1988 Crew Cab Dually LS1 Build

[drama808]

Whats up guys?  Been lurking here for awhile, figured I'd introduce myself and my project.  I'm Brandon.  I work at a coal mine as a heavy equipment operator.  This is my truck.

1988 Crew Cab Dually, 454/th400 combo.  I am tired of the 5-6 mpg I've been getting with it so I decided it was time to go to a more modern engine, something that will be reliable and get better fuel mileage while still being able to make decent power.



Found a good deal on a 1999 Trans Am that had been hit in the rear, so I went and picked it up.  Paid $1500 for the car, sold the car the next day, minus engine/trans/pcm/harness/driveshaft/wheels and tires, for $500.
This side looks like it got pretty minimal damage, but the driver's side was pushed in pretty good.



The heart.  The guy worked in the oil field so there is scoria dust all over everything.  That will all get cleaned up.




After alot of consideration I have decided to run the th400 behind it instead of the 4l60e.  I can't find a deal that fits in the budget for a 4l80 so I guess I live without overdrive. 
Ordered my harness, mounts, new MAF and O2's from Yates EFI.  Also had them reprogram my PCM, but now will be sending them my spare to reprogram as well since I decided to switch transmissions.

I'll post up pics as the progress continues.  Waiting for my new flexplate to arrive tomorrow, then I will be able to at least bolt the engine in.  Still need to decide what headers to run.  I don't want to notch the frame or rework the headers at all.  Ideas?

[drama808]

I have spent a few hours cleaning it all up.  Still needs alot more but it is getting there.



Here you can see there is still work to be done.  The lower part of the block and oil pan still have a ton of grime on them.  You can also kind of see the yates adapter plates.



Old harness vs. New harness from Yates EFI

[slammed79]

Solid plan. Why not run the 4l60 though? It'll do what you need it to do until you can swing a 4l80. One of the members here, roadrage41 is the "token fat guy" at Yates.

 Welcome from Arizona.

[drama808]

I guess I just don't want to get the trans in and a short time down the road have it fail on me.  Not only that, but it would save me from having to move the crossmember or have a new driveshaft made.  I would love the overdrive, but the transmissions just don't handle a ton of abuse.
And yeah, I've talked to him a couple times. Love his project.

[bake315]

Welcome, Brandon.

That's a sweet looking dually.  Looking forward to seeing how this project works out for you.

[big bear]

Welcome man from northeast ohio..great lookin truck,love the project..ill stay tuned for this..plus im a dually fanatic haha

[drama808]

Thanks for the welcome guys.  Glad you like the project.  I'm hoping to have the engine in and running by Aug. 20th, my wife's due date.  I am running out of time with very few days off between now and then.

[Captkaos]

I recommend getting S&P headers if you want mid-lengths and tell them you are running a 4L80E (for the future) or get the Hooker LS El Camino swap long tubes.

[drama808]

I recommend getting S&P headers if you want mid-lengths and tell them you are running a 4L80E (for the future) or get the Hooker LS El Camino swap long tubes.

Followed your advice.  My headers shipped from S&P on Thursday, ordered all of my fuel stuff today...pump, filter/regulator, braided line and fittings and also egr blockoff today.  I have an appointment to have my exhaust ran on the 28th.
I probably would have had it running this weekend, but my boy was born on Thursday and I've been exhausted. 

[bake315]

I probably would have had it running this weekend, but my boy was born on Thursday and I've been exhausted. 

Dude, that's awesome!  Congratulations on the new addition to the family!

[drama808]

Been awhile...
I got everything in and plumbed and wired it back in august. It started right up on the first crank...then started running terribly. To make a long story short, almost three months later now, I drained the water out of the gas tank and it runs like a top. Now I need to run some exhaust and it'll be back on dd status

[mikek20]

great update. sounds like your moving right along.

[bake74]

     Got any pics or videos to go along with that ?

[83LWB convert]

That's a great looking rig