Input on 1979 silverado

[deusex]

Well guys this is my first post and I am looking for some advice. I came over from ls1tech and I thought that this might be a better place to ask.

I have been through a few sports cars already, and I am looking to go a different route now. After recently selling my 350z I have really wanted to do a 240sx, rx7, or miata ls1 swap. Then it occurred to me how nice it would be to keep my Grandpa's legacy alive.

He bought now my handed down 1979 silverado brand new. It has been through a few rebuilds, but still runs great. It does need a lot of exterior and interior work. As far as aesthetics I plan to completely restore to the way it looked in 1979.

As far as performance goes, I do know want route I want to go. So I wanted to get the input from the community.

I would like to reach at least 400rwph in my first application with minimum boost (turbo). Money and time are really not of concern although I would like to keep it cost effective. So a boosted LS1 possibly ... but I would like to in the future be able to increase HP if I get froggy.

I am leaving for the military in December and would like to have a solid plan before I leave for the shop.

Thanks for the input guys!

[567234ta]

lets see some pics of it!!

Go for the 6.0 swap, 4l80e, 14 bolt rear end with a detroit locker.

Once you have the base done like that you can plan on what route you want to go with the mods.

[RedHeartbeat]

Do you want an all aluminum engine or will cast iron be fine? A 370 based off of a 6.0L would be best in my opinion for a boosted engine. Get low compression pistons and then boost the hell out of it. You could go with a 408, they're nice and all the power is there before a turbo. Be sure to get with a reputable builder and tell them what you want, they will do the rest to guarantee you get it. The LS1 is nice because it's lightweight but they're getting old and out of date. An LS2 would be better because you get a 6L instead plus good heads, if you want to go basically stock. What are your goals and what state/city is the truck?

[deusex]

Thanks for the input! I have thought about quite a few things to do. Ill get some pics up for yall this afternoon. Currently I live in Huntsville, TX (no emissions!). But after April I will be stationed in at Keesler AFB in MS for 8 months, at this time its a toss up where I will be so by that time the truck should be done.

The guys doing the swap I have worked for a while on the electronic side. They have done many lsx swaps into common and uncommon vehicles. I have done a lot of computer work on those swaps.

An LS2 swap does sound like a good way to go.
What about an LSX build? There will be time and this is def. not outdated, what are yalls opinion on a LSX build?

[RedHeartbeat]

An LSX buildup would be nice. Build it to max displacement and stroke, get as much out of it as you can. I've heard of them being cut to 454s. That would be one monster of an engine. Get the heads that are designed to work on the LSX that has 6 bolt holes per cylinder, just to hold the boost. If you're going boosted then you need to decide how much boost you want to run. The more boost you want, the lower the static compression needs to be on the engine.

[deusex]

Here are some pics. The truck does need some TLC but I am more than willing to spend time ....

LSX build is what I am leaning toward at this point any other suggestions?

[TxStVanWilder]

a leaf blower and a power washer and you should be set

[deusex]

yea backwoods storage can do that

[txarkitekt]

Welcome sir! IMO, I'd do a 6.0L build. Try doing N/A to start out with, because with a decently built 6.0/4L80e combo--they can be pretty stout. Then if that isn't enough, then boost it a little...

[deusex]

How much can the rear end take before it breaks?