1970 K-10 SWB LQ4 Motor Swap
 

At long last, it is time to begin my build project. I purchased Naggi (the 1970 K-10 pickup) a little over a year ago. Mechanically, the truck had been severly abused but the body was in tact. Being an Arizona truck, the truck did not have any rust on it so I knew I had a good base to work with for this project.

I sold my new (2008) Silverado in order to rid myself of those nightmarish truck payment to save for this build. I rebuilt the warn out V8 that was in it just well enough to get me to and from work. The last year has truly felt like a prison as I have had no reliable transportation to enjoy but the goal was to save for this build.

I have the 6.0 LQ4 and 4L80E that I robbed from a 2005 Chevy 3500. I also picked up a NP241 transfer case out of 92 Blazer that has the passenger side drop and VSS already in it. Word to the wise, make sure you get the 32 spline input shaft on that T-case if you are mounting to the 4L80E. ahhh, life's little lessons... the powertrain currently has 90,000 miles on it, but I did get to drive the truck it came out of prior to pulling the powertrain and it should have plenty of life remaining.

I will also be converting the truck over to 4 wheel disc brakes (so I can stop all that power) and relocating the fuel system under the bed. On the inside of the truck, I have decided to move the shifter from the column and have purchased a Lokar floor shifter with the LED indicator. I think this will add a fun and nostalgic look to the interior. I purchased a tilt column with the cruise lever and a beautiful new half wrap billet wheel. The drivers information center is completely new with Autometer gauges and the necessary LEDs for turn signal, high beam, and check engine lights.

There are a few other things I am working on with the interior and will keep this post up-to-date as I'm able. The motor swap will commence this week beginning with the removal of the existing powertrain. Pictures to come...

Enjoy,

Re: 1970 K-10 SWB LQ4 Motor Swap
 

Sounds like fun!

Re: 1970 K-10 SWB LQ4 Motor Swap
 

Sounds like an awesome project. Subscribed, now I need to see some pictures!

Re: 1970 K-10 SWB LQ4 Motor Swap
 

Yes, we need pics!

Re: 1970 K-10 SWB LQ4 Motor Swap
 

Welcome! and subscribing. Did I mention we like pictures?

Re: 1970 K-10 SWB LQ4 Motor Swap
 

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Re: 1970 K-10 SWB LQ4 Motor Swap
 

I apologize guys, I will get some pictures up this weekend. I have been spending all of my time working on the truck getting her ready for the swap. Thanks for taking an interest in my project.

Kevin
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Re: 1970 K-10 SWB LQ4 Motor Swap
 

Here are some pictures of the old motor coming out.

Re: 1970 K-10 SWB LQ4 Motor Swap
 

Pictures of the under side of the truck.

Re: 1970 K-10 SWB LQ4 Motor Swap
 

Picked up the LQ4 motor, 4L80E transmission, and NP241 transfer case. I realized after the fact, during a test fit, that there is a 27 spline and 32 spline input shaft on that transfer case. I will have to replace the current 27 spline with the 32 spline before I install.

Re: 1970 K-10 SWB LQ4 Motor Swap
 

Here are some pics before I tore the interior out.

Re: 1970 K-10 SWB LQ4 Motor Swap
 

Current condition of the interior. Ready for the motor swap. Fuel tank will be relocated under the bed. Gauges are wired in and ready for the computer. Dash is ready for the heater/ac system and duct work.

Re: 1970 K-10 SWB LQ4 Motor Swap
 

Hey, thanks for adding the pics looks like you are well under way with this project. Keep the pictures coming.

Re: 1970 K-10 SWB LQ4 Motor Swap
 

I apologize for the delay in posting. I have been waiting on parts to come in. I have everything in place (with the exception of the transfer case. Thought I had a passenger side drop, but I have a driver's side drop. Parts guy is going to get that fixed.) The harness and computer are back from fab. The new headers are in and installed as you can see in the picture. The fuel tank is in. The new A/C system is in. The cross members for the motor and transmission have been installed. This picture is a test fit of the motor, trans, and headers. Everything fits with just enough clearance to keep me and the fabricator happy. We are an all systems go for launch! This project should start to move forward now!

Re: 1970 K-10 SWB LQ4 Motor Swap
 

neat build, do you have to replace the main crossmember?

Re: 1970 K-10 SWB LQ4 Motor Swap
 

Oh yeah! That's what I'm talking about!

Re: 1970 K-10 SWB LQ4 Motor Swap
 

when you get a chance, please post detailed pics of the engine crossmember, thanks