71 Cheyenne Rooftop Build

[chapster]

If you don't mind me asking, what transmission mount are you using?

[cebra]

It is a trans-dapt I got from Summit. It is for a LS automatic but worked with the NV3500 as well.

[cebra]

Well I still have the stumbling issue on deceleration and the truck will not run worth a damn with the TPS plugged in. My fans are also not getting a ground from the ECM, I believe they were not turned on by BP. Lastly, as you see below I had to get a tow on my first outing...somewhere along the line I missed that you have to fill the block of a LS directly as if you fill the radiator the cold water just sits behind the thermostat. I assumed it was my new gauge not reading as the coolant was ice cold...ran it several miles with 0 water in the block...hoping I didn't burn my cylinders/heads/blow a head gasket but it appears to run fine now. Will check plugs and oil after I put enough miles on it to get the plugs dirty. She is home now though so that is a win.

[62chevy302]

I would think you would have got water into the block through the water pump. You probably just had an air bubble. How did you know it got hot?

[cebra]

Originally Posted by 62chevy302

I would think you would have got water inyo the block through the water pump. You probably just had an air bubble. How did you know it got hot?

I figured out the issue, I filled the radiator with coolant. This filled the radiator and the lower hose only as the top hose runs across the top of the radiator (higher than the fill point). I had no coolant in the motor and it was sitting cold against the thermostat since it is on the bottom of the LS motor.

[cebra]

I got my new wheels/tires installed so the suspension rubbing issue is resolved. Resolving issues to make this my DD as I get time.

[62chevy302]

Looks good. What are your fuel trims at?

[cebra]

Originally Posted by 62chevy302

Looks good. What are your fuel trims at?

I don't know, is there a scanner/tool I can buy to check my TPS, fuel maps, etc. and turn the fans on (short of paying for HP Tuners)? I would rather fix the issues myself (once I rebuild the motor) than pay a similar price for someone else to tune it for me 1 time.

[62chevy302]

Any scan tool that will display live data will show you all you need. Turning the fans on and off is another story. Will have to have it programmed for that.

[cornerstone]

How do you like the ride with the low profile tires? Do you still think it sits to low? I know everyone has there opinion on how they want their truck to sit, personally, I like the stance a lot.

[cebra]

Originally Posted by cornerstone

How do you like the ride with the low profile tires? Do you still think it sits to low? I know everyone has there opinion on how they want their truck to sit, personally, I like the stance a lot.

It is lower than I expected from a 4.5/5 drop (tucking both front and rear tires a bit; it has settled quite a bit lower than the pics I took right after I put the wheels on). It is a pretty rough ride for what is going to be a daily driver. I need to mess with the suspension a bit and see where by clangs and bangs are coming from; may need a c-notch as there is a big bang going on back there.

[cebra]

Some pics as I put some miles on it and resolve drivability issues.

[cornerstone]

Also remember the last time you drove it, it was a longbed which will ride smoother. I'd love to see it from various angles when you get the chance. Is that sweet tool chest bolted down in the bed?

[cebra]

I have put 1,200 miles on the swap thus far after resolving some issues. It still won't run with the TPS hooked up and that may end up being a major expense (bad harness or ECU). Next is tuning/ECU, vintage air (ordered this week), and a lot of body work to hopefully get it into paint in September. After that I will work on redoing the suspension/wheels to make it more feasible to drive ~30K miles per year...I did 36K last year and 42K the year before but hoping to get down to 30K and eventually 25K.

[72 tigger]

Looks good- will really look good after paint

[Jason Banks]

What size tires did you use in front?

[cebra]

The fronts are 245/40/20...I wanted a pretty big rake so I went a lot smaller on the front. I may up these to 245/45/20 but will need to add spacers to do this as they are hitting the fenders turning into parking lots with even a little speed. Eventually going back to 15" Rallys (as I piece them together again) with at least 70 series side walls as I live in a city with constant road construction and I am always in a hurry driving 50mph or so on these busted 35mph roads. I have already ripped my right exhaust off and had that replaced.

[Jason Banks]

Truck looks great. I was asking about the tires because I ordered the same wheels in 20x10 rear and 20x8.5 front with the 245/45/20 tires on the front. Haven't mounted them yet. The whole truck is apart. I was hoping I wouldn't have rubbing problems. Oh well!

[cebra]

Originally Posted by Jason Banks

Truck looks great. I was asking about the tires because I ordered the same wheels in 20x10 rear and 20x8.5 front with the 245/45/20 tires on the front. Haven't mounted them yet. The whole truck is apart. I was hoping I wouldn't have rubbing problems. Oh well!

You probably will not have any issues; they cleared for quite some time but my truck is getting very low as the springs keep settling (maybe 2-3" more drop since I first installed them). I suspect it will end up collapsing completely at some point as the CPP springs keep piling on top of each other like they are melting. I will be going with a 2.5" spindle drop/stock springs in front and 3" ECE spring in the rear with Rally wheels once I find another 15x7 and get time to install. I have done a lot of damage to the truck in under 2K miles where it sits now.

[cebra]

I have been working on the truck as I find space but mostly resolving issues from the swap. I blew another of those Jegs premade fuel lines (only one left to replace). It still won't run on the TPS, next steps after having 2 computers tuned is to replace the harness. All the tuners/mechanics that have worked on it are pretty baffled by what is going on.

On more positive notes, I have welded up the blower motor hole and some other spots on the firewall and painted 2/3 of the underhood area now. I installed the Vintage air firewall plate and am working on assembling my vintage air now in my apartment and will install as I get time.

Tasks to complete before taking it up to PA to paint it: VA install, get LS running correctly, lots of body work, and raise it back up so I can drive it like I do my current DD.

[TA_C10]

Wow 2-3 inches! That is not good... I hope my brothers springs don't do the same!!

.

[cornerstone]

Man it really sucks that you’ve had such a let down with your failed suspension parts. I totally understand the necessity of having a good driving and usable truck, so the change back to good springs and the 15’s is a great solution. I can’t remember if you already have the drop spindles or if you don’t. The truck will look great again and I bet you’re gonna love it. Live and learn... I’ve got several CPP components in my build, but no springs. I’m now on the NO CPP list after seeing what their crappy QC department did to you. Keep us posted man.

[cebra]

I have McCaughys 2.5" drop spindles now which I will leave and just put stock springs on the front so raising it up 2" both front and rear.

I got maybe 2/3 of the firewall done and my VA evaporator installed. I painted my PS fender well satin black which looks a lot better than the flat black. Will add pics as I do more bodywork and install the VA kit.

[cebra]

I got my control panel done and it shined up nicely. I also installed the drain for the evap. Currently I am working on the VA wiring and still cleaning up/painting the underhood area.

[bikertim]

Enjoyed reading through your build -- you have done a lot! Great ride and even cooler to see you are going to really drive it as a daily driver -- that's awesome!