My $300 find 1978 Silverado

[cagodinez]

Couldn't pass it up for the price, it has what looks to be its original engine and tranny but, the PO is keeping that, 402 big block and turbo 400, it's a 1978 Silverado. Want to start by pulling the dog house, wiche I've never done before and rebuilding the suspension and steering, I have a 5.3/4l60e I can use to get her back on the road. Unsure if to do the hydraulic booster upgrade.

[cagodinez]

More pics

[91short]

Nice! Where did you find that at? I think I would rather go with the 5.3 that you have planned anyway. Is it a short bed truck? What wheels are on it? I see you're in southern CA, what city are you in?

[cagodinez]

Are you serious lol, your in Hemet??? I live in Perris, bought the truck in Homeland.

[cagodinez]

It's a short bed, the wheels look to be 15x8.5 older aluminum Boyds. I don't know why the pics are uploading sideways.

[cagodinez]

Future owner.

[Gregski]

lets see it right side up, LOL, you are giving me Vertigo, there that's better, cool truck

[2120]

Nice score!!

[cagodinez]

Thank you fellas.

[allengator]

Score!!!!

[bigblock73]

That isn't the original engine. 402's never came in a 73-87, and if it were a factory 454, it would have been blue in '78

Nice truck and deal however...good luck on the project.

[silvereagle07]

Great score! Hard to beat at that price.

[slotard]

Unless you're somewhere that doesn't require smog I'd strongly recommend looking into what's needed before buying parts for your swap.

[cagodinez]

Finally got around to pulling the clip, PO doesn't want the drive train after all but, I'm still going to proceed with a 5.3/4L60E. The DMV fees were outrageous $800, back fees since 2009. The lady behind the counter helped me out tremendously, she dropped it down to $212. The truck is registered as a 1973 so I don't have to worry about any California smog laws.

[abig84]

good deal, hard to find anything cheap anymore. i found my 86 for $300 like 7 years ago but it was just the body and frame

[Bthomas78k20]

Cag - 5.3/4l60e?
Are you talking about the 5.7 lt1 w 4l60e from a cad, imp, roadmaster, camaro, etc....

If so, thst is NOT a straight foward plug and play !!!!

I personnally would stick w a 1st gen sbc to keep it cheap and easy. (Unless you gonna drop 10-20k into it, i wouldn't go trying to "drop" an LT1 or LSx into it.)
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[LT7A]

Cool truck! One vote here for keeping the big block. That would be a ball to drive. Only drawback is if it has to be your DD. Other than that big block FTW.

[HunterRotten]

I understand the reason behind wanting the modern engine, but big blocks are cool!

[91short]

Originally Posted by cagodinez

Are you serious lol, your in Hemet??? I live in Perris, bought the truck in Homeland.

I am in Hemet! I drive through Perris on my way to work everyday lol. I've got a white 91 Silverado that's lowered, but always love to see the square body trucks. Maybe I'll see you around sometime.

[cagodinez]

My daughter is going to be driving the truck to high school, it's going to be her daily driver that's the reason for the LS. I found a 4L60E core for $20 on OfferUP and had my buddy go through it and do a rebuild on it.

[mcnally351]

Cool start

[cagodinez]

My Buddy Clif still working on transmissions at 85

[moregrip]

What an awesome score man! Keep the pics coming!

[daddyjeep]

Originally Posted by cagodinez

My Buddy Clif still working on transmissions at 85

Any of those old timers I have been around are amazing to watch work. They can assemble a tranny with their eyes closed.

[cagodinez]

Originally Posted by 91short

I am in Hemet! I drive through Perris on my way to work everyday lol. I've got a white 91 Silverado that's lowered, but always love to see the square body trucks. Maybe I'll see you around sometime.

We must pass each other on HWY 74, I drive from Perris to Hemet every morning.