1978 C10 5.7 p.o.s.

[txchainsawgogi]

This thing has been abused and neglected...but it has a title, runs, has 90K miles on it and I got it for 700$.

I've already had an 85' blazer with a lift kit on it and swampers when I was 19, so with this thing I want to put some vintage cragar mags I have, shave the handles, new paint, new grill, roll bar,black out the windows, redo the interior, new exhaust and get some more performance and reliability out of it.

So, I know what I want looks wise...but what should i do under the hood? I'm thinking new intake manifold, exhaust manifolds and carbs to go with new exhaust I'm making this month. Ideas?




Here it is when I first got it. I'll take pics when I get it ready for paint.

[Grim 82]

Nice. It looks like the tires alone are worth what you paid for it. The first things I would do is to go through and address any regular maintenance issues and clean up all the wiring and fix any leaks. Replace any worn suspension and steering parts and make it dependable. Skip the manifolds and go with some headers.

[txchainsawgogi]

Yeah the engine is filthy. I've got some leakage some where but I'm not too sure what it is. I have to clean out the engine compartment first to see where its coming from. What's a good degreaser to use that won't damage plastic/wires?

[Grim 82]

Alot of people like to use Simple Green but I didn't find any where I make the typical rounds, so I use a no-name tractor degreaser from the local farm & fleet. So far no plastic or wire damage. I try to stay away from Engine Bright and the like. I am going to pull my motor out in the next month or so, paint it up nice and put all new gaskets in it.

[hotrod24]

Not bad atleast your truck is two solid colors, How about some interior pics?

[txchainsawgogi]

I'll get some pics today. I'm also looking into an HEI system and a larger radiator. If I get a rad from the diesel version of my truck it should be a direct bolt in right?
 Also, what's the ease of installation of an hei kit? Would I need a different cam?

[jaredts]

Doesn't the truck already have HEI?  I think you just need the distributor assy.  Vile posted a link for one from Ebay a while back that was super cheap (brand new).

[txchainsawgogi]

Does this model? I'm at work right now otherwise i'd open the hood.

[txchainsawgogi]

Ok, it does have an HEI... any performance suggestions on that then?

[txchainsawgogi]

Workin on the interior this weekend!

[hotrod24]

WoW you really have a over all pretty good looking truck  Looks almost like the one i am getting,The interior anyway lol...

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=16282.0

[txchainsawgogi]

The pictures look a lot better than it actually is haha. Pretty much nothing works inside. Instrument lights, gas gauge, radio... can't even tell what gear I'm in!

[txchainsawgogi]

Finished my drivers side shaved handle mod, got a new muffler, my old cragar mags and a seat cover I'm going to sew in place.

This next week ill be salvaging a hood and stepside bed!

Also got some old but still in box holley carbs out of storage  I'm gonna sell to help fund the parts swap.

Goin good so far.

[txchainsawgogi]

Been awhile since I've updated.

Here's a list of what's been done so far.
New distributor,plugs, wires, dual core radiator, alternator and battery. I gutted the interior and cleaned the grime off EVERYTHING and painted it. New grille too!

Got it running pretty well. Just need the timing done(it has no timing marker!).

Next is a trans flush and ratchet shifter installed... then save up for new tires to put on my s/s cragar's. Last is a proper paint job. Maybe throw in a new stereo and shocks along the way.

[hotrod24]

Sounds like you have a come good ways with all the new parts...