Budget Square Body Build with Gen IV LS power

[vannatta20]

I did a thread years ago on a budget build ls swap for the 67-72 trucks http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=517347

Now its time to put into action everything I have learned over the years.

My dad found this truck for cheap on his way to the lake. It has a SBC and turbo 350 with A/C. Everything is worn out and he wants to daily driver. I now prefer the Gen IV drivetrains due to the much better 6 speed transmission. These have a 4.1 first gear instead of the 3.1 in the 4l60E. They handle good power and will shift up to .300 of a second. We acquired a 2012 5.3 LMG engine and 6L80E 2wd transmission. I have done a handful of gen iv swaps on muscle cars and early trucks. The power is incredible and the ability to roast the tires at will is awesome with stock un-modified engines. This truck will even have cruise control, tap shift, and a/c control all through the Gen iv computer.

[vannatta20]

The engine mounts are a new design. These give great clearance for headers and use a modern hydraulic filled rubber mount to make a smooth running engine.

[vannatta20]

Cab and body off. My dad will do as much as the work as possible to keep cost down. The entire build included the cost of the truck should be under 10K.

2900$ for the engine and transmission
1800$ for the truck
200$ powder coat the chassis
200$ fuel tank and new pump




Frame shortened and power coated

[vannatta20]

Engine and trans fitted.

[Low Elco]

Man, Yall ain't jokin'! Are you gonna delete the dod?

[STOCKISH]

Nice! Keep it up!

[Advanced Design]

Very cool, tagging along. Good idea on the engine mounts!

[vannatta20]

Originally Posted by Low Elco

Man, Yall ain't jokin'! Are you gonna delete the dod?

Would like to delete it but then it snowballs into a cam swap and spending more$$

[vannatta20]

Hopefully test fire it tomorrow 😊

[rusty76]

I’ll follow

[vannatta20]

https://youtu.be/mMSOzuGpyiw

[youtube]mMSOzuGpyiw[/youtube]

Successful first start!

Anyone know how to embed a YouTube video?

[Advanced Design]

Congratulations on the first start. Everything is looking very good.

[mcmlxix]

Ok.. I'm following along as I have a 78 2WD Blazer I think I may do a budget swap on...

[StorminNorman]

That engine seems to sit pretty far forward, Did you have to do that for trans tunnel clearance ?

[vannatta20]

Originally Posted by StorminNorman

That engine seems to sit pretty far forward, Did you have to do that for trans tunnel clearance ?

It is standard position. Same as our last swap

[mcmlxix]

Originally Posted by vannatta20

The engine mounts are a new design. These give great clearance for headers and use a modern hydraulic filled rubber mount to make a smooth running engine.

I like the idea of the hydraulic mount, but it looks like its welded directly to the front cross member. It also looks like you eliminated the brace that the original mount was bolted to and would triangulate the frame to support upper control arm. Looking at it, I would be worried about flex/deflection on the frame under cornering load from the upper control arm.
Do you have plans to brace the frame?

[vannatta20]

Good point. My dad will probably weld it up to help stop any flex

[vannatta20]

More progress. LS3 exhaust manifold fit nicely

[mcmlxix]

Do you have a PN for the motor mount you used?

[higgiec10]

Update nice build