Considering an 86 C30

[rickrod3]

Hi all:

What are some things to look out for are these models fuel injected?

Thanks in advance
Rick

[Matt Man]

87 was the first year for fuel injection (Throttle body injection), things to look for is RUST. Cab corners, rockers, around the front windshield at the bottom, floor boards, behind the rear wheels ect... overall condition of the motor, transmission? Interior in good shape? These are great trucks, just depends on what your REALISTIC expectations are. These rigs are mostly 30+ years old now, and from a generation of when people actually used them as a truck.

Here is a picture of mine completely rust free and was in pretty good shape:

[rickrod3]

Your truck looks good. Thanks for the info.

Rick

[WyattTX]

If it's clean go for it, but don't expect much gas mileage as those trucks were made for pulling, and nothing else. If your looking for something to drive often, and not pull a monstrous load, look for a good 1/2 ton (C10), and put an after market injection setup, as it will probaly out perform the rare factory ones. Good luck with your purchase.

[hatzie]

1986 will be TBI if it has a V6. 3/4 & 1 Ton trucks usually have V8 engines with carbs.
1987 is the first year of V8 TBI on the trucks.

[rickrod3]

This info is great. I'm planning on using it as a service vehicle in business,so I'd have to have the 5.7 . I was also trying to stay away from carburetors. How good is the conversion? I' currently running a 98 with a 5.7 349K miles and its a reliable truck but I love the look of the square bodies.

[WyattTX]

Never tried the injection conversion kit myself, but Ive heard great reports from those who have.

[Gregski]

Originally Posted by Matt Man

... These rigs are mostly 30+ years old now, and from a generation of when people actually used them as a truck...

Well said, we all went soft when they started offering leather and wood panel consoles in trucks, ha ha

[Gregski]

Originally Posted by rickrod3

... I'm planning on using it as a service vehicle in business,so I'd have to have the 5.7...

As much as I love these trucks, at 30+ years of age they are great alternate vehicles but I would not depend on one for day to day business use, the reliability just ain't there, sure for $$$ and a bunch of time and headache you can make one reliable, but for the same money or less you can get something from this millenium, just being brutally honest with you

[WyattTX]

Like the person before me said unless it's one of those garage kept time capsules, expect a little or a lot work. Such as spring replacement wiring issues, engine, and transmission overhauls. There are items that can deteriorate on these trucks some important some not such as hoses, plastic retainers,and anything else rubber or plastic. I'm not trying to crush your dreams as i love seeing these things in regular use. All I'm saying is unless you find that time capsule we all dream of finding, Your probaly going to spend a minimum of 2 grand, on replacement parts, to make it somewhat dependable.

[Tilt]

Originally Posted by hatzie

1986 will be TBI if it has a V6. 3/4 & 1 Ton trucks usually have V8 engines with carbs.
1987 is the first year of V8 TBI on the trucks.

Maybe late in the 86 production year they started the TBI on the V6, I don't know. My 86 V6 was still carbed from the factory.