O.K., Im at a "Cross-Road" with my '62 C-10 SWB...Opinions Please

[Vincenthdfan]

Hello all,

I've posted on here a couple times before just sharing pics of my new to me '62 SWB.

I've since done some more tinkering with it and that's raised a few questions and put me at a proverbial "cross-road" if you will, so I thought I'd come here once again and pick your brains a bit.

The truck has the original 283 in it that's obviously never been rebuilt. Stock ram horns, Edelbrock 1405 carb, had the original distributor but I replaced it with an aftermarket HEI distributor.

The previous owner installed a T-5 from a Camaro with an S-10 tail housing on it.

It starts right up and runs pretty well but when you get in the higher RPM range there's a pronounced shudder almost like a miss felt in the seat of the pants (not really a vibration per-se).

I've re-checked timing, checked jetting, spark plugs are all evenly colored and quite nicely colored at that.

Ran a compression test and engine was 131 psi at the lowest on the #1 cylinder, a few at 142'ish and a couple at 150/151.

I'd say the original engine is getting a bit long in tooth.

I was just going to buy a JEGS 350 crate motor and one of their 700R4 trannys while I was at it. That combo would run me around $3,000'ish I figure.

It would be a simple bolt in process with the exception of tweaking the auto tranny linkage and shift points of course.

Then I went to the Portland Swap Meet last weekend and saw a couple of really nice 5.3's for sale really cheap.

That got me reading on turn key set ups out of wrecked rigs, etc...

I'm considering getting one of these 5.3's with attached 4L60 transmission and associated wiring harness, computer etc.

I can buy all this for a little less than $2,000 shipped.

Of course there are other expenses harness wise, computer program, fuel tank & pump, etc...

But all in all, I think it would be around the same cost...am I right here??

I think I'd be getting me a lot more torque, power, and clean running to boot.

Biggest draw back?? Wiring...I friggen hate wiring!!

So, my questions are:

1. What's causing my original shudder/miss feeling?

2. Could shudder/miss feeling be associated with the T-5 conversion (I.E., flywheel, pressure plate, etc...balance wise)?

3. Would you go crate motor with old school carb and 700R4?

4. Would you go 5.3 EFI with original attached automatic tranny??

Thanks everyone in advance!

Vincent

[GVDobler]

My guess is hydraulic lifters floating at higher rpm. You didn't say how high, but look into that.

The guys at horsepower TV show rebuilt a 283 and if I had an original to the truck, that's what I would do. You can watch episodes on powerblocktv.com

Cool

[pestwagon]

I put a HO 350 (330 HP) from Jegs $4000) and a used Bowtie Overdrive 200R4 ($1200 Craigslist Los Angeles) in 1 year ago in my very similar 1964 Short Fleet. I get AT BEST 15 mpg . I may eventually upgrade to a 5.3 with OD out of a late model Suburban. It still drives out like an old truck with the 3.73 rear posi gears.

If I wasn't overwhelmed with the 5.3 installation I would think that might be the better option. Advice from a guy who has been there.

[notsolo]

Beautiful truck Vincent! Recently put a Jegs low hp 350 in my project, not all that impressed. Trying to save a buck went with bare bones add your own intake... 2nd mistake. My 2 cents ..I would go with 5.3 or bigger 4l60e or better. Like wise on Wiring it is a pita, plenty of help here if you went that route. Your going to have to pick or own poison...Good Luck ...Ed

[bj383ss]

From what I have read if you go the LS route it is going to be more expensive than you think. The fuel system can be as much as $1,000 once you get everything you need for it to be dependable, the computer has to be reprogramed and don't forget you will need a good cooling system new radiator and electric fans. And if you are using a stock harness will have to rewire for all this as well. Well worth the money and effort but I think would be hard to pull of for $3,000 unless you have a hookup. One of my buddies is doing a 5.3L and 4l60E and he is close to $1,000 on his fuel system and that is a custom tank and he has about $700 in the radiator and fans.

[verdell]

A few years ago I ordered a crate 383 Stroker engine and had a 700r4 built to handle 400 plus HP. It runs really good and the overdrive is awesome but had I known then what I know now, I'd have gone with a 5.3/4L60E. Just my two cents tho. I've been doing a lot of reading and research on the swap lately. This forum alone offers tons of great info. I recently aquired a 5.3 from an '05 Silverado and it's sitting in my garage...it's definitely going in.

[Clyde65]

From someone who has done the LS upgrade\install, you will have added expenses that you cant project however, this is a fantastic upgrade! You can not get the fuel mileage out of a SBC than you can with an LS. If you can get an LS for $2k, then figure another $1.5K on top of this, for fuel, harness, PCM flash, cooling and misc items.

You could spend $2k on a rebuild of your 283 also.

One thing, why not keep the t5? You could do an LS with the T5, best of both worlds.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

[jonzcustomshop]

curious on the guys talking fuel mileage, my 05 silverado with the 5.3 doesn't get any better than 14 mpg

[TJ's Chevy]

Here's my opinion and all of you guys can yell at me if you want. Please do something other than a stinkin 350. That motor is stupidly popular and is nothing but BORING BORING and BORING again. Everybody and there brother, sister, and grandpappy and great great uncle have a 350. Why? Because its CHEAP. No one seems to care about having a cool, or different project...something unique and how about stock? All anyone seems to care about is..OH its gotta be "best bang for the buck." I'm rooting for the LS swap. That's something that's not over rated at least. That 283 is easily rebuildable...Why not check into that as well? 283's are a darn fine engine.

[Super73]

Being an LS guy, I am rather partial. Food for thought..

The wiring on an LS is rather simple if you can wire a relay:
Power to both PCM connectors - Ignition hot to the relay coil
Power to the Fuel Pump - PCM provides 12v to relay coil
Power for Fan - PCM provides ground to relay
Tach comes off PCM - splice and send signal to aftermarket tach
Service Engine light - off PCM
OBD2 - off PCM
All other connectors are plug an play built in to a factory harness

Fuel system can be a lot easier than people make it.
Stock tank can be used with 90* -6 AN bulk head in bottom of stock tank.
-6 100 micron filter
Single external Walbro 255 pump just needs to be mounted below bulk head for gravity feed
-6 40 micron filter
Stock C5 Corvette fuel regulator after pump
There is an adapter to go from -6 to a stock female fuel rail fitting

Fan can be as simple as a factory fan you pull from the junk yard. Most OEM electric fans have a shroud built around them and move quite a bit of air. Just find one with similar dimensions to your radiator.


If all is left stock on the LS swap, the only major thing that will likely need to be changed on the tune is the removal of Vehicle Anti Theft which is very simple for any tuning shop to do.



Now don't get me wrong, you could go crazy too and spend a lot of money, but there are ways to keep cost down.

[Lowl!f3]

Im about to do the 5.3 & 4L60e swap.
Engine complete combo was $1800 with fans, & exhaust and harness with brain. Gas pedal, plus TAC so it can go fly by wire.

Things to still buy.
Brain flash and wiring harness $800 right from a guy on this site.
Trail blazer SS manifolds
Radiator
Fuel cell and pump
Drive shaft
Exhaust

Thats the expenses if your going to fabricate your trans xmember and motor mounts.
Im at $2600 right now. And still need this list. So LS swap is more then 3K. Thats if you dont get burned on a bad engine or tranny.

My Honest opinion is rebuild that 283 you have. You can probably add some performance parts to it while your at it.

[Super73]

Wow $800 for harness mods and PCM flash? My local buddies are getting deals from me What all is getting done to the harness?

[suburban99]

I am doing the 5.3 and 4l60e swap in a 62 right now.
My costs so far:
PCM reprogrammed $75
Walbro fuel pump $125
Return line fitting for existing tank $7
Fuel line and clamps $30
Set of 2010 6.2 Camaro manifolds as '62 frame is narrow..$100
Set of adapter plates $50 (used)
Exhaust flanges and o2 welding $30
Fuses and relay as per LT1swap.com $20
Modified my own harness $time..per LT1swap.com
Engine and tranny from 2000 2wd sierra $1000.00 for whole truck...
Sold unused parts -$1150 (body, interior, headache rack, toolbox)
I am into the swap for about $400...

If I started with a running driver I would be done...but still have the following:
Shorten driveshaft
Radiator
Shifter
Exhaust
Etc Etc....

[par4tom]

I think you are going to see pros and cons to either side of this argument and there is no one right or wrong answer.

The one thing the SBC has versus the LS is simplicity. This means you can do most if not all the work yourself. As you admit, electrical is not your strongpoint so I would definately give that one some though.

To the point of being boring having just another short block...I suppose the author of that post does have a point.

However, I have a 383 with aluminum heads that I had done by Performance House in Bakersfield and then I did all the assembly myselt. It has about 420 hp and runs really, really great. Plus, I can do most of the work myself and its virtually bulletproof.

If I was you, assess your skills on which route will allow you to do most if not all the work yourself. Because...no matter which route you go, figure out your budget and then add another 15% to 20% to your build costs...never fails. Ask me how I know...

Bottom line, me doing the work myself going the SBC route, really gave me a deeper sense of satisfaction when the work was all done.

Best,
Tom

[Advanced Design]

Great input offered by all. I did the LS swap in my '56 with a $500 engine and $650 transmission plus the other expenses as indicated above. After 4,400 miles of great performance, reliability and good fuel mileage I am not going back. The current build is getting an LS too from a rolled 2004 Silverado I bought for $900.

[LVPhotos]

If I saved my original 283 I would have put 3 deuces and keep the 5 speed. For you LS guys... 3 wires to make my truck run. Isn't a 4.8 basicly a 283 and 5.3 a 325?

[Super73]

There is always a carb ls option if wiring worries you.

[Vincenthdfan]

So after reading a lot of your posts about "originality" I thought I would tinker a bit more with my 283 tonight.

I put a fuel pressure regulator on the Edelbrock tonight and it stopped surging during no load driving but I still have the vibration.

So...I sat and revved the motor with no load in my driveway while in neutral.

The engine has a very pronounced shudder/vibration in the quarter throttle on up mode.

I still, in the back of my mind, cant help but wonder if this has something to do with the T-5 conversion the previous owner did.

With these old internally balanced engines is there something to be aware of regarding what type of flywheel, pressure plate, or even clutch indexing/clocking to be aware of??

It really feels like something is out of balance to me???

Like I said, I know the engine is getting tired, but until I can do some more research on what future avenue to take, I'd like to milk some more time out of the motor so I can do some bonding with my new to me truck this summer.

Sure appreciate all the inputs so far, please keep em coming!!

[T.W.Dustin]

OK call me silly here but I don't see any details on what you want out of this truck. How do you plan to use it?

I have a '64 long step that I bought from the original owner with a 292 and a 4 speed. It is perfect for how I use it. I am building another shortbed '64 with a total different use case, so it will be different.

You need to start from how you want to use the truck. Then it will become more clear how you should build it. Nice truck by the way!!!

[Vincenthdfan]

Originally Posted by T.W.Dustin

OK call me silly here but I don't see any details on what you want out of this truck. How do you plan to use it?

I have a '64 long step that I bought from the original owner with a 292 and a 4 speed. It is perfect for how I use it. I am building another shortbed '64 with a total different use case, so it will be different.

You need to start from how you want to use the truck. Then it will become more clear how you should build it. Nice truck by the way!!!

I'd like to primarily use it to drive around on nice days, rod runs, car shows...occasional trip to the mountains on nice days, etc...

Reliability, nice sounding, fun to drive, retaining some character.

Not looking to win any drag races or anything like that, nor am I looking to do a 100 point restoration for originality....I guess that's why I'm here to get some opinions.

It really is pretty cherry, it came from California and is a pretty "dry" truck.

Got a great deal on it, especially for a SWB...I really love it.

[TJ's Chevy]

Yer 283 will do all that. And if you desire more power then it has, the SBC world has alot to offer. Head change and a nice cam will make that engine sound sweet and a good set of mufflers. Also your tranny has a big play.

[Clyde65]

I would run it until you cant. You found one of your issues, I did my LS swap because I had a real tired SBC, then I blew the PS head gasket on the way home from work. I was needing to pull the motor anyway and rebuild so i went the LS route and it didnt cost me quite as much as a rebuild on my 350 4 bolt and camel back heads would have cost. I still have the old engine\trans in my shed for maybe a future project. for a daily driver and cruiser, go LS when you can, start saving your money and look for deals. Don not discount the 4.8, it can run too!

[Monte's62]

I agree with others that say rebuild your 283 for what you are wanting out of it, plus it is original to the truck. Although an LS upgrade would be quite nice as well. I've never did one but I plan to after I get a couple of projects out of the way. But I don't agree with TJ or anyone else that don't like the 350. Now you have better options and I would probably not do it in your case, but people use 350's because they work. They are simple, cheap, easily modified, and everyone knows how to work on them. To TJ's point are they boring, we'll probably, a lot of people have them. However they don't have to be, you can make some nice street motors with 500 hp and no power adders or a basic 160 hp build and anything in between. It's like when you go deer hunting and you have a $1500 exotic caliber gun you just had to buy because you have a friend that has one and it was on the cover of a magazine, or over in the corner is a 30-06 you have killed 25 deer with. Which one do you put in the truck. You can't go wrong EVER with a 350. My 2 cents.

[TJ's Chevy]

Originally Posted by Monte's62

I agree with others that say rebuild your 283 for what you are wanting out of it, plus it is original to the truck. Although an LS upgrade would be quite nice as well. I've never did one but I plan to after I get a couple of projects out of the way. But I don't agree with TJ or anyone else that don't like the 350. Now you have better options and I would probably not do it in your case, but people use 350's because they work. They are simple, cheap, easily modified, and everyone knows how to work on them. To TJ's point are they boring, we'll probably, a lot of people have them. However they don't have to be, you can make some nice street motors with 500 hp and no power adders or a basic 160 hp build and anything in between. It's like when you go deer hunting and you have a $1500 exotic caliber gun you just had to buy because you have a friend that has one and it was on the cover of a magazine, or over in the corner is a 30-06 you have killed 25 deer with. Which one do you put in the truck. You can't go wrong EVER with a 350. My 2 cents.

He asked for opinions and I gave him mine.

[Vincenthdfan]

Its all good fellas...I did indeed ask for opinions and I appreciate all viewpoints on the matter.