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Originally Posted by 83GMCK2500
He's still alive!? Excellent! I loved following his threads on here, particularly his white C30. Great to know you're in touch with him. Also good info about the starter, I knew the 96+ Vortec ones were even smaller yet but had no idea the TBI ones were a step between. I'll try to file that away in the memory banks without loosing it.
While you've got the front end stripped down have you given any consideration to converting it over to the single serpentine belt system with the aluminum brackets from the late tbi motors?
I'm interested in those wamrod hood struts, I'll have to read up on those. Thank you for the pictures of them. Does the hood open to the same height as with the coil springs?
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Yeah it felt good to hear from Kevin. I always loved his practical approach to his builds.
So far I have have it on good authority that the 88-95 TBI starters are smaller and better than the 73-80. I'm told that the a/c blower motor is a bolt in upgrade as well. Recently I was told that that same generation of cruise control was adaptable to the earlier trucks too.
I have considered a serpentine set up. I'm still not that familiar with all of them, and I know some are rather bulky, while others are much cleaner. Unfortunately, time constraints are not going to allow that to happen.
Regarding the WAM rods, they can be adjusted to what ever height you desire within reason. Their objective was aesthetics so they recommend an open height that is level with the top of the cab.
At a show, I usually lower my hood to a spot that is right before gravity pulls it down and closed. I set my height at that point which is a few inches higher. This gives me plenty of access under the hood with out restrictions.
The advantage with a WAM rod is you can pop a clip off the rod and use a prop to hold it open higher than the stock hinge allows. Not pretty, but functional of you do need to make repairs and dont want to pull the hood.