Project Poor Man's Toy (1979 C10)

[79shortbed]

Well you guys talked me into it
I'll build the small block....

...and the buyer for my 350 backed out. Sigh, the universe wants me to build it because every buyer backs out or something happens so screw it. Just need odds and ends and she should be running soon!
Posted via Mobile Device

[496bb]

Hey, I have a 5.3 sittin on the stand in the garage - was gonna do LS but decided to stay old school for this particular truck. Maybe a trade if your interested? Shoot me a PM..

[79shortbed]

Ok. Been a while, and there are some pretty big changes..

GOING LS!
Sold the Gen I and trans, Picked up a 5.3/4L60e with harness, ECU, accessories, etc. for $1400, after selling 350/TH375 for $1300, I came out pretty good!


Combo sittin' perty!

Dirty Dingo 73-87 swap plates!


This is the car that got me really on board with LS swaps. My friend's 1978 Camaro Z/28, 5.3 w/LS1 intake, 700r4, still under construction.



87 gas tank, sending unit and new straps on the way from rock auto, should be here tomorrow.

[mooseknuckles]

awesome Z!

[79shortbed]

Originally Posted by mooseknuckles

awesome Z!

I agree! I love his car, I'll stop by and sit in his shop and just look at it and brainstorm. Plus my parents had a black on black 1978 Z/28 as well!

As for updates, the 87 fuel tank and sending unit came in today, new straps as well. I think I'll be running the EP381 in tank pump, summit has it for $75, autozone had it for $105. I'll check somewhere else locally, but will probably end up ordering it. May or some braided line as well. The right sizes are -6 and -8 right? My engine has the return style fuel rails, so no corvette regulator, but will need to run more fuel line.

[UATahoe]

I went with that fuel pump as well on my 87. Swapping in a 383. Got mine from advance auto parts. Used coupon code trt41 I believe for $40 bucks off. Make sure to spend $115 so the 40 off takes it to 75. That way you get free shipping. I have been using that method to buy parts. Ends up being a great deal!! Believe they came out to $58 bucks each
Posted via Mobile Device

[79shortbed]

Thanks UATahoe! Nice to see some fellow Alabamians as well!

Trans unbolted from engine and harness removed, engine soon to be placed on the stand and a thorough cleaning shall ensue!

[79shortbed]

5.3 cleaned up, all accessories off as well as harness and intake and whatnot, bare motor. Picked up the DBW harness, TAC and pedal, but I really am thinking of swapping it for DBC. That would require me getting a whole new throttle body, computer, and harness. Is it that hard to mount the DBW pedal?

Fuel system ordered, EP381 pump, strainer, all braided stainless line with Russell's AN fittings and filter. Shop space is keeping me from doing too much, but I also picked up a spare 5.3 short block with a knock in it. I thought about building a nasty N/A 383 stroker with some of their ported heads, cam, and going carb maybe? I'm planning my next swap and haven't even gotten this one done! Lol this is addicting!

[79shortbed]

All fuel system stuff has come in, shop space has returned to me, but after having lots of problems trying to get it off, I'm gonna leave the front clip on it. It's not coming off without cutting off a few bolts, and the panels will need replacing later anyway, so I'll hold off for now. Main thing is to get it running and on the road now, bodywork later.
Also got a rendering done with end goals in mind and here is my vision!!

[truckzilla]

Love the rendering! It's going to look awesome with the riveted look! Keep after it man!

[79shortbed]

Originally Posted by truckzilla

Love the rendering! It's going to look awesome with the riveted look! Keep after it man!

Thanks truckzilla! I think so too, definitely something I don't see much of.

[79shortbed]

Plans made for the 5.3
Bought some 243 heads off an LS2. Gonna mill them down and use some thinner gaskets, aiming for around 10:1 or slightly higher compression with a cam package from Texas Speed, deciding between the 224r, 224/228, and 228r. Will be on 112 LSA more than likely.
Need to start the wiring soon! Got the new frame mounts on, front clip mostly off. Will post pics soon!

[biggene]

Looking forward to seeing where you go with this build. I have been wanting to get another square body for a while now, I drove a 74 all through high school with a 383/TH400 my dad and I built. Of course, that was back in the 80's lol.

Plus I am a fellow Alabamian as well.

[Hankster]

Anymore on this thing?