I bought this truck as a two owner original 86 with around 86k on the dash. I started the tear down as soon as I got it home. The truck had a stock 350/350 combo that was suppose to be "fresh". Turns out that was a lie! After I got all the bodywork and paint done, the engine let go on my daily commute.

Thanks to that, I have started my LS1 swap this week!

















Just waiting on all the parts I ordered to get here then the transplant can begin! I got a sweet deal on an 01 Camaro with 70K on it. The car was wrecked on the rear quarter and totaled. It was a 6 speed car so all I had to do was ditch the manual and install the TH350. Will be updating throughout the project.

 

Looks good gonna move much better with the ls1

 

Thanks, mainly looking for reliability but the extra power will be nice too!

 

Looking good man, im a sucker for 81-86 short beds!!!

I would love to see someone mud in a set of 03-07 silverado tailights, i think they look perfect on these trucks.

Awesome hood bro, just wait till that LS1 is in there, you'll NEVER want an old school small block again.

Down the road your gonna want an OD gear though, will help your mileage.

Also as far as reliability goes you cant beat an LSx engine and for ease of working on.

 

Yeah the TH350 was not my first choice, I drive over a hundred miles a day to/from work so a 700r or 4l60 would be a huge help. Maybe when my tax money gets here this week I can pick one up. If not I will get one in the future for sure.

 

sweet project man, im looking to do this when my 5.3 lets go someday. i am actually getting a damaged ls1 shortblock soon!

 

looks good man, makes me wish i still had my 83...

 

Is the back going to come down? Not a huge fan of the tails and shaved gate.


I like the truck overall though! Why an LS1? Sounds like power isn't your ultimate goal but usualy a 5.3 or 6.0 is much easier and often cheaper. I didn't know if you had a line on one for some reason.

 

I got an 80k mile 2001 Z28 with the LS1 and 6Speed for $1800. The original plan was to put that running gear into my '69 Camaro. I need another DD so I am gonna do this swap first and do my Camaro later.

If by "back" you mean the tailgate, then no it does not come down! If by "back" you mean the rear of the truck, then yeah I am gonna lower it down and level the stance out.

 

Got a shipment in the mail today! My flywheel, spacer and bolts are here! Should have the trans and engine mated tomorrow. Try to get some pics up afterwards.