'68 C-10 LQ4 - 4L60e Budget Swap

[joejbal]

I recently a 68 c-10, 3 spd truck. Pretty original. The plan is to do a budget swap. This project will be an exercise in how "easily" an efi swap can be accomplished.

Here are a few pics of the truck as it sits today. I have begun buying parts.

[joejbal]

should I lose the vinyl horses on the sides?

[joejbal]

If it ever stops raining I am going to try and fit a gas tank. Looking at a caprice sedan tank and putting the filler behind the rear plate. Or a caprice wagon or camaro ss tank a d using a suburban filler location in te bed side.

[mcbassin]

Welcome to the most informative chevy truck site on the net. I can't wait to see how easy you do this swap. I am doing a similar swap and I'm a little overwhelmed with the wiring part of it. I will be taking notes....be sure to get plenty of pics. BTW...I would lose the ponies and great project truck you have there.
Mike

[67cheby]

lose the horses and put in more horsePOWER !! waiting to see the swap !!

[meathead95]

subscribing to keep up with the build. how much are your harnesses?

[powerdriver 1958]

needs to be a vendor

[greystoke]

Subscribed....really looking forward to the swap

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by greystoke

Subscribed....really looking forward to the swap

Me too where's the pictures?

[Ackattack]

I'm just finishing up my 5.3L swap. IMO if you can read a wiring diagram it's not really too hard.

There are a few issues to work through.

My swap wasn't fast though, as it was just a small part of my build that is still ongoing.

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by Ackattack

I'm just finishing up my 5.3L swap. IMO if you can read a wiring diagram it's not really too hard.

There are a few issues to work through.

My swap wasn't fast though, as it was just a small part of my build that is still ongoing.

Ack, You know I suck at reading a wiring diagram. BTW, I saw your vid....!AWESOME!

[joejbal]

Ackattack, you have a sick looking truck. I posted on your thread about the tac module. Did you get it figured out?

I also just bought an 02 ss tank. Should have all the parts for the swap in two weeks.

[Thealien]

subscribed

[Ackattack]

Originally Posted by joejbal

Ackattack, you have a sick looking truck. I posted on your thread about the tac module. Did you get it figured out?

I also just bought an 02 ss tank. Should have all the parts for the swap in two weeks.

Not yet, it's been cold, and I've been dealing with computer issues. Should get some time to look at it this weekend.

[joejbal]

I am going to be pulling the motor, trans, manual column and box very soon if anyone has a need for them. Located in NJ 07719

[crakarjax]

Failure or success?

[killer71]

must not have been easy after all!

[joejbal]

Actually, I just got started on the conversion, finally. Between moving and the explosion of business lately there hasnt been much time.

Luckily a friend is letting my use his garage for the swap.

[joejbal]

Here are a few pics. I have about a day and a half into it.

Pulled the engine and trans.

Test fit the LQ4 and 4L60e.

Using the CPP trans mount, it bolts right up.

First test fit using the stock 6 cyl perches in the stock location with stock rubber mounts. It fits but the stock hummer manifolds dont work.

I got a few sets of manifolds from a dyno shop that I deal with. It turns out that G8 manifolds work.

Used prothane versions of the stock mounts and decided to try the POL perches. They just arrived so they will be going in this weekend.

I like the location of the engine, almost right over the front tires, it should be good for weight transfer.

I mounted the Camaro SS tank and pump as well as the vette filter regulator.

I pulled the orig column and box and fit an auto column and box from an 84.
I will have more pics as the project progresses.

[mcbassin]

Super progress! glad to see the pictures. Have you kept tabs on your "budget"? How are you doing with that?

[joejbal]

I have been keepin tabs and will post anoist when I am done. I figure between $3000 and $3600.

The motor was $1200 and the trans $625.

[joejbal]

A few new pics. Here you can see the manifolds.

I am missing an adapter for the steering column. I think i will go with two u-joints from speedway and be done with the rag joint.

[chevydog66]

Subscribing. I have a LQ4 on the way, going into my 72 GMC. I have many questions too.

[joejbal]

I got the POL mounts and they didnt work for me. They move the motor forward about an inch and move it up too high for the trans to clear the tunnel.

Also, the mounts and hardware provided were a real POS.

I am using the prothane version of the stock mount with stock pedestals, i just elongated the bolt holes in the pedestals (frame pads).

The CPP trans mounts bolted right up to the 4l60e without even drilling any new holes.


I am using a used automatic column from a board member. I bought the lokar shift linkage adapter, another POS. the hardware is not good quality, a set screw already fell out as there are only about two threads of engagement.

I am using an 84 metric power steering box and pitman arm, it bolted right up with a little mod. Had to cut a little of the bumper brace out for the front of the box.

I am using a stock 84 c10 PS pressure line, it bolted right up and cost $15.

Harness was installed and was a breeze.

Need to install rad hoses and trans cooler lines and a few odds and ends and i will be on the road.

I will have pictures soon.

[68GMCCustom]

doing a similar install myself...I don't think its "installing" the LSx motors thats tough...its all the complete rebuilds that putting one in seem to spawn.