New Guy Checking in with my 66 GMC

[markeb01]

Seems like the only thing missing from the wiring are the wire nuts and masking tape! A quick site search will turn up threads about wiring harness/kit recommendations. New wiring seems to be one of those thankless expenses, but it's sure cheaper than fixing it after the truck catches fire.

[66GMC-Canuck]

I agree I wouldn't want to start fooling around with this crap. Better to get a new harness in now and forget about it. Under the hood is almost as bad.

You know when you come in and look at the previous work and just scratch your head. Have to clean up there as well and pull the carb rebuild it and install it correctly this time. I am amazed this thing runs and got me home.

[Captainfab]

One 5 speed trans that would be fairly simple to install for you would be the T5, although they aren't as strong as some of the other 5 speeds. There is a thread on them in the Engine and Drivetrain forum here. Probably the strongest would be the NV4500, but they can be spendy when you do find one. The T56 is a car trans, so I don't know if that would fit with what you want from the truck.

Another solution to your transmission dislike, is changing the differential gears to a taller ratio. It all depends on what you have now. If you have maybe 4.11'a, stepping up to say 3.42's will make a noticeable difference. Just something to consider.

[66GMC-Canuck]

Got me a pile of parts starting to take shape in the garage.

Got a set of 2.5 inch Corvette style exhaust manifolds a magnaflow dual exhaust kit with crossover. A Edelbrock 7104 Performer RPM Q-Jet intake manifold, a Edlebrock dress up kit with valve covers and air cleaner and a new lower crank pulley as the P.O. put the existing one on with a hammer. Dented the groove and it makes me seasick watching it go round.

Just finishing up a QJet rebuild and am fooling around with the jetting and metering until I get a combo that runs good with what I have. Will know more when I get it bolted down and tested.

Got some interior parts coming as well so my interior stops looking like an tornado hit it.

The joy of working on my toys.

I am used to working on Hudsons for the last 6 years so walking into a store where you can actually buy parts is a new experience for me.

Will post pics soon.

[Corts60]

[QUOTE=
Just finishing up a QJet rebuild and am fooling around with the jetting and metering until I get a combo that runs good with what I have. Will know more when I get it bolted down and tested.[/QUOTE]

Now that's what I like to see! I love modifying quadrajets, although neither of my cars have Q-jet's installed right now, they are great carburetors when built correctly and have that distinct growl!

Well done!

[66GMC-Canuck]

I know I am a big fan of Qjets. Had one on my 455 Stage 1 engine and it was worry free with kick ass performance. My Dad used to do loads of mods to these carbs before you could get the performance kits you can now. Smooth running loads of power. And as with anything if not setup right they run like crap. For me it was a no brainer. Have a couple on the shelf. Love them anyway so easy choice. Done right you get great economy and nice performance when your foot slips.

[66GMC-Canuck]

Looking at my tranny swap after looking over the costs of the various standard trannies I am leaning towards a HD 700-R4 if for nothing else but the cost and ease of install. To make a T5 work I would need to find a WC T5 then swap out a S10 tail piece and shorten drive shaft. And install a better shifter.

Looking at a 700 R4 with floor shifter I have installed these before so I am talking to a buddy who has one from a 4x4 for $200 I will rebuild and install that when I get time. Have to mod the driveshaft for that I am thinking maybe only the yoke. Will have to measure more and see whats what.

Since I have a 350 under the hood now and a modified cross member from the P.O. any way I go will be fine I think.

For now the 3spd will have to do.

[jbgroby]

I have a spare tailgate for GMC if you need it, surfaces rust but no rot. contact me of BB.

jbgroby@charter.net