78 K20 modernization project

[MTCK]

Didn't see that coming!
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[68 TT]

Originally Posted by MTCK

Didn't see that coming!
Posted via Mobile Device

It was just such a tough truck as it sits and had survived pretty much intact and original for 23 years that I decided it would be a shame to make a whole bunch of changes to it trying to turn it into what I wanted.

I decided quite a while ago not to mess with turning the 78 K20 truck into something it was not and to just build another truck entirely. My 69 K10 project turned out to be the prefect platform for me as it was nothing but a rolling chassis with a factory A/C cab when I got it and was in need of some serious rebuild work to make it a usable truck again. A perfect blank slate to start building what I really want in a truck. The 69 K10 is getting the EFI & overdrive auto drive train that I bought for the 78 K20 along with A/C and some creature comforts the 78 did not have.

I feel better selling the 78 K20 as it was having not modified the truck in a manner that it a much less capable work truck. Everything I did to it made it stronger and more durable so it will live a long and productive life for years to come.

[MTCK]

Yeah I totally hear that. I felt the same way about my 77 until I dug a little deeper and saw that not much was original on it... What type of EFI do you have going on the 69? 700r4? I've been thinking about doing a 700r4 and NP241 with a slip yoke eliminator in my 77. I kind of want an auto start for when it is -40 in the winter, and would only feel comfortable putting it in with an auto trans. I think once I put in my 4.10 gears I'll want that overdrive too...

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by MTCK

Yeah I totally hear that. I felt the same way about my 77 until I dug a little deeper and saw that not much was original on it... What type of EFI do you have going on the 69? 700r4? I've been thinking about doing a 700r4 and NP241 with a slip yoke eliminator in my 77. I kind of want an auto start for when it is -40 in the winter, and would only feel comfortable putting it in with an auto trans. I think once I put in my 4.10 gears I'll want that overdrive too...

I will be starting with a TBI system on a TBI 350 long block that has been converted to run a Vortec truck hydraulic roller cam. It will be connected to the 4L60E & NP208 that are already in the 69 K10 chassis.

After I get a few other vehicle projects done I will do an LSx swap to it. I will probably end up doing a cam upgraded 5.3 swap to it and call it good.

[MTCK]

Very cool. You'll like the TBI. I think there is still an outfit that will burn chips for them to work with any modifications. The new after market ones are sweet, self learning and all that, but not cheap.

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by MTCK

Very cool. You'll like the TBI. I think there is still an outfit that will burn chips for them to work with any modifications. The new after market ones are sweet, self learning and all that, but not cheap.

I have the hardware & software to modify & burn my own chips. I haven't done it in a few years since I sold my 90 Z71 but I still have everything I need to do it.

It should run pretty well with no chip changes as the vortec truck cam is pretty tame. I will data log the thing and dial in the tune with my wide band oxygen sensor anyway though just to get the most out of the package.

I would love to have the EBL but last time I checked RBob didn't have a version for the 16197427 PCM I am running to control the 4L60E and the TBI system.