Squarebody Crew Cab Dually 6.0/Turbo/NV4500 Build Project - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Ford Assassin · 04-02-2020, 07:53 AM

Hey guys, bought this truck last May. Factory 454 TBI with TH400 truck. Camper Deluxe, power windows/locks, etc. Previous owner had the truck converted to a NV4500 5 Speed (1993 version with the ultra low 1st gear). He also c-notched, air bagged, axle flipped and boxed the entire frame from the cab to the rear bumper, installed a custom gooseneck hitch tied into the frame, converted to rear disc brakes on the Dana 70HD, had the seats recovered, new suede headliner, new carpet, dynomat everything, and recovered the dash pad.

The only major mods I have done is the Dakota Digital VHX gauges.

The original truck had Thorley Tri-Y ceramic coated headers, Edelbrock TBI intake, TB spacer, and custom chip. It did okay on mileage, 14 hwy, 10 city, 9 towing. But I think I can get a bit better mpg with the 6.0.

The original plan was 6BT or a Duramax. Both were scrapped after I found out my early NV4500 couldn't 't be made to work with either.

The next plan was a 5.3, mild cam, with a GT45 turbo.

Last month I stumbled on a cheap LQ4 6.0 from 2500 Van with low miles and bought it. Same basic plan, the cam is a super mild truck grind, Summit 8719. I pulled the heads for inspection, all good after some BTR valve springs. One minor issue is a couple spark plug threads were goobered, so I needed to chase the threads to clean them up before getting bolted onto the block. Went with BTR LS9 head gaskets and bolts. Going to be a low boost setup, so the extra cost of head studs isn't warranted. LS7 lifters and trays are installed, replaced the timing chain with a LS2 replacement.

Using a set of stock truck injectors that have been decapped and flowed. Stock truck intake manifold, return style rails, stock TB, Amazon cast stainless turbo manifold (after a **** ton of flash and spark plug boot clearancing), ebay 31x12x3" core intercooler (painted satin black), etc.

Went with Hooker C10 LS mounting plates with polyurethane mounts. The reason I went with the Hooker plates is because after some trimming, they allowed me to retain a factory style AC compressor. I scored a Denso 10S20F style from a Tahoe/Burb that had factory rear air. The theory is the larger of the two truck compressors will move enough refrigerant to keep the old school R12 A6 system happy. I already have a modern style bar and plate AC condenser up front. The reason I wanted to use the factory compressor is because the turbo manifold is sitting about where an aftermarket bracket would sit to mount a popular Sanden 508/709 compressor.

A bit of progress. Got the 454 pulled and sold on Monday. Got the NV4500 mated to the LQ4 yesterday and dropped into the truck.

**Hart_Rod** · 04-02-2020, 02:36 PM

Nice progress!

**Palf70Step** · 04-02-2020, 03:09 PM

Ford Assassin · 04-02-2020, 11:29 PM

A bit closer...

focusedontheprize · 04-03-2020, 07:55 AM

The truck looks great, it sounds like the previous owner went the extra mile on upgrading the truck.

I am not overly knowledgeable about the 6BT swaps and you mentioned the NV4500 was an earlier version, however I thought the NV4500s were the transmissions for the 6BTs?

Ford Assassin · 04-03-2020, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by focusedontheprize

I am not overly knowledgeable about the 6BT swaps and you mentioned the NV4500 was an earlier version, however I thought the NV4500s were the transmissions for the 6BTs?

6BT didn't get the NV4500 until 1994. Before that they had the weaker Getrag.

The '92-'94 GM NV4500 version had a different input shaft that does not interchange with the later case and a different bellhousing to case bolt pattern. '95+ GM NV4500 versions would interchange and work with a 6BT 1994+ NV4500 version with a bellhousing and input shaft swap.

focusedontheprize · 04-03-2020, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford Assassin

6BT didn't get the NV4500 until 1994. Before that they had the weaker Getrag.

The '92-'94 GM NV4500 version had a different input shaft that does not interchange with the later case and a different bellhousing to case bolt pattern. '95+ GM NV4500 versions would interchange and work with a 6BT 1994+ NV4500 version with a bellhousing and input shaft swap.

Thanks for the information. Looking forward to watching your build.

Ford Assassin · 04-04-2020, 02:58 AM

Getting down to the little things...

Ford Assassin · 04-04-2020, 03:01 AM

More misc pics of the truck...

**mongocanfly** · 04-07-2020, 11:42 PM

that's a really nice dually...swap looks great..!!

rodstored-72 · 04-08-2020, 11:16 AM

really cool!! nice motor swap. I was wondering what you have planned or did related to the wiring of the motor to the original truck wiring?

I am trying to figure out the ways to connect my wiring on my swap...

I like the interior color

Ford Assassin · 04-08-2020, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodstored-72

really cool!! nice motor swap. I was wondering what you have planned or did related to the wiring of the motor to the original truck wiring?

I am trying to figure out the ways to connect my wiring on my swap...

I like the interior color

I started with a 2001 Suburban harness that was converted to stand alone operation by Jim's Performance. I haven't begun removing the TBI harness yet. I will get it sorted after the LS swap is done and no troubles.

rodstored-72 · 04-08-2020, 11:25 AM

ok, I am "trying" to use the original uncut harness that I received with the engine ('13 4.8) maybe I might look/contact your guy???
do you have contact info for jim's performance? web page or ???

thanks for the replies..

Ford Assassin · 04-08-2020, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodstored-72

ok, I am "trying" to use the original uncut harness that I received with the engine ('13 4.8) maybe I might look/contact your guy???
do you have contact info for jim's performance? web page or ???

thanks for the replies..

I didn't have him do the stand alone harness, I bought it already done.

Google is your friend as far as finding his contact/website.

There are any number of folks that can do a harnes. I previously used Warr Performance in the past and their work is top notch as well.

Ford Assassin · 04-20-2020, 02:13 AM

Swap done, runs and drives. Tuning is a slow process. More pics:

Gregs71 · 04-21-2020, 01:31 AM

Looks good!!

Ford Assassin · 04-22-2020, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gregs71

Looks good!!

Thanks!!

Amador County, eh? Sounds familiar.

Gregs71 · 04-25-2020, 08:13 PM

Has a ring to it, huh!!

We are closer to Ione...
If I see you and your truck, I'll say Hi.

Ford Assassin · 04-28-2020, 03:32 AM

Dyno/tune time.

Low Elco · 09-16-2020, 01:20 PM

Question-How are you running this setup in CA? Dig the truck!

**Corts60** · 09-20-2020, 02:10 AM

Very cool and clean swap. Great looking rig.

**Hart_Rod** · 09-20-2020, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford Assassin

Dyno/tune time.

What were your numbers?

Ford Assassin · 09-20-2020, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Low Elco

Question-How are you running this setup in CA? Dig the truck!

No annual/biannual smog testing in Amador County.

Thx dude.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corts60

Very cool and clean swap. Great looking rig.

I appreciate it!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

What were your numbers?

495HP/550TQ at 7 psi. Timing is set at an ultra conservative at 14-15* total timing while in boost. Wasn't after big numbers, just wanted a reliable daily and tow pig.

Although as of late, I only driver her when towing a couple of times a year and on the weekends occasionally.

Even though I get 16 mpg since the swap, I bought an old mk4 TDI Jetta for my new job that is a 50 mile commute each way, M-F.

Ford Assassin · 12-14-2020, 09:23 AM

Unfortunately the truck gets pretty warm with towing a grade with any amount of boost. So ended up buying a 6BT Cummins and NV4500HD for it. Planning on dropping it all in by the end of the month.

tinydb84 · 12-14-2020, 01:58 PM

Wouldnt upgrading the cooling system be a bit more economical?

04-02-2020, 07:53 AM	#1
Ford Assassin Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Jackson, Ca. Posts: 674	Squarebody Crew Cab Dually 6.0/Turbo/NV4500 Build Project Hey guys, bought this truck last May. Factory 454 TBI with TH400 truck. Camper Deluxe, power windows/locks, etc. Previous owner had the truck converted to a NV4500 5 Speed (1993 version with the ultra low 1st gear). He also c-notched, air bagged, axle flipped and boxed the entire frame from the cab to the rear bumper, installed a custom gooseneck hitch tied into the frame, converted to rear disc brakes on the Dana 70HD, had the seats recovered, new suede headliner, new carpet, dynomat everything, and recovered the dash pad. The only major mods I have done is the Dakota Digital VHX gauges. The original truck had Thorley Tri-Y ceramic coated headers, Edelbrock TBI intake, TB spacer, and custom chip. It did okay on mileage, 14 hwy, 10 city, 9 towing. But I think I can get a bit better mpg with the 6.0. The original plan was 6BT or a Duramax. Both were scrapped after I found out my early NV4500 couldn't 't be made to work with either. The next plan was a 5.3, mild cam, with a GT45 turbo. Last month I stumbled on a cheap LQ4 6.0 from 2500 Van with low miles and bought it. Same basic plan, the cam is a super mild truck grind, Summit 8719. I pulled the heads for inspection, all good after some BTR valve springs. One minor issue is a couple spark plug threads were goobered, so I needed to chase the threads to clean them up before getting bolted onto the block. Went with BTR LS9 head gaskets and bolts. Going to be a low boost setup, so the extra cost of head studs isn't warranted. LS7 lifters and trays are installed, replaced the timing chain with a LS2 replacement. Using a set of stock truck injectors that have been decapped and flowed. Stock truck intake manifold, return style rails, stock TB, Amazon cast stainless turbo manifold (after a **** ton of flash and spark plug boot clearancing), ebay 31x12x3" core intercooler (painted satin black), etc. Went with Hooker C10 LS mounting plates with polyurethane mounts. The reason I went with the Hooker plates is because after some trimming, they allowed me to retain a factory style AC compressor. I scored a Denso 10S20F style from a Tahoe/Burb that had factory rear air. The theory is the larger of the two truck compressors will move enough refrigerant to keep the old school R12 A6 system happy. I already have a modern style bar and plate AC condenser up front. The reason I wanted to use the factory compressor is because the turbo manifold is sitting about where an aftermarket bracket would sit to mount a popular Sanden 508/709 compressor. A bit of progress. Got the 454 pulled and sold on Monday. Got the NV4500 mated to the LQ4 yesterday and dropped into the truck. Attached Images __________________ Cable -K5 Blazer 2wd: 6.0 LQ4, 7875 Turbo, Tick Stage II Turbo Cam, Built 4L80e, RevMax Billet 3600, 9.5" 14 Bolt -Chevy 3+3 Crew Cab Dually: Cummins 12v P-Pump Swap, Compound Turbos, A2W Intercooler, NV4500HD, 4wd conversion, Radius Arms, Coilovers, Crossover Steering, etc Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803608

04-02-2020, 02:36 PM	#2
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,860	Re: Squarebody Crew Cab Dually 6.0/Turbo/NV4500 Build Project Nice progress! __________________ Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3

04-02-2020, 03:09 PM	#3
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,110	Re: Squarebody Crew Cab Dually 6.0/Turbo/NV4500 Build Project __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

04-02-2020, 11:29 PM	#4
Ford Assassin Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Jackson, Ca. Posts: 674	Re: Squarebody Crew Cab Dually 6.0/Turbo/NV4500 Build Project A bit closer... Attached Images __________________ Cable -K5 Blazer 2wd: 6.0 LQ4, 7875 Turbo, Tick Stage II Turbo Cam, Built 4L80e, RevMax Billet 3600, 9.5" 14 Bolt -Chevy 3+3 Crew Cab Dually: Cummins 12v P-Pump Swap, Compound Turbos, A2W Intercooler, NV4500HD, 4wd conversion, Radius Arms, Coilovers, Crossover Steering, etc Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803608

04-03-2020, 07:55 AM	#5
focusedontheprize Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: CA Posts: 846	Re: Squarebody Crew Cab Dually 6.0/Turbo/NV4500 Build Project The truck looks great, it sounds like the previous owner went the extra mile on upgrading the truck. I am not overly knowledgeable about the 6BT swaps and you mentioned the NV4500 was an earlier version, however I thought the NV4500s were the transmissions for the 6BTs? __________________ "Dixie" - 1988 Chevrolet V30 CC DRW "3+3" \| 7.4L 454 (L19) \| TH400 \| 4" lift \| 35"s "Lucille" - 1949 Chevrolet 3100 (on hold)

04-04-2020, 02:58 AM	#8
Ford Assassin Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Jackson, Ca. Posts: 674	Re: Squarebody Crew Cab Dually 6.0/Turbo/NV4500 Build Project Getting down to the little things... Attached Images __________________ Cable -K5 Blazer 2wd: 6.0 LQ4, 7875 Turbo, Tick Stage II Turbo Cam, Built 4L80e, RevMax Billet 3600, 9.5" 14 Bolt -Chevy 3+3 Crew Cab Dually: Cummins 12v P-Pump Swap, Compound Turbos, A2W Intercooler, NV4500HD, 4wd conversion, Radius Arms, Coilovers, Crossover Steering, etc Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803608

04-04-2020, 03:01 AM	#9
Ford Assassin Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Jackson, Ca. Posts: 674	Re: Squarebody Crew Cab Dually 6.0/Turbo/NV4500 Build Project More misc pics of the truck... Attached Images __________________ Cable -K5 Blazer 2wd: 6.0 LQ4, 7875 Turbo, Tick Stage II Turbo Cam, Built 4L80e, RevMax Billet 3600, 9.5" 14 Bolt -Chevy 3+3 Crew Cab Dually: Cummins 12v P-Pump Swap, Compound Turbos, A2W Intercooler, NV4500HD, 4wd conversion, Radius Arms, Coilovers, Crossover Steering, etc Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803608

04-07-2020, 11:42 PM	#10
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,663	Re: Squarebody Crew Cab Dually 6.0/Turbo/NV4500 Build Project that's a really nice dually...swap looks great..!! __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver

04-08-2020, 11:16 AM	#11
rodstored-72 chevy truck fan Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gilbert, arizona 85298 Posts: 2,003	Re: Squarebody Crew Cab Dually 6.0/Turbo/NV4500 Build Project really cool!! nice motor swap. I was wondering what you have planned or did related to the wiring of the motor to the original truck wiring? I am trying to figure out the ways to connect my wiring on my swap... I like the interior color

04-08-2020, 11:25 AM	#13
rodstored-72 chevy truck fan Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gilbert, arizona 85298 Posts: 2,003	Re: Squarebody Crew Cab Dually 6.0/Turbo/NV4500 Build Project ok, I am "trying" to use the original uncut harness that I received with the engine ('13 4.8) maybe I might look/contact your guy??? do you have contact info for jim's performance? web page or ??? thanks for the replies..

04-20-2020, 02:13 AM	#15
Ford Assassin Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Jackson, Ca. Posts: 674	Re: Squarebody Crew Cab Dually 6.0/Turbo/NV4500 Build Project Swap done, runs and drives. Tuning is a slow process. More pics: Attached Images __________________ Cable -K5 Blazer 2wd: 6.0 LQ4, 7875 Turbo, Tick Stage II Turbo Cam, Built 4L80e, RevMax Billet 3600, 9.5" 14 Bolt -Chevy 3+3 Crew Cab Dually: Cummins 12v P-Pump Swap, Compound Turbos, A2W Intercooler, NV4500HD, 4wd conversion, Radius Arms, Coilovers, Crossover Steering, etc Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803608

04-21-2020, 01:31 AM	#16
Gregs71 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Amador County, Ca. Posts: 229	Re: Squarebody Crew Cab Dually 6.0/Turbo/NV4500 Build Project Looks good!! __________________ 1995 GMC 4x4 1/2 ton 1999 Jeep Wrangler w/ 33's 68 camaro 350/350 1987 Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 Suzuki DRZ 400s Dual Sport 1971 chevy long bed 2x4 194? Dodge 2.5 ton 1980 Chevy Cheyenne 4x4 1/2 ton I6/sm455 1989 Chevy V30 crewcab dually 454/TH400

04-25-2020, 08:13 PM	#18
Gregs71 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Amador County, Ca. Posts: 229	Re: Squarebody Crew Cab Dually 6.0/Turbo/NV4500 Build Project Has a ring to it, huh!! We are closer to Ione... If I see you and your truck, I'll say Hi. __________________ 1995 GMC 4x4 1/2 ton 1999 Jeep Wrangler w/ 33's 68 camaro 350/350 1987 Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 Suzuki DRZ 400s Dual Sport 1971 chevy long bed 2x4 194? Dodge 2.5 ton 1980 Chevy Cheyenne 4x4 1/2 ton I6/sm455 1989 Chevy V30 crewcab dually 454/TH400

04-28-2020, 03:32 AM	#19
Ford Assassin Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Jackson, Ca. Posts: 674	Re: Squarebody Crew Cab Dually 6.0/Turbo/NV4500 Build Project Dyno/tune time. Attached Images __________________ Cable -K5 Blazer 2wd: 6.0 LQ4, 7875 Turbo, Tick Stage II Turbo Cam, Built 4L80e, RevMax Billet 3600, 9.5" 14 Bolt -Chevy 3+3 Crew Cab Dually: Cummins 12v P-Pump Swap, Compound Turbos, A2W Intercooler, NV4500HD, 4wd conversion, Radius Arms, Coilovers, Crossover Steering, etc Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803608

09-16-2020, 01:20 PM	#20
Low Elco Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Indep, MO Posts: 5,893	Re: Squarebody Crew Cab Dually 6.0/Turbo/NV4500 Build Project Question-How are you running this setup in CA? Dig the truck! __________________ Boppa's Old Yeller Truck Build, Old Yeller's New Heart! Project Buzz Bomb Flyin' Low!



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09-20-2020, 02:10 AM	#21
Corts60 Just here to tinker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 3,697	Re: Squarebody Crew Cab Dually 6.0/Turbo/NV4500 Build Project Very cool and clean swap. Great looking rig. __________________ 78 C10 SWB Diesel #1 (wrecked)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1978+silverado 78 C10 SWB Diesel #2 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650751 60 GMC Suburban (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445526 60 GMC 1000 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=298235 67 GMC 1500 (sold) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803695 73 Chevy C20(Daily)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=852767 86 Suburban(summer unit) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=810697 88 Suburban 4x4(sold)

12-14-2020, 09:23 AM	#24
Ford Assassin Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Jackson, Ca. Posts: 674	Cummins Time.... Unfortunately the truck gets pretty warm with towing a grade with any amount of boost. So ended up buying a 6BT Cummins and NV4500HD for it. Planning on dropping it all in by the end of the month. __________________ Cable -K5 Blazer 2wd: 6.0 LQ4, 7875 Turbo, Tick Stage II Turbo Cam, Built 4L80e, RevMax Billet 3600, 9.5" 14 Bolt -Chevy 3+3 Crew Cab Dually: Cummins 12v P-Pump Swap, Compound Turbos, A2W Intercooler, NV4500HD, 4wd conversion, Radius Arms, Coilovers, Crossover Steering, etc Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803608

12-14-2020, 01:58 PM	#25
tinydb84 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: San Jose Ca Posts: 2,871	Re: Squarebody Crew Cab Dually 6.0/Turbo/NV4500 Build Project Wouldnt upgrading the cooling system be a bit more economical? __________________ David Used parts build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=638991 My brother's Nova: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=727985 Rear suspension rework: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=750557 Instagram: myfabguy

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