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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Posts: 95
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I’m confused, and need some advice
I’m getting ready to teardown my truck and dive into the driver terrain, but I’m conflicted. A co-work who has done a few conversions is being adamant about replacing the carbureted 350 and TH400 with a more modern LS1/LT1 with a700R transmission to make the truck more modern. His only logical argument is “it is better”.
However my thought is I like the simplicity of the 350 and TH400…..BUT…I need some advice from people with more experience restoring/fixing up a 1969 pickup. My end goal is to have a nice truck as a weekend driver. The only modifications I was planning to do was to update the gauges, add power brakes, put disc brakes on the front and add 3-point seat belts. I’m looking for options on which is more cost effective between the two options of an engine/tranny update and rebuilding the ones I have. Is it even worth staying with the older engine and transmission knowing the challenges of maintaining the carbureted engine over the hassle of the engine/tranny swap. Please provide your opinions. Thanks, Gerald |
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#2 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Victoria, B.C
Posts: 3,794
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There are quite a few opinions on this swap in the 'Engines and Drivetrains' area Gerald.
I think you'll find several threads about this....and the opinions are pretty varied. Both are good choices, it depends primarily on you, your budget and your requirements and expectations. ![]() Again, check out the threads in this in the other section. Coley
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....for some men, there is experience, skill and effort....for the others...there is visa and UPS LOL 1966 Chevy 1/2 ton (Florida- Red/white) 1972 Chevy 1/2 ton (California- Blue/white) 2005 Chevy Silverado HD2500/Duramax 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Del Rio,Tx
Posts: 36
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
I like the classic look of an older drivetrain.. But a nice more modern lt1 would be nice also.. hard call
Posted via Mobile Device
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1970 c10 swb (sold). 1967 c10 swb (bagged) ![]() |
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#4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: daytonabeach
Posts: 22,956
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
thank him for his opinion and build it exactly the way you want to/// i really dont care what people think about my stuff. if it makes me happy and smile i am the only one that matters
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71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY |
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#5 | |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Posts: 3,331
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
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#6 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Knoxville TN
Posts: 1,170
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
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Working on the carbed engines is almost fun. Working on the computer engines is almost work ![]() |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Farmville, Va
Posts: 3,026
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
This old GMC of mine only has to please ME. So with that in mind that is how she is being built.
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#8 | |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Posts: 95
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
Quote:
Just for the record I design high power motor controllers for EV (Electric Vehicles), and personally hate dealing with automotive environments and meeting reliability numbers. There was a silly posted about cutting up the dash and putting in a CD player....that is another thing I need to "undo" from the prior owner. |
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#9 |
Florida Edition
![]() ![]() Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Fruitland Park, FL
Posts: 4,025
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
For a weekend driver stock rocks, save your $$$. Nothing looks better than a restored engine bay in these trucks. Check mine out in the 'Rose' link below. Not bragging, just sayin.
Posted via Mobile Device
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70 GMC Short Stepside "Rose"-An American Beauty: Factory 402/TH400, AM/FM, AC, Tilt, Tach, Buckets, Posi, PS, PB, 3-5 Drop, Complete Resto-Rod 67 C-20 Slant Back Wrecker "Mad Max" 67 C-10 Ratrod "Step-N-Wolf" 71 Serro Scotty Sportsman camper "Scotty" 97 LT1 Z28 "The Hornet" Link to more pics of "Rose" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...p?albumid=1684 Check out my "Cheap Tricks" thread and add to it if you can, lots of good info there. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394 |
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#10 | |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Northern Calif.
Posts: 3,697
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Paradise TX USA
Posts: 1,200
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
There's nothing wrong with the original carbureted engine and TH 400 trans setup.
They are simple, reliable, and easy to work on and maintain. I drove them when they were new, and considered the "state of the art" in automotive technology. The new computer controlled engines are nice also, but I personally prefer original powertrains in classic vehicles.
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"Negative people always seem to have a problem for every solution" |
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#12 |
Old Duffer
![]() Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Maine
Posts: 1,821
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
In the long run, I think you'd be much happier with the stock running gear. Having said that, as they've already mentioned above, it's your truck, your build, your $$ do it your way.
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'68 Short C20 Flatbed Dually w/ 292 4bbl, Langdon cast headers, and WC T5 trans. '81 G10 Shorty Van "Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement." Will Rogers "Under promise, then over achieve." |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: formerly NY currentlyNC
Posts: 390
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
of course its better...so is a new Silverado...so why don't you just drop 35 grand on a new one? challenges of maintaining a carb? you can rebuild a holley with an adjustable wrench and a screwdriver! an LS/LT swap is a lot of time and money for a weekend toy...now if you got a complete donor vehicle for free and the 350 had a rod hanging out the side of it....heck you could probably buy a crate motor and have installed in one weekend for less money anyway
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Woodlawn, TN
Posts: 275
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
Just my .02 but my ride is a daily-driving work truck that actually does real work. That said, nothing makes crazy like those people who drive around with these huge 4x4 3/4 ton trucks that they use for nothing but hauling groceries and the minions to soccer practice.
Rant complete. I run my truck half to death about twice a year when the Army decides to move me around. My whole house and my Hyundai roller-skate pile up into a cargo trailer and I will literally hook and go on a moment's notice without any worries. By the way, I am running a marine spec. 350 with an Edelcrock and a 4 speed with a granny. At work I am a computer guy but I would just as soon leave the computers out of my truck. This way I can stash my toolkit in the glove box... a screwdriver, a small crecent wrench and a 9/16". I can take her apart on the side of the road with just those tools.
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Rocinante: 1972 GMC C25, 292, SM465, 14 bolt, power nothing, 440k and still handles my PCS moves Jorge: Kia Roller-skate with lots of buttons for the wife Wovoka: 2017 Indian Chief Vintage, better on gas but not much So far, this is the oldest I've ever been. |
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#15 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: So. Florida
Posts: 873
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
Lets say he wanted a little more power out of the stock 350. Would he be able to use the heads off the LT1 for say ?
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#16 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: bolivar, mo
Posts: 839
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
Well, the later drivetrain IS better----but,,, Id sure hate to put one in one of these trucks----because they dont belong there!!!
The more stock you leave it the better its overall value will be. But, in the end--its your truck--fix it the way that makes you happy and enjoy it.
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1997 shortie stepside 1968 short stepside 1966 mustang 1966 chevelle ss Dont always go the cheapest route--You can save yourself into the poorhouse! My Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489030 |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Tucson AZ by way of WI & CA
Posts: 509
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
It really comes down to intended purpose and budget. For a weekend driver, why dump the cash on engine and trans when you can put that money towards things that add the wow factor. If you do alot of freeway the LS1 and 700 might save you some money on gas, long after you recover the initial investment.
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#18 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Syracuse, Utah
Posts: 499
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
Unfortunately, no. the LT1 heads WILL bolt up to a SBC, but the LT1's (92-97) were reverse cooled, so it's the whole enchilada or nothing. not a bad swap, I did one on my old 89 Camaro, but a lot of $$ and work.....
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Justin '67 C20 CST Custom Camper '04.5 LLY Duramax CCSB...sold |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Oakland, Ca.
Posts: 135
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
Me too! I like opening my hood and seeing that old timey engine. That's why TBI and a 700r4 are the best combo for me. The TBI hides very well under a stock air cleaner. The fuel pump is missing and there's a few extra wires, but other than that you really can't tell. You will get the occasional "whats up with the 2 fuel lines?" question, but it's mostly stock looking. I even hid my o2 sensor further down so you can't see it. Going to change out my heads in a week or 2, I'll post some pics to show you how stock it looks.
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I stopped adding up how much I spend on my builds, it only makes me doubt my sanity knowing I've spent more than 9 times it's original value new.
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Cheboygan, MI
Posts: 998
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
You're talking about updating gauges, ect., so you're not a die-hard purist. Do what you want. The way I went, was to update the long block with a '96 Vortech motor. The motor is the same basic design as the classic small block, but has a roller cam, much better heads and was basically a bolt-in. Running a Performer Vortec intake with Edelbrock 600 and a regular coil-in-cap HEI. The main difference is you need to run an electric fuel pump, as the Vortec doesn't have the mount for a manual pump. They are easy to find, as well. Personally, I'd love an LS 6.0 with an NV4500 5-speed-- power, gas mileage and a LOT of upgrade potential. I just don't want to spend another $5K to save $1K (probably high) a year on gas... I think your friend's opinion is as good as anyone, but it's yours that counts.
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Tony Johnson -- '71 Blazer w/L-31 Vortec 350, SM465, NP205, performer intake, edelbrock 1406, HEI, 4" lift, Boyd EFI tank, Vintage A/C My Blazer -- |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Katy TX
Posts: 1,268
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
What most people forget with the LS motors is all the major modifications that needs to be done. Electrical, fuel systems, exhaust, gauges, accessory drives, A/C integration ,etc. The stock configuration can be made to do whatever you want, I/E low end torque- High RPM horse power- stump pulling or highway cruising with just a little change. Cam, carb and gearing can go a long way.
I have both types of engines in my trucks. I love driving the one with the LS but the cost to make it all work vs the smallblock that was in there is not woth it if you have to do it yourself. I now look for trucks that are done with LS motors instead of retrofitting them in.
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![]() Slammed 53 5 window Blown/Bagged 54 Pickup Patinaed 67 LS stepside Supercharged 67 Nova Bagged 69 Suburban Turbo'ed 5.3 LS |
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Oakland, Ca.
Posts: 135
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
HSRACER brings up a good point that a lot of people don't know or think about. An "LS" engine is the easy part. You need to change out the gas pedal (drive by wire), radiator (steam vent), etc...
expect to spend 7500-11000 for a full ls swap. Seen some bad (corner cutting) installs for about $6K
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I stopped adding up how much I spend on my builds, it only makes me doubt my sanity knowing I've spent more than 9 times it's original value new.
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Paradise TX USA
Posts: 1,200
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
Yep, those older carbureted engines can really wreck your budget. I've probably spent upwards or 50 or 60 dollars a year keeping mine running for the past 25 years
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"Negative people always seem to have a problem for every solution" |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Woodlawn, TN
Posts: 275
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
Eddie, you spend that much? I've had the same screwdriver for 20 years and I spend about $4/year on carb cleaner. Best part, my budget for sensors that blow, $0. You will surely be put in the poorhouse spending $50 a year. I just tightened my license plate bolts and gained 25hp!
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Rocinante: 1972 GMC C25, 292, SM465, 14 bolt, power nothing, 440k and still handles my PCS moves Jorge: Kia Roller-skate with lots of buttons for the wife Wovoka: 2017 Indian Chief Vintage, better on gas but not much So far, this is the oldest I've ever been. |
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#25 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Cheboygan, MI
Posts: 998
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Re: I’m confused, and need some advice
Quote:
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Tony Johnson -- '71 Blazer w/L-31 Vortec 350, SM465, NP205, performer intake, edelbrock 1406, HEI, 4" lift, Boyd EFI tank, Vintage A/C My Blazer -- |
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