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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 774
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The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
It was almost 2 years ago when I originally finished my Blazer and since then I've logged about 4K miles. I decided to make some changes (which btw is an understatement), and I figured I would start a new thread. Some of you are familiar with my first build and for those who are not, it's called "Attempting my first build"
I've spent the last 3 months planning this out and here's what I'm doing. 1. LS Swap 6.0 (LQ9) 2. Atlas Suspension & Fox Shocks: I'm going to be using their custom 52" progressive front springs and rears with the DIY4x B52 First Gen Hanger Kit https://diy4x.com/product.php?produc...cat=250&page=1 The front springs are 10" longer than stock and this should help soften the ride. 3. Front Swaybar & cross member from a square body. 4. Dakota Digital Gauges 5. Custom Center Console 6. Custom Sound system 7. Updated fuse panel, a relay panel, and switches to control the relays 8. Vintage Air setup 9. Smooth Firewall using Vannatta fabrications 5 piece firewall kit
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My Build Thread 72 K5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=628612 Build version 2.0: 72 K5 6.0 LQ9, 4L80e, NP205 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=793192 ____________________________________________ 1972 CST K5 Blazer Dark Olive |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 774
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
Pulled the 427 SBC out. This was actually taken a couple of months ago.
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My Build Thread 72 K5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=628612 Build version 2.0: 72 K5 6.0 LQ9, 4L80e, NP205 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=793192 ____________________________________________ 1972 CST K5 Blazer Dark Olive |
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#3 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Brigantine NJ
Posts: 820
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
Why the change so soon after you "completed" your build? The truck seemed just right the way it was.
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Jeremy 1969 Blazer 4x4 original cst 1971 Blazer partial 2wd convert 1972 Blazer 4x4 original cst 1970 Blazer 4x4 w/ 2 1/2in lift and 33in tires w/4 wheel camper 1970 4x4 suburban w/ 6in lift and 35in tires 1968 Corvette convertible 1970 Malibu convertible 1959 Brookwood wagon 1972 International Scout ii |
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#4 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Northern CA
Posts: 588
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
It sure looks good the way it is, but obvious that you want to change a few things. I'm sure it will come out great.
Pat |
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#5 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 774
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
Quote:
The 427 was a bad A** but we got a little in over our heads on the build and it ended up being way too much motor for the Blazer and most importantly for what I intended to use it for. It wasn't very street-friendly and the valve train was high maintenance, especially when using a solid roller setup. Going the LS route I will have a reliable engine that makes good power and I can drive it long distance or as a daily if I want. I plan to control the engine and trans with the Holley Terminator Max X that was recently released a few months ago. With the additional electronics (fuel pump, dual fans, seat warmers, e-Locker, ECU, Sound System, etc.) I needed to update my wiring. I was using original style harness from M&H Electric. I also had a little accident in the garage. A cabinet fell from the wall and smacked right into my quarter panel, so back to the body shop it went. I'll refrain from posting a pic because it would make your stomach sick! Since it's at the body shop now and with the engine out, I figured I could clean up the firewall. I originally wish I did this the first time around when it was painted and that was to have all the holes filled and a smooth firewall.
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My Build Thread 72 K5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=628612 Build version 2.0: 72 K5 6.0 LQ9, 4L80e, NP205 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=793192 ____________________________________________ 1972 CST K5 Blazer Dark Olive |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 774
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
What part of Northen California?
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My Build Thread 72 K5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=628612 Build version 2.0: 72 K5 6.0 LQ9, 4L80e, NP205 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=793192 ____________________________________________ 1972 CST K5 Blazer Dark Olive |
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#7 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Northern CA
Posts: 588
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 774
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
San Jose
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My Build Thread 72 K5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=628612 Build version 2.0: 72 K5 6.0 LQ9, 4L80e, NP205 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=793192 ____________________________________________ 1972 CST K5 Blazer Dark Olive |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 774
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
About a month ago I tackled the suspension and front sway bar.
The difference between the Atlas 52" springs and stock. I used an air chisel to remove the rivets. used a 2" hole saw to make to mount the new rear shackle which moved back about 4-5". I believe the new shackle mount locations moved the axle either fwd or back about 1/8-1/4" I cant remember which way. The front hanger has 4 predrilled holes and depending on which one you use determines the axle movement from stock location.
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My Build Thread 72 K5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=628612 Build version 2.0: 72 K5 6.0 LQ9, 4L80e, NP205 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=793192 ____________________________________________ 1972 CST K5 Blazer Dark Olive |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 774
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
I removed the front cross member and then put the sway bar on to determine my new mounting location.
Getting the square body cross member in was PITA!!!. I'm going to make new brake lines up front since the cross member location moved fwd about 2" Sway Bay installed.
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My Build Thread 72 K5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=628612 Build version 2.0: 72 K5 6.0 LQ9, 4L80e, NP205 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=793192 ____________________________________________ 1972 CST K5 Blazer Dark Olive |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Oakland, Ca
Posts: 1,382
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
Nice - glad you're getting this build (3.0) documented
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: San Jose Ca
Posts: 2,871
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
I forgot about this build cool to see it completed. I don't think I could have torn into a freshly completed truck!
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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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#13 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2006
Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454
Posts: 9,503
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
I'll watch. enjoyed part a, nice to work on something all clean and shiny! I'd buy your short block, if you weren't on the wrong coast
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Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: WA State
Posts: 186
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
Thinking about a swap as well so I am definitely interested. Thanks for keeping us posted.
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#15 | ||
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 774
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
Not gonna lie. I was feeling lazy about doing it
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Feel free to ask any particular questions and I'd be more than happy to help.
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My Build Thread 72 K5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=628612 Build version 2.0: 72 K5 6.0 LQ9, 4L80e, NP205 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=793192 ____________________________________________ 1972 CST K5 Blazer Dark Olive |
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#16 |
BlahBlahBlah
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wa.
Posts: 19,861
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
So are you keeping the same tire/wheel set up? I think I asked in the past about your lift, its perfect. Are the new springs going to change your stance at all?
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 774
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
For the LS engine mount, I ended up going with Dirty Dingo. I did extensive research on this subject and after talking directly to Pacific Fabrication and Dirty Dingo I ended up with the latter.
The reason I went with the DD is that they guaranteed me that my stock height leaf springs wouldn't be an issue with the cross member hitting the top of the pumpkin on the differential. (We Shall See!) The only thing I didn't like about the DD is I am going to have to make new brake lines and re-route. The Pacific Fab has cut-outs or notches if you will, in their version and I would have gone with theirs if it didn't require at least a 2" lift. The install was pretty easy and they provide you with detailed instructions that are easy to follow. I had to bend my existing line to allow the cross member to fit. It's binding on the frame so a new custom line will go in it's place.
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My Build Thread 72 K5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=628612 Build version 2.0: 72 K5 6.0 LQ9, 4L80e, NP205 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=793192 ____________________________________________ 1972 CST K5 Blazer Dark Olive |
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#18 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 774
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
Quote:
This is the first mock-up I have designed so far. It's a work in progress ![]()
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My Build Thread 72 K5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=628612 Build version 2.0: 72 K5 6.0 LQ9, 4L80e, NP205 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=793192 ____________________________________________ 1972 CST K5 Blazer Dark Olive |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: WA State
Posts: 186
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
Maybe I missed it in you first build thread, but what transmission was in your truck? Are you just mating to that or upgrading to a newer unit to match the LQ9? Will you have to move any of the drivetrain assembly forward or back?
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#20 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 774
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
Quote:
I kept the engine in the same place and moved the Tcase back 2.5". I had to have new driveshafts made and I used the Lokar shift linkage to make the proper bends for it to fit.
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My Build Thread 72 K5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=628612 Build version 2.0: 72 K5 6.0 LQ9, 4L80e, NP205 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=793192 ____________________________________________ 1972 CST K5 Blazer Dark Olive |
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#21 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Raynham, MA
Posts: 222
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
Quote:
Of course I have original springs with an old add a leaf in them. Still, I'm talking 2" of clearance! May modify the bolt in center section of the x-member for another inch of clearance. Your truck looks great! Keep it up
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My LS Swap: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=718573 |
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#22 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Northern CA
Posts: 588
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
I have to say you're making me feel bad with my "mild" restoration.
Looking at yours, you have restored it just as I restore my old Corvettes! I've been trying to curtail the level I'm restoring to, yet project creep keeps taking ahold. Especially when I see a project like yours (as well as a few others on here). Thanks for keeping up on the pictures, Pat |
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#23 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 774
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
Quote:
I had a set of custom springs made by Atlas Suspension. They were made for stock ride height. I moved my Tcase back when I installed the 4l80e and left the engine in stock location. I suppose moving the engine fwd would put it closer to the pumpkin.
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My Build Thread 72 K5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=628612 Build version 2.0: 72 K5 6.0 LQ9, 4L80e, NP205 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=793192 ____________________________________________ 1972 CST K5 Blazer Dark Olive |
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#24 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 774
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
Quote:
What kind of vettes do you have? One of my favorites is the C2
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My Build Thread 72 K5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=628612 Build version 2.0: 72 K5 6.0 LQ9, 4L80e, NP205 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=793192 ____________________________________________ 1972 CST K5 Blazer Dark Olive |
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#25 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Northern CA
Posts: 588
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Re: The never ending K5 Build LS Swap
A '62, and a '63.
The '63 is just nearing completion. Then I got sidetracked a little with the Jimmy! Pat |
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