frige

I found a nice body to put my l83 into. It is a short wheel base stepside single cab. No rust, no dents, interior is very dirty but I believe it is salvageable.


It has 169k miles on it and has a 5.7 It hasnt moved in 10 years but the engine turns over. The throttle body is frozen shut so I beat it open with a screwdriver, poured some gas down its throat and she fired right up.

It was missing so I did a compression check this morning and it came out fine, plugs are wasted and one wire burnt off. I fixed the wire and replaced the plugs and its still missing. Thats when I saw a big crack in the cap. New cap and rotor and it runs good. I picked up a throttle body at pickapart and I am going to replace the pump with a high pressure one and flush the tank. If I can get it running and shifting I will sell the drivetrain to fund the Ls install.

This is what is going in.

So I am going to need help, please bear with me as I ask a lot of dumb questions.

I hope the ac compressor fits....

esteen2

A/C compressor probably won't fit without some serious crossmember surgery. Best bet is moving it, or getting a bracket to mount the R4 compressor in the factory location. What engine and transmission is that?

frige

It is a 2014 L83 I lucked into. The guy who had it could not figure out how to wire it in so he sold it to me and put in a older engine. I wonder how much modification I would have to make on the frame I would really rather use the new compressor. I build hot rods so I have a mig and a plasma cutter.

esteen2

I swapped a 01 5.3 out of a Tahoe into my 89 c1500 and it looked like a lot of cutting. The passenger side sway bar mount is also in the way from what I remember. I used the Dirty Dingo R4 mount on mine, but I wished I had used the newer compressor. I also build cars and do fab work, just looked like it would cause strength issues with the passenger side lower control arm.

frige

Hopefully someone will check in that has done one. It looks like I would be opening a can of worms to move the compressor as the alternator is occupying that spot.

frige

I got the bed liner out getting ready to pull the bed. Man this thing is nice, no rust.

frige

Started ordering a few parts. Picked up these mounts, they look really nice and seem a lot simpler than the 2 piece designs.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321807704176?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AITI also ordered a posi unit and a 3.42 gear.
Still trying to get the old engine running right so I can sell it. It now idles perfect but acts all goofy when you drive it. I believe its in the distributor.

super10brss

updates?

I am collecting info to swap my 89 C1500

slogo

Check out LS1TRUCK dot com you will find something interesting for you.

frige

Thanks Slogo I am on there as well. I am trying to find as much info as I can but I really suck at search.

frige

I have been working to get the truck driveable after 10 years of sitting. I got the engine running decent now. I rebuilt the rear end and installed the posi with 3.42 gears. Installed prothane bushings and a 2 inch drop for the rear while I was at it Got the brakes working. Repaired all the lights. Cleaned the old coating off of the wheels and repainted them and replaced the tires. I got it to pass inspection yesterday so I am on my way.


Steering is next as it really sucks. Needs pitman and idler arms.

super10brss

Freak! being a new forum member sucks! I can't post anything besides one liners....

I'm on LS1Truck too slogo, just can't post anything but text (no pictures, links, etc) without mod's approval (which takes a few days to get approved).

frige I just dropped a dime on ALL new front end parts on my truck (which looks dang close to yours that I can't post pictures of). Lower control arms, upper ball joints, idler, pitman, tie rod ends, shocks, grease, turn signal fluid, everything! Ha! Thanks for the update... you have 1 fan

thunderwagen

iTrader: (3)

To keep the factory low mount the AC you really have to cut into the frame a lot. I have seen them done but to me you are asking for trouble because you are taking a lot of the structure out of the frame right next to the control arm mount.

If it was me I would swap out the accessories on the motor to truck or 2010+ Camaro accessories. Or you could just get a full set from dirty dingo or lsbrackets.com and do the high mount ac.

frige

Thunder, would the camaro parts or the other brackets that you mentioned fit the 2014 direct injection engine? If so I would be all for it.
Oh btw I got the registration done after jumping through all the hoops at the DMV for a hour or so. I`m legal YES!

thunderwagen

iTrader: (3)

I guess I missed it was a direct port motor. I dont know if the accessories would bolt up to it or not.

dirtylark71

iTrader: (2)

Updates?