Gathering parts for OBS build

[Hardrock]

Hey all!
First post, just joined.
I've started gathering parts for an OBS/LS build and have decided a 6.0
is the way I want to go. I like the bigger cubes and a rebuildable iron block.

So.......I stumbled across this engine in a local salvage yard and they couldn't
figure out how to get it to run. (crash damaged) It spun over fine, and the van
didn't look to be real high miles, so I brought it home.
Complete (more or less) drop out with the ECM, fuse block, wiring harness, accy's,
and the 4L80e trans. It's an LQ4 engine out of a '03 2500 Express van.
Has the aluminum heads and the drive by cable throttle I was wanting.
Took me about 45 min. to get it prepped to pull, and the yard did the rest.
$500.00 sound fair?


Oh yeah, I also picked up a 14 bolt SF 2WD rear with 3:42 gears out of a CHERRY '91
that lost the battle in the C4C fiasco. 76,000 mi. rear for $150.00

With help from this board, I'm hoping to get all this stuffed in a '90 RCSB come spring.
Anybody know what all is needed to convert the 4L80e from cable shift
to pre-'95 style shift linkage? Can I keep the trans mounted BU/P-N switch that's on it now, or use my column switches on the '90?
Thanks!

[keniff]

im not home so breif answer.
change your obs linkage to the 80E
500 complete is a STEAL
what looks to be damaged on the motor? the fuel pump should have a shut off on it for hard impact wrecks to keep the fuel spill down, thatll keep it from running

[Hardrock]

Hi Kenif,
Thanks for the reply. I think that was part of the problem......no fuel.
The yard I got it from has only been into late model ins. salvage
for the last year or so. The yard guys are lost when it comes to anything
past TBI.

The van T-boned another vehicle pretty hard.....wrapped the front frame
horns WAY over. Busted the A/C bracket, purt near took all the coolers
off along with the bumper. LOL! By the time the yard guys were done
pulling away the front sheetmetal to try to start it, they cut the oil
cooler lines and trans lines. pitched the MAF, inlet ducting, etc.
Fan has a few chunks missing from a couple blades.
I found it after the fact.
Also noticed the underhood fuse block got smeared in the crash.
Probably another reason for no start.
But hey, I'm just happy to get what I got for the price!

Only gamble was unknown mileage. The digital cluster wouldn't power up.
Judging from the pedal and seat wear, if I'd have to guess, I'd say around
80-90K, maybe a li'l more. Mostly all highway miles. (Expedited delivery van)
Most likely on a fleet maintaince program.
Is the mileage/hrs. recorded in the ECM somewhere?

I was thinking far enough ahead to record the V.I.N. for future reference...
maybe get a Carfax?

[keniff]

hmm dunno about the mileage bein saved..if i guesse id sah no bc the cluster holds the mileage even when you swap to another truck.

the motor/tranny ALONE is 1200+ easy

pull the tranny pan an look at how dirty the fluid is. befpre going in with the engine/tranny combo change ALL fluids. also pull the valve cover itll have a discolor to the heads...light brown..55k or less, a lil darker shade 95k or less. UNLESS they didnt take care of the motor then i would be prepared for problems.
changing the cam? 220/224 112-113+4 lsa or spec a cam..your choice
putting a stall? 3000-3200 imo
shift kit is wise
3:73/4:10s depending tire height an weight

get some pics up of the engine/tranny combo

happy modding

[Hardrock]

Not sure how to resize the pic, but here's just how I brought it home....
Fluids looked acceptable. Just did get it unloaded and stuck in the corner of the shop.
Once I get my other work caught up I'll check it out further.
The van was based out of Michigan, so it's a li'l crusty! LOL!

I plan on dropping it in a test mule (probably my '93) bone stock at first.
Get all the kinks worked out, slick out the wiring, play with the tune, etc.
Then probably a cam and more tuning. Once everything is ironed out, I'd
kinda like to try a twin turbo setup down the road.
Hopefully, once I get the R&D out of the way, My '90 will be back from the
paint shop and I can detail the 6.0 and slide it over.......just hate thrashing
a motor swap over fresh painted fenders!

[Hardrock]

LOL! Well..... that didn't post right!

[keniff]

lol....it looks like a good find..nothing a lil cleaning cant take care of it.
so uh wheres the pics of the project ????

[Hardrock]

Well.........my '90 LWB is strung clear across the county!
Some of it's in the corner of my buddy's body shop awaiting paint, the driveline you've seen, and the SWB chassis is still under the beater i'm driving. It's going to be the test mule..........

I figure to build it in the frame that it's staying in and when all the thrashing is done pull it down for cosmetics and detailing and use it for the SWB conversion under my '90. My '90 is a far better truck than the '93 I drive, sheetmetal-wise anyway.

The blue truck is my summer DD. 6.5TD/4L60 powered '92 C1500 and is an EXACT TWIN to my '90 except the '90's a 350 gasser.

Actually, I've gathered up several runners and non-runners for parts.
Just using the creme from all them for my build up.

[Hardrock]

The mule.......

[keniff]

i like the black truck...take the cab visor off, an debadge it.

i want a set of steelies like that...just 10" wide