Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

I actually wanted a 6.0 to start with but I priced a few and quickly focused on the 5.3.(huge price difference!) BTW, I upgraded to the 6.0 in my 07 truck and it is a power house! but with that power comes a heavy appetite for fuel! I am just about to the point of giving the 4.8 back to the guy and investing in a 5.3. As far as the 4.8 they run around $300-450 anyway. well on ebay. You may have to drive a little or long way to pick it up though. I could just keep it and use it anyway......dang it!

On another note, I ordered a new regulator/flow valve for my tig today. Hope to have it by this Friday so I can get back on it this weekend.

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

I can tell right now if you don't get a 5.3 you will always regret it. This guy can sell the 4.8 again surely with no problem. Do it like you want it.

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

My thinking too. I may keep it for another project though, I have more than you can shake a stick at. Hey, we could throw it in the kids 86? Hmmm. thats an idea..I think I will just hang on to it and keep looking for the 6.0 real cheap or a reasonable 5.3.

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

I thought you just put a motor in the 86?

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

Yep, we did a 5.7 TBI install and it is driveable just need to buy a new speedo gear and the inline VSS and tires/wheels. I'm thinking long term, the kid will want a new fangled Z71 with big tires (when he gets a paying job) and I'll be there to take the 86. You know where I'm going with this?

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

:lol: yessir, I understand.

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

decisions, decisions, decisions...

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

Looks like a nice project.......... im on a little laptop, but to me that Camaro in the back looks like a 67, not a 68
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...Truck/69-1.jpg

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

You may be right, I have a 67 and a 68 I may be getting them mixed up? But, I think I ran the numbers on this one I thought it was a 68 RS? I don't know, it needs a lot of TLC though. It is next on the to do list. I will try to get some better pics of both maybe you can tell me what they are just by looking at them.

Mike

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

I decided to keep it. I talked with the PO, told I had to buy another manifold probably around $100 he offered to pay for half of it I decided to keep it. So basically he gave me $50 back and I now have $300 in it. I will be looking for an intake I've seen them sell for like $20 on the bay. In any case, no harm no foul and I can start planning how to wire this crazy thing.
In the mean time the quest for 5.3-6.0 4l60e continues.
Mike

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

just run the 4.8 and put this on it..(http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TFS-K26007/)...

or not :lol:

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

i VERY much agree^^^ ha ha

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

Sorry man that it didn't work out, but did work out at the same time. :lol: I think you will be happy with the 4.8, well at least until you find a 6.0 :D

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

Yes, I think we will be happy with the 4.8 too. Keep in mind, I have about 3-4 projects behind this one.

I have a question for you experts out there. I am getting ready to order front end rebuild parts and need to know that I actually have 71-71 front upper and lower control arms. Take a look at the pics and tell me these are correct and not 73 up vintage. They look more like 73up to me?

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ruck/69-35.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ruck/69-36.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ruck/69-37.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ruck/69-38.jpg

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

I can't tell but what are you "not" planning on replacing?

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

Not replacing the Control arms and cross bars that ties them together. Basically, spindles, rotors, calipers, balljoints, tie rods, lines, everything else required. Pass. side lower control arm is bent too. I just don't want to plan on buying all this and find out they won't fit.
:waah:

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

I'll enjoy watchin this one come together McBassin....I worked on my truck with my Dad and Brother...it was a first for me and them, but they had all the tools and mechancial knowledge...they just made me do everything!!!:D.....Well worth it...Now I'm ready to do another one!!!...Good Luck and have fun!

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

isnt there only 15 hp diff between the 4.8 and the 5.3, and the 4.8 is rated 2mpg better ?? it looks like you could make that up easily with exhaust and air filter upgrades

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

Thanks Geoff,
Yes I have looked through your build before. Crazy how your truck was held hostage for 8 months WOW. I won't have to worry about that because we are doing all body and paint work.

I was thinking in 03 there was about 30HP difference, but heck, I really don't care too much about that. My thinking now is, if we can get reliable transportation with a modern drivetrain.....and looks cool too. Hopefully, keep the cost as cheap as possible too.

Mike

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

how many miles are on the 4.8?

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

Not a low mile motor like some of yours. This one is supposed to have around 100k miles. It looks really clean and no visible leaks. Who knows? PO thought it was a 5.3, It could be higher or lower. Does the pcm retain this info? I would be interested to know.

Mike

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

mike, if that camaro is in the way let me know! ;)

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

No problem Heath, I will give you a chance at it too if I decide to sell it. If I had a big enough shop I would have already started on this one too. My building isn't big enough for the boat and even one project really.

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

no the PCM doesnt tell the mi., but will tell ya the VIN #, which in turn will tell ya the engine size.. with the VIN also you can run a carfax and see when the last reportable inccodent/inspection was, and look at the mileage, to give you a approximent mileage.

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

also how did you determine it was a 4.8 instead of a 5.3?

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

This was the first clue:
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...Truck/PCM2.jpg
Then verified the back of the block...sure enough 4.8. I was bummed at the time, but I've moved on and am actually looking forward to installing it....eventually. Now I know exactly the things to look for when inspecting one before buying it.
I will be back on the cab tomorrow. and start tearing the rusty front suspension.

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

the 4.8 isnt anything to be ashamed of, you're gonna love it, and the power diffrence isnt gonna be a big diffrence...just switching from carbed to FI is a huge improvement....keep the progress pics coming

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

Yeah the 4.8 will be great and 100k is just broken in. My last work truck was a 2000 w/6.0L that I beat for over 300K and all it needed was a water pump at about 220K. Then our shop bought a wimpy 089 with a 5.3L I took it for a drive because I had just bought a 20K 5.3L for my Tahoe and was worried it may not be enough power for what I wanted. Well it felt like it had more power and get up and go then my 6.0L did so I was very happy with that. Then when I opened the hood I found out it was only the 4.8L! I then took that truck and loaded a full 71 cab in the bed along with a tail gate and lift gate for a 65 burb, I then hooked my 16' steel deck car trailer up with a 70 2WD Blazer with an extra set of quarter panels on it and left for Arizona. It was the smoothest tow I have done and even took the "Grape Vine" at 65 mph the entire way with out a problem and got 14 mpg loaded.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

I have a 4.8 in my crew cab with heavy chrome 20's on it.... and it gets up and moves just fine, in a little short wide it should be fine

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

Heres my two trucks side by side...lol
if a 4.8 will move the big one, it will be a great engine in the little one..lol
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z...crewcab019.jpg
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z...crewcab018.jpg

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

Thanks guys for confirmation of what I already thought. I am pressing on with the 4.8. I'm sure it will have plenty of power for this rig. I am going back to work on the cab in a little while (hope to get some pics).

1loc10, you were right on the money. The pic with my son is of the 67 and the 68 is pictured below. I get them mixed up. One of these days, both of them will be back on the road.
Here is the 67:
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...k/67camaro.jpg
Here is the 68:
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...k/68camaro.jpg

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

If it helps to keep them straight the 67 has a big 67 written on the front fender :haha: j/k

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

Yea I saw that when I took the pics. I think the PO purchased that fender from a salvage or something the inner fender is marked the same way. I think the side markers on the 68 is the dead giveaway too.

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

and 67 was the only year with a vent window

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

Okay, back on track. I got a little time to work on the cab this evening. I was able to finish up the hacked areas on the lower front left and right thanks PO! Then moved on to the passenger rocker panel. It looks like the the PO replaced it but left some rust on the lower door pillar. It looks like the driver side is still ver solid and even the rocker looks solid with the exception of the huge dent probably from moving the cab around by the various owners so much. I don't know if the dent can be pulled or if I should just change it? Here are the pics:
Driver side before the patch
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ruck/69-41.jpg
Fitting the patch
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ruck/69-42.jpg
Pass. side
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ruck/69-43.jpg
Pass side Welded
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ruck/69-44.jpg
Driver Side
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ruck/69-45.jpg
Front view
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ruck/69-46.jpg
Pass. Rocker Panel cut out
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ruck/69-39.jpg
Pillar
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ruck/69-40.jpg
Driver side pillar
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ruck/69-47.jpg
Driver rocker
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ruck/69-48.jpg

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

keep at it...

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

:metal:

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

Oh my damn thats an ugly rocker :lol:

Keep up the good progress :metal:

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

Take lots of pics when you replace the rocker......................... :D

Re: 1969 Short Wide
 

Yep, It's really weird the driver side is near perfect and I guess the passenger side didn't drain so it has some issues. Just look around and you'll see some way worse! I feel pretty fortunate to not have to do more rust repair it's a real PITA to tig weld around any rust. I have 4 other cabs and purchased this one because it is so solid.
Don't worry when I get the replacement panels I will document it proper with lots of close ups. Unfortunatetly, the PO already changed the pass. rocker and did a real crappy job and left a lot of rust.