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Older Chevy and GMC C/K Series (20+ years) General Discussion

36 messages,  Last post on Apr 08, 2011 at 7:36 PM

You are in the Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra Forum.

What is this discussion about? GMC Sierra 3500, Truck

Messages Page 2 of 4

#7 of 36 Re: is $2200 a good deal on a 1986 GMC 1 ton dually crew cab [cindybb] by jmackey

Jan 09, 2007 (2:09 pm)

Replying to: cindybb (Jan 09, 2007 1:54 pm)
The value of this truck as a "classic" is purely objective. Paint the whole truck but do not change color.if you do,make sure to jam the doors &hood,and firewall.

#8 of 36 Re: is $2200 a good deal on a 1986 GMC 1 ton dually crew cab [cindybb] by kcram HOST

Jan 10, 2007 (7:10 pm)

Replying to: cindybb (Jan 09, 2007 1:54 pm)
Painting the whole truck (and I agree with the above, keep the original color) will not only look better, it will be easier to maintain. If you just do touch-ups, you'll have all kinds of fade and mismatch problems that will never look good. Putting a professional paint job on it will ensure that you start with an even color and good finish - makes it easier to wash and wax.

#9 of 36 Re: is $2200 a good deal on a 1986 GMC 1 ton dually crew cab [cindybb] by swinters

Jan 14, 2007 (5:04 pm)

Replying to: cindybb (Jan 07, 2007 7:34 am)
I had a truck similar to the one you're looking at and it was great. It probably still has the HEI ignition and a Rochester carburetor and if so, recurving the distributor and changing the metering rods in the carburetor will make a big difference. The factory flyweights and springs in the distributor are a compromise because they don't know what someone will do with the truck. I changed mine (which changes the spark advance curve - hence the term recurving) to give the truck the best performance up to 65 mph. I then changed the metering rods in the carburetor, which was relatively simple, especially if you've ever rebuilt a carburetor. Both the recurve weight and spring set, and the metering rod set were for RV's and from a local NAPA dealer. I not only picked up speed on the hills when pulling my 36 foot 5th wheel but because the engine was running for how I was using it, picked up a little over 2 mpg. I later put a K&N air filter in it and that made quite a difference as well. The GM automatic should be a turbo 400 behind a 454 and it's bulletproof. The military still uses it in the HMMWV and used it in the CUCV Chevy pickups before that. It's still a favorite on the racetrack, so if that's what it has your only concern is whether it has been abused. Have a transmission shop check it out. If it's questionable have it gone through. They're not an expensive rebuild and you will be happy to have the peace of mind on the road. Heat is the killer of automatics and an external transmission cooler is a good idea too.

#10 of 36 Re: is $2200 a good deal on a 1986 GMC 1 ton dually crew cab [swinters] by cindybb

Jan 17, 2007 (6:53 am)

Replying to: swinters (Jan 14, 2007 5:04 pm)
Swinters,
Your information was priceless, thank you.

#11 of 36 Modernizing 1978 Chevy Custom Deluxe by chevy_lover

May 04, 2007 (10:34 pm)

#12 of 36 Modernizing 1978 Chevy Custom Deluxe by chevy_lover

Apr 11, 2007 (9:58 pm)

I am wanting to get an engine that can switch back and forth from 4 cylinders to 8. Is there such a thing, and if so, can it be used in my 78 Chevy truck?

#13 of 36 Re: Modernizing 1978 Chevy Custom Deluxe [chevy_lover] by tireguy

May 03, 2007 (12:19 pm)

Replying to: chevy_lover (Apr 11, 2007 9:58 pm)
Of course there is an engine that does this; they're called multi-displacement engines (5.3L Vortec, 5.7L Hemi). Not to sound insulting, but since you didn't know that, I'm going to assume this project is way over your head. It would involve swapping in an entire new engine and fuel management system to a truck which wasn't even fuel injected in the first place. And it's definitely not worth it to pay someone to do this on a 78 chevy pickup.

#14 of 36 Thanks. by chevy_lover

May 04, 2007 (10:34 pm)

I appreciate the tip. Thanks.

#15 of 36 timing probs with 87'GMC1/2ton by kevinodis

Jul 03, 2007 (10:44 am)

#16 of 36 timing probs with 87'GMC1/2ton by kevinodis

Jul 03, 2007 (10:44 am)

Anyone know what my basic timing for a 350 (383) bored over with HEI ignition would be? Also my timing tab above the balancer is rusted and painted and very hard to get to, to sand down. Anyone know by description, what points are what degrees advance or retard? Thanks for the help in advance.

Messages Page 2 of 4

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