1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! - Page 5 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Nick_R_23 · 06-18-2022, 11:34 PM

Thanks! It’s been a real busy summer, and finally found some time to get back to it!

Finished up the last bit of wiring and cable routing, securing the O2 sensor lead, clutch bleed line, and speedo cable.

Sourced a cleaner and straighter bumper for the rear!

Drivelines are being brought into town for either a rebuild or replacement.

The biggest part, updated the tune to include PWM fan control logic! Anyone care to critique my setup? I watched projectgatago’s video, and set it up the best way I could think, seeing as I don’t have a speed sensor on this truck. My thought process is that the fan should be off at 195F (thermostat temp) and running progressively faster at speeds above 200F, and ramping up significantly above 220F. I did RPM based instead of speed, one, because I don’t have a speed sensor, two, because the fan should remain off while moving anyway due to airflow over the radiator, and three, it acts as a safeguard to kick the fan on regardless of speed or engine running if the temp is that excessive. I haven’t tested this out with the engine running yet, as I wanted some feedback in case I screwed up.

I used Holley’s default Electric Fan #1 pin but repurposed it to PWM-

This box pops up when I click ‘Where Used’. Does the port have to be actively functioning (fan on), or did I screw up?

I set this to 190F just to ensure no need for the fan below that temp.

LT7A · 06-19-2022, 04:13 AM

That's interesting to see. Sorry, I'm no help with it. The bumper looks good!

Honest Bob · 06-22-2022, 08:57 AM

Dont forget to tie up the knock sensor wiring. I failed to secure mine and it rubbed through on some metal (Im guessing the fuel rails) and was shorting out popping the 40amp fuse for the ecu.

Nick_R_23 · 07-30-2022, 11:41 PM

Got into the suspension a bit since it’s been raining the last few weekends. New front springs, went to 8600lb GVWR since the rear was already done long ago.

Out with the old!

In with the new!

Passenger side

All installed!

layinrocker65 · 07-31-2022, 12:24 AM

Keep it up. This is one of my favorite builds to follow.

Nick_R_23 · 08-12-2022, 07:55 PM

Finally! Both driveshafts are finished. The rear was rebuilt, the front is nearly all new. It might actually drive!

The front axle needs to be rebuilt before any serious movement happens. It’ll be getting new ball joints, new brakes, new axle seals, and new wheel bearings. I scored this OTC axle socket kit for $50 on FB!

OutlawDrifter · 08-12-2022, 07:56 PM

Glad to see some more progress!

Nick_R_23 · 08-13-2022, 07:18 PM

Driveshafts in!

Nick_R_23 · 08-28-2022, 01:03 PM

Down to buttoning up a lot of the little things now.

Installed the hood back on, and aligned!

The glove box door was broken off at the hinge, so it’s getting a new one.

New part in!

Utilizing one of the cutouts for the Holley USB cable.

And with the final touch of the original Owner’s Manual, it’s done!

Installed the floor mounted high beam switch.

Ran the wires for the speakers and dome light.

Mounting the new rear speakers in their housings.

Left and right rear speakers installed!

Nick_R_23 · 10-10-2022, 04:15 PM

Getting even closer here!

New front bumper brackets showed up from LMC. Very good fit and quality!

Picked up some stainless carriage bolts and hardware and mounted the bumper.

The hood is looking pretty ratty with the rusted out front section, but we’re going to make it look slightly better in the meantime before I replace it.

Desecrating some old valve covers.

One side in!

Also ordered a front axle seal install tool. For $31, it wasn’t worth screwing around without it.

Nick_R_23 · 10-17-2022, 12:49 AM

I totally forgot about these heat shields. Cleaned them up and bought some stainless hardware to install them!

Getting very close to being done under the hood!

I picked up a different rear bumper in chrome instead of painted. Also installed stainless hardware on the mounts. Ordered new license plate lights as this takes a different style.

The shop is currently a disaster, but the truck is coming together!

OutlawDrifter · 10-17-2022, 08:56 AM

Engine compartment looks very "stockish"...I like it!

Nick_R_23 · 10-30-2022, 01:26 AM

Thanks!

Back to smaller updates! I bought some replacement license plate lights for the new rear bumper.

Old ones removed

New ones installed!

Nick_R_23 · 02-10-2023, 01:28 AM

I picked up a new wiper motor because the old one quit working.

Turns out the new motor didn’t solve the issue, nor did a new switch. After a day of troubleshooting, it turns out the blue wires were swapped in the new harness!

New wiper motor in and all wires where they are supposed to be!

Installed all new wiper washer lines and filled the tank!

Next up, finally rebuilding the front axle!

Hub and rotor removed

Rotor and bearings are well worn due to improper hub nut adjustments.

The calipers are showing their age also

Drivers side!

Even the spindles are damaged beyond repair from the loose bearings

U-joints are completely shot

Everything all apart!

Time for some new parts! Rotors and bearings

New calipers and pads

Removed the carrier and old axle seals, cleaned the housing.

New axle seals!

Pressing the new seals in! This tool was worth every penny

Carrier reinstalled

New spindles

New hub nut kit

New U-joints installed in the axle shafts

New ball joints installed in the knuckle

New rotor and caliper installed

Hub installed

Ball joints installed in passenger side knuckle

Knuckle installed to axle housing

Axle shaft and new spindle installed

Backing plate, rotor, and caliper installed.

Also installed the new trailer brake controller under the dash.

layinrocker65 · 02-11-2023, 01:50 PM

Any concerns about the TermX being in the engine bay and it not being sealed?

**Corts60** · 02-11-2023, 06:19 PM

Nice progress buddy! Lots of work!

Nick_R_23 · 02-20-2023, 07:07 PM

No concerns about the ECU in the engine bay. Holley states that it’s okay to mount it there, and it's not something thats going to see a lot of moisture anyway.

Nick_R_23 · 03-15-2023, 04:52 PM

More new parts! I decided to ditch the original hubs because they were missing some small parts. Upgraded to the premium Warn set!

Also bought a new drag link set

And tie rod

The tires I ordered also showed up! BFGoodrich All Terrain in 305/70R16, or the closest metric equivalent to the current 33x12.50’s.

Nick_R_23 · 03-17-2023, 08:22 PM

A few more parts showed up also!

I ordered a Borgeson Street/Performance steering box with a modern 12.7:1 ratio, and 3 turns lock to lock. This should feel MUCH better than the old floaty box!

Also ordered a new matching rag joint.

Bought a pair of Rancho shocks for the front!

And a new dome light lens.

Started off this weekend by installing the dome light and new lens.

Removed the old steering box since it had play down at the pitman arm. I also deleted the cooler since it was leaking.

New box has metric O-ring fittings so the CPP adapters are no longer needed!

New rag joint installed on the new box!

Painted the old pitman arm and installed it along with the new box!

New drag link installed!

evan · 03-22-2023, 10:12 PM

I need that steering box.

OutlawDrifter · 03-23-2023, 07:46 AM

Glad to see you still plugging away! I just put a new Borgeson box on my Z28. Very good product!

Nick_R_23 · 03-28-2023, 01:46 PM

I’m glad to hear that, I’m hoping it will be a worthwhile upgrade even on a 3/4 ton truck!

I got the tires mounted on the rims and balanced last night! New wheels are going to really make it stand out! I’m still disappointed that I can’t find 16.5’s anymore, but I’ll save the old wheels to maybe go back on in the future.

Nick_R_23 · 03-31-2023, 09:07 PM

More parts!

New sway bar bushings!

New steering stabilizer!

New RH rear bed corner since it was rusty to the point of nearly falling off.

Finished deleting the power steering cooler and connected the lines to the new steering box.

Tie rod installed!

Steering stabilizer installed!

Sway bar bushings installed!

Front shocks installed!

Front steering and suspension completed!

Nick_R_23 · 04-21-2023, 08:01 PM

Getting close to the last of the needed parts! Pretty much down to rear brakes and shocks at this point!

New rear drums!

New rear shoes!

New rear hose and hardware kits!

New wheel bearings and wheel cylinders!

New axle gaskets!

Drums painted!

OutlawDrifter · 04-21-2023, 09:35 PM

Looks good! Always nice to go back with new parts.

06-18-2022, 11:34 PM	#101
Nick_R_23 Registered User Join Date: May 2016 Location: Willow, Alaska Posts: 881	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! Thanks! It’s been a real busy summer, and finally found some time to get back to it! Finished up the last bit of wiring and cable routing, securing the O2 sensor lead, clutch bleed line, and speedo cable. Sourced a cleaner and straighter bumper for the rear! Drivelines are being brought into town for either a rebuild or replacement. The biggest part, updated the tune to include PWM fan control logic! Anyone care to critique my setup? I watched projectgatago’s video, and set it up the best way I could think, seeing as I don’t have a speed sensor on this truck. My thought process is that the fan should be off at 195F (thermostat temp) and running progressively faster at speeds above 200F, and ramping up significantly above 220F. I did RPM based instead of speed, one, because I don’t have a speed sensor, two, because the fan should remain off while moving anyway due to airflow over the radiator, and three, it acts as a safeguard to kick the fan on regardless of speed or engine running if the temp is that excessive. I haven’t tested this out with the engine running yet, as I wanted some feedback in case I screwed up. I used Holley’s default Electric Fan #1 pin but repurposed it to PWM- This box pops up when I click ‘Where Used’. Does the port have to be actively functioning (fan on), or did I screw up? I set this to 190F just to ensure no need for the fan below that temp.

06-19-2022, 04:13 AM	#102
LT7A Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: PNW Posts: 3,627	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! That's interesting to see. Sorry, I'm no help with it. The bumper looks good!

06-22-2022, 08:57 AM	#103
Honest Bob Registered User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Easton PA Posts: 219	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! Dont forget to tie up the knock sensor wiring. I failed to secure mine and it rubbed through on some metal (Im guessing the fuel rails) and was shorting out popping the 40amp fuse for the ecu. __________________ 1975 GMC C35 - Junk yard survivor. 1986 Pampered Private - M1009

07-30-2022, 11:41 PM	#104
Nick_R_23 Registered User Join Date: May 2016 Location: Willow, Alaska Posts: 881	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! Got into the suspension a bit since it’s been raining the last few weekends. New front springs, went to 8600lb GVWR since the rear was already done long ago. Out with the old! In with the new! Passenger side All installed!

07-31-2022, 12:24 AM	#105
layinrocker65 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: California Posts: 521	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! Keep it up. This is one of my favorite builds to follow. __________________ ‘53 GMC COE stock ‘53 Chevy 3100 LSA/TR6060 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?t=805949‘ '70 Chevy C10 LWB 350/sm465 ‘74 Chevy C10 SWB 5.3/4L80e, Vintage Air, Dakota Digital, US Mags

08-12-2022, 07:55 PM	#106
Nick_R_23 Registered User Join Date: May 2016 Location: Willow, Alaska Posts: 881	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! Finally! Both driveshafts are finished. The rear was rebuilt, the front is nearly all new. It might actually drive! The front axle needs to be rebuilt before any serious movement happens. It’ll be getting new ball joints, new brakes, new axle seals, and new wheel bearings. I scored this OTC axle socket kit for $50 on FB!

08-12-2022, 07:56 PM	#107
OutlawDrifter Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Northeast KS Posts: 1,789	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! Glad to see some more progress! __________________ 1999 GMC Suburban K2500 SLT, 454/4L80E 1991 Z/28, 6.0L/T56 1949 GMC 250, S10 Frame, 6.0L/4L80E Instagram @aceshighspeedshop

08-13-2022, 07:18 PM	#108
Nick_R_23 Registered User Join Date: May 2016 Location: Willow, Alaska Posts: 881	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! Driveshafts in!

08-28-2022, 01:03 PM	#109
Nick_R_23 Registered User Join Date: May 2016 Location: Willow, Alaska Posts: 881	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! Down to buttoning up a lot of the little things now. Installed the hood back on, and aligned! The glove box door was broken off at the hinge, so it’s getting a new one. New part in! Utilizing one of the cutouts for the Holley USB cable. And with the final touch of the original Owner’s Manual, it’s done! Installed the floor mounted high beam switch. Ran the wires for the speakers and dome light. Mounting the new rear speakers in their housings. Left and right rear speakers installed!

10-10-2022, 04:15 PM	#110
Nick_R_23 Registered User Join Date: May 2016 Location: Willow, Alaska Posts: 881	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! Getting even closer here! New front bumper brackets showed up from LMC. Very good fit and quality! Picked up some stainless carriage bolts and hardware and mounted the bumper. The hood is looking pretty ratty with the rusted out front section, but we’re going to make it look slightly better in the meantime before I replace it. Desecrating some old valve covers. One side in! Also ordered a front axle seal install tool. For $31, it wasn’t worth screwing around without it.

10-17-2022, 12:49 AM	#111
Nick_R_23 Registered User Join Date: May 2016 Location: Willow, Alaska Posts: 881	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! I totally forgot about these heat shields. Cleaned them up and bought some stainless hardware to install them! Getting very close to being done under the hood! I picked up a different rear bumper in chrome instead of painted. Also installed stainless hardware on the mounts. Ordered new license plate lights as this takes a different style. The shop is currently a disaster, but the truck is coming together!

10-17-2022, 08:56 AM	#112
OutlawDrifter Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Northeast KS Posts: 1,789	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! Engine compartment looks very "stockish"...I like it! __________________ 1999 GMC Suburban K2500 SLT, 454/4L80E 1991 Z/28, 6.0L/T56 1949 GMC 250, S10 Frame, 6.0L/4L80E Instagram @aceshighspeedshop

10-30-2022, 01:26 AM	#113
Nick_R_23 Registered User Join Date: May 2016 Location: Willow, Alaska Posts: 881	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! Thanks! Back to smaller updates! I bought some replacement license plate lights for the new rear bumper. Old ones removed New ones installed!

02-10-2023, 01:28 AM	#114
Nick_R_23 Registered User Join Date: May 2016 Location: Willow, Alaska Posts: 881	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! I picked up a new wiper motor because the old one quit working. Turns out the new motor didn’t solve the issue, nor did a new switch. After a day of troubleshooting, it turns out the blue wires were swapped in the new harness! New wiper motor in and all wires where they are supposed to be! Installed all new wiper washer lines and filled the tank! Next up, finally rebuilding the front axle! Hub and rotor removed Rotor and bearings are well worn due to improper hub nut adjustments. The calipers are showing their age also Drivers side! Even the spindles are damaged beyond repair from the loose bearings U-joints are completely shot Everything all apart! Time for some new parts! Rotors and bearings New calipers and pads Removed the carrier and old axle seals, cleaned the housing. New axle seals! Pressing the new seals in! This tool was worth every penny Carrier reinstalled New spindles New hub nut kit New U-joints installed in the axle shafts New ball joints installed in the knuckle New rotor and caliper installed Hub installed Ball joints installed in passenger side knuckle Knuckle installed to axle housing Axle shaft and new spindle installed Backing plate, rotor, and caliper installed. Also installed the new trailer brake controller under the dash.

02-11-2023, 01:50 PM	#115
layinrocker65 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: California Posts: 521	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! Any concerns about the TermX being in the engine bay and it not being sealed? __________________ ‘53 GMC COE stock ‘53 Chevy 3100 LSA/TR6060 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?t=805949‘ '70 Chevy C10 LWB 350/sm465 ‘74 Chevy C10 SWB 5.3/4L80e, Vintage Air, Dakota Digital, US Mags



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02-11-2023, 06:19 PM	#116
Corts60 Just here to tinker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 3,697	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! Nice progress buddy! Lots of work! __________________ 78 C10 SWB Diesel #1 (wrecked)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1978+silverado 78 C10 SWB Diesel #2 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650751 60 GMC Suburban (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445526 60 GMC 1000 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=298235 67 GMC 1500 (sold) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803695 73 Chevy C20(Daily)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=852767 86 Suburban(summer unit) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=810697 88 Suburban 4x4(sold)

02-20-2023, 07:07 PM	#117
Nick_R_23 Registered User Join Date: May 2016 Location: Willow, Alaska Posts: 881	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! No concerns about the ECU in the engine bay. Holley states that it’s okay to mount it there, and it's not something thats going to see a lot of moisture anyway.

03-15-2023, 04:52 PM	#118
Nick_R_23 Registered User Join Date: May 2016 Location: Willow, Alaska Posts: 881	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! More new parts! I decided to ditch the original hubs because they were missing some small parts. Upgraded to the premium Warn set! Also bought a new drag link set And tie rod The tires I ordered also showed up! BFGoodrich All Terrain in 305/70R16, or the closest metric equivalent to the current 33x12.50’s.

03-17-2023, 08:22 PM	#119
Nick_R_23 Registered User Join Date: May 2016 Location: Willow, Alaska Posts: 881	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! A few more parts showed up also! I ordered a Borgeson Street/Performance steering box with a modern 12.7:1 ratio, and 3 turns lock to lock. This should feel MUCH better than the old floaty box! Also ordered a new matching rag joint. Bought a pair of Rancho shocks for the front! And a new dome light lens. Started off this weekend by installing the dome light and new lens. Removed the old steering box since it had play down at the pitman arm. I also deleted the cooler since it was leaking. New box has metric O-ring fittings so the CPP adapters are no longer needed! New rag joint installed on the new box! Painted the old pitman arm and installed it along with the new box! New drag link installed!

03-22-2023, 10:12 PM	#120
evan Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: SK, Canada Posts: 488	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! I need that steering box. __________________ Evan B.

03-23-2023, 07:46 AM	#121
OutlawDrifter Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Northeast KS Posts: 1,789	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! Glad to see you still plugging away! I just put a new Borgeson box on my Z28. Very good product! __________________ 1999 GMC Suburban K2500 SLT, 454/4L80E 1991 Z/28, 6.0L/T56 1949 GMC 250, S10 Frame, 6.0L/4L80E Instagram @aceshighspeedshop

03-28-2023, 01:46 PM	#122
Nick_R_23 Registered User Join Date: May 2016 Location: Willow, Alaska Posts: 881	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! I’m glad to hear that, I’m hoping it will be a worthwhile upgrade even on a 3/4 ton truck! I got the tires mounted on the rims and balanced last night! New wheels are going to really make it stand out! I’m still disappointed that I can’t find 16.5’s anymore, but I’ll save the old wheels to maybe go back on in the future.

03-31-2023, 09:07 PM	#123
Nick_R_23 Registered User Join Date: May 2016 Location: Willow, Alaska Posts: 881	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! More parts! New sway bar bushings! New steering stabilizer! New RH rear bed corner since it was rusty to the point of nearly falling off. Finished deleting the power steering cooler and connected the lines to the new steering box. Tie rod installed! Steering stabilizer installed! Sway bar bushings installed! Front shocks installed! Front steering and suspension completed!

04-21-2023, 08:01 PM	#124
Nick_R_23 Registered User Join Date: May 2016 Location: Willow, Alaska Posts: 881	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! Getting close to the last of the needed parts! Pretty much down to rear brakes and shocks at this point! New rear drums! New rear shoes! New rear hose and hardware kits! New wheel bearings and wheel cylinders! New axle gaskets! Drums painted!

04-21-2023, 09:35 PM	#125
OutlawDrifter Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Northeast KS Posts: 1,789	Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! Looks good! Always nice to go back with new parts. __________________ 1999 GMC Suburban K2500 SLT, 454/4L80E 1991 Z/28, 6.0L/T56 1949 GMC 250, S10 Frame, 6.0L/4L80E Instagram @aceshighspeedshop

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