New Guy here........

[mikecordell]

Howdy, I'm new here, obviously...looking into getting an older model Chevy Silverado and dropping in a crate motor to make it a little fun, open to suggestions, and I'm kind of partial to early 80's models

I'm getting out of the whole import scene....so bear with me, I have some domestic experience, and am looking to get rid of my Ford Focus.....but in the meantime I'm just looking for some good information on what I'm looking to build up for my daily driver once I get in the Air Force

[farmtruc]

Hey, glad you found us.

You came to the right site, we're all into trucks and spend all of our money on them, lol, it's addicting.
You'll like GMCwantsLS1's truck then, it's a 81 GMC with ls1. It's nice too.

Nice move on the import change, lol, jk. Fast truck are badass and def. get attention.

Let us know some more specifics you've been thinking and i'm sure all the guys will jump in,


thanks,

allen

[MacADaYear]

Come Back To The Dark Side!!!

J/k haha..

Welcome

What are you planning?

[GMCwantsLS1]

welcome to the forum!! Let me know if you need anything on a 80's truck swap I should be able to help you out.

[mikecordell]

Basically something right along the lines of what GMCwantsLS1 did but with either a stock LT1 or with a crate motor of some sort

[Hit Man X]

Welcome...I drive a bit of everything as seen in my sig.

An LT1 or LT1 w/ LT4 head+intake would be great but the LS1 is just newer and better. Besides that the LS1 has 6 bolt mains so does the 6.0L GM motor. Unless you get a Corvette LT1/4 it would be a 2 bolt...

[mikecordell]

so the LS1 is just as easy to install as the LT1??? Thats the only reason I chose the LT1 over the LS1....I also heard you can use the Corvette brackets on the LS1 and there would be no cutting required????

what about tranny mods, what would you suggest, what rear end as well, it will be mostly a daily driver. One more thing about the installation, are custom mounts required in that model truck???

just some curiosity

[GMCwantsLS1]

It is harder to install a LS1 but not much. I had some adapter plates made to adapt the LS1 block to the stock mounts(cost less than $40 to have them made). I had to cut then reinforce the mounts on the passenger side to clear the AC compressor. I had to modify the exhaust manafold on the passenger side (cut off the flange that goes to the EGR witch mine didn't have anyway) and have it welded up. I moved the transmission crossmember back(just redrilled new holes in the frame) for the 4L60E. Then I relocated the fuel tank behind the rear axle, and ran new fuel lines. I mated the engine harness with a fuse and relay box from a 1997 Z28 Camaro, then connected it to the truck harness. The oil pressure sender that came with my engine hooked up to my stock guage. The temperature guage requires a 3 wire sensor that reads for the PCM and the stock guage. Power steering hoses as well as transmission cooling lines and vaccuum for the brakes hooked up like they were made for the truck. I put alot of thought into this swap for a couple of years before I atempted it. I took my time and it tool about 6 weekends before it was ready to drive to the exhaust shop. Then I added the cruise control and custom made hoses to recharge the AC. The AC was most of the modification work but if you don't need it the swap is a snap. I used the Camaro accessories I don't know if the corvette ones will swap as well. Of course with fuel injection you need a high pressure pump in the tank and a regulator. You will also need a electronic speedo a GM or aftermarket will do.

[GMCwantsLS1]

I used the stock 12 bolt rear but a 10 bolt will do. I like the automatic tranny it bolted right in and the stock shifter hooked right up to it. I'm sure any standard could be adapted to fit. I didn't even change my driveshaft except to install new U joints. I drive mine every day and I love it!

[Sleeper]

he's also a post whore