73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: XrayTedd on April 06, 2016, 06:02:33 PM
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Ok guys so as promised I'm gonna give you the run down of the progress so far. Fair warning cosmetically there hasn't been much improvement. My main focus has been on the drive/power train.
So here's the back story. I bought my 87 about 2.5 years ago. It was a barn find that didn't run. The body was pretty solid considering it's in the Midwest. One small cancer spot on the rear drivers quarter. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/d6d0d663afe7330d78dd7e74a06ffc1f.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/fdd68f624f356088fbec7b2088565e07.jpg) These are the only pics of her the day I got her. Dropped the tank and replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter, and rebuilt the throttle body. And then she ran. So I took her out for her maiden voyage to where else but the gas station. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/1e9bacb703a4b211f04e311133f3fe3e.jpg)
Found out the PO had swapped the 700r for a th350. The th350 was burnt up and shot. Since my use for the truck is DD and recreational weekends nothing hardcore I decided to go back to the 700r. Found one on CL out of an awd cyclone. Traded the th350 to a trans parts shop for new seals, stick tube, tc, filter and gaskets.
Over the next year or so spent alot of time and energy getting the motor to run right (broken vacuum lines, bad sensors ect). Then turned to the exhaust. Summit long tube headers with 3" single in/out hooker max flow, no cat. Installed the O2 bung in the collector and upgrade O2 to the heated 3 wire. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/f97d165ffbe8baeb59eb854975643c22.jpg) Also ditched the smog pump (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/7382aff8551325f56672c938c45df31f.jpg)
Here's with the top off (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/dccdb7f06a49b1283bb917cc122b9356.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/7efc547efe6dc4aebd514b648b8c4844.jpg)
I then came across some deals and made some purchases. First was a set of rallys with rings and centers. Tires were small but had more tread than the mud slicks she came with. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/a5a04abba78026c92b9aae4a995f7478.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/c28aeb1dd6c81d819ec0954547bbb6cd.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/46ccf99b046301d626faac4d80564026.jpg)
Then I came across a deal on a soft top.(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/f6b7fa0c0aecb75022d9bcaf18ac9403.jpg)
Still needed to do something about those street meats. Then I came across a set of 32" bfg ats. 90% tread mounted on a set of 6 lug rallys for 500. Couldn't pass it up. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/a5565f3fa36e041438bcce6193d67bf3.jpg)
Gonna take a break then come back and post the nitty gritty. Stay tuned....
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Ok. Fingers rested now back at typing. After putting the new - ish tires on I didn't want to ruin them with the bad ball joints and such. Heads up what you're about to see may be hated. And I agree I'm not fan either so I'm gonna get it out of the way. I know the dangers and risks involved to having blocks on the front leafs and no I'm not a fan of them. Right now the truck doesn't get driven much and I'm waiting on the funds to replace the springs. Moving on, I rebuilt the front end to start. Ball joints, idler arm, pitman arm, bearings, seals, axle shaft u joints, rotors, pads, shocks, and hubs. With some clean up work. Here's the before, during and after pics....(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/761f527955ba67991e52023312bafed6.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/f3cfde228824085b7665c61c8ddd3e2c.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/52b966a6feaa2d8df8dfb5a05a089108.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/745c6285c6d2597a701bf594dad3f5c7.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/710b7b74cfd0f9744653bd7e1c98627a.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/1823c1a949d98c44fad3aa812765a3ca.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/0488d68721e5f1e7ea799ac4820d9655.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/fba417c5578c9bc6b1c953bbc5917fdd.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/13bd22121c8e976b7425a8e44d7a5e0f.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/fbad3d3931f27a27ebe158631a7cb3df.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/25711c6ba147255a60187db9499b3497.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/638f848ad8a80fe09cf671921fa1d8ff.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/ccc7d2cce6da0a91586562b8207324cf.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/49b996a3e0db88dfda4b176e49581b90.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/83893146e1ca5add5cef7718d63e7842.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/d5bfdefbce8d10b52dd0f002d25d7fd9.jpg).
Shortly after this I did the exjay steering shaft upgrade. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/a9c33784f20432ca754c527e7e171a7b.jpg)
The ride was much nicer after but not good enough. The steering box is shot and is I currently have a red head steering box on my wish list.
During all this work I had a block at the machine shop getting cleaned and machined to be built. I'm getting real close on that and will cover it in another segment.
Next up will be the rear end. I'll be back in few minutes to cover that build. Again stay tuned.
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Moving on the the rear end. For the most part this was the same as the front. New bearings and seals, brakes, e brake, axle shafts, and shocks. One thing you'll learn about me is when I get my hands on something. It gets a face lift not just fixed. I'm just touching briefly on the work that has already been done on this truck. So if you have any questions or comments feel free to jump in anytime. So here it is, before, during and after...(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/721dec7b3c64a2bb3f7d225bd0a8529b.jpg)started by pulling the cover and giving the gears a good inspection. The just dove right in...(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/0fe0bbd17d1438dcbb71584ab2298aa8.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/3b21cab323578c3b4a6e052a12419766.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/b2e91f95894a1c84dae54dd2252f3f66.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/79bd63ee742aac345db4a203a6725866.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/67f0429a320ea2354dd4baa6d67675cb.jpg)
I go through alot of wire wheels. And it gets a little dusty in my little garage.(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/218602ccff2be0572cf0e66286f36984.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/30004efc82773eb9f9e53bddba9fc0f6.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/c0e3f1d21fbfd6d10a0887d9ed3f54e8.jpg)
And now ready for paint..(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/394840e5f603a85104ed80aca9539a40.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/51af48bbe0f58425c70365f1d0858a1c.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/a2b356c4e5c6533b59199f01667c5d24.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/7c38ddd238ca340069c6e9bcd797e97d.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/0af781fd86c72faeb7f0bdaa8ac4c115.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/41c67598a03425cb2dd5d2d1e5bd6ed5.jpg)
Shortly after all this, and during the build of the motor, my tcase started acting up. So I pushed the motor aside and tore into the tcase. This was my first time to even see what the inside of a tcase looks like so I was a little nervous with this one. And I was pressed for time cause snow was on the way. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/440162600a3652a88842db5bdf4a6007.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/515ef8d1257a15504760272634d33c95.jpg) So first thing I noticed was rust. Just spots of it here and there. But most was in crucial areas.(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/d2dc18c4e4ba5eb76f54c0fe7fc4a049.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/d78736fb4ea25bfa546207056e58c7f1.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/7dce55318958ca697610559b12779ccf.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/74bfd8b11cec5ec68fb757ae335c4c4c.jpg)but the gears were in great shape. Very little wear. The issue was in the engaging forks. The pads were worn off and continued to wear the forks to next to nothin. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/f8d3225d440beac23fb9777764a99c22.jpg)
So I searched online to find some replacement parts and got more than I bargained for. An old man near me rebuilds on the side said he had any part I would need. I ended up with a complete shaft assembly, new planetary case, new forks and pads, and a complete seal kit for $80. With parts in hand, time to clean the case and cross member. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/b0e49022e11599fc9f34423c90619eed.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/5cadc89662a22045bebd4fc7db235fc1.jpg)ready for paint and assembly.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/5a0207fafabed71068b8424abf670e0e.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/e05dd82d56fd0d724a3b0470978deaf6.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/981e849dc34b45877ab1420e1926d145.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/6c7be2a267ad418e5ecbff7c1373132a.jpg)
And had back on the road for the snow.(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/243f9128e187a29077af0d85038ab51e.jpg)
Next segment is the motor build. I'll start from the beginning and go to the current. From there you all will be caught up to present day.
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good looking build, seems like ive seen it on another forum
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good looking build, seems like ive seen it on another forum
Thanks!
And there's a chance you've seen it. I'm on a k5 forum as well.
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Thats what I was hinting about. lots of good info and other knowledge here as well as the other forum were both on. plus chris has some pretty cool stuff for the squares made
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Nice! I'll have to check it out.
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Nice blazer! Lookin forward to the build.
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So here's the new heart in process. I started with a CL special basket case 5.7 out of a 93 half ton. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/7c7f0acaad80529b700e8dfb0ef90ffc.jpg)
Sent the block and crank off to the machine shop to get cleaned, bored .030 over, surfaced, fluxed, and line honed. Crank was turned to a 10/10 grind.(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/1e360c305918a2c7e9f4e8fd0f6be6c6.jpg)
While it was in the shop I started deciding which way I wanted to go with the build. After some research and having a deal I could not pass up fall into my lap I decided go with Tune Port Injection.
Being this was previously a TBI motor I had to find a different set of heads as the stock just wouldn't perform for my liking. A good friend of mine turned me onto a secret for getting a set of Dart Eagle Iron SS heads new for half the cost. These are 2.02/1.60 72cc heads with the fast burn chamber like that of vortec heads, but are a better flowing head than the vortecs. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/768eff23179123a5fd951a5cc552aac3.jpg)
The heads will be paired with hypereutectic flattop pistons, a Crane 2040 cam, double roller gear set, and all new guts. The only parts of the old motor being reused are the block, crank, rockers, and pushrods. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/518d5784f2ff3f42e09f2f796a13ea04.jpg)
Now that I have my parts and block back, it's time for paint....(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/8f78d3b7c291d81410c971443f0dcc6a.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/a4f35273858ab931c4e67b12da02407d.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/eaa3c5cc2e8dc3b48517bc9455d50b4b.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/ec2d9a634c0c017a60a0eb208a976cd9.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/188574e3782e05faec332db38b6568cd.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/9c037d1ef0b90eb77ffd20d7f6efa35e.jpg)
Now comes the assembly....(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/7c1b90bfe561b6cf9372d2b9a8e93978.jpg) stamp the rods so they'll always go in the right order.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/61588f54db7f3fbce29169fcbb5c15da.jpg) After having the rotating assembly balanced, in goes the crank, pistons, cam, and gear set.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/260ff13c4efa3011f3f6936451022448.jpg) with my $3 homemade degree kit, I degree the cam.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/d35016bcf5e7b63527d877f265503fdc.jpg) Then on goes the heads.
Top it off with the intake system just to see how it's gonna look.(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/d61bc894fa2eb8be07b904ebd91db868.jpg)
Then I got a deal on a new computer controlled hei dizzy and an aluminum dizzy cover(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/4d5071d61f075d2c1d5ca015b7c4e625.jpg)
So this is how she currently sits...(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/6f60378e578f9aabe05992699146b64d.jpg)
Now the tpi runners had some dents so I had to address the issue before it get sent off to powder coat.(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/649feb43149af9d2a0bc3e3b26a67d39.jpg)Before
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/a69b39a331574f02fa0bbc33b009dc85.jpg)After
I'll have an update after it gets sent off and back from powder coat.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/0deaf52b0e3717c86f69f773b4fc63c1.jpg)Questions? Comments?
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Welcome, good build so far.
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Welcome, good build so far.
Thanks LTZ! I gotta rebuild my funds before I go any further. All that work was done in about a 6 month span.
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Haha I hear that. I'm gonna be replacing my entire front end components hopefully this weekend.
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Was about to send the intake system off for powder coat. Upon assembly I found out that pooping the dents has caused the tubes to twist and straighten just enough to cause alignment issues. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160414/bacd180fa5a55ac6987d7643cf245a67.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160414/fb9bdb93d8164e9b45fabe74d55c86ea.jpg) So now time to repair or replace. Since repairing is the cheaper of the two I'm gonna try that first. I got a piece of 5" angle iron 1/4" thick and drilled some holes. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160414/812a780e4ea4d12c770fcd0da5cb6659.jpg) idea is to draw in the 2 flanges with bolts flush with the surface (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160414/22070b55fed5ae4042014cbca0107dac.jpg) Then, while they're under tension, try to relieve the stress by putting them through several heat cycles with a torch.(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160414/5e81c565e1aec23abd10cf34c4e1add5.jpg) This is best idea I've come up with so far. So if anyone has any other ideas, please share.
Now that I have my torch in hand, Where's my beer...!?
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This is a great project.
I'm a huge fan of TPI motors, especially in 73-87's.
How did you get your TPI intake so clean? Was it bead blasted?
I always thought that the stock runners could not be powder coated because they have epoxy joints. I could be wrong on this
I could never figure out how so many runners get dented. I assume its from people using chain to pull motors out of the cars. It looks like you used the balls you can buy on ebay to remove the dents, how did they work?
What are you going to use for a wiring harness & computer? Are you going aftermarket or using GM parts.
I'll be keeping an eye on this build.
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I used to have a 91 Camaro, it was RPO code B4C police model. It was a traffic enforcement/pursuit car for the police department in the town I grew up in, my mom drove it as a traffic officer for the same department. It was a Z28, RS body kit, 4 wheel disc brakes, 4L60, and TPI 350. That car hauled aces. That thing was stupid fast. It was a great car. We bought shortly after the department retired it. Had it for about 8 years or so after. I drove it for about 6 months while I was putting an engine in my truck. That car was a lot of fun.
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This is a great project.
I'm a huge fan of TPI motors, especially in 73-87's.
How did you get your TPI intake so clean? Was it bead blasted?
I always thought that the stock runners could not be powder coated because they have epoxy joints. I could be wrong on this
I could never figure out how so many runners get dented. I assume its from people using chain to pull motors out of the cars. It looks like you used the balls you can buy on ebay to remove the dents, how did they work?
What are you going to use for a wiring harness & computer? Are you going aftermarket or using GM parts.
I'll be keeping an eye on this build.
Thanks fitz! I've been torching on these things all night. They're definitely not held together by epoxy. Lol.They are welded. I guess people don't know how to be careful with fragile parts. But you can't hardly find a set that doesn't have dents. The guy I bought them off of had them blasted for unknown reasons to me. The kit worked pretty good aside from the alignment issue. The reviews for the kit were really good but not one mention of this complication. I've got a guy with a harness and ecm out of a formula. He's supplying me with those and the rest of the serpentine setup. As far as parts... which parts are you asking about? All I've thought about so far are the injectors. Planning on using 24# LT1 injectors.
I used to have a 91 Camaro, it was RPO code B4C police model. It was a traffic enforcement/pursuit car for the police department in the town I grew up in, my mom drove it as a traffic officer for the same department. It was a Z28, RS body kit, 4 wheel disc brakes, 4L60, and TPI 350. That car hauled aces. That thing was stupid fast. It was a great car. We bought shortly after the department retired it. Had it for about 8 years or so after. I drove it for about 6 months while I was putting an engine in my truck. That car was a lot of fun.
That's the goal LTZ, to haul aces!! And with the upgrade cam and heads on this she should move at a pretty good click for a 4wd.
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After a few beers and several heat cycles I was able to realign everything.
And just to reassure things I assembled the three and did a couple cycles on the whole unit.(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160415/9d78b15559168fc1695600da26f7dd66.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160415/502b470898772b0b68e29da596961958.jpg)
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Looks good. What color will it be coated? I'm guessing aluminum gray or black or did you have a more colorful option in mind?
I have a Vortec block with upgrades, good torque producing cam, aluminum heads and a completely factory big block TBI and the system all together works great. Producing well over 400 ft lbs for my C20 to use as needed. The technology might be old but it was once new and ground breaking and high tech and still works. I can't complain.
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Looks good. What color will it be coated? I'm guessing aluminum gray or black or did you have a more colorful option in mind?
I have a Vortec block with upgrades, good torque producing cam, aluminum heads and a completely factory big block TBI and the system all together works great. Producing well over 400 ft lbs for my C20 to use as needed. The technology might be old but it was once new and ground breaking and high tech and still works. I can't complain.
I'm doing a chrome coat on the lower intake and the runners and plenum will be bright red. I'll be painting the throttle body black.
Ran my setup on my desktop dyno. According to it I'll be making 375 tq @ 2000 rpm and a peak hp of 325 @ 4500 rpm
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That should look nice. My truck makes about 365-375 hp tops @ about 4500 and 425-435 tq @ 2500-3000.
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Got my intake back from powder coat. Then I started tapping up the throttle body and painting it. Finished up some final details and now it's ready for "show and tell".
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160517/b52a2d7c7a8d26b6a390d0e502e08b3c.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160517/8513eda7ad563f91f08b9e4f43b86157.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160517/78915a20b9fc00fb773bd01bac148260.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160517/90a83ef258e87fb9337c0795faf0b7f8.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160517/42f718c4aca1b9052058c1b837b80d6c.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160517/c3b7e31dada1e526194de5747f3521b1.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160517/883b8cd47fc5e951181779ddec1dd3b2.jpg)
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That looks very nice.
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Thats a great looking TPI set up.
What did the powder coating cost?
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Thats a great looking TPI set up.
What did the powder coating cost?
It cost me about $30 in shipping. $15 there and $15 back. I had went and pulled some parts for a guy on my other forum. So instead of paying each other, we basically did a labor swap. I couldn't be happier with the turn out. It looks way better than the pic can show.
Thanks guys!
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I have a pair of headers I dented in a wreck and I want to pull the dents out, I was wondering how you pulled the dents out of your tpi runners.
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I have a pair of headers I dented in a wreck and I want to pull the dents out, I was wondering how you pulled the dents out of your tpi runners.
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I used a kit that I got off FleaBay. It's a series of balls that you basically pound through them. The runners are aluminum so I'm not sure how well it would work on steel. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160521/4e8c6071b3b07e10584557be88d0d9d9.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160521/143033e7139dd6956e14d2beb27b6322.jpg)
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Thanks! I'll find some large ball bearings and give it a go. They are useless dented, so I'm not going to lose anything by trying. I like the idea, I was going to resort to a spot welded rod and a slide hammer.
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That powder coating job came out great.
I'm looking forward to seeing this motor up & running.
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I received my corvette valve covers that I won on the cheap off FleaBay. Placed the minimum bet of $40 and that was the only bet placed on this auction. I guess I scared all the others away with my "high roller" bet... here's the purchased merchandise. Got a little work to do on them.(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/e04a93a296b67cdbf2db73a5f0ae152a.jpg)
First up was removing the hunters safety orange paint. For this I thought I'd try my hand at some aircraft stripper. First time using this product, and dang this stuff ain't no joke!! I have to say it scares me a little. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/44f53f876864afd63ad9978006730469.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/cec12e712171dd6cf9553a2ee023b8af.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/648fdd53214bf24818b1c40e99d6a3de.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/65200527d55bd8b6c4d29f0e983521bb.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/03ae753a7ad7ed6b477c8a2d967ea2c6.jpg)
After they were stripped I looked them over real good. There was some pitting in the metal. Nothing a little bondo couldn't fix.(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/dcf9309abc2aa735134706e092c94dfc.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/06f8804681669304bc60515d8b35c2cf.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/2241f181aa11e3b30ef57ba392ffaafc.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/a615180ee2fb1d599f7a0d347d2f111f.jpg)
Then it was time to paint and detail. First I laid the primer, then a base coat of red. While the red set to cure I started striping the intake plenum. My best option for this was using pin striping. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/d7202f982f5cf21907afcac8376d5728.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/c36f749cd27f7c49a88a9166c4fdc3dd.jpg)
After doing all that work under the radar and trying not to spoil the end product with early pictures for you guys. Today I go to lay the final coats down and had nothing but troubles. It was way too humid to be doing any painting. It screwed everything up and now I have to strip it all off and start over!!! It was not a good day for me. I was very pissed off. So much so that my wonderful lady bought me a cheesecake chimichanga at dinner tonight to cheer me up. (I'm thinking I should have mishaps more often.) Well it's not my best work by any means but I did finish it out just so I could get you guys some sloppy pics of what the end idea will look like. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/7cf51323d82ff00154e1b134fa2ee64f.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/dff3c7d81ed1d18622208384753ca3d5.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/63b193ed3cdb278234926a82e0aacdd6.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/2d077f5d6ad047090083746b06783e5a.jpg)
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It all looks really nice. It's an interesting idea, using red and black with opposite color stripes. I also just noticed that the heads are black and the block is red but the intake is bare aluminum (possibly silver paint). My I ask, why red and black? I'm just curious, it does look nice.
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The block is actually the classic Chevrolet orange just to keep it classy. The red and black has just been the theme for everything I've been upgrading. It all started with the axles. I did them in black and the calipers red. After that everything just ended up black with little touches of caliper red. So I carried over to the motor. The reason I went with the aluminum color powder coat was because there will be things on the engine that will end up just aluminum. ( ie. Alternator, fuel rails, ect) so it was just a way to tie it in and the silver doesn't show dirt as bad.
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Ahh I see, well that all makes good sense then. Looking at the block again I see it's indeed orange, at first glance I assumed it to be red as well. Keep going with the good work.
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Ahh I see, well that all makes good sense then. Looking at the block again I see it's indeed orange, at first glance I assumed it to be red as well. Keep going with the good work.
Thanks LT!
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That TPI motor is looking good.
Keep us posted on your progress.
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This thread is not dead just been slow due to low funds. Most recent update is I pulled a t-pulley from the yard off a 95 tbi. Found out that it is not gonna work(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161002/65294c7931ea155ab1e280dc10b89302.jpg) So I took that back and pulled the brackets from a vortec motor. It will work but it comes with a catch.(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161002/01a2faf939e0b548a3d573158d6027b3.jpg)
Running this will prevent me from ever being able to have A/C as the throttle linkage hovers over where the compressor should go. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161002/cef59f7dc96e9650afbbfeb9b44f84c7.jpg). I'm gonna leave this for now and see what I decide later. I also picked up an electric fan from a 94 Lincoln town car. I saw on another site a way to retro fit the fan in my stock shroud. So I'm gonna attempt this for a clean look.(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161002/1be792a3810f739308b719737539b4e4.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161002/0d2f0e5942faae1b1fe55da9030be585.jpg)
Then I came across a 90 suburban at the yard with a rear air foil with a third brake light. This was the first I've seen of this style on a suburban, and I'm sure it'll be a new feature on a K5. The price was right so I grabbed it and will put it on at a later date. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161002/606f2f68d345ec10fc5391bebd1886d2.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161002/c637e6a8b93c5214e2848a791daffbb2.jpg)
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Interesting. I think you could still find a way to get ac, just have to do some brain storming.
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I've been waiting for updates on this build.
You could always hunt down a serpentine belt set up off a TPI car.
My 86 vette had a serpentine belt system.
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I've been waiting for updates on this build.
You could always hunt down a serpentine belt set up off a TPI car.
My 86 vette had a serpentine belt system.
I would like to find one of those but here's my problem. My yard doesn't carry any of the cars I would need to pull these parts. (Z28s, formulas, or corvettes) I can find the sets on ebay, but they want your first born son for them.
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Have you tried any other salvage yards or places like pick n pull. My serpentine system all came off 1 truck in the local pick n pull yard. I got brackets, pulleys and bolts.
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Have you tried any other salvage yards or places like pick n pull. My serpentine system all came off 1 truck in the local pick n pull yard. I got brackets, pulleys and bolts.
I haven't yet. But I think I only have one more in my area. I'll try to check it out next weekend.
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That's what I would do.
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That's what I would do.
Did some digging. Since the 88-92 z28 share the same locations for the ac comp and alt as the vortecs, I can get away with just finding the ac/ps bracket. If I can find that at the yard it'll only cost me about $10. They're close to a hundy on ebay. Maybe I can make a career out of pulling these brackets and selling them since they're made of gold. Lol
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There ya go!
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Been doing some assessments on the engine build. From my digging around it appears that the cost to finish the engine (as TPI engine) is the equivalent to what purchasing a fitec system would be. The fitec will also be a much easier install option and less problematic. I could also recoup most of the cost for the fitec from selling the TPI system. The cons are that I would lose a little bit of low end torque, but I would gain a little higher rpm hp. And it would widen my overall rpm range from 4500 to 5000 before the numbers start falling. So now I have a decision to make...
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Ide choose torque over hp any day
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Ide choose torque over hp any day
This, I've been told multiple times from different people that torque is that which gets you going; hp only keeps you going.
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Ide choose torque over hp any day
This, I've been told multiple times from different people that torque is that which gets you going; hp only keeps you going.
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These trucks need torque, not hp. The engine I just lost in my truck was only 365-ish hp, but it was 425-ish torque. I built it for torque, to tow.
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Ide choose torque over hp any day
I agree. I prefer torque. But here's the numbers. I would lose 50 ft lbs off idle to 1500. Around 2500 it would be even up to about 3500. At 3500 the TPI would start dropping and I would gain about 20 ft lbs to 4000. So really it's just stalling my tq curve off idle. I'm not sure that will justify the higher cost overall. The TPI (with the engine I've built) will be pretty much maxed without spending big bills on upgrades that can handle more (larger throttle body, runners, injectors, ect). Where as with the fitec there's still room for gains later down the road.
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Then yes, you have a decision to make.
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Been a while since I've given any updates. Although there hasn't been much to update about.
I pulled my carpet and found some rust that will have to be addressed this spring when the weather decides to get right. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170325/8ea4ea597e01cde84d3270d7c3c0205c.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170325/a859edea865199301c110bc1eb7b8244.jpg)
I also freshened up the front end. I had busted up my grille on a 4x4 excursion so it was time to repair it. I had the parts stored away just needed to sand them up and repaint and polish them. Also replaced all four sealed beams. I started to go with an HID conversion but there were some things I didn't like about them so I sent them back. I painted the core support behind the grille and removed the plastic trim from the bumper.
Here's the before. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170325/dae72f74d8c44c2e628e1270535f526e.jpg)
Replacement parts.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170325/3995a522eb80167c683b6cbf92138b51.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170325/c604384343be2b38a1ddc20bbb81dbee.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170325/e2030b6bfa4a053aca05bb27771a321c.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170325/1b0a454faed34d76af862794e2f4ae1b.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170325/ade9e94ef19239981b62628c3b815bb0.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170325/483138eccf45bb1a4ee9beac9ffee5fa.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170325/ca712c91bc3a0c61627912f2d1b33c18.jpg)
After.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170325/564d176a6dcb1c8080c29e6970be6cbf.jpg)
I have done a little on the motor as well. After finding some good deals on the parts I'll need I've decided I'm sticking with the TPI. So I cleaned up the fuel rails and gave them some paint. I got a deal on a set of 24lb injectors and a complete engine harness and hardened push rods. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170325/b37a787c86bfadfe10c5ce2c2b06be01.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170325/7cdb2d6065b5b3f45fbb8779430e3ca2.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170325/ff53d7441e4a5f99b726ad9a32659077.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170325/fa2da2cf98c08dbedb4a71f60b61914f.jpg)
I know it a crappy pic of the harness but it takes up less space in the box. Lol
I also picked the YOM plate to register on the truck. No more inspections for this truck!
I should be ordering the ECM in the next week or 2 preprogrammed for my motor.
That will leave me with 1.6 rockers, accessories and brackets, and sensors. Should be dropping it in this summer on her 30th birthday.
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Quick update
Shortly after my last update, I started cycling and working a little on my health. So money was focus on cycling equipment.
None the less progress is getting back on track. I was able to find a set of brackets from a Chevy caprice wagon that carries the same setup the TPI cars carried. I have also acquired all of my accessories. They have all been cleaned up and painted. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170821/ca229080fd19da237c6d01a64aa2ff72.jpg)
Also scored a set of 1.6 ratio roller tip rockers on CL for $50 still in the package.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170821/b57dd2ca5c8f19e04299be1efeaee16b.jpg)
For the engine the, all that's left are the sensors and an ECM. I know mentioned before I was gonna order that. But the cycling popped up and money was gone. Lol
Not much has been done to the truck it's self. Just a few odds and ends. I installed a swing case I had stored in the closet for a year or 2. I picked up a Tuffy console. I'll get that installed when I finish pulling the carpet. Also I picked up a CB and got that installed.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170821/3c8bf6831d4f47cbb7f5875db51c457f.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170821/b87c83d0af0c0de9c09c02b2de4489b8.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170821/731b062c6e361d0196587453d4bc9b53.jpg)
Hoping I can get the rust repairs done on the floor soon. That was put on hold due to my compressor tank getting holes in the bottom. I solved that problem by building myself a stainless steel tank. Then I have the pump and motor a freshen up. New seals on the pump and paint for both. So now that's back up and running.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170821/74da308487cf6d22ba88fcf8b6c5ba20.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170821/c2d6ceea3bc0244ba9dfe757a8e10d06.jpg)
Just waiting for my schedule and the weather to align right to get the floors done.
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I'm gonna give some updates.
The motor is complete and is currently getting installed.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/ee812086e1877228479214efc3c4f8b4.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/2f7467cac64fb6e5140b40860cd5246c.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/00f80c09e5081f22d19bc71e64f372da.jpg)
I converted my tcase to a 32 spline input shaft and picked up a TH400 trans. The trans is installed waiting the tcase to go in behind it. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/02ccb1a03756d59ffbf1ee04e89f0c41.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/6b78b5f6b9c35a44e705cf629a0f8668.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/26d6b5961e99ce89955393bb62c2651a.jpg)
Got my fuel line adapters ordered and on the way. Just need fuel lines and a new harness.
I also picked up a 14bff, rebuilt it and did a disc conversion. It has g80 LSD with 4:10 gears. I also have an 8 lug D44 with matching gears. All waiting for it's day of install. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/9aec3047f6eabf15386fe1b207525fd0.jpg)
I still haven't done anything with the floors yet. I cleaned everything up and painted it all before installing the tuffy console with the CB. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/266c0475ee94d4fbb342e79a4d4b52a9.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/fd63c2c612e5bfa43c21dda9822f0db1.jpg)
I also got into taking it to the trails which is the reason for the axle upgrades. But I felt rock sliders were warranted for this. So I built some. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/f402948343f703cf3eb72428ef8c73af.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/26bc3e1e42d26fa7ac444139ec032db7.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/bef669311ef2b58735389002dd4cff88.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/06738b1cf79db654fa0cf1815bd867f5.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/dd33db85273ce4d6261a1f13a3893c62.jpg)
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Motor is in and hooked up. Working on trying to get it to fire now. Seems to be frying the ICM. I need to get a diagram from the harness builder to make sure his wiring is matched up with my hei pig tail.
Does anyone know much about the 7 pin icm hei dizzys?
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180620/68862bb8b22b6095435073695aeed975.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180620/8a2a82a37afd154d09ae8350b1e6336a.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180620/f625a135784e20e647c5b5a590e4a569.jpg)
I retro fit an electric fan into my factory fan shroud. The sealed it with expanding foam. Turned out pretty good. The foam won't be that noticable when installed. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180620/f600a70e398346a8df7877bff4dfed9b.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180620/e153428beffaf1fd87cdbaf22face11e.jpg)
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Have you had any updates? Love this build, clean and classy but still unique. My '83 C10 is going to be getting a TPI top end with a FAST EZ EFI 2.0 ECM and harness, and some of your would be snags that you've worked around would have been a problem for me also. Also, thank you for your business (Alternator was purchased from my company).
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Have you had any updates? Love this build, clean and classy but still unique. My '83 C10 is going to be getting a TPI top end with a FAST EZ EFI 2.0 ECM and harness, and some of your would be snags that you've worked around would have been a problem for me also. Also, thank you for your business (Alternator was purchased from my company).
Yes sir there is. Just got my final burned prom and it's running great. I'm running dual thrush welded mufflers and I'm not real thrilled with the sound of them. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190107/e649283f0250ef04582e57c33c348b8d.jpg)
Here's the finished engine. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190107/3721eb96d5f92523d939301074f2aa9e.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190107/e04d4f58339c9eae398decad1031bf3e.jpg)
I modified the IAC/coolant pass thru plate. This way hot coolant doesn't heat up the throttle body. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190107/4db4aa722d79e0ed1301c450f40d3681.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190107/6c876f8c4fa52d466cf5522213052333.jpg)
I also made and installed a fuse/relay box. I used a CAT5 cable to run my trigger wires to my switches. That way everything is color coded. The switch panel is installed in the tuffy console. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190107/b30359576f0aa1efe36ef406dcc74342.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190107/2c5745dc77d92d3aecdcc8338028dace.jpg)
I had to make my own throttle cable. Mixing my factory cable with a throttle cable from a 2000 Tahoe LS motor. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190107/a33c007c5b77966a898952e282377689.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190107/fec95ad2d90692f875973dbfb87d4686.jpg)
My harness came from Larry's Electric. Right around $300 to my door. The quality is fantastic and hes very helpful over the phone. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190107/16172ba86608737ae0a44d9e4a35931e.jpg)
Also picked up a set of H2 wheels for the axles. I'll be powder coating them soon.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190107/a6deb037bb09f324964fa286a8ad2052.jpg)
Things I need to do:
Fix a power steering leak. Transmission pan leak. Replace the thrush mufflers. Rebuild a 700r4 trans and swap in. I like the durability of the th400 but the loss of the lower 1st gear and OD has been bothering me. Other than that my next steps are insulating the floors and getting the axles in.
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Dude! You are an animal! Awesome build, very inspiring.
I digging into a 1980 C10 right now, will post pics as I get further.
Sorry about the rust... never sleeps, right?
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Dude! You are an animal! Awesome build, very inspiring.
I digging into a 1980 C10 right now, will post pics as I get further.
Sorry about the rust... never sleeps, right?
Thanks man. Luckily the rust isn't too bad. And since I'm not going show conditions, I can cut it out and patch it with small pieces from the hardware store. I plan on using the kilmat that's on Amazon and the home improvement store bubble rolls for insulator, then top all that with vinyl replacement floors from . Should help with the noise a little at least. Lol
Looking forward to seeing your build!
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