I want to make a post documenting my first engine swap gone restoration. My truck is not complete, but will be updating as I work on it. I am (still?) a beginner, so hopefully this helps someone along the way. Pictures and things I learned will be included. My budget was short when I started, but has grown as I had to become realistic with what I expect from a project to DAILY driver. First, a little background. Then, my lessons.
I didn’t grow up wrenching. I started about 15 years ago out of necessity but mostly maintenance type of repairs, 1-2/5 for difficulty. I got my 1991 K1500 two years ago as a going to town rig with a plan to occasionally tinker. That snowballed quickly as to keep it running, and as of Dec 2023 the tired 350 had enough. The truck stays about an hour from me and I work on it over available weekends. Enter the rabbit hole and adding some to difficulty.
A moderately skilled friend helped me pull the motor. Yanked it out with a tractor and only suffered a ground strap as a casualty (must check for grounds). I taped, bagged, and labeled every single nut, bolt, sensor, line, and bracket. All of this is backed up by a notebook logging what’s been done, parts to get, and what can be salvaged. While the engine is out I’ve been sanding and coating the frame with Eastwood rust encapsulator (more on this later under what I learned). I never thought I’d learn rust repair, but it’s an invaluable skill and a necessary part of this now restoration. The wiring harness has scotch connectors all over, so I will learn to solder. I’ve taken up treating all the brackets and anything metal under the hood, including hardware.
I painted the firewall. That was a nightmare. Learning how to paint a section on top of everything else was overwhelming. I should have taken more steps to ensuring a clean surface before giving it the rattle can. So I’m going to start over and give myself a clean conscience about the quality of my work.
Now the fun part. I’m going with a 383 and plan to order from Smeding. 3yr/unlimited mile warranty is just right. Initially the plan was to have a shop rebuild the 350 as it met the budget, but I’m here to do this once. I have spent MONTHS researching and the 383 meets my requirements. Reading the experiences of forum members and wanting a reliable daily driver/tow rig brought me here. More to follow as I order.
Things I learned
The forum members are a wealth of knowledge and most of what is needed can be found in the search bar. The seasoned members are excellent guides. Honorable mentions to @PlayingWithTBI @Schurkey @L31MaxExpress @Erik the Awful. Not everyone agrees on how to do something, but there are standards.
There is a right way, a wrong way, and a way that works. Pick which one helps you sleep at night. Repair manuals are a great resource.
Read, read, and more reading. I ordered books so I can understand and ask better questions.
Wear PPE. Enough said.
I use mostly hand tools, that’s just what I have. Some tools are a necessity and that’s an expense to factor, but problem solving with what you have will add confidence.
Buy once, cry once. Budgets vary, and must be followed. However, it’s more expensive to do a repair twice. I chose Eastwood products based on my research, your mileage may vary. AC Delco for electronics, and most stock replacements. If going custom, that’s another rabbit hole.
Plan before buying! I’m stuck with a few things I don’t need or don’t want. I bought before I had a focused design and purpose for my truck. I’m creating a daily driver with good towing ability. Once that was defined, all of the systems affecting my plan were focused and purchases precise.
TBI is not underpowered. It’s misunderstood.
Thank you for joining! I will upload pictures and update with parts.
I didn’t grow up wrenching. I started about 15 years ago out of necessity but mostly maintenance type of repairs, 1-2/5 for difficulty. I got my 1991 K1500 two years ago as a going to town rig with a plan to occasionally tinker. That snowballed quickly as to keep it running, and as of Dec 2023 the tired 350 had enough. The truck stays about an hour from me and I work on it over available weekends. Enter the rabbit hole and adding some to difficulty.
A moderately skilled friend helped me pull the motor. Yanked it out with a tractor and only suffered a ground strap as a casualty (must check for grounds). I taped, bagged, and labeled every single nut, bolt, sensor, line, and bracket. All of this is backed up by a notebook logging what’s been done, parts to get, and what can be salvaged. While the engine is out I’ve been sanding and coating the frame with Eastwood rust encapsulator (more on this later under what I learned). I never thought I’d learn rust repair, but it’s an invaluable skill and a necessary part of this now restoration. The wiring harness has scotch connectors all over, so I will learn to solder. I’ve taken up treating all the brackets and anything metal under the hood, including hardware.
I painted the firewall. That was a nightmare. Learning how to paint a section on top of everything else was overwhelming. I should have taken more steps to ensuring a clean surface before giving it the rattle can. So I’m going to start over and give myself a clean conscience about the quality of my work.
Now the fun part. I’m going with a 383 and plan to order from Smeding. 3yr/unlimited mile warranty is just right. Initially the plan was to have a shop rebuild the 350 as it met the budget, but I’m here to do this once. I have spent MONTHS researching and the 383 meets my requirements. Reading the experiences of forum members and wanting a reliable daily driver/tow rig brought me here. More to follow as I order.
Things I learned
The forum members are a wealth of knowledge and most of what is needed can be found in the search bar. The seasoned members are excellent guides. Honorable mentions to @PlayingWithTBI @Schurkey @L31MaxExpress @Erik the Awful. Not everyone agrees on how to do something, but there are standards.
There is a right way, a wrong way, and a way that works. Pick which one helps you sleep at night. Repair manuals are a great resource.
Read, read, and more reading. I ordered books so I can understand and ask better questions.
Wear PPE. Enough said.
I use mostly hand tools, that’s just what I have. Some tools are a necessity and that’s an expense to factor, but problem solving with what you have will add confidence.
Buy once, cry once. Budgets vary, and must be followed. However, it’s more expensive to do a repair twice. I chose Eastwood products based on my research, your mileage may vary. AC Delco for electronics, and most stock replacements. If going custom, that’s another rabbit hole.
Plan before buying! I’m stuck with a few things I don’t need or don’t want. I bought before I had a focused design and purpose for my truck. I’m creating a daily driver with good towing ability. Once that was defined, all of the systems affecting my plan were focused and purchases precise.
TBI is not underpowered. It’s misunderstood.
Thank you for joining! I will upload pictures and update with parts.
