"Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion

[LT7A]

Originally Posted by n2trux

the motor ran smoother and revved quickly. I'm almost tempted to keep this old gas hog now

454 ftw

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by LT7A

454 ftw

The 454 was certainly a great motor. Unfortunately the 1984 truck version is pretty much the bottom of the barrel. At 230hp and 270tq it's not my idea of a Sport Sedan powerplant.

[LT7A]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

The 454 was certainly a great motor. Unfortunately the 1984 truck version is pretty much the bottom of the barrel. At 230hp and 270tq it's not my idea of a Sport Sedan powerplant.

Ha, no, it's probably the last thing you would want in a Sport Sedan. It's a workhorse. Growing up with all small blocks it assumed mythical proportions. And has serious potential. Even though I have experienced the LS revolution and have been impressed with the motors in newer trucks, I'm kind of sentimental about the era correct small and big blocks. I certainly understand the draw of the efficiency and power at the baseline along with the power making potential of the LS engines.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by LT7A

Ha, no, it's probably the last thing you would want in a Sport Sedan. It's a workhorse. Growing up with all small blocks it assumed mythical proportions. And has serious potential. Even though I have experienced the LS revolution and have been impressed with the motors in newer trucks, I'm kind of sentimental about the era correct small and big blocks. I certainly understand the draw of the efficiency and power at the baseline along with the power making potential.

I understand your feelings toward period correct, and truly appreciate retro styling.
My objective with this build is to retain retro styling with contemporary updates. The American Racing VF527 wheel design is a perfect example that. It emulates the 80s AR Vector, yet comes in 2k sizes.

Initially I had plans to keep the 454 with a retro look, and update it with modern amenities. I wanted to add the Holley Terminator fuel injection, and a late model O/D transmission. Unfortunately all of that come with a price tag and it has to be made to work together.

Dollar for dollar the Gen III, IV or even Gen V motors offers a LOT more bang for the buck. No its not nostalgic, and swaps are common as dirt. Initially it will double or possibly triple my expense. In the end the reliability of these later motors and the capability to easily add HP/TQ is a big attraction.

Dont dispare though. Until I can find the right donor, I plan to keep the 454 and make it look pretty.

[LT7A]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I understand your feelings toward period correct, and truly appreciate retro styling.
My objective with this build is to retain retro styling with contemporary updates. The American Racing VF527 wheel design is a perfect example that. It emulates the 80s AR Vector, yet comes in 2k sizes.

Initially I had plans to keep the 454 with a retro look, and update it with modern amenities. I wanted to add the Holley Terminator fuel injection, and a late model O/D transmission. Unfortunately all of that come with a price tag and it has to be made to work together.

Dollar for dollar the Gen III, IV or even Gen V motors offers a LOT more bang for the buck. No its not nostalgic, and swaps are common as dirt. Initially it will double or possibly triple my expense. In the end the reliability of these later motors and the capability to easily add HP/TQ is a big attraction.

Dont dispare though. Until I can find the right donor, I plan to keep the 454 and make it look pretty.

I follow all of that and am nearly on the same page. My comment isn't meant to talk you out of what you want to do. I am just particularly enamored of the old big blocks. Gregski's foray into A/F management has me wondering just what could be gotten out of the ravenous beasts with today's tuning tools and aftermarket parts design.

I think the tip-over point for me going to an LS based motor is if I find myself thinking about springing for FI (like your situation) and considering spending $1700 +/- on aftermarket heads, then the LS swap becomes pretty compelling.

I look forward to the 454 beautification process, even if it's temporary. And I'll jump out of the way with the side discussion so you can continue with your updates.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by LT7A

....
I think the tip-over point for me going to an LS based motor is if I find myself thinking about springing for FI (like your situation) and considering spending $1700 +/- on aftermarket heads, then the LS swap becomes pretty compelling.
.....

For me it comes down to dollars and sense (not cents).
Lets "assume" the 454 bottom end is still solid and doesnt need attention. The heads and intake are some of the worst GM ever made for producing power. That means I would need a set of heads, cam, and intake just to get started. Top that with a F/I system and a decent electronic ignition system.
I'm not the type to trust swap meet parts, so that means everything would be new.

Do the math and you can see where a low mileage LS/LT based motor makes more "cents". The cost of purchase and install parts may be 50-60% higher than the mods to the 454, but the base motor already produces more HP/TQ .

As mentioned, time and budget constraints force me to keep the current motor till I find a good deal on a donor. Who knows what may happen if that right deal doesnt fall in my lap.

[N2TRUX]

Due to a change in plans, my wife and I will be hosting Easter Sunday at our house. Consequently my focus has shifted to making my yard presentable. Unfortunately my sprinkler system controller decided to die and its going to be several days before the replacement arrives.
Meanwhile I'm cleaning up beds and spreading mulch
. Heres 20 bags worth on my front yard. Color will be added to the beds when the new controller gets here

[N2TRUX]

This evening was spent in the back yard. Unfortunately it got dark before I finished so no pics.

I did get a couple of shipments in today. My interior pieces from Brothers Truck Parts arrived.

[N2TRUX]

Another package arrived that I'm pretty excited about. I ordered a complete LED lighting system from United Pacific to update Jake's exterior lighting.

I'm also going to be using the United Pacific LED turn signal mirrors. I wanted something a bit bigger than the 73-87 sport mirrors, but more attractive than the dumbo mirrors. I opted for the 69-72 Blazer style mirrors which fall somewhere in the middle on size.

[83GMCK2500]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Another package arrived that I'm pretty excited about. I ordered a complete LED lighting system from United Pacific to update Jake's exterior lighting.

I'm also going to be using the United Pacific LED turn signal mirrors. I wanted something a bit bigger than the 73-87 sport mirrors, but more attractive than the dumbo mirrors. I opted for the 69-72 Blazer style mirrors which fall somewhere in the middle on size.

I have NEVER heard of UP...huh, interesting. Thank you for that little evening rabbit hole!

Nice looking yard, thanks for sharing.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 83GMCK2500

I have NEVER heard of UP...huh, interesting. Thank you for that little evening rabbit hole!
Nice looking yard, thanks for sharing.

They are a huge supplier to the big rig industry. Their catalog is massive.

[N2TRUX]

While my yard work continues, Aaron is making progress on Jake. The front doors had dumbo mirrors which means they had three large nutserts in the outer skin. Aaron removed the nutserts and welded the holes up.

[N2TRUX]

While he had the welder out he went to work on the cowl. Since Jake's cab is an 84 it has the slots for the 81-87 hinges. It also had the holes for the cowl panel to go in.
Aaron made a filler panel for the slots and stitch welded them along with the holes.

Heres a before and during view.

[Wikid61]

The 454 could become more spirited w/just a cam bump. Those tiny heads are done 4200 RPM so the cam would be an RV/Towing. Add headers-done.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Wikid61

The 454 could become more spirited w/just a cam bump. Those tiny heads are done 4200 RPM so the cam would be an RV/Towing. Add headers-done.

I'm looking for headers now. It will get a free flowing exhaust system and the carb rebuilt. Cam and intake are a remote possibility "if" I find a good deal on an intake.

[LT7A]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

For me it comes down to dollars and sense (not cents).
Lets "assume" the 454 bottom end is still solid and doesnt need attention. The heads and intake are some of the worst GM ever made for producing power. That means I would need a set of heads, cam, and intake just to get started. Top that with a F/I system and a decent electronic ignition system.
I'm not the type to trust swap meet parts, so that means everything would be new.

Do the math and you can see where a low mileage LS/LT based motor makes more "cents". The cost of purchase and install parts may be 50-60% higher than the mods to the 454, but the base motor already produces more HP/TQ .

As mentioned, time and budget constraints force me to keep the current motor till I find a good deal on a donor. Who knows what may happen if that right deal doesnt fall in my lap.

I get all that for sure (per previous post). To Wikid's point, I think that torque production is probably the strong point of a mildly modded 454 and to your point, expensive, air-moving mods are required to utilize the big block power potential. I lucked into some tri-y headers off of a motorhome and hope to find a decent intake, similar to yourself.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I'm looking for headers now. It will get a free flowing exhaust system and the carb rebuilt. Cam and intake are a remote possibility "if" I find a good deal on an intake.

A/F/G body car headers work too. I got the headers for my dually (1 3/4" full length; 3" collector) off C-list for $50. I made my own collector flanges 3/8", added o2 sensor bungs, & had them Ceramic coated for about $150.

[N2TRUX]

Last night I worked late in my yard. After a shower I browsed FB marketplace looking for deals. I ran across a 20 foot Kearny that was priced good enough to get my attention.
Since Jake is 19' and change, he wasn't fitting well on my 18' Kearny. After some negotiations I got a price I couldn't resist. Unfortunately it was a bit of a drive in the country, but I made the deal and headed out.

I rolled in late this evening with a new trailer that's in great condition. Jake has transportation home from the body shop now.

[OlySezHey]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

...

I'm almost tempted to keep this old gas hog now. Its definitely in need of a Krylon overhaul.

If you do, I'm lookin' 4ward to see how you do it, tips n tricks n watnot

[N2TRUX]

Wrapping up the week, I had to get my yard finished before Sunday. I worked the last bed and spread mulch as the sun started to set. I updated the puppy path so they have a dry walk back from the yard.

[N2TRUX]

Meanwhile I had to spent some time work on truck stuff. I went by my buddy Berdos shop and picked up some parts.
I desperately needed a set of rear arm rests. I had no idea no one duplicates these. My buddy dug through his stash and found a really nice pair.

[N2TRUX]

I also picked up a set of rear bumper brackets for my buddy Mike Losh. Hes do a "budget" build and trying to save a few bucks where he can.

[N2TRUX]

Since I dont do a good job of sitting still, it was bugging me that I hadn't had a chance to spend quality time with my new trailer. I gave it a well needed bath last night and rolled the spare tire out to see how it looked.
The tire was new, but the rim was not. It had three colors of paint and they were all peeling.

[N2TRUX]

I decided since it was going to be in a prominent place it needed to be restored. I sanded all the flaking paint back and gave it several coats of high build primer

[N2TRUX]

After the primer cured, I scuffed it down with Scotch Brite and layed down several layers of satin silver. It was a perfect match for the powder coating the Kearny trailers uses on their wheels.
Yes, I painted the back side too