deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

This is my first post on here. I've spent my last few house payments makings Jeff's commission out there at CPP. We're finally starting to head back in the right direction. Drove it in my shop, stripper her down, and it's time to make her new again. 70 chevy truck. It's been in my family all its life. Ps/pb/factory ac truck. Had a 350/th350 in it. That motor will be set aside for a while. I just picked up an 5.3 out of an 04 silverado. Complete with harness, drive by wire assembly, compressor, Ps pump etc. Bolting it up to a 4l80-e. Now for my current questions.... best motor mounts for the trucks(built or bought)? I've heard of "kevs classics" for rebuilding a steering column. I've got my column, but I want tilt, and a cruise control switch of sorts. How can I get a hold of this guy? I hear he does great work. Also, headers...I'm not wanting to spend a fortune, but I do want a quality product and it needs to fit well with the frame and mounts. Any recommendations? I'll post a few pictures of my project shortly.

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

A few photos from my tear down

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

More work. Burning through drill bits, cutoff wheels, and firewood.

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Feeling like progress at this point

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Time and money...time and money

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

I sell the best mount I know of for a 2wd. I've used them in '73-'87 models, and would love to see how they work in the '60-'72 models.

They align straight up, which moves the transmission forward a couple of inches. With my 4L80e, the mount stud landed in the stock location. My trans cross-member was all the way to the rear. The 5.3 is so much lighter, the fwd position is no issue. My mounts use the OE clamshell assemblies from a late '80s truck. I believe they'll work with your pancake mounts. If you care to try a set, I'll send them out. You can keep the low mount A/C this way. It adds cost to the driveshaft, but saves you the cost of an A/C bracket, and since a driveshaft upgrade is in order, it makes good sense.
I suggest you use Hooker cast iron manifolds. They have the best clearance. Also, get a 2010 Camaro water pump. The lower water neck points lower, and the top water neck is on the driver's side. It requires an inexpensive idler relocation bracket from Dirty Dingo. It will let you use really clean, inexpensive, radiator hoses.
I use a driver side battery tray to clean up and centralize electrical, and free up a path to the passenger side for an air pipe without the space conflict with the alternator and top hose.
I will shortly offer a fan shroud for square bodies. I expect a similar install will work for you. It mounts two 12" GM fans. I'll also have an ecm mount coming soon. Check out my shop page to see how it all fits in my Square. You can message me there.

Tejas Steelworks

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

subscribed. Looks like you are doing a great job. Why is that we TN folks choose to do things like this in the worst possible weather months?

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Thanks for the info Scotty. I'll check that out. As for being a TN man. If I can work in my shop in the winter months instead of being miserable outside, I'm happy to do it. The weather is never awful, but if I've got my options...

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

It looks like you have a nice shop environment to work in, I don't. In Nashville we had 28 overcast and/or rainy days in December. Starting to get me down but enough of that. I have a 71 with the original 307 that I want to do an LS swap with this year. I appreciate your thread and hope to learn from your project.

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Looks good so far. I like how the hidden hitch bolts to the side of the frame instead of the bottom. I have a Boyd's tank so this is what I need. Where did you get it?

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

I bought the hidden hitch from CPP. It worked really well. I like how it mounts just right behind the plate. As for my ls swap. It may not be the best way to do everything. Certainly won't be the most expensive or elaborate, but this truck will be done right. I'm excited about this one. It's actually my grandfather's truck. I'm just building it for him. Has a lot of history being in my family it's whole life

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Subscribed- sweet looking truck and killer progress so far!

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

The fuel tank from LMC came in today. Tank looks good and fits fell. However, only two bolts for the two straps holding the tank. Not sure what the deal with that is. No instructions nor were there any diagrams.

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Thanks Neil. Working on cleaning up my wiring harness and getting the motor cleaned up as well today.

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Installed the blazer tank today from lmc. Came with two straps, but only two bolts. Not sure what the deal is with that. No diagrams, no instructions. Otherwise, it fit's well. Set the cab down for the first time since I did the frame work and suspension upgrades. I'm liking the look so far. Hopefully I can mock fit the motor and transmission in the next couple days.

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Hopefully I'll get more of my parts in, now that the holidays are over. It seems to put a 4 week delay on ordering anything

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Progress has felt slow lately. Strated working on motor placement and making my mounts.

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

How to I move this post to the build thread section?

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-66-68-6...b16b8a&vxp=mtr

I would give these a try , the performance online mounts work also,, but move your engine forward 1 1/2 to 2 inches

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Subscribed

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Picked up a radiator and electric fan assembly today. I'm going to change the support a bit so it sits closer. Even the stock set up sits too far out for my liking. I don't know why they didn't tuck it in better (maybe for easy removal and install?). A lot of room can be saved by moving it into the support. Anyways, far from done but it's starting to take shape and I'm going to have much more room between the motor and radiator now.

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Looking like a good build. Keep up the good work. I'll be following this one. Subscribed.

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Nice project, nice work :metal:

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Got the fuel pump, sending unit, and regulator hooked up. Cut the radiator support here and there (so I can fit my 2006 radiator and dual electric fans in). Wanted a tighter fit and it saves room as well. Not done with it yet, but it's getting there. I'll get the motor mounted this week hopefully. I put the hookers on the other day. I like the old school look of them. Thanks for following

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Started porting and polishing the throttle body as well.

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

I'm going ton shave the intake down this week as well. Gotta do something about the ugliness on this one

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Nice! Pics and details on shaving that intake if possible! Looking good

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Got some more parts in and on today

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

A little done today. Just about done with the radiator support. A little more body work.fuel lines ran. Beyond irritated with the pre bent brake lines CPP sent me for the front. Nothing lines up. Nothing even fastens together. I may be ignorant, but I think it's just screwed up. I just walked away from it today. Anyone ever seen a truck dash rot under the glove box? I assume there isn't a patch panel for this?

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

I had a similar problem with my brake lines from performance online. Nothing seemed to line up properly. It was very frustrating. They even sent the wrong parts plus some were missing. Finally ended up getting it straightened out.

As far as your dash is concerned, I would think that someone would be able to cut a piece off of an old dash to be able to use it as a patch panel. Unless the rest of your dash is a disaster, that's the route I would take. If you're dash has holes and cuts in it then just replace the entire dash. I swapped a dash out on my 69 C20 truck. My original dash was molested and cut up. I was able to find a nice unmolested AC dash, which I swapped in. It's not that bad to do, especially when you have the truck ripped apart anyways.

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Got the fan/radiator done. Got the motor and tranny mounted. All is fitting well it seems. Just gotta get after this body work. A huge thanks to Tejas Steelworks. Scotty has helped out tremendously. He seems to know his stuff. Especially with recommended parts to use on LS swaps.

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Starting to lick my lips now. She's gonna make an awful good "driver"

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Groovy!

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

A little more done. Rear shocks on. A bit of body work. Sprayed bed liner under the cab. A few other misc things

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

A few more pictures

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Hi Matt, I got a cab that has been rolled, so the roof is shot, but I can cut out that lower glove box section and send it to you.
I really like those wheels !!

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Great looking build.

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Can't wait to see this one finished. Great job!

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

That would be awesome. How much?

Re: deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build
 

Thanks guys. Any criticism is welcome. Ideas, input, whatever. I've got a ways to go and I'm still open to ideas on interior and a few other things.