Okay, so here is the deal. My yellow 1950 GMC is my daily driver. I love almost everything about this truck, but I have decided that I would like to make a few changes. I would like to have a fuel injected engine, Power steering, and power disc brakes. My beast puts out a hell of a lot of power, but it guzzles gas, handles like a tank, and you know how those old drum brakes are. So here is what I am going to do. I mentioned earlier that I was going to use an s10 frame and whatnot to get better handling and better braking, but what to do with the engine...... Here is what I am thinking. I found a damn near free 305 that was pulled from a 91 camaro. I could take this engine, put in better pistons and rods, a better crank. I think that I would probably also turbo charge it (no more than 6-8lbs) as well as upgrade the fuel pump, and a few other little things. I would then take the 400 sb that is in my truck right now and drop it into my other truck which I will not be driving daily. I will leave the turbo 400 tranny that is in the truck right now (I just put this in last summer) and replace it when it craps out (or a rich relative dies) with a 6 speed. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I like the idea of this going a little more modern with this truck, but keeping my other one old school. All of my vehicles have carbs.... I think that I want to get with the times. What do ya say people.
You Go, Girl! Being a old fart, I love the look, the feel and simplicity of mechanics of these old beasts. But enough about me... I've still got some hot rodder blood left in me though, so I say go for it. S-10 frame swaps are very popular and you've got several experts on this forum who can and will give you some very good advise if you need it. Power assisted disc brakes, in my opinion, should be required by law if you're going to street rod a truck or car. Just plain good sense. As far as the engine, I've got a friend who has a fuel injected 305 IROC in his '32 Chevy sedan and he loves it. Don't know about the gas mileage on his, but it's very dependable for him. He drove it from Tennessee to California and back a couple of years ago and said it worked like a charm! Sounds like a lot of fun. Keep us advised and make pictures!
It All Depends What engine is in your '50 now ? . You're never going to get any decent fuel milage out of a heavy rig like an AD pickup , it's got terrible aerodynamics remember . Consider either a Diesel conversion (with puffer , natch) or maybe a V-6 with PORT fuel injection ~ that crappy low bif TBI shyte is , well , shyte and never , EVER gets the milage a good proper one injector per intake port will . A Diesel engine should get over 20 MPG in mixed city / highway driving . What kinda milage are you getting now ? do you do routine milage checks ? I do so I know that when I see 15 MPG , it makes me grind my teeth but since my '49 only gets 12 MPG I know not to complain .
Oh I realize that my gmc is about as aerodynamic as a refridgerator, and I know that the thing will not get more that 15 to 20 mpg.... ever.... but right now it gets about 8 to 10 depending on how I drive her.... I am not kidding... As far as routine milage checks... ha ha.... Oh honey! This girl keeps an entire journal of what goes on with this truck. I record everything I purchase from bolts to bearings, gas, oil changes, any repairs, milage, etc. And I am not one to whine about gas too much when I choose to drive this truck, and my bike get like 40-50mpg.
If going with S-10 frame then step up to the plate with air ride technologies air bar in rear and firestone bags in the front. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES use the shockwave. I have had long discussions with people who sell and install them and they said the truck with V8 in it is to heavy and won't give you much more than 2-3 inches in the front. So go with a cup and bag setup in the front. I'll have pics of mine when I get my parts back from arizona. If you want a good contact then I have a great one. Pm me if interested in the phone number. Definately disc brakes all the way around, and if the pocket book can handle it by all means turbo charge it if you want it that way. Sounds cool, keep us updated.
I'll jump in here, tho many of my thoughts were already posted awhile back. For the 91 Camaro engine, be forewarned that the TPI or TBI setups are not nearly as easy to work with as later model stuff. When I say that there is some caveats...Yes, you can get these engines for little to nothing these days. But the wiring harness and computer could eat your lunch. The wiring is not real complex, but the computer requires flash tuning...so there's expense there every time you make a large change. You'll still have the expense of rebuilding the 305, etc. And 305s of that vintage are inherently weak as far as the block. Where am I going with all of this... 5.3L Truck engines...that's where. You can get these for a song at Kosicki's auto parts in Omaha. Think I paid $450 with computer and part of the harness, not to mention a broken intake, but some warranty (at least I knew where it came from and mileage). So, yes I still have to buy an intake (cheap on ebay) and wiring harness (painless, pricey but should be worth it) and computer reprogram ($450, or I could buy the software and tackle it myself). Either way. The engine should bolt up to the TH-400 (maybe some flexplate issues, not 100% there), engine mounts are not hard to get to adapt to your existing SBC mounts. The 5.3L and it's big brother the 6.0L are amazing engines, lots of power, EFI, and (especially the 6.0L) can get huge gains in power if that's what you want. Don't want EFI? For about the same price as a EFI setup to get working properly you can get a Edelbrock carb package for a LS-1 style engine. There you go! Two cases in point, 2003 5.3L in a Silverado. 26mpg on the highway with a Whipplecharger supercharger. Mileage has increased 20% after the supercharger install. Also, spoke with a guy with a bone stock 5.3L in a 52 pickup (ironic for me). He claimed 26mpg with the 4L60E tranny. Perfect to me! Brakes and such...well, with that much power you need some brakes. Disc in the front for sure. There's so many companies offering conversions (check our sponsor for sure) that it's just a point and click purchase. Just depends on what you want to do. S-10 frame. I have no input there, but I'm using the old frame with a 9" conversion kit and a IFS front. For me that worked out best. Will probably box the frame, but worth it to me for the look (and tasks) that I'm going for. Off topic, have an excellent body/paint/fab guy in the area if you are in need of one. Reasonable prices and excellent work and he works at a good pace. He's in Carson, Iowa doing most of my work...just easier than me trying to fit it in my hectic schedule these days. Besides, I'm looking forward to just getting it on the road and making other upgrades (cam and supercharger) rather than rebuilding the truck. To each their own! Andy
Lots of info available on the S10 swap. We have done several chevys but no GMC yet. As I understand it the core support is different on a jimmy and makes the remounting of the front sheet metal easier. It might even clear the p/s gearbox. Here are a couple things I don't see mentioned often, an S10 4wd rear will still NOT let the tires on wheels with standard offset clear the bedsides when cornering and, these things don't ride that great. Both can be dealt with. Since these bricks push a lot of air you might want to think about the double OD 6 speed. We did one that had a small block and it just couldn't run into wind or uphill in top gear with a 3.50 rear. If you get the turbo then torque goes through the roof, even at 6 or 7 lbs., and there shouldn't be a problem. With the turbo in mind you should talk with the stand alone wire harness makers to make sure their harness would be compatible on a boosted engine. Too expensive to have to buy a second one. Your smart so I know you know the old "steering, braking, handling" before the "go fast" thing. When the frame swapping is going on you WILL get some nicks and scratches so just as well put some 3 point seat belts in. I'm sure with the right combo you will be able to get the desired 18mpg, maybe a tad better. Keep us updated.
Since the 305 is basically free, it might be worth wild, but as stated earlier, it's a fair weak motor for the most part. Since you upgrading it, that might not be such a concern though. Is your existing motor a fairly stock motor or modified (cam, heads, etc.)? 8 to 10 mpg even on a carb doesn't seem right. Maybe for a stock bbc carbed motor with smog garbage on it, but for an sbc? You should be able to get better mileage then that unless your pushing higher hp, it's poorly tuned or just worn out (100k miles or better). Maybe geared too low? I can get 12 mpg with a 454 bbc in a heavy butt burb. Personally, I think carb engines, other then for drag racing are dead and should stay dead. EFI engines have so many advantages over a carb engines it's sad. Personally, I would try to find a low mileage ls1 or equalivent with transmission drop-out. It will cost you some change, but you should be pretty good mileage and cold starts will be nice, plus depending on the motor you should get a decent hp/torgue rating without modifications. I would not advise using an lt motor...the opi-spark system was not well know for it's reliability, nor was the "waste system" as good in my pinion, as the single coil per cylinder, like the ls motors. As for the turbo, I don't think it's worth the cost. Turbos typically lag until you reach at least 2500k rpm (this depends on turbo, boost, motor, etc.). So unless your racing your truck, it's probably a waste of money. Just rebuilding the motor with better heads, cam, etc. will probably give you turbo equivalent power at a lesser price and without the lag. Just my 2 1/2 cents
I have decided NOT to go with the 305. I know many people that have had good luck with em, but I don't think that it will be worth all of the trouble in the long run. I am just brainstorming here, and I welcome any suggestions, but for right now, I think that I will look at dropping something damn near brand new in. Just not sure what yet. There is just too much room in that engine compartment, which makes for too many options. I will try to have this all figured out by the end of next week, so I can start getting all the stuff together. Unfortunatly my cat has put me on a bit of a budget today, because he decided to get diabetes, and I will have to put him on insulin and spend a small fortune in vet bills. Oh well thats life. Lucky for me, my bro and law will custom build me a wiring harness, I can swap the engine, tranny, brakes, ect.. and do the computer crap myself, and a buddy of mine owes me a favor so he will help with the frame and welding shit. I aim to have the project completed by the spring. I know that seems like a long ways away, but I am a busy girl. I just got the engine out of my husband's 65 Fairlane 500 (I know, it's a Ford, but I love him anyway) and I am working on rebuilding that for him. Anyway, I will keep you all posted with any updates
wellllll~ There's not as much as you'd think. Unless you'd want to use ram's horns for headers, a six is a good fit.
STOP ! You're KILLING Me Here Say what ? you can do all this AND forgive him for driving Brand 'F' products ? Are you over 45 , not skinny and ....oh nevermind ! Tell that man (yer Hubby) he's a bucky lugger and slap him ifn' he argues -Nate I just got the engine out of my husband's 65 Fairlane 500 (I know, it's a Ford, but I love him anyway) and I am working on rebuilding that for him.
working on his car is fair trade for doing my laundry I will never personaly own a Ford, but this was his first car, and so he has an attachment to it. At least it is not some crappy souped up dodge neon or something. (Lincoln NE has a neon club... it is a sad day to see those things "racing" up and down the main drag.) As far as over 45 & not skinny.... I am under 30, very fit, and I still have all of my teeth (No cavities I might add) Now, if only the folks around here would quit asking "if my man would like to sell his truck".... errrr... that one always gets me.
Well Jess ; Just *smack* 'em next time they're ignorant I dunno if you knew that DodgeNeon's were quite competative on the racetrack... My stepmother had one , it made me glad I drive " antiques " (or junk) .
Just a little info for the engine wiring aspect. I recently purchased a complete harness for a 7.4l port fuel injected and 4l80e for my 1978 crew cab from the following company: http://www.howellefi.com/shop/customer/home.php. It was about $800. They have a large selection and their product is excellent. They can possible build you a harness for you needs, you might want to give them a call.
