deep into my 70 SWB 5.3/4l80-e build

[mattwhiteyanks1]

This is my first post on here. I've spent my last few house payments makings Jeff's commission out there at CPP. We're finally starting to head back in the right direction. Drove it in my shop, stripper her down, and it's time to make her new again. 70 chevy truck. It's been in my family all its life. Ps/pb/factory ac truck. Had a 350/th350 in it. That motor will be set aside for a while. I just picked up an 5.3 out of an 04 silverado. Complete with harness, drive by wire assembly, compressor, Ps pump etc. Bolting it up to a 4l80-e. Now for my current questions.... best motor mounts for the trucks(built or bought)? I've heard of "kevs classics" for rebuilding a steering column. I've got my column, but I want tilt, and a cruise control switch of sorts. How can I get a hold of this guy? I hear he does great work. Also, headers...I'm not wanting to spend a fortune, but I do want a quality product and it needs to fit well with the frame and mounts. Any recommendations? I'll post a few pictures of my project shortly.

[mattwhiteyanks1]

A few photos from my tear down

[mattwhiteyanks1]

More work. Burning through drill bits, cutoff wheels, and firewood.

[mattwhiteyanks1]

Feeling like progress at this point

[mattwhiteyanks1]

Time and money...time and money

[scottybaccus]

I sell the best mount I know of for a 2wd. I've used them in '73-'87 models, and would love to see how they work in the '60-'72 models.

They align straight up, which moves the transmission forward a couple of inches. With my 4L80e, the mount stud landed in the stock location. My trans cross-member was all the way to the rear. The 5.3 is so much lighter, the fwd position is no issue. My mounts use the OE clamshell assemblies from a late '80s truck. I believe they'll work with your pancake mounts. If you care to try a set, I'll send them out. You can keep the low mount A/C this way. It adds cost to the driveshaft, but saves you the cost of an A/C bracket, and since a driveshaft upgrade is in order, it makes good sense.
I suggest you use Hooker cast iron manifolds. They have the best clearance. Also, get a 2010 Camaro water pump. The lower water neck points lower, and the top water neck is on the driver's side. It requires an inexpensive idler relocation bracket from Dirty Dingo. It will let you use really clean, inexpensive, radiator hoses.
I use a driver side battery tray to clean up and centralize electrical, and free up a path to the passenger side for an air pipe without the space conflict with the alternator and top hose.
I will shortly offer a fan shroud for square bodies. I expect a similar install will work for you. It mounts two 12" GM fans. I'll also have an ecm mount coming soon. Check out my shop page to see how it all fits in my Square. You can message me there.

Tejas Steelworks

[engineer_gregh]

subscribed. Looks like you are doing a great job. Why is that we TN folks choose to do things like this in the worst possible weather months?

[mattwhiteyanks1]

Thanks for the info Scotty. I'll check that out. As for being a TN man. If I can work in my shop in the winter months instead of being miserable outside, I'm happy to do it. The weather is never awful, but if I've got my options...

[engineer_gregh]

It looks like you have a nice shop environment to work in, I don't. In Nashville we had 28 overcast and/or rainy days in December. Starting to get me down but enough of that. I have a 71 with the original 307 that I want to do an LS swap with this year. I appreciate your thread and hope to learn from your project.

[Kennuck]

Looks good so far. I like how the hidden hitch bolts to the side of the frame instead of the bottom. I have a Boyd's tank so this is what I need. Where did you get it?

[mattwhiteyanks1]

I bought the hidden hitch from CPP. It worked really well. I like how it mounts just right behind the plate. As for my ls swap. It may not be the best way to do everything. Certainly won't be the most expensive or elaborate, but this truck will be done right. I'm excited about this one. It's actually my grandfather's truck. I'm just building it for him. Has a lot of history being in my family it's whole life

[C10agent]

Subscribed- sweet looking truck and killer progress so far!

[mattwhiteyanks1]

The fuel tank from LMC came in today. Tank looks good and fits fell. However, only two bolts for the two straps holding the tank. Not sure what the deal with that is. No instructions nor were there any diagrams.

[mattwhiteyanks1]

Thanks Neil. Working on cleaning up my wiring harness and getting the motor cleaned up as well today.

[mattwhiteyanks1]

Installed the blazer tank today from lmc. Came with two straps, but only two bolts. Not sure what the deal is with that. No diagrams, no instructions. Otherwise, it fit's well. Set the cab down for the first time since I did the frame work and suspension upgrades. I'm liking the look so far. Hopefully I can mock fit the motor and transmission in the next couple days.

[mattwhiteyanks1]

Hopefully I'll get more of my parts in, now that the holidays are over. It seems to put a 4 week delay on ordering anything

[mattwhiteyanks1]

Progress has felt slow lately. Strated working on motor placement and making my mounts.

[mattwhiteyanks1]

How to I move this post to the build thread section?

[67 chevelle]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-66-68-6...b16b8a&vxp=mtr

I would give these a try , the performance online mounts work also,, but move your engine forward 1 1/2 to 2 inches

[Nohassle5]

Subscribed

[mattwhiteyanks1]

Picked up a radiator and electric fan assembly today. I'm going to change the support a bit so it sits closer. Even the stock set up sits too far out for my liking. I don't know why they didn't tuck it in better (maybe for easy removal and install?). A lot of room can be saved by moving it into the support. Anyways, far from done but it's starting to take shape and I'm going to have much more room between the motor and radiator now.

[derotoreut]

Looking like a good build. Keep up the good work. I'll be following this one. Subscribed.

[sleepertruck72]

Nice project, nice work

[mattwhiteyanks1]

Got the fuel pump, sending unit, and regulator hooked up. Cut the radiator support here and there (so I can fit my 2006 radiator and dual electric fans in). Wanted a tighter fit and it saves room as well. Not done with it yet, but it's getting there. I'll get the motor mounted this week hopefully. I put the hookers on the other day. I like the old school look of them. Thanks for following

[mattwhiteyanks1]

Started porting and polishing the throttle body as well.