Author Topic: 1981 stepside  (Read 1833 times)

Offline JustinTheeGreat

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1981 stepside
« on: April 20, 2014, 05:17:02 AM »
I have a 1981 stepside with a 305 sb in it. runs like crap. i was thinking about swapping it with a fuel injected vortec or an LS but i live in california. what can i do to make it smog legal. just looking for better gas mileage along with funner ride.
thanks

Offline JustinTheeGreat

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Re: 1981 stepside
« Reply #1 on: April 20, 2014, 05:26:11 AM »
Can I just drop it straight in or do I need different engine mounts.

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Offline bake74

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Re: 1981 stepside
« Reply #2 on: April 20, 2014, 08:58:50 AM »
     You will need different engine mounts I believe.  And as for as living in Ca., since it is a 81, you can do it but when you are done you will have to take your truck to a referee to get checked for the engine swap.  Further more, say you drop in a 2005 LS engine, then your truck will have to be smogged at 2005 levels, and from now on it will be checked at those levels.  But you will get a sticker to put on your truck and along with your registration stating that you are approved to have a 2005 engine in a 81.
#1: The easiest and most obvious solution to any problem is 99% of the time correct.
#2: There is no such thing as impossible, it just takes longer.
  74 k10, 77k10    Tom

Offline JustinTheeGreat

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Re: 1981 stepside
« Reply #3 on: April 21, 2014, 02:36:21 AM »
Sounds good. I'm sure Itl be alot easier.

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Offline Mtrhd329

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Re: 1981 stepside
« Reply #4 on: June 07, 2014, 03:23:13 PM »
I did mine (79) here in cali and got it BAR certified and a sticker in my door so its all legal.  Then I registered it as a historical vehicle now I dont need to smog ever again.

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