Guys, I get it... I am going to work with a certified mechanic to install a LS1 5.7L V8 engine... he'll be looking into framing and supports as well... thank for your help!
I like your older home built Hot Rod truck . Especially the paint color, in my old age I have decided I like red . Clearly it wasn't built by any professional but that doesn't mean it won't be a good riding handling and safe rig, once you go through it . Some details like the reversed spark plugs wires, choke pull wire and so on show the kind of ingenuity we used on the farm to make old clunkers run again when I were a lad in the 1960's . Don't sweat the cab swap nor the bed, I see no rust holes and that's the important thing . Please keep us posted as you go along .
vwnate1, thank you so much for the encouragement! Here's a few pictures below! 2nd and 3rd picture is the LS1 with new radiator installed..
LS engine truck accessories will fit between the inner fenders much better. Those look like Corvette. You can run the truck accessories on an LS1 with an idler relocation kit from ICT Billet If you intend to run a drive-by-wire throttle body (what's shown in your picture), you'll need the TAC module, jumper harness and electronic throttle pedal that's correct for the VIN of the motor It is going to be pretty tight between the stock radiator location and the accessories/throttle body. You might start thinking how you can mount the radiator in front of the support instead of in the factory location behind it. Look at the Sanderson or Hooker cast exhaust manifolds. If this is a Corvette LS1 you can cut and v-band the factory stainless manifold for a pretty decent center dump exhaust inexpensively. This is an aluminum LS in my 49 GMC with an LS1 intake and truck accessories/throttle body- I made my share of mistakes shoe-horning it in there that I'd be glad to share when you get into it. This truck has had the firewall modified to move the engine back another 2". A GMC radiator sits about an inch further forward than a Chevy, which helps too.