Direction of Trucks! LSX build on Spike?

[67ChevyRedneck]

As far as i know it was never on velocity (or it's on velocity and discovery) but on discovery. I watched the first 4 or 5 episodes. There should be new ones airing soon? They did a 54 chevy truck, 67/68 camaro, early/mid 60s impala... and i think one more?
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[capev86]

I hate its on in the early mornings on weekends, it should get some prime time!!!!!

9 to 11 am is early morning? Actually, that time slot works better for me than the old 11 to 1 because I can get out of the house before noon.

I'd watch Gearz, but I don't want to pay $$$ for a the hole sports package to get the Speed channel and Velocity would be nice too, but Comcast doesn't even have that here in southern Maine.

[MAK191]

Saw the episode and I love the direction, for the most part. like builds on this site, I do not like every aspect of every build but I do appreciate the hard work and cool parts.

I did notice that when they showed the right side you could see that the frame was spliced so this must have been a lwb at some time.

I also think I remember them saying that it was not the original engine.

[nate_g_2003]

I appreciate them going with an LS engine, as it is common swap. The later model seats I'm not a fan of, but I see where they are going with it, like keeping it classic, with a few modern upgrades.

If they ditch the gauges for Dakota Digital ones, that's where I would cross the line haha.

I unfortunately can't watch anymore, we just got rid of U-verse . Powerblock was a Saturday morning (or Sunday, depending on schedule) tradition: I plop down on the couch, and the kids come climb on top of me, and we all cuddle up and watch it.

[bbadfred]

My late model seat re upholstered with head rests removed. very comfortable! 2004 LQ9/4L60 15-17 mpg combo driving. 19mpg on one 120 mile strech. would probably get better if I could keep my foot out of it!

[bbadfred]

another couple of pics

[Scott>72-GMC]

^ very nice truck love it inside and out
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[no moa]

Nice!!!!

[bbadfred]

Thanks guys!! It far from perfect but is a great driver. The LQ9 junck yard pullout had 43k actual miles on it. Last year was my first year diving it and it was driven 3500 miles with no problems exceot a loose power wire in the stock ign harness had a loose connection(5 min repair)I have had my fill of point ign problems,carb problems and all the stuff that goes with them. I love the new vehicles that are capable of high mileage with minimal maintenance and repairs, not to mention the great power and torque they have! I have an 04 Siverado extened cab 1500 5.3 with 130 k and it runs great with nothing but oil changes and minor stuff like an airfilter. I have a 66 suburban for the next project and found a 5.3/4L60 junkyard pullout with 108k miles complete with all accessorys ,hoses,belts wiring hamness, exhaust w/02 sensors for 1300 dollars

[Scott>72-GMC]

Wish I had the $$ for one
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[Ole Greenie]

Purists or not, we love our/these trucks. This argument will go on as long as WE endeavor to reminisce, build, make newer, build our own. Understanding the premise of being a purist or not, I too think that these builds bring alot to the table.

For instance, th SBC motor is a rock solid motor albeit non-efficient. Certainly, you can make a SBC more efficient but there is simply not enough to do to make it as good or better than a Gen IV. By better, I mean efficient with room for a streetable 800+ HP from the stock long block 5.3L with a turbo. The 6 bolt mains and valve trains are that good.

Furthermore, the electronically controlled transmissions are pretty good too. I know. I have a 700R with TV cable and the 4LE and 6LE transmissions are just tremendous. In the older transmissions, you would have to screw around with the governors and weights, vacuum kick-downs, etc... and they would only last 100-150K miles at the very best. A very good friend of mine up the street has a 4LE65 in his 2500 work truck that is approaching 280K miles. Never been messed with.

When it comes to tradition, I too like the older interiors, to a point. Sure there is the lure, for me, of the bench seat/CST buckets but I have 'newer' set of seats out of a 90's S-10 that fit perfectly and comfortably. Always get positive comments when I show it.

Oh, and did I mention the power steering and power disc brakes I installed? These were definitely the best changes yet. My truck was originally a 1970 CST/10 with a 307 and 3 OTT but the truck is so much more enjoyable now with PS/PB (Disc front), 5 lug, S-10 seats, HEI, lowered 3.5/4, front antisway bar, halogen headlights, etc and a 454 LS6. The key here is enjoyable. I have my truck to enjoy it. I drive it about 3-5 days per week. No sense to be having something that you love but don't enjoy.

Looking into the future, this year I will further upgrade it to EFI (FAST EFI) and a 3.42 LSD rear gear (from an open 3.08 - which replaced the 4.11 open gear. A 4.11 open gear? Really? Neither improvement came as factory equipment.

Enjoy your trucks gentlemen. After all they are yours! If I see yours at a show, I'll still be sure to park next to it. Why? Because it is still like mine!

[no moa]

Originally Posted by capev86

9 to 11 am is early morning? Actually, that time slot works better for me than the old 11 to 1 because I can get out of the house before noon.

I'd watch Gearz, but I don't want to pay $$$ for a the hole sports package to get the Speed channel and Velocity would be nice too, but Comcast doesn't even have that here in southern Maine.

I'm a late riser. lol. I actually work on sat and sunday mornings.

You haven't seen that red 68 cab and nose up there in Eliot have you? Got a buddy looking for one, saw it today on CL.

[C10_ustacould]

Originally Posted by Ole Greenie

Purists or not, we love our/these trucks. This argument will go on as long as WE endeavor to reminisce, build, make newer, build our own. Understanding the premise of being a purist or not, I too think that these builds bring alot to the table.

For instance, th SBC motor is a rock solid motor albeit non-efficient. Certainly, you can make a SBC more efficient but there is simply not enough to do to make it as good or better than a Gen IV. By better, I mean efficient with room for a streetable 800+ HP from the stock long block 5.3L with a turbo. The 6 bolt mains and valve trains are that good.

Furthermore, the electronically controlled transmissions are pretty good too. I know. I have a 700R with TV cable and the 4LE and 6LE transmissions are just tremendous. In the older transmissions, you would have to screw around with the governors and weights, vacuum kick-downs, etc... and they would only last 100-150K miles at the very best. A very good friend of mine up the street has a 4LE65 in his 2500 work truck that is approaching 280K miles. Never been messed with.

When it comes to tradition, I too like the older interiors, to a point. Sure there is the lure, for me, of the bench seat/CST buckets but I have 'newer' set of seats out of a 90's S-10 that fit perfectly and comfortably. Always get positive comments when I show it.

Oh, and did I mention the power steering and power disc brakes I installed? These were definitely the best changes yet. My truck was originally a 1970 CST/10 with a 307 and 3 OTT but the truck is so much more enjoyable now with PS/PB (Disc front), 5 lug, S-10 seats, HEI, lowered 3.5/4, front antisway bar, halogen headlights, etc and a 454 LS6. The key here is enjoyable. I have my truck to enjoy it. I drive it about 3-5 days per week. No sense to be having something that you love but don't enjoy.

Looking into the future, this year I will further upgrade it to EFI (FAST EFI) and a 3.42 LSD rear gear (from an open 3.08 - which replaced the 4.11 open gear. A 4.11 open gear? Really? Neither improvement came as factory equipment.

Enjoy your trucks gentlemen. After all they are yours! If I see yours at a show, I'll still be sure to park next to it. Why? Because it is still like mine!

John - Do you have a build thread on your truck? I am curious about your LS 454..

[nate_g_2003]

Originally Posted by Ole Greenie

Looking into the future, this year I will further upgrade it to EFI (FAST EFI) and a 3.42 LSD rear gear (from an open 3.08 - which replaced the 4.11 open gear. A 4.11 open gear? Really? Neither improvement came as factory equipment.

The Ranger I had came with a 4.11 open from the factory. One Wheel Peel! haha

[sparkydog]

Modern technology into an older body?! Hmmmm.... (sound of fingers drumming).... let me think about that for a sec...

Sounds like a good idea to me!

[Ole Greenie]

Originally Posted by nate_g_2003

The Ranger I had came with a 4.11 open from the factory. One Wheel Peel! haha

Yep, that's me! even at 3.08 it just spins faster!

[Lattimer]

havent watched the show in a long time, but as long as the truck is already far from original, mod away.

I actually passed up a gorgeous '69 short bed, 6 cyl 3 ott just because it was all original and in such great condition. Needed cab corners and rockers and minor interior work. All original with a newly rebuilt engine. Owner wanted $6000 and I think it was worth every penny. But I don't want to restore a stock 6 cyl truck, so I kept looking. Would have broken my heart to modify that truck..

[leftybass209]

I think everyone else covered all the bases. I'll just say that truck isn't a 65 Shelby gt 350 looking for a coyote 5.0 swap. Its simply a pedestrian work truck shedding weight, and gaining more power, better fuel economy, better drivability, and better emissions ridding itself of that big block. As much as we like to find "rarity" amongst these trucks, they simply aren't rare. The fact that good records were never kept for these trucks makes them impossible to climb really high in the collector car market. Fortunately that gives the rest of us tons of usable sheet metal and donor trucks!
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[PAWS 72]

Originally Posted by Lattimer

havent watched the show in a long time, but as long as the truck is already far from original, mod away.

I actually passed up a gorgeous '69 short bed, 6 cyl 3 ott just because it was all original and in such great condition. Needed cab corners and rockers and minor interior work. All original with a newly rebuilt engine. Owner wanted $6000 and I think it was worth every penny. But I don't want to restore a stock 6 cyl truck, so I kept looking. Would have broken my heart to modify that truck..

I would because every one jerks the 6 out and in goes a V-8. I like to have stuff different than others. Makes stuff interesting to look at.

[Lattimer]

Originally Posted by PAWS 72

I would because every one jerks the 6 out and in goes a V-8. I like to have stuff different than others. Makes stuff interesting to look at.

I can appreciate that.

I'm building my truck to drive though, and a 3ott 6 cyl just doesn't sound fun to me. Small block and a 4-speed, that sounds like fun.

[68Stepbed]

Originally Posted by 69GWC

I think its funny they are taking out a "gas guzzler " and installing a "more efficient motor that will get better mileage ", now thats a hoot.
I guess if they think going from 10mpg to 11mpg is a big improvement . LoL

I had a 95 1ton with a 454, 10/11 mpg was the best it ever did and my 02 2500 6.0.l never seen over 12mpg, me I would take the power of the BB all day long and keep it looking better to boot.
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That's strange because my dad's 99 K2500 averages 19-20mpg and has put down a best of 22 mpg.

Originally Posted by capev86

yeah, the newer seat is just the wrong direction for an original loaded cheyenne. they might as well shave everything and slam it like a custom truck while they are at it. personally, i think the original bench seat in my 72 Burb is pretty comfortable.

but since it isn't the original engine, an engine swap isn't a bad idea. only, with the budget they have to work with, they should have gone bigger than a 6.0. the 427 LS7 comes to mind, or even an LSX 454. an aluminum block would be nice too to get that big power but awesome weight balance.

more old school (and less environmentally friendly) would have been a 572 swap (anyone remember Stacy David's Copperhead?). that is an actual big block, rather than a super bored/stroked small block LS motor.

They're simply trying to show people what can be done easily by yourself with salvaged parts. 5.3 and 6.0 engines/trans combos are easy to find and cheap to buy. You can get a complete setup and have it running for much less than just one of those engines by themselves. They're also trying to show how much more power a stock 6.0 engine can make over that 454 and still get better mileage to boot.

As for Copperhead, it was a very nice truck with great stuff, but how many of us can just go out and buy a $15K engine on top of spending $40K for the restoration of the truck. It's very easy to do with corporate sponsorship and free parts.

Also, I may not be a big fan of the seats, either, but again, they're showing what can be salvaged and still not have to spend extra on having an old broke down bench seat rebuilt, refoamed, and reupholstered.

Originally Posted by BucksSS

John - Do you have a build thread on your truck? I am curious about your LS 454..

It's not an LS 454, it's an BB LS6 like from a 70 Chevelle.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...51#post5813451

[Spartan]

Not a fan. Watching trucks is like watching an infomercial. I guess if one can afford all the goodies they chat up it might be good for a few ideas but if you are on a budget it's a waste of time. As for the truck - I'm a purist but if it's too far gone then why not chop, channel, rebuild!
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[AMERICAN PICK-UP]

I have sold dozens of lsx swaps for these trucks. I like the modern power and fuel economy but these lsx engines dont look as good as a old school engine.

[Ole Greenie]

Originally Posted by BucksSS

John - Do you have a build thread on your truck? I am curious about your LS 454..

Hey Buck....I wish I did! Maybe when I have time to do one, I will, but for now, I simply have too much to going on.

I can say that the LS6 is an original crate motor cast/manufactured in 1972. Although it is alot of motor, I wish it had more low end grunt. As you probably know, it was built for higher RPMs and not so much down low in the range. It does have more than enough low end though to get around withh the 3.08 rear gear.

The story goes like this...In 2000 we bought a 72 with the LS6 in it. It was a LWB C20 originally with a 402 that the PO replaced with the LS6. It was a beautiful truck. He wanted more motor to pull his 5th wheel. He wasn't safisfied with the LS6 so he sold it to us instead of putting more money into it. At that time, Ole Greenie had an old worn truck 454 in it (2 bbl) so we swapped motors between the trucks, and sold the donor truck for $200 less than what we bought it for.

Yea, I know, an LS6 for $200 and the work? Well let's just say there is more than one way to skin a cat.

[C10_ustacould]

Originally Posted by 68Stepbed

It's not an LS 454, it's an BB LS6 like from a 70 Chevelle.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...51#post5813451

thanks for setting me straight!

Originally Posted by AMERICAN PICK-UP

I have sold dozens of lsx swaps for these trucks. I like the modern power and fuel economy but these lsx engines dont look as good as a old school engine.

You know, I really like the symmetry of a SBC and BBC painted chevy orange with an after market truss style serpentine system powder coated black on the front... sweet!

Originally Posted by Ole Greenie

Yea, I know, an LS6 for $200 and the work? Well let's just say there is more than one way to skin a cat.

Great deal! I can only imagine it is a handfull at WOT!