What I've been doing for the past seven months - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Project1970 · 01-29-2005, 10:47 PM

Well, the first answer to that is, not driving my truck.

I converted my '70 to a 700R4 in back in August of '02. However, either due to a TV misadjustment, or a poorly built trans - my guess is both - by the time summer '04 rolled around, it was starting to shift soft and wasn't acting normally. I drove it across town to the shop where the trans was built...and they looked at me like I was crazy when I told them I bought it two years ago. Lesson learned: If the "extended" warranty is only a year, don't expect it to go much longer.

It didn't.

I ended up having to park the truck until nearly November before it would even be towed off to the shop to work on it, while I saved up cash for what was orginally planned to be a transmission swap for a nicely done Bowtie Overdrives Stage 3. An eBay auction changed that, though...

Found that LS1 with 4L60E transmission, in town, with just over 12,000mi on it, for barely over $3k, and couldn't resist. I could spend $2k on a transmission alone now, and another $2-$3k on a rebuilt engine in six months, and still end up with a carbed engine, old accessories, and all of that mess. Or, for about $6k now, I could bolt in an LS1, lose some weight, gain over 100hp, and STILL have plenty of potential for more power when I have the money.

Out with the old...

150,000 miles on the bottom end, 30,000 on the heads.

Cleaning up 35 years of leaked oil and road grime.

Several coats of spray paint later, it's ready for the transplant.

I'll spare some (most) of the gruesome details between then and this for now.

It's actually a bit past that point (the ECM is installed, wiring almost done, headers bolted on, etc) but that's the best wide-angle picture I have.

If you want the rest of the photos...click here and browse to your heart's content.

Seeing as it's been parked since July, and in the shop since the very end of October...I will be very, very happy when I finally fire it up...hopefully in February!

**Yukon Jack** · 01-29-2005, 10:54 PM

Very awesome transformation!! I see you like to take lots of pics like me as you progress. Always fun to see someone elses project.

junkyardjohn · 01-29-2005, 10:59 PM

Looks Like Youre Truck Is Coming Together. Appears To Be A Fantastic Upgrade. Post Some More Pics When It Is Running.

John

Alvin · 01-29-2005, 11:54 PM

Glad to see you're getting that thing put back together. Your misfortune really worked out in the end, for both you and me! See, I bought your vortec heads, intake, air cleaner, and headers. I gotta say thanks for the good deal on the parts, hopefully I'll have them cobbled together into something streetable before the end of the year. I wish ya the best of luck wrapping up the LS1 install.

LUV2XCLR8 · 01-29-2005, 11:59 PM

Project1970 · 01-30-2005, 12:42 AM

As far as what's left, there really isn't much... a few bits of rubber hose have to be put on the fuel system, the shifter console needs to be completed, the throttle pedal needs to be finished up, and the biggest pain is going to be the air conditioning lines. Against popular belief, the Camaro accessories actually fit like a glove; the alternator tucked in nicely on the driver's side, and the A/C compressor on the passenger. The only problem is the frame tower doesn't give much room for the A/C lines. We've already clearanced the frame tower some (it had to be clearanced for the headers as well, so it was already being reinforced...a bit on the front side was academic at that point) but it'll be interesting seeing what fittings are available to hook up to that compressor. Ideally, there's a bulkhead out there that bolts right to the back of the compressor and gives two AN or other standard fittings at a 90* angle to the compressor. Anyone know of any places to look for that sort of thing?

Also, glad you liked the parts

Those heads and headers were good and I was planning on using them on either a 383 or 406 buildup, but that was when I assumed the transmission wasn't going to grenade! Give those heads a bit of machine work to allow a real cam, and give them a nice grind with plenty of exhaust lift, and they'll breathe well.

rustyold72 · 01-30-2005, 12:46 AM

Looks

what year is that engine?

69 longhorn · 01-30-2005, 12:58 AM

Sweet project! Walk that old truck right into the 21st century

crazyL

Scooter67 · 01-30-2005, 09:53 AM

I am like soooo jealous.

Looks great, good luck, have fun with it!

70 shorty · 01-30-2005, 10:47 AM

Definitely a nice upgrade.

Project1970 · 02-12-2005, 11:20 PM

Updating with the latest progress.

Staring up the back of the almost-complete exhaust...just waiting on two more 90* mandrel bends to put the tips on, just in front of the rear wheels. Before you ask, yes, I've cleaned the rear axle off some more...I pulled the cover and changed the fluid (the innards of that 3.73 one-legger still look great after 150k!) and gave the cover and bolts a good cleaning, and then a shot of semi-gloss black.

One of the Borla mufflers, and my frame-mounted Walbro fuel pump.

The X-pipe and the tranny mount. While it looks 'in the way', all I have to do is unbolt the two hangers on the mufflers, and the downpipes from the collectors, and the whole system drops clear.

Up top as it is now. The last real hurdle is going to be the AC lines, for obvious reasons.

Interior, with new shifter and console, and my gauges waiting to be hooked up.

moneyguru · 02-13-2005, 12:34 PM

Please tell me that fuel pump isn't as close to the exhaust as it looks.
Isn't there a safer place to move that pump, someplace not near heat?

After all your hard work I'd hate to see it go up in flames!!

bigcdawg99 · 02-13-2005, 01:28 AM

Looks awesome man. Who built your 700R4 so I don't make the same mistake? Congrats on the great deal on the LS1. I'm a big fan of those gauges too.

FuelCellGuy · 02-13-2005, 01:40 AM

www.vintageair.com/download/pdf_singles/63.pdf

Compressor fitting
Part no. 34108-VUG

Hose ends
www.vintageair.com/download/pdf_singles/61.pdf

Hope it helps, this is what I used.

Later, Mark

Project1970 · 02-13-2005, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigcdawg99

Looks awesome man. Who built your 700R4 so I don't make the same mistake? Congrats on the great deal on the LS1. I'm a big fan of those gauges too.

They went by Phoenix Hard Parts on eBay, but these days go by PhoenixReTrans. Should've known when the warranty was only 6 months.

They're way out on the west side of town.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FuelCellGuy

www.vintageair.com/download/pdf_singles/63.pdf

Compressor fitting
Part no. 34108-VUG

Hose ends
www.vintageair.com/download/pdf_singles/61.pdf

Hope it helps, this is what I used.

Later, Mark

Thanks for the tips, and I almost wonder, given the angle of the fittings on the back of the compressor, if I can actually go straight back through the frame tower instead of trying to pull them straight up through the forward notch we made in it. (Yes, that tower's been notched up a bit...and yes, it's reinforced so on that part it's now a 'T' cross-section)

1STtimePRo'71 · 02-13-2005, 02:15 AM

God, that looks great! Shouldn't be long now huh?

krue · 02-13-2005, 09:27 AM

Looks like a ton of fun to me!

**Canadian694x4** · 02-13-2005, 12:41 PM

Great Progess...

Deuce · 02-13-2005, 01:24 PM

What fuel pump are running?? What pressure does it produce for the fuel injection?? I'm looking for a pump for my TPI set-up.
Thanks.

Project1970 · 02-13-2005, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deuce

What fuel pump are running?? What pressure does it produce for the fuel injection?? I'm looking for a pump for my TPI set-up.
Thanks.

Walbro GSL392, IIRC. The LS1's fuel injection runs at 58PSI!

Quote:

Originally Posted by moneyguru

Please tell me that fuel pump isn't as close to the exhaust as it looks.
Isn't there a safer place to move that pump, someplace not near heat?

After all your hard work I'd hate to see it go up in flames!!

Heh, it's just the angle - the exhaust isn't THAT close, certainly no closer than it was before with the stock fuel line and the old duals.

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 02-13-2005, 03:46 PM

Nice swap progress should haul some azz when your done..

01-29-2005, 10:47 PM	#1
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	What I've been doing for the past seven months (pics) Well, the first answer to that is, not driving my truck. I converted my '70 to a 700R4 in back in August of '02. However, either due to a TV misadjustment, or a poorly built trans - my guess is both - by the time summer '04 rolled around, it was starting to shift soft and wasn't acting normally. I drove it across town to the shop where the trans was built...and they looked at me like I was crazy when I told them I bought it two years ago. Lesson learned: If the "extended" warranty is only a year, don't expect it to go much longer. It didn't. I ended up having to park the truck until nearly November before it would even be towed off to the shop to work on it, while I saved up cash for what was orginally planned to be a transmission swap for a nicely done Bowtie Overdrives Stage 3. An eBay auction changed that, though... Found that LS1 with 4L60E transmission, in town, with just over 12,000mi on it, for barely over $3k, and couldn't resist. I could spend $2k on a transmission alone now, and another $2-$3k on a rebuilt engine in six months, and still end up with a carbed engine, old accessories, and all of that mess. Or, for about $6k now, I could bolt in an LS1, lose some weight, gain over 100hp, and STILL have plenty of potential for more power when I have the money. Out with the old... 150,000 miles on the bottom end, 30,000 on the heads. Cleaning up 35 years of leaked oil and road grime. Several coats of spray paint later, it's ready for the transplant. I'll spare some (most) of the gruesome details between then and this for now. It's actually a bit past that point (the ECM is installed, wiring almost done, headers bolted on, etc) but that's the best wide-angle picture I have. If you want the rest of the photos...click here and browse to your heart's content. Seeing as it's been parked since July, and in the shop since the very end of October...I will be very, very happy when I finally fire it up...hopefully in February! __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete! Last edited by Project1970; 01-29-2005 at 10:54 PM.

01-29-2005, 10:54 PM	#2
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,683	Very awesome transformation!! I see you like to take lots of pics like me as you progress. Always fun to see someone elses project. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 Last edited by Yukon Jack; 01-29-2005 at 10:56 PM.

01-29-2005, 10:59 PM	#3
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,427	Looks Like Youre Truck Is Coming Together. Appears To Be A Fantastic Upgrade. Post Some More Pics When It Is Running. John __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

01-29-2005, 11:54 PM	#4
Alvin Never Done? Join Date: May 2000 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,435	Glad to see you're getting that thing put back together. Your misfortune really worked out in the end, for both you and me! See, I bought your vortec heads, intake, air cleaner, and headers. I gotta say thanks for the good deal on the parts, hopefully I'll have them cobbled together into something streetable before the end of the year. I wish ya the best of luck wrapping up the LS1 install. __________________ Ethel - The Legend Continues... Ethel has been sold.

01-29-2005, 11:59 PM	#5
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,475	__________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Big Piggy: "Goliath" 07 Kodiak C4500 Lil Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

01-30-2005, 12:42 AM	#6
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	As far as what's left, there really isn't much... a few bits of rubber hose have to be put on the fuel system, the shifter console needs to be completed, the throttle pedal needs to be finished up, and the biggest pain is going to be the air conditioning lines. Against popular belief, the Camaro accessories actually fit like a glove; the alternator tucked in nicely on the driver's side, and the A/C compressor on the passenger. The only problem is the frame tower doesn't give much room for the A/C lines. We've already clearanced the frame tower some (it had to be clearanced for the headers as well, so it was already being reinforced...a bit on the front side was academic at that point) but it'll be interesting seeing what fittings are available to hook up to that compressor. Ideally, there's a bulkhead out there that bolts right to the back of the compressor and gives two AN or other standard fittings at a 90* angle to the compressor. Anyone know of any places to look for that sort of thing? Also, glad you liked the parts Those heads and headers were good and I was planning on using them on either a 383 or 406 buildup, but that was when I assumed the transmission wasn't going to grenade! Give those heads a bit of machine work to allow a real cam, and give them a nice grind with plenty of exhaust lift, and they'll breathe well. __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

01-30-2005, 12:46 AM	#7
rustyold72 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Ark City KS Posts: 505	Looks what year is that engine? __________________ 71 Chevy C10 "The Rust Bucket" 72 Chevy C10 apart in the garage 02 WS6 T/A Fast Black and bad@$$ 93 Nissan Pathfinder "Emily" Totaled RIP girl 05 Jeep Grand Cherokee-HEMI powered 87 Iroc Z28 305 TPI auto (crying out for an LS1 swap)

01-30-2005, 12:58 AM	#8
69 longhorn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: rock island,il,usa Posts: 5,382	Sweet project! Walk that old truck right into the 21st century crazyL

01-30-2005, 09:53 AM	#9
Scooter67 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: middle TN Posts: 87	I am like soooo jealous. Looks great, good luck, have fun with it! __________________ Here's my '67 stepside www.truckwithaheart.com

01-30-2005, 10:47 AM	#10
70 shorty Where's my beer? Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Glen Allen, VA Posts: 1,768	Definitely a nice upgrade. __________________ 70 C10, shortstep, .30 over 250,Hurst shifted 3 spd parts hauler. Holley 390, Clifford Intake, Header, ported cylinder head, unknown bigger cam. 79 Corvette L82, 4 spd, black, red interior, headers, flowmasters, and unkown bigger cam. '03 Grand Cherokee Laredo, 4.0 4x4 daily driver. 165K miles, and runs great '08 Tahoe LTZ 4x4 155K

02-12-2005, 11:20 PM	#11
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	Updating with the latest progress. Staring up the back of the almost-complete exhaust...just waiting on two more 90* mandrel bends to put the tips on, just in front of the rear wheels. Before you ask, yes, I've cleaned the rear axle off some more...I pulled the cover and changed the fluid (the innards of that 3.73 one-legger still look great after 150k!) and gave the cover and bolts a good cleaning, and then a shot of semi-gloss black. One of the Borla mufflers, and my frame-mounted Walbro fuel pump. The X-pipe and the tranny mount. While it looks 'in the way', all I have to do is unbolt the two hangers on the mufflers, and the downpipes from the collectors, and the whole system drops clear. Up top as it is now. The last real hurdle is going to be the AC lines, for obvious reasons. Interior, with new shifter and console, and my gauges waiting to be hooked up. __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

02-13-2005, 12:34 PM	#12
moneyguru Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: kalamazoo, mi Posts: 397	Please tell me that fuel pump isn't as close to the exhaust as it looks. Isn't there a safer place to move that pump, someplace not near heat? After all your hard work I'd hate to see it go up in flames!! __________________ "Do the things you fear to do and the death of fear is certain"

02-13-2005, 01:28 AM	#13
bigcdawg99 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 67	Looks awesome man. Who built your 700R4 so I don't make the same mistake? Congrats on the great deal on the LS1. I'm a big fan of those gauges too. __________________ 71 GMC Shortbed Fleetside (under construction) "I like guns. You got a gun, you don't have to work out." Chris Rock

02-13-2005, 01:40 AM	#14
FuelCellGuy FUEL CELL GURU Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Mineola, Texas Posts: 993	www.vintageair.com/download/pdf_singles/63.pdf Compressor fitting Part no. 34108-VUG Hose ends www.vintageair.com/download/pdf_singles/61.pdf Hope it helps, this is what I used. Later, Mark

02-13-2005, 02:15 AM	#16
1STtimePRo'71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lake Crystal, MN Posts: 656	God, that looks great! Shouldn't be long now huh? __________________ -Cory 1967 2 Wheel Chevy



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

02-13-2005, 09:27 AM	#17
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Looks like a ton of fun to me! __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

02-13-2005, 12:41 PM	#18
Canadian694x4 Born To Lose Club Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Calgary, Alberta/Oxenden, Ontario, Great White North Posts: 13,306	Great Progess... __________________ Brian Smith - "Born To Lose" 1969 Chevrolet K10 LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 20 Yrs - 1 of 208 Built & Sold In Canada! - 283 V8/350TH/NP208, 2" All Spring Lift, 32" Good Year MT/R's. 1972 GMC K2500 Custom LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 2 Yrs - 1 of 571 Built & Sold In Canada! - 350 V8/SM465/NP205, 4” Rough Country Lift, 33” Interco TSL Thornbirds 2007.5 GMC Sierra SLE 2500HD 4x4 - Proud Owner For 15 Yrs - 6.6L V8 Duramax Diesel/Allison 1000, 2" Lift, 33" Mickey Thompson MTZ's. 2008 Yamaha Raptor 700r - Proud Owner For 13 Yrs - ITP Mud Lites. 2015 John Deere 1025R - Proud Owner For 6 Yrs - 24HP Diesel/H120/54D/260B/SB1154.

02-13-2005, 01:24 PM	#19
Deuce Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Calgary, Alberta,Canada Posts: 1,595	What fuel pump are running?? What pressure does it produce for the fuel injection?? I'm looking for a pump for my TPI set-up. Thanks. __________________ I know what your thinking.......I have ESPN. Sometimes it's easier to do things the hard way. Fesler Built 1968 Chevy C10....Must resist the urge to mess with it!!

02-13-2005, 03:46 PM	#21
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,594	Nice swap progress should haul some azz when your done.. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.