psffe8efd7.jpg

The Camaro manifolds will allow me to get them in here, where the truck manifolds did not.

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps37ff1f54.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Now that it's supposed to cool down, it'll be time to get some things done on the truck again. I've been working on it a little, but not post-worthy. I'm currently working on figuring out the exhaust system and building new inner fenders for it so I can mount all my stuff under the hood.

The stock AD inner fenders just don't leave a guy any room to mount stuff like an ECM, air filter, overflow tank, squirter tank, etc. I'm fixing that. I have started with some 36" trailer fenders, that seems like the appropriate size to accommodate the swing of a 28" tire as it turns.

Old:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps1f489fc5.jpg

Beginnings of the new. I'll roll some sheetmetal and close it in more, but even then it looks like I'll gain 5" per side of room, plus the space in front of and behind the tires.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps2d75ce02.jpg

To ensure everything always clears, I removed the coil spring and jacked up on the control arms:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps65dcc7fe.jpg

I can definitely see that if I was bagged the stock s10 track width would be about perfect in the front. I currently have 1" spacers on the front and the tires get into the fender hard when it turns.

Here's the space I'm trying to capitalize on. Plans for these holes include air filter, overflow tank, and access to replace headlight bulbs. I picked up some headlights at Goodguys this year that use a modern style bulb, so I'll cut the back out of the existing buckets and have access through the engine compartment to change the bulbs, like a modern car.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps177293fb.jpg

Plenty of room for a filter now:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psf23f961e.jpg

Should be able to pull lots of cool air from the grille too, instead of hot engine compartment air:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psfb872141.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

I also have a significant amount of space behind the tire I can use too. Plans for this area include the ECM, a squirter tank, wiring, and hose routing too. Soo much wasted space inside huge AD front fenders.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps82802f71.jpg

This is full stuff with a 28" tire, cab 3.5" off the frame, and 2" drop spindles.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psc7d1be9a.jpg

And playing a bit with intake ducting. This setup will not work for me, because of the Kwik Performance brackets and high mount Sanden compressor on the passenger side, which will also not fit until I build new inner fenders.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps43704bff.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psa1e8de15.jpg

And just for fun, I did drive an old truck a little bit this summer. My grandpa's Model AA:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps7d06b8c0.jpg

Next few weeks will probably not yield much progress on the truck. I have a 4 wheeling trip I need to get my Jeep ready for, and I need to set up some gears in a 68 Roadrunner.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Nice update, can't wait to see some more on how the new inner fenders work out...Jim

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Me too! Very interested in how that works out. Had some thoughts in this direction too for my stock frame AD panel truck w the same 5.3. The coolant ports dump right into the passenger-side inner fender!

-Panelrodder

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Yes they do, and the thermostat housing points off in that direction too. I'm also looking at building a new core support to accommodate a wider dual-pass radiator, just have to figure out how big I can go and still clear the hood.