My 1980 Sierra LWB build

[C15_Sierra]

Finally had some time to spend on the GMC build today. After struggling with the seat bolts, I decided to convert over to studs - I took some full thread 3/8-16 (2" length) and threaded them from below - had to drop the tank on the passenger side. Also, the passenger side fought me, so I chased the threads with a tap. But, I got the studs in and the seat went in without a fuss. I also swapped out the steering wheel that was in there for the same style but with leather wrapping.

I finally threw in the door panels I ordered about 2 years ago. As I thought, the red is too bright to match the rest of the interior, so I'll have to end up painting them in the spring. But for now, at least they're out of my basement

[ivorton74]

Originally Posted by C15_Sierra

The LSx part of the conversion is easy - just getting the BMW DME to power the rest of the car is gonna be the tricky part.

Have you gotten a 5.3 yet? If not, the best way to get this done on a budget would be to get a truck with a rotted frame or crash damage and part it out. That way you can get all the little odds and ends (epecially fuel system parts) and sell the axles (if you don't want to use them) and interior and junk the rest of the truck. I bought my 5.3 and 4L60E w/ wiring and accessories for $1400, which was the going rate at the time I bought them (early 2011). Not sure how much more expensive or cheaper things have gotten.



Haha, you're not the first person who's brought that up, depending on how long I keep the E28 I may go down that route. But for now I just want that smooth Bimmer six for its torque and sound. The M30 big six will do for now - I'm going to back it up with a Getrag 265 trans in case I want to do forced induction or V8 swap

I got a 5.3 out of a wrecked 99 Silverado 4wd...a buddy of mine who works at an auto repair shop hooked me up with this motor...he said the guy brought it in for maintenance regularly(even showed me records of maintenance) so its a well looked after motor....truck got t- boned by a semi but motor still ran...got it complete w/harness for $350...pics of the motor n harness below...also a pics of my truck...I tried the rustoleum paint job on it a few months ago...I made a thread about it too on here...
if I had cash like that I would swap an ls into my e39 too...that would ill but oh well...a ctsv motor n trans would be sick...all I can do is dream lol

[C15_Sierra]

Things are shaping up: got the fenders re-hung but have some fitment issues on the drivers door. The new bushings have changed the alignment so I have to shift around some spacers, and I need some more space in my garage - the left door doesn't open enough for me to get one of the bolts in. The door rubs a bit when opening/closing, so I'll re-align things when I get it out of the garage



Got the shifter back in, my dremel didn't make it through trimming the shifter trim base, so I didn't get a chance to finish it tonight, will get to it by the weekend. I re-installed the bench and shifter, replaced the steering wheel with the leather-wrapped one, and installed the door panels. They are a touch lighter than the rest of the interior so I'm thinking of re-painting them.

Pictures:

[C15_Sierra]

Got a new Dremel this weekend so I was able to finish the shifter base and get the rest of the shifter assembled. Looks great!

I moved on to the fuel lines - I found I made a grave error by using Jegs Push-lok hose - I failed to notice that it is NOT fuel compatible (even though it is rated for higher pressures). As a result, the old lines hardened and cracked, I'm very lucky I didn't have a fuel leak (they were used from the fuel filter up to the engine bay ).

Anyway, I made new stainless braided hoses for both the feed and return lines, I'll button them up later this week. I still need to go through and assess the condition of my tank (inside is pretty nasty, and I see some rust) so we'll see later this week what direction this build heads.

Also, I just got my dial torque wrench in, so I can continue the rear end build as well.

[ivorton74]

any progress?