just wanted to start talking about it. i plan on doing it in the next year or so, no rush i have other things im doing right now. but wanted to start getting a feel on things. the lt1 will bolt up the same as the older 350 correct. so as long as i have all the accessory's and brackets i can use those. what about the guages can i make those work or do i just go aftermarket? anybody here done it or know about it?

 

I would put an LS based engine in it unless you got the LT1 for cheap, i mean real cheap.
we are getting 5.3s for $600-$800 depending on mileage and those are complete with long block, accessories, PCM, wiring harness. I have a 71 that I was going to put a 5.3 in but back on the 6.0 kick now....

it will be easier to run aftermarket gauges.
Need an inline electric fuel pump and run a simple return line to the gas tank, not sure if you plan on keeping the gas tank in the stock location or moving it but either way, need a return line. MIGHT have to fabricate motor mounts depending on how the motor sits compared to the K-member clearance.

There is so much room in there makes it alot easier!

 

thats kinda what i wanted to stay away from is to much fabrication. mechanically i think i can do it. but im not to confident in my welding skills. although i do kmow a guy that i think is the best in this area so i guess i could recruit him.

reason why i say lt1 is cause they are so cheap and i thought i would also save if it just bolted in to the the factory position. i havent even gave thought to the smaller ls based engines i bet they are cheap. if i do have to fabricate i think i might start looking to find a cheap lsx. i know around here i can get an lt1 running with trans for 7-8 hundred.

i do not want to rebuild(not yet). i would like to find a engine running to drop in. truck will not be a race or show truck. just something to work on and drive the hell out of.

 

the lt1 should bolt right up, just not sure if the pan clears the K, I am thinking it does b/c the pan design on the F-body is much like what is on the truck motor now.

 

well i think i will look around a bit for an lsx. as for your question on the tank... if it is in good condition i will leave it alone. if it needs replaced i will do aftermarket setup like i see on the trucks at the track.

 

they make an aluminum tank to fit between the rails at the bed but you have to remove the spare tire and cut the bed.
I am not cutting my truck, family heirloom, wife's G-father bought new in 71 with 109k miles on it.

 

i dont mind cutting the bed on this one. its a 700 dollar truck but the body doesnt have a dent in it. i may do something like that. i just want to do it very budget friendly because i already spend all my money on my camaro lol

 

GOOD LUCK, normally budget friendly does not go hand in hand with this stuff.

 

lol yea thats why i havent started yet... there wont be much new stuff going in im going to try and find it all used. also the reason why i was wanting a running engine to drop in.

 

and why I have not started mine....I want to get the Z28 to a certain point before refocusing efforts...

 

Funny you post this because I'm doing that right now in a 67 C-10. Engine physically bolts in but depends on your transmission choice and if you are staying FI or carb'd. Visit 67-72ChevyTrucks.com, great info there and also on LS1 Tech in the conversion sections there are 3 members that did a LS conversion like Shon was talking about. I'm doing LT1 because I have my old LE1 engine sitting in the garage so it's basically a free swap for me.

 

ok thanks... why does the matter about carbed or not. i am staying FI. and with trans, what trans can you use with the stock positions?

 

Just with wiring issues. You can go carb's and run a TH350/400 or 700R4 and be ok with no wiring other than stock. If you go FI then you need engine wiring obviusly and also gives you the option on using an electronic transmission like the 4L60E/80E, etc. Does your cab have the short hump or large hump? Any combination you have should work fine but you will have to measure for DS length.

 

oh no... im am doing FI. i cant tune a carb for the life of me. what is involved in running a FI engine and computer with a non computer trans like a TH350

 

As far as I know nothing and it should bolt right up to a LT1. If you can get a 4L60E I would do that since you can run one without an issue and it has an overdirve. If you alreayd have a TH350 then go for it, just saying if you don't and can find one for cheap go for it because there is no downside.