New member from Pennsylvania

[Kemp16V]

Hi everybody
I have been reading this forum for a couple of years and finally decided to join. I have learned a lot about these trucks from this site. It is amazing how much some of the members know about these trucks. It is definitely one of the best websites that I have come across. I hope to be a member for a long time.

[68c10airstream]

Welcome and happy New Year!! Post a few pics of what you are working on or thoughts of a project you have in mind!

[Kemp16V]

I am currently working on a 71 LWB that I inherited from my dad. I am currently trying to decide if i should switch to a LS engine with overdrive transmission or keep the 350 with three speed.

[68c10airstream]

It will most likely come down to budget and your skill set. After all of these years with ls's out there the mysteries are over with. As a past dealer mechanic i looked at it this way; the fuels will continue to be reformulated and will always work with fuel injection but will be challenging for a carb to work at it's best. I don't think anyone who would go through the work to install fuel injection when done and had driven it would say "i wish i would have kept the carb setup".

I did a junkyard pull 2001 5.3 ls with a 2004 4l65e trans with drive by cable, probably the easiest ls transition. Being you got the truck for free if you end up spending 5-10 grand to do the usual ls, disc brake (if needed) dash cluster mods, fuel pump change and possibly relocate tank to the rear frame, etc, you will have a fantastic running truck that will hold it's value.

If you stick 10 grand in a different used truck what's it worth in 5 years compared to the 71. I bet i know which one you will keep another 10+ years!!

Remember it all just bolts in, it's just metal, and there are worse things to spend your money on than this. The joy you get the first time you drive the ls knowing you did it is priceless. Enjoy the ride!!